Building Features Patents (Class 239/208)
  • Patent number: 7296634
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: PBJ, LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 7188784
    Abstract: An eave gutter is provided. A downspout is operatively coupled to the gutter. A plurality of spraying components has fittings and nozzles. The fittings and nozzles are positioned at spaced locations along the gutter. A conduit couples a fluid source and the fittings and nozzles to provided fluid to the gutter. Control components are provided along the conduit to the fittings and nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Michael S. Mullins, Phyllis J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 7114667
    Abstract: A nozzle coupling includes a connector having an attached nozzle and opposing ends. The connector is capable of receiving fluid and conducting it to the nozzle and the nozzle is capable of receiving fluid from the connector and spraying it outwardly therefrom. Facets of the connector extend longitudinally of the connector from one of the opposing ends to the other of the opposing ends, and each of the facets are capable of being borne against a surface to locate the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bontems
  • Patent number: 7070002
    Abstract: Fire extinguishing method, especially for spaces intended for the storage of aircraft, such as hangars, in which method a fire extinguishing medium, especially a liquid mist, is sprayed via at least one first nozzle (2) in the area, seen in a vertical direction, between an object (1) to be protected/extinguished, such as an aircraft, and the floor (3) or equivalent af the storage space. At least one first nozzle (2) is arranged to spray mainly in the area between the object (1) to be extinguished, such as an aircraft, and the floor (3) of the storage space or equivalent at least in a horizontal plane mainly in one first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation OY
    Inventors: Göran Sundholm, Maarit Tuomisaari
  • Patent number: 7044401
    Abstract: A system is provided for distributing pesticide into the interior walls of a building includes an injection port in a wall of a building, connected to a manifold to which a large number of flexible tubing members, having discharge openings spaced along the length of the tubing members, are attached. The system may include a wheeled vehicle with separate vessels containing pesticide and inert gas under pressure connected to an injection gun. A flow meter is electrically connected to a data processor which records and prints information with respect to the amount of pesticide distributed into the wall. In a preferred embodiment, a device which emits an audible signal is attached at downstream portions of the tubing members to enable service personnel inside the building to confirm that fluid is indeed passing through each of the tubing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Pest Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Sims
  • Patent number: 6997267
    Abstract: A system for placement in a ceiling of a room to provide a fluid to the room. A method for protecting a room from fire. The method comprises the steps of placing a primary profile in a ceiling of the room. A system for placement in a ceiling of a room to provide air to the room. A method for providing air to a room. A system for placement in a ceiling of a room to provide sound to the room. A method for providing sound to a room. A system for placement in a ceiling of a room to provide information to the room. A method for providing information to a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Irwin Kotovsky
  • Patent number: 6964379
    Abstract: An exterior fire suppression system includes a sprinkler system that is connected to a water supply. The sprinkler system is mounted within the structure and is substantially hidden from view when the system is inactive. The system may include roof sprinklers and eave sprinklers that are adapted to saturate the exterior of the structure when the system is activated. Each roof sprinkler is a popup sprinkler installed within a facade that is an aesthetic match with the structure's roof and may be installed within a sprinkler box underneath the roofline. Each eave sprinkler is installed within the eave, substantially hidden from view. A heat sensor may be disposed adjacent to the eave sprinkler and connected to an electronic control to activate the system when excessive heat is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph T. Crowley
  • Patent number: 6945468
    Abstract: A rainfall simulation apparatus for a structure is provided, comprising a water source, an electric pump, a vertically oriented riser pipe, a perforated header pipe along the roof of the structure, a V-shaped aperture-containing trough connected to the roof, and an elongated collection bin below the trough and connected to the pump. The rainfall simulation apparatus has particular utility in connection with providing the relaxing acoustic effect of rainfall on a structure while additionally providing the visual effect of rainfall through the windows of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Cipriano Rodriguez, Erika Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6941702
