Patents by Inventor Edward A. Wicks

Edward A. Wicks 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: 5979565
    Abstract: A dual-emergency response system includes a common supply line that selectively conveys a fire extinguishing fluid to extinguish a fire and conveys life-sustaining air to displace air contaminated by biological or chemical toxins. A valve that distinguishes between the fire extinguishing fluid and the life-sustaining air opens to convey the air, but closes to prevent the fire extinguishing fluid from escaping. The valve is installed alongside an overhead spray nozzle of a fire sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Edward A. Wicks, Kenneth M. Berry
  • Patent number: 5720659
    Abstract: A fire protection system and method supplies life-sustaining air to occupants taking refuge in the bathrooms of a building. Upon sensing a fire, the system automatically drains water from the building's hot water re-circulating loop. The loop drains rapidly due to the loop's automatic vent valve and re-circulating pump. Fresh air selected from among number of sources is then injected into the loop at a rather low pressure. The low pressure actuates a low pressure relief valve located at each bathroom sink. The valves automatically release the fresh air into each bathroom. If there is any exhaust vent in any of the bathrooms, it is equipped with an automatic damper that seals in the fresh air and prevents a back draft of smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Edward A. Wicks
  • Patent number: 5718627
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining elevator use during a fire includes a blower and a damper at opposite ends of an elevator shaft to create a full volume current of fresh air that engulfs a conventional elevator car traveling between floors. The unidirectional airflow provides a curtain of air that "washes" any smoke away from the exterior of the elevator car. When the car stops at a floor, the damper closes to force the fresh airflow onto that floor. Fresh air is chosen from one of several fresh air supplies by sensing the quality of the air at the supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Edward A. Wicks
  • Patent number: 4380187
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing air to persons entrapped within a burning structure to sustain life until rescuers arrive. The system advantageously utilizes existing water pipes to feed the air at elevated pressure to the trapped occupants. These persons, upon finding their route of escape blocked by the fire or by smoke, retreat into a predetermined refuge room, a bathroom usually or a washroom, and place wet towels, curtains, blankets, etc. against the door to aid in excluding smoke. The pressurized air being supplied through the pipes into the refuge room advantageously raises the pressure therein and thereby prevents the entry of undue amounts of smoke while at the same time replenishing the breathable air within the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1983
    Inventor: Edward A. Wicks