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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
April 8, 2020
Date of Patent:
September 22, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
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:
April 7, 2020
Date of Patent:
September 15, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
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:
April 6, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 25, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
Abstract: A brass fitting is in-molded in a plastic pipe fitting, which is coupled to a water supply line in a conventional matter. The brass insert receives a tapered seal with sealing surfaces that seat against the brass insert and a sprinkler head to form a sealed connection. The seal includes a tapered passageway for compression when tightening, as well as an external taper to allow the seal to conform to the socket formed by the plastic pipe fitting and brass insert. Also, a manufacturing method includes in-molding a brass insert within a plastic fitting using an O-ring which interfaces between the brass insert and surrounding molded fitting to seal the brass insert to the fitting. In one embodiment, the seal is used in a polymeric fitting without a brass insert.
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:
April 6, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 4, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
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:
April 6, 2020
Date of Patent:
July 14, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
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:
September 13, 2019
Date of Patent:
May 26, 2020
Assignees:
Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
Inventors:
Martin H. Workman, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson