Patents Assigned to Viking Corporation
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Patent number: 10940347Abstract: A concealed sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a flow passage therethrough with an inlet end and an outlet end. A closure device is secured at the outlet end of the flow passage by a heat responsive trigger. A deflector assembly includes a deflector plate and a button secured to an upstream side of the deflector plate. The deflector assembly is movably supported to the sprinkler body by at least one arm. The button defines an aperture that extends unobstructed all the way through the button from an upstream side to a downstream side.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Michael J. Oldham
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Patent number: 10940348Abstract: A protective cover for a fire protection sprinkler includes a pair of sidewalls and an orthogonal wall structure connected to an upper edge of each of the pair of sidewalls. The orthogonal wall structure including a slot therein that opens along an edge of the orthogonal wall structure in alignment with an opening between the pair of sidewalls. The slot including a pair of side edges including a pair of opposing arcuate regions adapted to engage a deflector mounting boss of a fire protection sprinkler. An arcuate sidewall extends from the orthogonal wall structure and an upper wall extending inward from an upper edge of the arcuate sidewall and opposing the orthogonal wall structure to define a cavity that is adapted for receiving a deflector of a fire protection sprinkler.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignees: The Viking Corporation, Minimax GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael J. Oldham, Stefan Schnell, Shawn G. Orr, Frank Rönnfeldt
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Patent number: 10799740Abstract: An automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a passage with an inlet end and a discharge opening. A pair of sprinkler arms extend from the sprinkler body. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially inwardly extending leg including a threaded bore for receiving a compression screw. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially outwardly extending leg each defining an aperture therein. An outlet closure assembly includes a closure element that selectively blocks the discharge opening of the sprinkler body and a trigger assembly including a yoke that engages the compression screws and a glass bulb that extends between the yoke and the closure element. A deflector is coupled to the sprinkler arms by a pair of support pins that are received in the apertures in the radially outwardly extending legs of the at least two sprinkler arms.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Jed Pipe
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Patent number: 10737371Abstract: A sprinkler wrench for installing a sprinkler includes a base having a tool engaging portion. A sidewall extends from the base and a sprinkler engaging portion extends from the sidewall. The sprinkler engaging portion includes a pair of oppositely facing surfaces defining an outer perimeter and a recess including two opposing flats. A protective boot cover is removably attached to the sprinkler engaging portion and includes flat cover portions covering the two opposing flats.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Jason Watson, Shawn G. Orr, Lindsay M. Barker, Scott T. Franson
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Patent number: 10512808Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Scott T. Franson, Andrew T. Thompson
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Patent number: 10426984Abstract: A sprinkler assembly for use in an attic or under a sloped roof or ceiling and includes a body having an inlet opening and a discharge opening. A support extends from the body and a closure device is releasably positioned at the discharge opening to close the passageway. A heat responsive trigger releasably retains the closure device at the discharge opening of the body. A flow shaper is supported by the support and includes a transverse wall portion intersecting a central axis of the discharge opening. A pair of laterally spaced side walls each extend from the transverse wall portion toward the body and a pair of mounting base portions extend from the pair of side walls and connect the flow shaper to the support. The flow shaper provides a simple and inexpensive design for providing adequate distribution of fire suppressant both laterally and directly beneath the sprinkler.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Jed Pipe, Shawn G. Orr
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Patent number: 10406393Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
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Patent number: 10238903Abstract: An automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a passage with an inlet end and a discharge opening. A pair of sprinkler arms extend from the sprinkler body. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially inwardly extending leg including a threaded bore for receiving a compression screw. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially outwardly extending leg each defining an aperture therein. An outlet closure assembly includes a closure element that selectively blocks the discharge opening of the sprinkler body and a trigger assembly including a yoke that engages the compression screws and a glass bulb that extends between the yoke and the closure element. A deflector is coupled to the sprinkler arms by a pair of support pins that are received in the apertures in the radially outwardly extending legs of the at least two sprinkler arms.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Jed Pipe
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Patent number: 10220231Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Scott T. Franson, Andrew T. Thompson
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Patent number: 10039946Abstract: A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler body and includes a cover which has an outer dimension which conceals the internal components of the sprinkler from view. The cover includes openings and is dimensioned and positioned to permit heat energy to be received by the inner and outer surface of the trigger device. Conduction of heat energy from both the inner and outer surface of the trigger device permits the heat fusible material to be expeditiously raised to the preselected separation temperature. This construction minimizes response time of the sprinkler while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: David Vaneerden, Thomas E. Winebrenner
