Patents by Inventor Donald B. Pounder

Donald B. Pounder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10195473
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9636531
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 9233266
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure assembly is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8905151
    Abstract: An extended coverage pendent sprinkler configured for the fire protection of an occupancy classified as any one of: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard, rack storage with solid shelves and any combination thereof. The sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K factor ranging from 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A deflector is spaced from the outlet to distribute a fire fighting fluid over a maximum protection area of about 196 square feet, and having one or more combination of features as described in the preferred deflector described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Donald B. Pounder, Michael R. Landi
  • Patent number: 8746356
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Publication number: 20130333903
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure assembly is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2 sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Donald B. POUNDER, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8522888
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8469112
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Patent number: 8327946
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, James W. Mears, Donald B. Pounder, Yoram Ringer
  • Publication number: 20110017478
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Donald B. POUNDER, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7819201
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7802628
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, Donald B. Pounder
  • Publication number: 20100132962
    Abstract: An extended coverage pendent sprinkler configured for the fire protection of an occupancy classified as any one of: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard, rack storage with solid shelves and any combination thereof. The sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K factor ranging from 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A deflector is spaced from the outlet to distribute a fire fighting fluid over a maximum protection area of about 196 square feet, and having one or more combination of features as described in the preferred deflector described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, JR., Donald B. Pounder, Michael R. Landi
  • Patent number: 7516800
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Thomas E. Archibald, Donald B. Pounder
  • Patent number: 5865256
    Abstract: A pendent-type fire protection sprinkler with a body defining an orifice and outlet for flow of fluid, and a deflector positioned coaxial with the outlet for impingement of fluid flow thereupon. The deflector has one or a combination of features for improved performance. For example, the deflector may have a frusto-conically shaped recess within a central area facing the sprinkler outlet, the recess defined by a surface slanted at a predetermined acute angle to the horizontal, with a plurality of holes or slots defined by the slanted surface, the recess being surrounded by an essentially flat outer area perpendicular to the sprinkler outlet axis. The deflector may have a bump, or other irregularity, on the sprinkler deflector inside surface opposed to the sprinkler outlet on each of the opposite tines in a plane perpendicular to a plane of the sprinkler frame arms. The deflector may have openings at about 45.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Donald B. Pounder
  • Patent number: 5862994
    Abstract: An upright-type fire protection sprinkler with a body defining an orifice and outlet for flow of fluid, and a deflector positioned coaxial with the outlet for impingement of fluid flow thereupon, has one or a combination of the following features for improved performance. The deflector may have an inner surface with a recessed central area, and a recessed redirecting area about the central area at a predetermined acute angle and axial offset thereto. The deflector has tines with inner surfaces inclined towards the outlet, at least a first set of tines disposed in planes at about 45.degree. to a first plane of sprinkler frame arms, the surfaces of the first set of tines being inclined at an angle relatively more outward from the axis than the angle of inner surfaces of adjacent tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5152344
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler including a frame having an outlet opening for fire extinguishing fluid and spaced apart frame arms extending from the outlet opening to provide a support at a location spaced from the outlet opening, a sealing member covering the opening, a thermally responsive member connected between the sealing member and the support to seal off the opening during normal temperature conditions and to release the sealing member during abnornally high temperature conditions, an adapter member attached to the frame, one or more pins that are supported by the adapter member, and a deflector that is slidably mounted with respect to the adapter member via the pin or pins. Also disclosed is a clip that retains the deflector in the retracted position in a releasable fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Fischer, Donald B. Pounder, James W. Mears
  • Patent number: 4580729
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler head which can reduce or substantially eliminate frame shadow effects that produce non-uniformity in spray pattern. The head is of the known type having a base with a throat through which fire retardant fluid flows and two or more frame arms which extend outwardly from the base and joint in an arch-form to support, in the path of fluid discharged from the throat, a central boss which deflects the fluid outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Grinnell Fire Protection Systems Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Pounder
  • Patent number: RE44329
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: RE45377
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer