Abstract: A liquid discharge nozzle that is operative for discharging liquid in a relatively narrow, elongated spray pattern. The nozzle includes a deflector having an elongated central apex portion of preferably arcuate configuration and a pair of side portions diverging from opposite side edges of the apex portion and having tines formed along the terminal edges thereof; and a frame for mounting the deflector adjacent a liquid discharge outlet so that when liquid is discharged from the outlet, at least a portion of the liquid impinges on the inner surface of the central portion of the deflector and is deflected outwardly along the inner surfaces of the deflector. Preferably, a substantially centrally disposed inwardly projecting boss of generally elliptical configuration is formed in the central apex portion of the deflector and a deflector mounting boss is formed on the frame adjacent the deflector boss.

Abstract: A dry pipe valve accelerator is operative for quickening the operation of a dry pipe valve in a dry sprinkler system in order to hasten the delivery of water throughout the system in response to the operation of one or more sprinkler heads of the system. The accelerator is automatically actuated in response to a slight but significant rate of decay in system gas pressure, such as is caused by the operation of a sprinkler head of the system; and when the accelerator is actuated, an exhaust valve element thereof is moved from a closed position to an open position wherein the accelerator provides an interconnection between the pressurized portion of the system and the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve to effect the opening of the latter.

Abstract: A split collar for use with pipe and the like including a pair of discrete semicircular collar halves each having outwardly extending flanges at their terminal ends, and which halves cooperate to define an essentially circular opening. The inner surfaces of adjacent flanges abut along their inboard portions and then generally diverge. Aligned holes of elongated configuration are provided in the flanges to permit securing of the halves together in assembled relation with bolt and nut combinations or the like. The point where the inner surfaces of adjacent flanges commence to diverge is inboard of the inner edges of the bolt head and nut; and, as a result, the halves may be swung to a substantially open position after removal of one of the bolts only and without any loosening of the other bolt.

Abstract: The invention features improved fluid deflection techniques for a pendent-type fire-protection sprinkler head. A first deflecting surface facing generally upward is positioned in the path of fluid emerging from the body of the sprinkler and includes a portion spaced to circumferentially redistribute the fluid to improve uniformity of distribution and deflect at least some of the fluid generally outward. A second deflecting surface positioned radially outward and away from the first deflecting surface receives and controls the distribution of a portion of the outwardly moving water from the first surface; the path of emerging fluid from the sprinkler head body to the first deflector surface extends through an interior opening in the second deflector surface; and the second surface is separated from the first surface by a circumferentially unobstructed region so that the circumferential distribution of the fluid leaving the first surface is not divided as it moves between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A horizontal-sidewall, fire-protection sprinkler head including a spray deflector with a downwardly-extending slot that is substantially narrower in width at a first, outer location than at a second, inner location, wherein the slot has the effect of raising the trajectory of fluid passing through it.

Abstract: A fire-protection sprinkler head with a deflector having a spray confining surface that includes a deformed area with relatively greater inclination than surrounding undeformed areas so as to selectively lift the flow entering the deformed area and thereby raise its trajectory relative to the flow passing underneath the undeformed areas.

Abstract: A fire-protection sprinkler head having a base from which fire-retardant fluid emerges in a stream, a deflector plate spaced from the base for deflecting the stream into a spray pattern, and a throat in the base with a noncircular cross section selected to vary the shape of the stream and thereby vary the spray pattern.

Abstract: A fire-protection sprinkler head with an improved response characteristic achieved by providing a fusible link with a fin having multiple face portions oriented to direct air currents from any of a plurality of orthogonal directions over the fusible region of the link. An embodiment with multiple fins provides an aggregate set of face portions that direct over the fusible region air currents that have X, Y, and Z orthogonal components in both positive and negative senses. Air currents can be directed both by deflecting effects and air foil effects. Preferably the face portions are facets formed integrally with sheet metal body members that form the link. In the preferred embodiment the link and all fins are formed of a pair of similar stampings from sheet metal.

Abstract: A finish plate assembly for giving a finished appearance to a fire-protection sprinkler head exposed through an opening in a ceiling wherein the installed height and angular orientation of the ceiling with respect to the sprinkler head is variable, thereby determining a range of variation of relative distances normal to the ceiling between adjacent portions of the opening and the sprinkler head, the assembly including a finish plate having a planar contact surface for engagement with the ceiling outside the periphery of the opening and having two or more arms each with a radially-extending segment, and further including a receptor fixed to the sprinkler head, the receptor including openings for receiving the arm segments when the finish plate and arms are moved upward toward the fixed receptor, two or more circumferentially-extensive, resilient ramp elements for attachment around the sprinkler head, and a central opening for receiving the sprinkler head, and the resiliency of the ramp elements being selected

Abstract: A pilot operated sprinkler head comprises a two part housing having an annular diaphragm extending across a chamber between the housing parts, the diaphragm being sealed to a hollow bore main valve member and sealed to the chamber; one side of the diaphragm is exposed to the discharge of a pilot valve assembly for actuating the main valve member when the pilot valve is open; and a drain passage of restricted size to the atmosphere is provided between the housing and the main valve member, sized to insure proper pressure on the diaphragm to actuate the main valve member with the pilot valve open, the drain passage draining water from the diaphragm when the pilot valve is closed to permit the diaphragm and the main valve member to return to their original positions. The drain passage is shown in the form of an annular clearance around the valve member. The valve member is shown with hollow bore axially aligned with the inlet, and telescopically movable about a stationary strainer.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler for a fire protection sprinkler system in which the sprinkler opens to discharge water at one temperature and closes to stop the flow of water at a lower temperature. A pilot valve is actuated by a bimetal disc which also resiliently biases the pilot valve in a closed position. The bimetal disc has a snap action resulting in better control of the "on" and "off" temperatures of the sprinkler. A thermal delay for closing is obtained by the hysteresis which is designed into the bimetal disc.