Patents by Inventor Steven Lee Shields

Steven Lee Shields 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: 11752380
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Publication number: 20230256278
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body defining (a) a passage having an inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fire suppressant fluid, (b) an outlet fluidly coupled to the passage, and (c) a compression pin aperture extending from an outer surface of the body to the passage and configured to receive a compression pin, a button received within the passage, and a seal engaging the button and the body to fluidly seal the inlet from the outlet. The compression pin aperture is positioned such that the compression pin engages the button to force the button against the seal when the compression pin is inserted into the compression pin aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230233894
    Abstract: A fire protection system can include one or more pipes coupled with a fluid source, a pipe fitting coupled with the one or more pipes downstream of the fluid source, and at least one sprinkler coupled with the one or more pipes and the pipe fitting. The pipe fitting can include a wall defining an opening, the wall having an outer diameter, a first wall thickness at the opening, and a second wall thickness inward from the opening, the second wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness. The at least one sprinkler can be coupled with the one or more pipes and the pipe fitting to receive fluid from the fluid source through the one or more pipes and the pipe fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Lyle Miller, William K. Rucker, Kevin W. Pressnell
  • Patent number: 11666790
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body and a tubular connection fitting. The tubular connection fitting includes a first end for connection to a fluid supply pipe and a second end with the sprinkler body inserted therein, the tubular member including an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner surface of the tubular member includes a first stop surface spaced from the first end to define an insertion depth for the fluid supply pipe and a second stop surface to limit insertion of the sprinkler body into the second end. The first stop surface defines an annular channel for housing an end of the fluid supply pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11660482
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body defining (a) a passage having an inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fire suppressant fluid, (b) an outlet fluidly coupled to the passage, and (c) a compression pin aperture extending from an outer surface of the body to the passage and configured to receive a compression pin, a button received within the passage, and a seal engaging the button and the body to fluidly seal the inlet from the outlet. The compression pin aperture is positioned such that the compression pin engages the button to force the button against the seal when the compression pin is inserted into the compression pin aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11642558
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending between the first and second insertion end along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and including a gripping portion axially spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion for insertion in the second insertion end with the leading portion received within the sealing surface before the trailing portion engages the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11614191
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The sprinkler has a body with a passageway extending along a first longitudinal axis and an outer encasing surface surrounding the first longitudinal axis and outer encasing surface including a seal member, and a deflector spaced from the outlet. The fitting includes a tubular member including an exterior surface and inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The fitting includes a gripper ring disposed along the inner surface and a helical internal periphery about the second longitudinal axis in helical contact with a portion of the outer encasing surface between the deflector and seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11471719
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly include a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a gripping portion spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passageway between the inlet and the outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion engaged with the gripping portion, having a first retention section and a second retention section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Publication number: 20220305313
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A guide pin aperture is defined by at least one of the body or a bushing coupled to the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a deflector slidably coupled to the body. The deflector includes a deflector body coupled to a guide pin. The guide pin includes a shaft portion extending through the guide pin aperture and a shoulder that is wider than the shaft portion and configured to engage at least one of the body or the bushing to limit movement of the deflector body away from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
  • Publication number: 20220296946
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, JR., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Publication number: 20220296947
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending between the first and second insertion end along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and including a gripping portion axially spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion for insertion in the second insertion end with the leading portion received within the sealing surface before the trailing portion engages the gripping portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11389682
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A guide pin aperture is defined by at least one of the body or a bushing coupled to the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a deflector slidably coupled to the body. The deflector includes a deflector body coupled to a guide pin. The guide pin includes a shaft portion extending through the guide pin aperture and a shoulder that is wider than the shaft portion and configured to engage at least one of the body or the bushing to limit movement of the deflector body away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
  • Patent number: 11389681
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A guide pin aperture is defined by at least one of the body or a bushing coupled to the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a deflector slidably coupled to the body. The deflector includes a deflector body coupled to a guide pin. The guide pin includes a shaft portion extending through the guide pin aperture and a shoulder that is wider than the shaft portion and configured to engage at least one of the body or the bushing to limit movement of the deflector body away from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
  • Patent number: 11376457
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending between the first and second insertion end along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis and including a gripping portion axially spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion for insertion in the second insertion end with the leading portion received within the sealing surface before the trailing portion engages the gripping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11376456
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Patent number: 11253737
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body defining (a) a passage having an inlet and extending along a longitudinal axis and (b) an outlet fluidly coupled to the passage. The sprinkler includes a seal engaging a button and the body to fluidly seal the inlet from the outlet. A link and lever assembly includes a first lever and a second lever engaging the button. The first lever and the second lever each include (a) a leg positioned near a base end of the lever and extending outward from the longitudinal axis, the leg defining an engagement surface, (b) a head positioned near a tip end of the lever, and (c) a main body extending from the leg to the head. A fusible link limits movement of the heads. The engagement surfaces each engage a surface of the body to limit movement of the button along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210162248
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body and a tubular connection fitting. The tubular connection fitting includes a first end for connection to a fluid supply pipe and a second end with the sprinkler body inserted therein, the tubular member including an outer surface and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner surface of the tubular member includes a first stop surface spaced from the first end to define an insertion depth for the fluid supply pipe and a second stop surface to limit insertion of the sprinkler body into the second end. The first stop surface defines an annular channel for housing an end of the fluid supply pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Publication number: 20210154508
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet. A guide pin aperture is defined by at least one of the body or a bushing coupled to the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a deflector slidably coupled to the body. The deflector includes a deflector body coupled to a guide pin. The guide pin includes a shaft portion extending through the guide pin aperture and a shoulder that is wider than the shaft portion and configured to engage at least one of the body or the bushing to limit movement of the deflector body away from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
  • Publication number: 20210077843
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly include a connection fitting and a fire protection sprinkler. The connection fitting includes a tubular member with a first insertion end and a second insertion end with an internal conduit extending along a longitudinal axis, the tubular member including an exterior surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a sealing surface between the first and second insertion ends circumscribed about the longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a gripping portion spaced from the sealing surface. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet with a passageway between the inlet and the outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding the longitudinal axis and including a leading portion and a trailing portion engaged with the gripping portion, having a first retention section and a second retention section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
  • Publication number: 20210033231
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The sprinkler has a body with a passageway extending along a first longitudinal axis and an outer encasing surface surrounding the first longitudinal axis and outer encasing surface including a seal member, and a deflector spaced from the outlet. The fitting includes a tubular member including an exterior surface and inner surface, the inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The fitting includes a gripper ring disposed along the inner surface and a helical internal periphery about the second longitudinal axis in helical contact with a portion of the outer encasing surface between the deflector and seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. SILVA, JR., Steven Lee SHIELDS, Gary J. LUIZ