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and dispensation system for economically conserving water usage by using collected rainwater. The rainwater collection and dispensation system includes a gutter being adapted to be mounted along an edge of a roof of a building structure; and also includes a tank support member being adapted to rest upon a ground and being disposed beneath a portion of the gutter; and further includes a tank being securely and removably supported upon the tank support member; and also includes a drainage spout interconnecting the gutter and the tank for draining rainwater from the gutter into the tank; and further includes a rainwater dispensing assembly including an overflow pipe member being disposed through a wall of the tank for draining rainwater from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Lyndon Abrams, Priscilla Abrams
  • Patent number: 6929072
    Abstract: A device and method for inhibiting the spread of a fire to the roof of a building by placing a base supporting a sprinkler on the roof. A hose connected to the base and in fluid communication with the sprinkler provides a source of water ejected from the sprinkler onto the roof. The interior of the base may be wetted to increase its weight. A rope, normally stored on a spool removably attached to the base, may be used to reposition the base on the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Wes Brown
  • Patent number: 6926210
    Abstract: An automatic gutter cleaning system for cleaning a rain valley, gutter or drainage channel with a medium, such as air or water. The system includes carrying apparatus for carrying the medium through nozzles into the gutter or channel. The medium flushes the debris located in the valley or gutter either out of the valley or gutter or down the gutter through the down spouts. The system is automatically operated by a controller that either controls the frequency the medium is sent to the nozzles or turns on the system due to inputs from a monitoring means that monitors whether debris is or isn't present in the valley or gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: David Baxter
  • Patent number: 6907938
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: PBJ, LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6907939
    Abstract: A system for storing and deploying fire hoses to combat a fire on a selected floor of a high-rise building. The system includes an underground storage area directly beneath the building, a plurality of reel assemblies located inside the storage area, an underground pump, an integrated piping network, a plurality of mechanical tracks and a station located on the roof that has a pair of roof standpipes extending therefrom. Each reel assembly has a reel, a fire hose and an underground standpipe. Each track extends vertically along side walls of the building. In use, an operator uses an electronic control panel in communication with the reels and the rollers to specify the floor of the fire. The hoses unravel from their reels and are propelled up the tracks by rotating rollers. The pump turns on and transports water from an independent source, through the piping network and to the hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: John Cuyler
  • Patent number: 6866103
    Abstract: An installation includes spray nozzles (1) connected to a pressurized extinguishing liquid supply line (3). Fire detecting elements are connected to elements controlling the supply of the nozzles. The installation comprises a compressed gas container (6) connected by a pipe (5) to a tank (4) containing the liquid and which itself is connected to the supply line (3). The conduit (5) is normally closed by a valve (7) with controlled opening so as to enable compressed gas contained in the container to penetrate into the tank to evacuate the liquid towards the supply line of the nozzles. The nozzles are associated with respective electrically driven fans (9) arranged in series so that an electrically driven fan located downstream of an upstream electrically driven fan sucks in the larger volume between the downstream and upstream electrically driven fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventor: Patrick Ballu
  • Patent number: 6823894
    Abstract: Splay nozzle apparatus attached to the outlet end of a lateral spout, to splay the water laterally from the outlet to overcome the problem of erosion of the ground as had on direct flow from a lateral spout onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Koller, Lee A. Roehrig
  • Patent number: 6824073
    Abstract: A fire protection system has a plurality of sprinkler assemblies connected together in series. Each sprinkler assembly has a water manifold pipe, a pair of U-shaped supports, and a sprinkler head connected to the water manifold pipe. Each U-shaped support has a pair of legs with support rotator discs affixed to upper ends of the legs for pivotally connecting the U-shaped supports to the water manifold pipe. The manifold pipe extends through manifold rotator discs affixed thereto. Locking bolts extends through respective semi-circular slots formed in the rotator discs of the U-shaped supports and the manifold rotator discs for locking the U-shaped supports in a selected pivotal angle of adjustment. During use, the support legs of the front and rear U-shaped supports are supported by front and rear roof sections of a house with the apex of the roof extending between the pair of U-shaped supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ian Allen Haney
  • Publication number: 20040177976
    Abstract: A central hub includes a plate and a sleeve attached to the plate and adapted to receive a sprinkler head. The sleeve may be a telescoping sleeve. By providing a central hub with the plate and sleeve, the central hub provides increased stability and versatility to the sprinkler head. The plate provides additional stability and support to the sleeve, and thus the sprinkler head, rendering the combination better able to operate effectively when high fluid pressures are utilized. The central hub is generally attached to a support structure by some mechanism, such as a leg. The addition of the plate adds versatility by increasing the number and variety of legs that can be used to attach the central hub to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: PNM, Inc. a Massachusetts corporation
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald,, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6761225
    Abstract: A security disposition against fire applicable for delaying, retaining, controlling and extinguishing the action of fire by means of moisture, with water as its basic extinguishing element. It consists of a part that is made of metal or any other material with identical resistance, upon which water distribution pipes are placed, and is equipped with distributors that have access to the partition or similar construction. The distribution pipes are joined by connecting piping, which at the same time is connected to a supply pipe. On the connecting piping, between the supply pipe and the distribution pipes, is an open/close electrovalve that is activated by conventional fire detecting methods, temperature or smoke, in addition to a purge valve that is activated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thertim, S.L.
    Inventor: Salvador Mateu Climent
  • Patent number: 6732951
    Abstract: A roof mounted evaporative cooling system utilizing a plurality of elongate deflectors that are supported and secured a short distance above the ridge of a gable roof by a plurality of spaced apart support bracket connectors. Each support bracket connector has a central longitudinal portion with a hose barb at each end, and a vertical portion in which a spray nozzle is mounted. The support bracket connectors are joined together by a plurality of sections of flexible tubing having opposed ends engaged on the hose barb of the connectors and secured by hose clamps. Water is supplied to the connectors and adjoined sections of flexible tubing by conduit connected through a battery operated timer to an outdoor water faucet or to the cold water supply pipe in the attic of the building. In operation, the fine mist of water, under standard domestic water pressure impinges and spreads evenly along the underside of the deflectors and drips off of lateral side portions of the deflectors and runs onto the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Pete Salazar, Gilbert R. Hicks, Jr.
  • 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: 20040026533
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method for positioning and supporting a sprinkler head in a ceiling, floor, or wall. In one aspect of the invention, a sprinkler head may be received by a sleeve extending through a broad surface of the plate. The plate may be configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room or the plate may be attached to a decorative panel which is configured to be removably attached to a support structure in the ceiling, floor, or wall and having an exterior surface exposed to the room. The sleeve may be defined by an opening in the plate or it may be a separate structure permanently or removably attached to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S.F. Silcox
  • Publication number: 20040026094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fire protection component which regardless of its functional purpose may be utilized for any structural sites of steel, metal light construction or even of wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Axel Kretzschmar, Michael Tobias
  • Patent number: 6679337
    Abstract: A fire prevention system is provided including a water sprinkler frame mounted on a house and having a plurality of sprayer nozzles for spraying water therefrom upon the receipt thereof. Also included is a water supply tank situated adjacent to the house and connected to the sprinkler frame with a pump coupled therebetween for supplying water to the water sprinkler frame upon the receipt of a heat signal. A plurality of temperature sensors mounted on the ground and spaced from a perimeter of the house or mounted to the top of the house. Such temperature sensors are connected to the pump for transmitting the heat signal thereto upon the detection of a degree of heat greater than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Larry J. Perry, Stanley E. Barnett, Sr., Stanley E. Barnett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030222155
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a deck/hall extended coverage horizontal sprinkler arrangement has a sprinkler body with frame arms oriented in a vertical plane and a deflector mounted on the frame arms having semi-conical sections on opposite sides of the frame arms. The semi-conical sections are open in the direction toward the sprinkler orifice and include centrally located horizontal openings with vanes extending forwardly above the opening and top surfaces which are flattened and extend outwardly beyond the edges of the conical surfaces of the semi-conical sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: John Neil, Salvatore S. Rachiele
  • Patent number: 6629569
    Abstract: A pop up roof sprinkler system includes a building having a roof, a fire retardant solution, a dispensing tube that has a distal portion extending outwardly from the roof, and a cap member. The cap member has a head portion and an insertion portion. The insertion portion is inserted into the dispensing tube such that the cap member is movable between an open position and a closed position. The open position is defined by the head portion being spaced from the dispensing tube to permit dispensation of the fire retardant solution through the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Milton D. Adams
  • Patent number: 6626378
    Abstract: A hollow bar is provided in a bathroom and connected with a faucet 10 and a shower head 1. The hollow bar comprises a slide bar 3 for the hook 2 of the shower head or a grip bar 15 for a user. Water treating material such as a filter medium, ion exchange resin and ceramics is placed in the hollow bar and water jetted from the faucet 10 passes the water treating material in the hollow bar. The water is treated by the water treating material and the treated water is guided to and dispensed from the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Sasaki, Satoshi Sasaki, Atsushi Hatakeyama
  • Publication number: 20030094507
    Abstract: A water sprinkler is attached to a building which automatically and periodically sprays the roof with water. The water scares the birds away, and they do not return during the “off” period of the sprinkler cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Anzivino
  • Publication number: 20030080196
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for clean, efficient removal of water and odor from a sprinkler systems including a vessel, a pump which creates a reduced pressure in the vessel, and a connector for attaching the device to the sprinkler system to remove trapped water. The vacuum pump is powered by a power source, and the reduced pressure created by vacuum pump is controlled by a regulator such that the vacuum pressure is maintained and does not cause damage to the gaskets in the sprinkler system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald M. Clum, Eric M. Clum
  • Patent number: 6526700
    Abstract: The present invention is a rain water downspout for shooting water away from a building. It includes a vertical downspout column for receiving and holding rainwater. The downspout column has an outlet at its lower end. A buoyant column inside the downspout column rests on the bottom of the downspout column and blocks the downspout column outlet until the downspout column fills with enough water to cause the buoyant column to float. A nozzle is attached to the downspout outlet. The nozzle can be oriented to shoot a stream of water away from the building. When the buoyant column inside the downspout rises, water flows out of the downspout column under pressure and shoots out from the nozzle away from the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Pilcher
  • Patent number: 6526699
    Abstract: A water holding and dispersing apparatus for catching and retaining rainwater for later watering usage. The water holding and dispersing apparatus includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing comprises a substantially rigid material. A supply pipe is positioned nearer the top wall than the bottom wall and has a first end fluidly coupled to the housing. A second end of the supply pipe is fluidly coupled to a gutter of a dwelling such that water in the gutter will flow into the housing through the supply pipe. A first drainage pipe is fluidly coupled to the first side wall and is located generally adjacent to the bottom wall. The first drainage pipe has a valve thereon for selectively opening and closing the first drainage pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Steve J. Foglio, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6523616
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing and prevention system for dispersing a fire retardant substance for preventing a building from burning and for extinguishing a building already on fire. The fire extinguishing and prevention system includes a dispersal assembly coupled to an apex of a building, a plurality of remote dispersal units positioned around a peripheral area of the building, a plurality of heat sensor units positioned around the building, and a storage assembly for holding a fire retardant and extinguishing substance to be dispersed for preventing and extinguishing a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gary B. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20020185548
    Abstract: In the particular embodiments disclosed in the specification, a residential sprinkler arrangement includes a sprinkler body with an axial passage having an outlet opening providing a K factor of about 4 to about 6 which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a thermally responsive element and a planar deflector spaced from the outlet opening and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms. The deflector has a circumferential array of peripheral slots, a first set of which, located in the plane of the frame arms, has a length greater than that of any of the other slot-like openings and a second set of which, located in the plane perpendicular of the plane of the frame arms, has a length less than that of the first set but greater than that of any of the other slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Publication number: 20020185282
