Patents Assigned to AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11938358
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a pipe fitting through which a gas is configured to flow. The inlet of the pipe fitting is configured to connect to an open port of a fire suppression sprinkler system so that gas flows from the fire suppression sprinkler system into the pipe fitting. The valve assembly also includes a vent valve. The inlet of the vent valve is connected to the outlet of the pipe fitting. The vent valve is operable to move between an open position and a shut position. The valve assembly includes an inert gas analyzer and at least one vent port upstream of the inert gas analyzer. The inert gas analyzer is positioned to measure the inert gas content of gas flowing in front of the inert gas analyzer and through the vent port to an outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 11541261
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The system can includes an auxiliary drain including a main collection pipe, a heater having a bracket configured to attach the heater to the main collection pipe of the auxiliary drain, the bracket including a deflector configured to direct heat from the heater onto the main collection pipe, and a self-draining apparatus configured to receive excess water from the auxiliary drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Bentley F. Gleeson, Michael B. Ferrucci, George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh
  • Patent number: 11389680
    Abstract: An integral valve arrangement may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a main valve and a relief valve. The main valve may comprise an inlet and a first outlet. The relief valve may comprise a relief inlet in a side wall of the inlet, a relief outlet in a side wall of the first outlet, and a pressure relief system. The inlet and the first outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The relief inlet and the relief outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The pressure relief system may comprise a body abutting walls of the housing, a relief member disposed within the body, and a lever. The relief member may comprise an interior end and an exterior end. The lever may be rotatably coupled to the exterior end of the relief member by a connecting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 11359359
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The apparatus includes an auxiliary drain, the auxiliary drain including an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe; an insulated housing with a door configured to provide a heat controlled environment for the auxiliary drain, and wherein the auxiliary drain is at least partially located within the housing, and the condensation collection area is located within the housing; a heater configured to heat the housing; and an auxiliary drain alarm configured to provide a warning when the auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: George Joseph McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 11339882
    Abstract: A butterfly check valve is disclosed, which includes a housing defining an interior chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a control valve configured to control a flow between the inlet and the outlet, the control valve including a valve member movable to an open position in which a flow is permitted between the inlet and the outlet and a closed position in which the flow is blocked between the inlet and the outlet; and a check valve arranged downstream of the control valve, the check valve including a dome-shaped clapper configured to seal against an outer periphery of a clapper seat within the interior chamber of the housing in a reverse flow from the outlet to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Bentley F. Gleeson, George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh
  • Publication number: 20210370114
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The system can includes an auxiliary drain including a main collection pipe, a heater having a bracket configured to attach the heater to the main collection pipe of the auxiliary drain, the bracket including a deflector configured to direct heat from the heater onto the main collection pipe, and a self-draining apparatus configured to receive excess water from the auxiliary drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Bentley F. GLEESON, Michael B. FERRUCCI, George J. MCHUGH, IV, James P. MCHUGH
  • Publication number: 20210093907
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a pipe fitting through which a gas is configured to flow. The inlet of the pipe fitting is configured to connect to an open port of a fire suppression sprinkler system so that gas flows from the fire suppression sprinkler system into the pipe fitting. The valve assembly also includes a vent valve. The inlet of the vent valve is connected to the outlet of the pipe fitting. The vent valve is operable to move between an open position and a shut position. The valve assembly includes an inert gas analyzer and at least one vent port upstream of the inert gas analyzer. The inert gas analyzer is positioned to measure the inert gas content of gas flowing in front of the inert gas analyzer and through the vent port to an outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Publication number: 20210047811
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The apparatus includes an auxiliary drain, the auxiliary drain including an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe; an insulated housing with a door configured to provide a heat controlled environment for the auxiliary drain, and wherein the auxiliary drain is at least partially located within the housing, and the condensation collection area is located within the housing; a heater configured to heat the housing; and an auxiliary drain alarm configured to provide a warning when the auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: George Joseph MCHUGH, IV
  • Patent number: 10881887
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a pipe fitting through which a gas is configured to flow. The inlet of the pipe fitting is configured to connect to an open port of a fire suppression sprinkler system so that gas flows from the fire suppression sprinkler system into the pipe fitting. The valve assembly also includes a vent valve. The inlet of the vent valve is connected to the outlet of the pipe fitting. The vent valve is operable to move between an open position and a shut position. The valve assembly includes an inert gas analyzer and at least one vent port upstream of the inert gas analyzer. The inert gas analyzer is positioned to measure the inert gas content of gas flowing in front of the inert gas analyzer and through the vent port to an outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 10829914
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for maintaining the integrity or pressurization of a dry pipe sprinkler system by preventing damage to auxiliary drains from freezing temperatures are taught. An insulated, heated housing, which may be thermostatically controlled provides a controlled environment about an auxiliary drain, insulated and with a heater. An alarm may be used as well to provide warning if said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate and embodiments may be retrofit about an existing auxiliary drain or be provided with an auxiliary drain for installation upon a dry pipe sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventor: George Joseph McHugh, IV
  • Publication number: 20190308046
    Abstract: An integral valve arrangement may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a main valve and a relief valve. The main valve may comprise an inlet and a first outlet. The relief valve may comprise a relief inlet in a side wall of the inlet, a relief outlet in a side wall of the first outlet, and a pressure relief system. The inlet and the first outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The relief inlet and the relief outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The pressure relief system may comprise a body abutting walls of the housing, a relief member disposed within the body, and a lever. The relief member may comprise an interior end and an exterior end. The lever may be rotatably coupled to the exterior end of the relief member by a connecting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 10391344
    Abstract: Described herein are a valve assembly, an air vent assembly, an air release assembly, and a moisture detection assembly all suitable for use in connection with a wet pipe network. The valve assembly, the air vent assembly, the air release assembly, and moisture detection assembly are each configured to vent gas (e.g., air) remaining in a piping system when the system is filled with a fluid, and in particular, to vent air in a fire sprinkling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh, Bentley F. Gleeson
  • Publication number: 20190076683
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a pipe fitting through which a gas is configured to flow. The inlet of the pipe fitting is configured to connect to an open port of a fire suppression sprinkler system so that gas flows from the fire suppression sprinkler system into the pipe fitting. The valve assembly also includes a vent valve. The inlet of the vent valve is connected to the outlet of the pipe fitting. The vent valve is operable to move between an open position and a shut position. The valve assembly includes an inert gas analyzer and at least one vent port upstream of the inert gas analyzer. The inert gas analyzer is positioned to measure the inert gas content of gas flowing in front of the inert gas analyzer and through the vent port to an outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. MCHUGH, IV, James P. MCHUGH, Bentley F. GLEESON
  • Publication number: 20180221696
    Abstract: Described herein are a valve assembly, an air vent assembly, an air release assembly, and a moisture detection assembly all suitable for use in connection with a wet pipe network. The valve assembly, the air vent assembly, the air release assembly, and moisture detection assembly are each configured to vent gas (e.g., air) remaining in a piping system when the system is filled with a fluid, and in particular, to vent air in a fire sprinkling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: George J. McHUGH, IV, James P. McHUGH, Bentley F. GLEESON
  • Patent number: 9032994
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a supply conduit for supplying a fire suppression fluid to a plurality of sprinklers. A sensor senses a flow of fire suppression fluid through the supply conduit. A drain conduit drains fire suppression fluid when the fire suppression system is tested. A drain valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid is controlled to enter the drain conduit. A fire suppression fluid collection tank collects the fire suppression fluid which has entered the drain conduit for reintroducing the collected fire suppression fluid to the supply conduit. A circulation valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid enters the fire suppression fluid collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: James P. McHugh, George McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 8443908
    Abstract: A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a collection chamber and an upstream valve and a downstream valve with an anti-trip arrangement for preventing the upstream valve and the downstream valve to be open at the same time and preferably includes an arrangement to indicate the presence of condensate and a lock for the anti-trip arrangement and an alarm which may be selectively deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George McHugh, IV
  • Publication number: 20120204963
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a supply conduit for supplying a fire suppression fluid to a plurality of sprinklers. A sensor senses a flow of fire suppression fluid through the supply conduit. A drain conduit drains fire suppression fluid when the fire suppression system is tested. A drain valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid is controlled to enter the drain conduit. A fire suppression fluid collection tank collects the fire suppression fluid which has entered the drain conduit for reintroducing the collected fire suppression fluid to the supply conduit. A circulation valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid enters the fire suppression fluid collection tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, George McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh
  • Publication number: 20120055686
    Abstract: A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a collection chamber and an upstream valve and a downstream valve with an anti-trip arrangement for preventing the upstream valve and the downstream valve to be open at the same time and preferably includes an arrangement to indicate the presence of condensate and a lock for the anti-trip arrangement and an alarm which may be selectively deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George McHUGH, IV
  • Patent number: 7836966
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a conduit for supplying a flow of fire suppression fluid to at least one sprinkler. A sensor is configured to sense the flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler. The sensor has a first condition indicative of a predetermined volume of flow of the suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler and a second condition indicative of a volume of flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler less than the predetermined volume of flow. An actuator causes the sensor to be in the first condition or the second condition. A signaler provides an indication to a user that the sensor is in at least one of the first condition and the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George J. McHugh, George McHugh, IV, legal representative, George McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh
  • Publication number: 20090188683
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a conduit for supplying a flow of fire suppression fluid to at least one sprinkler. A sensor is configured to sense the flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler. The sensor has a first condition indicative of a predetermined volume of flow of the suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler and a second condition indicative of a volume of flow of the fire suppression fluid to the at least one sprinkler less than the predetermined volume of flow. An actuator causes the sensor to be in the first condition or the second condition. A signaler provides an indication to a user that the sensor is in at least one of the first condition and the second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. McHugh