Patents by Inventor Martin H. Workman

Martin H. Workman 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: 20230417343
    Abstract: Differential-type dry pipe valves for fire protection systems are provided. The valve includes a body with a clapper assembly disposed in an internal passage of the valve body between an inlet and an outlet. The clapper assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position to respectively prevent and permit fluid flow through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. With the clapper assembly in the open position, an internal mechanism is positioned to stop the clapper moving to the closed position. The valve includes a resetting assembly having a knob exterior to the body. Translation of the knob toward the outlet moves the internal mechanism which permits the clapper assembly to move to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Shawn J. FEENSTRA, Vinh Bao HOA, Martin H. WORKMAN
  • Publication number: 20230405380
    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: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Shawn J. FEENSTRA
  • Patent number: 11794047
    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
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Publication number: 20230277880
    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: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Scott T. FRANSON, James E. GOLINVEAUX
  • Publication number: 20230191176
    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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Shawn J. FEENSTRA
  • Publication number: 20230181947
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Scott T. Franson, James E. Golinveaux, Jason Thomas Watson
  • Publication number: 20230149963
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson
  • Publication number: 20230087195
    Abstract: A device and method of protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective device is embodied as a tubular cap that axially receives the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes an internal gripping portion for engaging the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes a wall that maintains its geometry before receiving the sprinkler the same after receiving the fire protection sprinkler. Moreover, the protective installation device maintains its geometry constant to sufficiently torque the sprinkler into a fitting for installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Shawn J. FEENSTRA, Gary William PLEYTE, Scott T. FRANSON
  • Publication number: 20230089748
    Abstract: A device for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The protective device is embodied as a tubular cap that axially receives the sprinkler. The protection and installation device includes a wall with a stiffening element to facilitate the strength and rigidity of the device so that it can sufficiently transfer a torque to install the protected sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Jason T. Watson, Scott T. Franson, Martin H. Workman, Shawn J. Feenstra, Gary William Pleyte
  • Patent number: 11590371
    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
  • Patent number: 11583712
    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
  • Patent number: 11559710
    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
  • Patent number: 11548027
    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
  • Publication number: 20220347503
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Shawn J. FEENSTRA, Derek J. SCHEFFERS
  • Publication number: 20220203395
    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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Gary William PLEYTE, Scott T. FRANSON, Martin H. WORKMAN
  • Publication number: 20210213310
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Scott T. FRANSON, James E. GOLINVEAUX
  • Patent number: 11007388
    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
  • Publication number: 20210052925
    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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Martin H. WORKMAN, Scott T. FRANSON, James E. GOLINVEAUX, Jason Thomas WATSON
  • Patent number: 10780303
    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
  • Patent number: D975365
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Viking Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Workman, Ori Levin, Svetlana Sulema, Guy Levin