Patents Assigned to Potter Electric Signal Company
  • Patent number: 11628322
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a solenoid supervisory detection system which can detect the presence or absence of a solenoid plunger within a solenoid coil. These systems can be used to verify correct reassembly of a solenoid valve after it has been disassembled for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy B. Decker, Michael F. Cabral, Andrew Louis Berry
  • Patent number: 11291871
    Abstract: A gas supply system primarily designed for use with fire sprinkler systems which includes a control system which uses flow demand to automatically determine the mode of operation and switch between providing air and nitrogen. The gas supply system can operate either in standard nitrogen generation mode where nitrogen is supplied to the reservoir tank and/or sprinkler system or in a bypass mode, where sufficient pressure is only obtained by directly supplying air. The gas supply system can provide for improved safety in operation as well as the ability to operate the sprinkler system primarily when filled with nitrogen supervisory gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Tihen, Timothy Decker
  • Patent number: 9435682
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the remote testing of a paddle-type flow detector, such as are common in fire protection systems. Specifically, the systems and methods provide for mechanical movement of the vane to test activation of the flow detector under a flow condition, and which measure the amount of time the vane takes to return to the ready position to verify the presence of a paddle on the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Royse, Richard L. Ulrich, Bruce LaRue, Timothy Decker
  • Patent number: 8928191
    Abstract: A system and method of synchronization protocol for fire alarm strobe systems which has the ability to synchronize the strobe light devices from different manufactures simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Eiden, Glenn Wontorcik, Jeff Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20140137627
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the remote testing of a paddle-type flow detector, such as are common in fire protection systems. Specifically, the systems and methods provide for mechanical movement of the vane to test activation of the flow detector under a flow condition, and which measure the amount of time the vane takes to return to the ready position to verify the presence of a paddle on the vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Royse, Richard L. Ulrich, Bruce LaRue, Timothy Decker
  • Patent number: 8640522
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the remote testing of a paddle-type flow detector, such as are common in fire protection systems. Specifically, the systems and methods provide for mechanical movement of the vane to test activation of the flow detector under a flow condition, and which measure the amount of time the vane takes to return to the ready position to verify the presence of a paddle on the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Royse, Richard L. Ulrich, Donald Bruce LaRue
  • Patent number: 8193665
    Abstract: A system and method of synchronization protocol for fire alarm strobe systems which has the ability to synchronize the strobe light devices from different manufactures simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Eiden, Glenn Wontorcik, Jeff Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7992527
    Abstract: A water feed controller which can provide for the addition of a preset fixed amount of water to be added after a low water condition is removed. This system provides for a preset fixed amount of water to be added to a boiler above the amount which triggers the low water condition. This generally inhibits excess cycling from the boiler operating at its minimum safe water level as well as inhibiting overfilling of the boiler. Further, there is discussed a water feed controller which can measure the amount of water added over a prior predetermined period (such as 30 days) which serves as a floating window of time so that a leak or other condition resulting in overly frequent filling can be detected quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignees: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC, Taco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Merwin
  • Patent number: 7766031
    Abstract: A valve system for collection and removal of condensation from a gas-pressurized fluid system. In one embodiment a single valve is used, having inlet, outlet and condensate collection ports and a valve body capable of movement between a position which connects the inlet port to the condensate collection port and a position which connects the condensate collection port to the outlet port. The valve is formed such that the inlet port is not connected to the outlet port while the valve is moved between the two positions, so that the pressurized system is not depressurized. A second embodiment uses two coupled valves replacing the single valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Platusich, Henry J. Zawada
  • Patent number: 7706989
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating probe signal level readings in a manner that allows a low water detector to distinguish between a probe that is under a fluid level, or is above the fluid level and either being splashed or is within a foam. Low water detectors which utilize these systems and methods are also provided. The detectors generally utilize a representative probe reading, and a dynamic indicator between probe readings, for a set of probe readings taken in a time period to detect low water levels, foam, or surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignees: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC, Taco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Merwin, Roberto Zarate
  • Patent number: 7630839
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating probe signal level readings in a manner that allows a low water detector to distinguish between a probe that is under a fluid level, or is above the fluid level and either being splashed or is within a foam. Low water detectors which utilize these systems and methods are also provided. The detectors generally utilize a representative probe reading, and a dynamic indicator between probe readings, for a set of probe readings taken in a time period to detect low water levels, foam, or surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Merwin, Roberto Zarate
  • Patent number: 7530402