    Abstract: A fire suppression method and apparatus has a wall bracket which is installable to one side of a wall. The wall bracket is configured with a plurality of openings such that multiple locations for the sprinkler head may be used and the precise installation of the sprinkler head within the wall can be accomplished with a wide variety of wall constructions and sprinkler heads. The wall bracket is attachable to support members, such as wall studs, within the wall and is laterally movable between them in a generally horizontal direction. A pair of wall clips are used to secure the wall bracket to the wall studs. A pipe clamp is provided which is insertable within the bracket to retain a pipe nipple within it. The pipe nipple is adjustable relative to the wall surface to move it inwardly and outwardly relative to the wall. In this fashion, the horizontal location of the sprinkler head can be adjusted depending upon the depth of the wall and the style of sprinkler head used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Alan P. Kretschmer
  • Patent number: 6450264
    Abstract: A sprinkler system for preventing brush and forest fires from engulfing a home. The sprinkler system includes a piping assembly being adapted to extend along a peak of a roof of a building and along an underside of eaves of the building and along a fence line; and also includes a shield assembly including an elongate shield member being adapted to extend along the peak of the roof of the building and also including shield support members being adapted to fasten to the roof of the building for supporting the elongate shield member; and further includes a water supply assembly being connected to the piping assembly for supply water to the piping assembly; and also includes a pump/control assembly being connected to the water supply assembly and to the piping assembly for delivering water to the piping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: William Christian
  • Patent number: 6422319
    Abstract: An integrated water distribution network supplies the requirements of both domestic and fire protection water fixtures in a dwelling structure. The network includes a plurality of multiport fittings which are interconnected together with flexible conduits. A water release device, such as a sprinkler head or mist nozzle, is also coupled to the multiport fittings. The network is supplied water by a plurality of water supply lines which originate at a manifold. Individual water fixtures are connected to the distribution system through flexible lines. During use of a water fixture, water flow through at least a portion of the system is established. The distribution system can thus characterized as a “nonstagnant” water network for supplying both domestic and fire protection requirements of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Franz P. Haase, III
  • Patent number: 6415870
    Abstract: The invention provides a wet-type sprinkler system by which the water damage caused when a sprinkler heads function in a wrong way with ensuring a quick extinguishing operation at the time of fire. A suction pipe is provided for the system so as to communicate with a top part of a secondary pipeline 24 of a feed pipe arrangement 20 forming a water supply line from a water supply unit 16 to sprinkler heads 12. Further, a suction unit (an electromagnetic valve 54 and a suction pump 50) for sucking the air in the secondary pipeline section 24 from the top part of the secondary pipeline section 24 is provided onto the suction pipe 52. The suction pipe 52, the suction pump 50 and the electromagnetic valve 54 constitute a negative-pressure-securing section. In the secondary pipeline 24, which is filled with water in a normal condition water is negatively pressurized by the suction operation of the suction unit. The negatively pressurized state of the water is ensured under a normal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Gengo Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20020050363
    Abstract: An end fitting for a sprinkler system where the fitting defines an internal chamber and the chamber is adapted to have at least one fluid exit out of the chamber. The fluid exit is integral to the fitting. There is an internal dome at an end of the chamber, and the fluid exit is adjacent to the dome, or touching the dome, or within the dome. A sprinkler system having a supply pipe, an end fitting for the pipe, a sprinkler head in fluid communication with the end fitting, and a fitting connection adapted for attaching the fitting to an end of the supply pipe, the fitting defining an internal chamber, the chamber adapted to have a plurality of fluid exits therefrom, each fluid exit integral to the fitting. The fitting also has an internal dome at another end of the chamber opposite the supply pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hagiya
  • Patent number: 6371212
