Patents Assigned to Viking Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 12623243
    Abstract: A device for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective device is embodied as a tubular cap that axially receives the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes a wall with a stiffening element to facilitate the strength and rigidity of the device so that it can sufficiently transfer a torque to install the protected sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: Jason T. Watson, Scott T. Franson, Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra, Gary William Pleyte
  • Patent number: 12558583
    Abstract: Fluid control valve assemblies for use in fire protection sprinkler systems to control the flow of firefighting fluid to the system sprinklers. The assemblies include a pressure-operated fluid control valve having an internal fluid chamber in which fluid contained therein acts on an internal diaphragm to control the flow of fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the valve. An environment-responsive control device in fluid communication with the internal fluid chamber along a first fluid communication line controls the flow of fluid out of the fluid chamber to initiate actuation of the valve. A fluid-flow latch in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve along a second fluid communication line subsequently controls the simultaneous flow of fluid out of the fluid chamber and the actuation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2026
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Patent number: 12544609
    Abstract: A device and method of protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective device is embodied as a tubular cap that axially receives the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes an internal gripping portion for engaging the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes a wall that maintains its geometry before receiving the sprinkler the same after receiving the fire protection sprinkler. Moreover, the protective installation device maintains its geometry constant to sufficiently torque the sprinkler into a fitting for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2026
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra, Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 12420127
    Abstract: System and methods using automatic fire protection sprinklers to provide ceiling-only fire protection of rack storage. The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote fire protection sprinklers with a prescribed hybrid minimum design pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 12194326
    Abstract: System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.). The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8-10 ft.) coupled to two to four branch lines tied to a common cross main supply pipe of firefighting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignees: Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH, Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Thomas Watson
  • Patent number: 12157022
    Abstract: A device and method for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective and installation device has two discrete protective members coupled to one another about the sprinkler by a releasable locking arrangement defined by a connection between the two discrete protective members. At least one of the members includes a torque assist portion for applying torque to the fire protection sprinkler and each of the members includes a deflector protection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: Jason Thomas Watson, Martin H. Workman, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 12151128
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods provide for the protection of horizontal concealed interstitial spaces of either a solid wood joist, open bar joist or open truss construction system. The systems and methods provide and locate fire protection sprinklers to define localized heat detection areas that are over 1000 sq. ft., at least 2000 sq. ft., over 2000 sq. ft. and/or otherwise unconfined by draft curtains or other barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: MartiN H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 12115400
    Abstract: Fire protection sprinkler assemblies and methods of use in corrosive environments. The sprinkler assemblies include a corrosion resistant sprinkler frame made of a gradient material. The gradient material includes a polymeric layer interlocked about a corrosion-prone core in order to protect the frame structure from a corrosive environment. The interlock between the core and the protective polymer layers are defined by ionic bonding between the core and the outer polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Patent Management GmbH
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 12025239
    Abstract: Differential-type dry pipe valves for fire protection systems are provided. The valve includes a body with a clapper assembly disposed in an internal passage of the valve body between an inlet and an outlet. The clapper assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position to respectively prevent and permit fluid flow through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. With the clapper assembly in the open position, an internal mechanism is positioned to stop the clapper moving to the closed position. The valve includes a resetting assembly having a knob exterior to the body. Translation of the knob toward the outlet moves the internal mechanism which permits the clapper assembly to move to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Shawn J Feenstra, Vinh Bao Hoa, Martin H. Workman
  • Patent number: 11998938
    Abstract: Sprinkler guards to protect fire protection sprinklers in their installed and operative positions. A fire protection sprinkler guard includes a structure with a hinged arrangement to flexibly receive a fire protection sprinkler. A latch connection operates in combination with the hinge of the guard to form a rigid cage structure to shield and protect the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 11794047
    Abstract: Fluid control valve assemblies for use in fire protection sprinkler systems to control the flow of firefighting fluid to the system sprinklers. The assemblies include a pressure-operated fluid control valve having an internal fluid chamber in which fluid contained therein acts on an internal diaphragm to control the flow of fluid from an inlet to an outlet of the valve. An environment-responsive control device in fluid communication with the internal fluid chamber along a first fluid communication line controls the flow of fluid out of the fluid chamber to initiate actuation of the valve. A fluid-flow latch in fluid communication with the outlet of the valve along a second fluid communication line subsequently controls the simultaneous flow of fluid out of the fluid chamber and the actuation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Patent number: 11590371
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods provide for the protection of horizontal concealed interstitial spaces of either a solid wood joist, open bar joist or open truss construction system. The systems and methods provide and locate fire protection sprinklers to define localized heat detection areas that are over 1000 sq. ft, at least 2000 sq. ft., over 2000 sq. ft. and/or otherwise unconfined by draft curtains or other barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 11583712
    Abstract: System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.). The systems and methods provide for hydraulic and system parameters that include a hydraulic design area based upon five to no more than twelve hydraulically most remote sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8-10 ft.) coupled to two to four branch lines tied to a common cross main supply pipe of firefighting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
  • Patent number: 11559710
    Abstract: A fire protection containment unit for protection of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) having an internal flame and drain barrier disposed above a basin portion of the containment unit. The barrier includes pans having an impact surface that is angled to drain toward a central grid of the barrier to direct escaped liquid from the IBC into the basin portion of the containment unit. The basin portion includes a base surface on an incline to define a pooling region of the containment unit to collect escaped liquid from the IBC. The containment unit includes containment walls which define various configurations of the containment unit including an open configuration, partially open configuration, a completely contained configuration and a packaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra, Derek J. Scheffers
  • Patent number: 11548027
    Abstract: Sprinkler guards to protect fire protection sprinklers in their installed and operative positions. A fire protection sprinkler guard includes a structure with a hinged arrangement to flexibly receive a fire protection sprinkler. A latch connection operates in combination with the hinge of the guard to form a rigid cage structure to shield and protect the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson, Martin H. Workman
  • Patent number: 11007388
    Abstract: System and methods to provide ceiling-only suppression fire protection of up to fifty feet (50 ft.) of rack storage of cartoned unexpanded plastic commodities and less hazardous commodities, such as for example, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and/or combinations thereof beneath a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
  • Patent number: D975365
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Ori Levin, Svetlana Sulema, Guy Levin
  • Patent number: D1094655
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Ori Levin, Svetlana Sulema, Guy Levin
  • Patent number: D1094908
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Ori Levin, Svetlana Sulema, Guy Levin
  • Patent number: D1107325
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Ori Levin, Svetlana Sulema, Guy Levin