Patents Assigned to PNM, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20120097406
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S.F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Publication number: 20110315409
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S.F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Publication number: 20110284098
    Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Publication number: 20090008104
    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: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 7032680
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • 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: 6752218
    Abstract: A support system for use in fire-protection sprinkler systems and for positioning and supporting a fire-protection sprinkler head in a suspended ceiling including a T-bar grid for supporting panels. The support system includes a hub defining an annular opening configured to receive the fire-protection sprinkler head, which is connected to a flexible conduit. A leg is attached to the hub and has first and second ends attached to the T-bar grid of the suspended ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • 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: 20030066658
    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: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6488097
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6123154
    Abstract: A system is provided for maintaining a sprinkler head in a position to allow continued operation during a fire in the event that the support structure for the sprinkler head fails or is otherwise removed. The support system includes a central hub adapted to receive a sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having first and second ends. The support system also includes first and second ends having fastening devices adapted to attach the ends to the support structure. The fastening devices are configured to break away from the support structure in the event of support structure failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6119784
    Abstract: A support system for positioning a sprinkler head relative to a support structure in a ceiling, floor, or wall includes a central hub adapted to receive the sprinkler head, a first leg attached to the central hub and having a first end configured to be attached to the support structure, a second leg attached to the central hub and having a second end configured to be attached to the support structure, the second leg being spaced-apart from and substantially parallel to the first leg. The support system combines increased flexibility in installation with increased support for the sprinkler head during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald, Paul S. F. Silcox
  • Patent number: 6076608
    Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system and method for installing a sprinkler system in new and existing buildings. The system includes a manifold that supplies fire-suppression fluid to a set of wall-mounted sprinkler heads via flexible sprinkler head conduits through an unobstructed path. The installation and retrofit methods include determining the location of the sprinkler head, installing the manifold, making sure that there is an unobstructed path between the manifold and the sprinkler head location, running the conduit through the path by snaking it where necessary through the wall to which the sprinkler head is mounted, connecting the conduit to the manifold and sprinkler head, and then mounting the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. MacDonald, III, Peter M. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5762096
    Abstract: A portable cleaning and flushing device for beverage conduits such as draft beer distribution coils includes a manifold, couplings and a number of valves which are controllable so as to sequence the supply of detergent from a reservoir, mixing with water from an external water source and flushing and rinsing of the distribution conduits. The device is wheeled about like a handcart and is coupleable to one or more beverage distribution lines by lead lines in place of normally attached kegs. The device is coupled to a water supply and to an electric power outlet. Detergent and pressurized water are mixed and flushed through the beverage conduit to an open spigot at the dispensing end. A preferably programmable computerized controller sequences the operation of valves for detergent addition to a manifold, venting of the manifold, water supply for obtaining a mixing solution, application of the mixing solution to the conduit, rinsing and finally draining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Mirabile
  • Patent number: 5743337
    Abstract: A relocatable sprinkler assemblage includes a flexible conduit connecting to a source of fire-suppression fluid, a heat-sensitive sprinkler head, a rigid fitting connecting the conduit to the sprinkler head, and a removable cap that, together with the fitting, creates a watertight compartment around the sprinkler head so that the assemblage can be moved while the sprinkler system remains pressurized and operational. The cap includes alerts the user to the condition of the sprinkler head, whether or not the head has been activated during the relocation process. In one embodiment, the cap is transparent, so that the condition can be determined by looking for fluid inside the cap. In another embodiment, the cap has a valve that can be operated manually to determine if there is fluid in the cap. In a third embodiment, the cap has a flexible bag that appears rigid if there is pressurized fluid in it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 5649598
    Abstract: A shroud for use with a sprinkler assembly in a corrosive environment comprising a secondary bag surrounding the sprinkler head to protect it from the corrosive environment for a minimum period of time, a ribbon-shaped corrosion sensor located adjacent to the outer surface of the secondary bag that corrodes apart to electrically trigger an alarm before the ability of the secondary bag to protect the sprinkler head fails, a primary bag surrounding the secondary bag and the sensor to protect them from the corrosive environment for a minimum period of time, a pair of gaskets with an opening for the sprinkler head, the bags extending through the opening of one of the gaskets and annular skirts extending from the edge of the bag openings being sandwiched between the gaskets and held together by a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the bags melting at a temperature that is higher than the normal temperature of the corrosive environment and lower than the temperature at which the sprinkler head activates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 5570745
    Abstract: A relocatable sprinkler assemblage can be safely relocated while pressurized and operational and does not effect the temperature sensitivity of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 5396959
    Abstract: A sprinkler system, for cooperation with an array of ceiling tiles, essentially features a mount of tiles including at least one with a central opening, a web disposed above the mount of tiles and including a central hub and legs extending therefrom to the corners of a frame with a dimensional profile like that of the tiles, a number of ceiling wires supporting the frame in spaced relation to a ceiling, a sprinkler head supported within the central hub and extending through the central opening, and apparatus for connecting the sprinkler head to a source of fluid. Preferably, the apparatus includes a rigid stationary water grid and supply and a flexible hose connecting the sprinkler head to the water grid and supply. Preferably, the flexible hose is an annealed stainless steel braid hose having an open pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: PNM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Macdonald