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Patent number: 10022575Abstract: An antifreeze fire protection sprinkler system is provided including a water supply and a water distribution pipe system having a plurality of segments disposed in a potentially freezing environment and having a check valve and a plurality of fire protection sprinklers disposed in each segment wherein the plurality of fire protection sprinklers are designed to limit the atomization of the antifreeze solution. A pressure regulating device is disposed in the water distribution pipe system for limiting a maximum pressure of water supplied to the water distribution pipe system.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Michael J. Bosma
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Patent number: 9993674Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. The passageway section is defined by an outwardly extending peripheral rim of the cover plate or by a cutout section along one edge enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: James G. Retzloff, Scott T. Franson
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Patent number: 9943716Abstract: A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler body and includes a cover which has an outer dimension which conceals the internal components of the sprinkler from view. The cover includes openings and is dimensioned and positioned to permit heat energy to be received by the inner and outer surface of the trigger device. Conduction of heat energy from both the inner and outer surface of the trigger device permits the heat fusible material to be expeditiously raised to the preselected separation temperature. This construction minimizes response time of the sprinkler while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: THE VIKING CORPORATIONInventors: David Vaneerden, Thomas E. Winebrenner
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Patent number: 9868005Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided with a skipping shield having air flow passages therethrough to reduce the negative impact that the shield has on the thermal response of the sprinkler. By providing holes, slots, louvers, or mesh to the skipping shield, water from adjacent flowing sprinklers can still be blocked from impinging on the thermal element. The shield will block water but allow hot gas from the fire to flow through the shield thereby improving the response time of the thermal element.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Brian S. Green, Lindsay M. Barker
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Patent number: 9776028Abstract: A residential or commercial sprinkler system is provided wherein the sprinkler heads and piping distribution network are provided with a relatively low pressure fire suppressant liquid in place of pneumatic pressure, which is typical, and control valve keeps fire suppressant supply pressure from entering the discharge sprinkler system at design discharge pressure until a fire detection system detects a fire condition. Upon the detection of a fire condition, a control valve is opened to provide the sprinkler heads and piping distribution network with a fully pressurized supply of fire suppressant. Also in the case of electric control power loss the system will operate from loss of outlet supervised pressure releasing sprinkler liquid suppressant to the discharge system of closed fused sprinklers.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Shawn J. Feenstra, Eldon D. Jackson, Martin H. Workman, Michael J. Bosma
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Patent number: 9522292Abstract: A combination of a cover and a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head includes a fusible linkage mounted within a frame and having a protruding portion. The cover includes a first member adjacent to the protruding portion of the fusible linkage. The first member has a first connecting end and a first fastening end opposite the first connecting end. A second member is opposite to the first member and has a second connecting end and a second fastening end opposite the second connecting end. The first and second connecting ends are coupled to each other. A first projection and a second projection extend from the first member toward the second member and are in spaced relation to each other for receiving the protruding portion of the fusible linkage.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: THE VIKING CORPORATIONInventor: Shawn Feenstra
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Patent number: 9302132Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided with a skipping shield having air flow passages therethrough to reduce the negative impact that the shield has on the thermal response of the sprinkler. By providing holes, slots, louvers, or mesh to the skipping shield, water from adjacent flowing sprinklers can still be blocked from impinging on the thermal element. The shield will block water but allow hot gas from the fire to flow through the shield thereby improving the response time of the thermal element.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Brian S. Green, Lindsay M. Barker
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Patent number: 9278240Abstract: A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventor: Michael Rekeny
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Patent number: 9265981Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a base and a frame extending from the base. The base has a passage extending therethrough defining an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is mounted to the frame and spaced from the outlet, which is configured to deflect fluid flowing from the outlet in a radial pattern. A trigger assembly extends between the frame and the base and is adapted to support a pip cap assembly in the outlet and release the plug when a temperature associated with a fire condition is detected. The pip cap assembly includes a copper shell and a stainless steel insert received in the copper shell and extending outward therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: The Viking CorporationInventors: Shawn G. Orr, David Vaneerden
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Patent number: 9149818Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler including a sprinkler frame including a body defining a passage therethrough with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a pair of frame arms extend from the body and support a deflector boss having a pair of concave arcuate sidewalls that join to form a pointed edge proximal the outlet opening. The arcuate sidewalls taper laterally away from a reference plane in a distal direction from the outlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: THE VIKING CORPORATIONInventor: Shawn G. Orr