Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Bonfield

Douglas A. Bonfield 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).

  • Device for regulating speed of deployment of sprinkler heads in preactive sprinkler systems
    Patent number: 6216963
    Abstract: A telescopic high pressure sprinkler system is provided with a plurality of gaskets forming sliding seals between the piston and the outer conduit. Thus, the volume between the piston and the outer conduit forms a fluid chamber that is compressed as the piston is deployed so as to dampen the acceleration of sprinkler deployment. Furthermore, adjustable bleeder holes are provided to regulate the fluid chamber's compression while the gaskets provide a cushion when the piston comes to a stop. These bleeder holes also allow refilling of the piston fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Curran Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bonfield, Stanley J. Zielinski
  • Device for regulating speed of deployment of sprinkler heads in preactive sprinkler systems
    Patent number: 5921322
    Abstract: A telescopic high pressure sprinkler system is provided with a plurality of gaskets forming sliding seals between the piston and the outer conduit. Thus, the volume between the piston and the outer conduit forms a fluid chamber that is compressed as the piston is deployed so as to dampen the acceleration of sprinkler deployment. Furthermore, bleeder holes are provided to regulate the fluid chamber's compression while the gaskets provide a cushion when the piston comes to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The Curran Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bonfield, Stanley J. Zielinski, Joseph J. Roling