    Abstract: A floor nozzle for a floor fire suppressant system includes a body and a deflector which is supported on the body. The body includes a transverse passage and a body flange. The transverse passage defines an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the body flange extending around the outlet opening. The inlet opening is provided for coupling to a fire suppressant supply system. The deflector is spaced from the outlet opening and includes a deflector flange with a plurality of projecting members which extend from the deflector flange toward the body flange. Projecting members are radially spaced around the outlet opening to form a plurality of passageways through which the fire suppressant exiting the outlet opening flows to form a generally lateral radial pattern for delivering fire suppressant to the floor area. The deflector and the body are adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of an aircraft riding over the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Eldon D. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020040940
    Abstract: An inerting method for reducing the risk of and for extinguishing fires in enclosed space as well as apparatus for carrying out the method are provided. To ensure an effective extinction of a fire while keeping the storage capacity for inert gas cylinders at a minimum, the method provides that the oxygen content in the enclosed space is reduced to a set base inerting level and, in the event of a fire, is quickly further reduced to a complete inerting level. For carrying out the method, the apparatus includes an oxygen measuring device in the enclosed space, with a first system for producing the oxygen-expulsion gas or for extracting oxygen from the enclosed space, with a second system for rapidly feeding an oxygen-expulsion gas into the space being monitored, and with a fire detection device for detecting a fire characteristic in the enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Ernst Werner Wagner, Volker Schutte
  • Patent number: 6360968
    Abstract: A wildfire protection system has rotating sprinklers (1) on sprinkler legs (2) positioned temporarily or indefinitely as needed on roofs (10) with the sprinkler legs resting on opposite slopes (6) from a ridge (5) of the roof and removed for sprinkler irrigation or easily disassembled for compact storage when not in use for wildfire protection. The rotating sprinklers can wet not only roof tops but also nearby trees (13), shrubs (14) and areas for protection against flying sparks and burning particles. The rotating sprinklers are preferably a low-weight plastic type and the sprinkler legs are preferably four low-weight plastic members that intersect at a series connection for garden-hose water supply to one or more of the rotating sprinklers. The rotating sprinklers are saddled on a roof top with two of the sprinkler legs placed on each of two opposite roof slopes. Low weight of the rotating sprinklers allows them to be placed easily on roofs with access by ladder or structured to be positioned indefinitely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy Orrange, Gary J. Sweeton
  • Patent number: 6357183
    Abstract: The invention relates a water storage and storm water collection and detention system including at least one storage reservoir integrally attached to and extending along the edge of an extremity of a roof of a building structure; wherein the storage reservoir directly receives run-off from the roof. The system further includes at least one outlet, a supply line in communication with the outlet, an overflow outlet, and a float valve assembly connected to the supply line such that the reservoir communicates with a mechanism that allows for the water collected therein to be used with a water consumption apparatus or tap line on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Smith
  • Patent number: 6349888
    Abstract: An insecticide dispensing apparatus for delivering insecticide from an outside source to a building having a foundation and a roof space thereunder. The apparatus includes an access unit having an inlet port external to the building, an upper pipeline arrangement having at least one outlet is located in the roof space and extends to the access unit. A lower pipeline arrangement including at least one outlet is located under the foundation. This lower pipeline arrangement also extends to the access unit whereby insecticide is effectively distributed with respect to the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Wing Leung Au, Bruce Harold Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020005288
    Abstract: An integrated water distribution network supplies the requirements of both domestic and fire protection water fixtures in a dwelling structure. The network includes a plurality of multiport fittings which are interconnected together with flexible conduits. A water release device, such as a sprinkler head or mist nozzle, is also coupled to the multiport fittings. The network is supplied water by a plurality of water supply lines which originate at a manifold. Individual water fixtures are connected to the distribution system through flexible lines. During use of a water fixture, water flow through at least a portion of the system is established. The distribution system can thus characterized as a “nonstagnant” water network for supplying both domestic and fire protection requirements of a structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Franz P. Haase
  • Patent number: 6263974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power source for supplying water-based liquid to a system, the power source comprising a container (5) for the water-based liquid and a pump unit (6) which comprises a pump (7) and a power source (8) for the pump, the pump unit being arranged to supply the water-based liquid from the container to the system via a pipe system (4) which is filled with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6241024
    Abstract: An integrated water distribution network supplies the requirements of both domestic and fire sprinkler water fixtures in a dwelling structure. The network includes a plurality of multiport fittings which are interconnected together with flexible conduits. A conventional fire sprinkler is also coupled to the multiport fittings. The network is supplied water by a plurality of water supply lines which originate at a manifold. Individual water fixtures are connected to the distribution system through flexible lines. During use of an water fixture, water flow through at least a portion of the system, including at least one fire sprinkler coupling, is established. The distribution system can thus characterized as a “nonstagnant” water network for supplying both domestic and fire sprinkler requirements of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Franz P. Haase, III
  • Patent number: 6202358
    Abstract: An elongate ground gutter device designed to be substantially recessed in the ground with the central trough section thereof open above ground. The gutter device is designed to communicate with the downspout of a roof gutter to receive rain water into the trough section and transport it a distance away from the building. The gutter device comprises a trough section having vertical walls terminating in upper reinforcement sections which are supported on the ground surface, and a pair of lower horizontal flanges which are buried below ground, parallel to and underlying the reinforcement sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
  • Patent number: 6199770
    Abstract: A pest extermination system for installation in a structure for distributing pesticide and insecticide. The pest extermination system includes a piping system. The piping system has a plurality of nozzles positioned therealong that are adapted for spraying a pesticide. A pumping device is in fluid communication with the piping system and is adapted for pumping pesticide into the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Charles W. King, Jimmy D. Harper
  • Patent number: 6182767
    Abstract: A floor nozzle for a floor fire suppressant system includes a body and a deflector which is supported on the body. The body includes a transverse passage and a body flange. The transverse passage defines an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with the body flange extending around the outlet opening. The inlet opening is provided for coupling to a fire suppressant supply system. The deflector is spaced from the outlet opening and includes a deflector flange with a plurality of projecting members which extend from the deflector flange toward the body flange. Projecting members are radially spaced around the outlet opening to form a plurality of passageways through which the fire suppressant exiting the outlet opening flows to form a generally lateral radial pattern for delivering fire suppressant to the floor area. The deflector and the body are adapted to support at least a portion of the weight of an aircraft riding over the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Eldon D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6175969
    Abstract: A boat-supported water misting and cooling apparatus, the boat including tubular framework closely associated with the useful open areas of the boat. The apparatus includes a plurality of water misting nozzles each of which discharge pressurized water as a very fine mist. A flexible water (micro) tubing is operably connectable to each misting nozzle for dispensing pressurized water therefrom, the water tubing also being connectable at the other end thereof to a pressurized water source. Retaining clips are each connectable to a section of tubular framework to support the misting nozzles and water tubing adjacent each open area of the boat whereby mist discharging from the misting nozzles is distributed to cool occupants within each misting zone by evaporation substantially before skin or boat surface contact thus avoiding any substantial water buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Hugh A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6123090
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting water from an awning on a recreational vehicle to a location remote from a door on the vehicle. The awning comprises a frame mounted to the vehicle and a tarp mounted to the frame. The tarp extends downward away from the recreational vehicle and defines a channel remote from the recreational vehicle which is tilted to a first side and has a first outlet at the first side. A catch basin is composed of a water-impervious material and has a side wall, a bottom panel secured to the side wall in water-tight engagement, a top opening defined by the side wall and a cavity disposed within the side wall and above the bottom panel. A bottom opening is disposed in the bottom panel. A tube has a first tube end, a second tube end and an internal chamber. The first tube end is secured in water-tight engagement to the bottom panel at the bottom opening such that the cavity is contiguous with the internal chamber. The second tube end is positioned remote to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel T. Wescott