Patents by Inventor Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.

Lawrence W. Thau, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20220347505
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. BUCHER, Frank J. CYGLER, William J. REILLY, Yi LIU, Lawrence W. THAU, JR.
  • Patent number: 11389679
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10890261
    Abstract: A valve has a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a cavity therebetween which receives a valve seat. The valve seat defines a slot which receives a gate. The valve seat is sealingly engaged with the housing, the gate sealingly engages the valve seat and is movable within the slot between an open and a closed position using an actuator. An opening in the housing provides access to the cavity. The valve seat may be removed from the housing through the opening by attaching the valve seat to the gate, thereby attaching the valve seat to the actuator, and withdrawing the gate from the housing using the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr., Michael Davis, Michael Prince
  • Publication number: 20200158245
    Abstract: A valve has a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a cavity therebetween which receives a valve seat. The valve seat defines a slot which receives a gate. The valve seat is sealingly engaged with the housing, the gate sealingly engages the valve seat and is movable within the slot between an open and a closed position using an actuator. An opening in the housing provides access to the cavity. The valve seat may be removed from the housing through the opening by attaching the valve seat to the gate, thereby attaching the valve seat to the actuator, and withdrawing the gate from the housing using the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Lawrence W. Thau, JR., Michael Davis, Michael Prince
  • Publication number: 20200023217
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. BUCHER, Frank J. CYGLER, William J. REILLY, Yi LIU, Lawrence W. THAU, JR.
  • Patent number: 10532237
    Abstract: An emitter system capable of discharging an atomized liquid-gas stream or a liquid stream which atomizes into a spray has a source of pressurized gas and one or more sources of pressurized liquids. Flow of gas and liquid to an emitter is controlled by valves, and the emitter can be used to discharge either the atomized liquid-gas stream or the liquid stream. The emitter system may be used for fire suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10502324
    Abstract: A valve has a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a cavity therebetween which receives a valve seat. The valve seat defines a slot which receives a gate. The valve seat is sealingly engaged with the housing, the gate sealingly engages the valve seat and is movable within the slot between an open and a closed position using an actuator. An opening in the housing provides access to the cavity. The valve seat may be removed from the housing through the opening by attaching the valve seat to the gate, thereby attaching the valve seat to the actuator, and withdrawing the gate from the housing using the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr., Michael Davis, Michael Prince
  • Patent number: 10478650
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied to the conduit. The adapter between the conduit and the sprinkler is received within a bracket. The bracket also receives a cross beam for securing the sprinkler relatively to the branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John M. Stempo, Rudolf Szentimrey, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10449402
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180292014
    Abstract: A valve has a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a cavity therebetween which receives a valve seat. The valve seat defines a slot which receives a body rotatably mounted with in the valve seat. The valve seat is sealingly engaged with the housing, the body rotatably mounted with in the valve seat sealingly engages the valve seat and is rotatably movable between an open and a closed position using an actuator. An opening in the housing provides access to the cavity. The valve seat may be removed from the housing through the opening by attaching the valve seat to the body rotatably mounted with in the valve seat, thereby attaching the valve seat to the actuator, and withdrawing the body rotatably mounted with in the valve seat from the housing using the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: William J. Reilly, Lawrence W. Thau, JR., Michael Davis, Michael Prince
  • Patent number: 9631759
    Abstract: A tube is surrounded by a ring attached to a sleeve. One end of the tube is attached to a pipe of the pipeline, one end of the sleeve is attached to another pipe of the pipe line. The tube and the ring and sleeve are movable axially relatively to one another when the pipe line expands or contracts linearly. A seal between the ring and the tube ensures fluid tightness of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Randy L. Chase, Douglas R. Dole, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr., Wayne M. Biery, Scott D. Madara, Ryan D. Kuehner
  • Publication number: 20160279455
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied to the conduit. The adapter between the conduit and the sprinkler is received within a bracket. The bracket also receives a cross beam for securing the sprinkler relatively to the branch line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: John M. Stempo, Rudolf Szentimrey, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9415250
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr., Robert Ballard
  • Patent number: 9375594
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. The conduit is corrugated and has an outer surface with a plurality of crests and troughs. A sleeve co-axially surrounds a portion of the flexible conduit proximate to the sprinkler. The sleeve has a corrugated inwardly facing surface comprising a plurality of crests and troughs spaced so as to fit within the crests and troughs of the conduit and thereby prevent axial sliding motion of the sleeve relatively to the conduit. The sleeve and the flexible conduit are rotatable relatively to one another thereby preventing torque being applied to the flexible conduit through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John M Stempo, Rudolf Szentimrey, Lawrence W Thau, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160175630
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. BUCHER, Frank J. CYGLER, William J. REILLY, Yi LIU, Lawrence W. THAU, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160175632
    Abstract: A method of installing a sprinkler assembly in a piping network uses a sleeve moved along a conduit to a position where the sleeve is visible from below the assembly. The sleeve has markings which are used in a method to visually identify one or more characteristics of the assembly. Because the markings are indicative of characteristics of the assembly they can be used in a method for inspecting an installed assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas C. Savage, Lawrence W. Thau, JR.
  • Patent number: 9345918
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9278238
    Abstract: A bracket positioned on one side of a membrane or surface is adjustable from the other side of the surface to permit the position of an item supported by the bracket to be readily adjusted relatively to the surface. The bracket has a base to which an arm is movably attached. The arm moves between an open and a closed position to permit the item to be received by the bracket. In the closed position the item is clamped between the base and the arm. A finger is mounted on the base and is movable into and out of engagement with a contact surface on the arm. When the finger engages the contact surface it secures the arm in the closed position and effects the clamping action which holds the item in position. The finger and arm are readily accessible to permit adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Thau, Jr., Yi Liu, Shuo Peng
  • Patent number: D728756
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Savage, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE49600
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied to the conduit. The adapter between the conduit and the sprinkler is received within a bracket. The bracket also receives a cross beam for securing the sprinkler relatively to the branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John M. Stempo, Rudolf Szentimrey, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.