Abstract: A monitoring and testing system which is designed to automatically seal off the system from its gas supply and monitor internal pressure during that time to perform regulatory testing. The scheduling can be automated and can be done without maintenance personnel having to monitor the time passage and pressure manually. The system may also be designed to monitor operation of the air compressor, or related gas supply device, and evaluate if the operation of the gas supply is operating in a fashion indicative of a larger than desired leak. This effectively allows the system to monitor pressure changes during regular operation and on a somewhat continuous basis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.