    Abstract: A water column supervisory switch having a probe arrangement and probe circuitry for detecting the presence of a conductive medium that has reached a predetermined level above a clapper valve inside a dry pipe valve for a sprinkler system is disclosed. The probe arrangement comprises a housing and a probe operatively associated with probe circuitry that provides a means for activating an alarm when the conductive medium reaches the predetermined level in order for maintenance personnel to drain the water from the dry pipe valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventor: Michael F. Cabral
  • Patent number: 7317993
    Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating probe signal level readings in a manner that allows a low water detector to distinguish between a probe that is under a fluid level, or is above the fluid level and either being splashed or is within a foam. Low water detectors which utilize these systems and methods are also provided. The detectors generally utilize a representative probe reading, and a dynamic indicator between probe readings, for a set of probe readings taken in a time period to detect low water levels, foam, or surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignees: Potter Electric Signal Company, Taco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Merwin, Roberto Zarate
  • Patent number: 7293576
    Abstract: A single-piece manifold comprising a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a main conduit adapted for fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is disclosed. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and first and second check valves positioned across the main conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough until the sprinkler system is activated. The single-piece manifold has a reduced pressure arrangement comprising a valve member that vents water that may build up between the first and second check valves in order to prevent the back flow of contaminated water from the sprinkler system to the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: David L. Royse
  • Patent number: 7243540
    Abstract: A low-water cut-off system [A] determines if fluid [W] within a boiler or other enclosure drops below a predetermined level within the enclosure. A signal generator introduces a signal into the enclosure so that the signal is present for sensing at the predetermined level, where a probe is provided for sensing the signal if present as occurs if the water is at the predetermined level. A control, which includes a microcontroller, is responsive to the probe for providing a control function in response to whether the signal is so sensed by the probe, and so to determine if water has dropped below the predetermined level. The function may be causing alarm signalling or boiler heating cut-off. Self-test and time delay features are also included. Provision is made so that the control compensates for variation in electrical conductivity of the water through which the probe signal is sent, including circuitry to adjust for a wide range of possible purity levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Merwin
  • Patent number: 7137408
    Abstract: A universal valve switch for signaling the operative state of a valve assembly is disclosed that is attached to the body of the valve assembly using a bracketing arrangement. The valve switch comprises a housing defining a chamber and an aperture formed through the housing that communicates with the chamber. The valve switch may include a contact arrangement having a spring-loaded plunger that is extendable through the aperture with the plunger being operatively associated with the contact arrangement for selectively transmitting a signal to a remote panel whenever the lever is rotated out of contact with the plunger. In other embodiments, the contact arrangement may be replaced with various types of sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: David L. Royse
  • Publication number: 20050279961
    Abstract: A universal valve switch for signaling the operative state of a valve assembly is disclosed that is attached to the body of the valve assembly using a bracketing arrangement. The valve switch comprises a housing defining a chamber and an aperture formed through the housing that communicates with the chamber. The valve switch may include a contact arrangement having a spring-loaded plunger that is extendable through the aperture with the plunger being operatively associated with the contact arrangement for selectively transmitting a signal to a remote panel whenever the lever is rotated out of contact with the plunger. In other embodiments, the contact arrangement may be replaced with various types of sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicant: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: David Royse
  • Patent number: 6945509
    Abstract: A universal valve switch for signaling the operative state of a valve assembly is disclosed that is attached to the body of the valve assembly using a bracketing arrangement. The valve switch comprises a housing defining a chamber and an aperture formed through the housing that communicates with the chamber. The valve switch may include a contact arrangement having a spring-loaded plunger that is extendable through the aperture with the plunger being operatively associated with the contact arrangement for selectively transmitting a signal to a remote panel whenever the lever is rotated out of contact with the plunger. In other embodiments, the contact arrangement may be replaced with various types of sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: David L. Royse
  • Patent number: 6940409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring fluid flow in a pipe or at an exit of the pipe and detecting a fault. The system includes an acoustic generator which is activated by the fluid flowing in the pipe or at the exit of the pipe. The acoustic generator sends an acoustic signal, which may have a distinctive signature, through the fluid flowing in the pipe. The acoustic signal is received by a remote upstream acoustic receiver and is translated into an electric signal supplied to a signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventor: Timothy M. Green
  • Patent number: 6926023
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow for the continued operation of a fire sprinkler or standpipe system after the failure of an air release valve, wherein connected to the air release valve is a system that collects and contains fire extinguishing liquid leaked from an air release valve, as well as being able to detect and stop such leaks that could not be contained by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Cabral, Michael D. Kirn