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).
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Patent number: 11752380Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Publication number: 20230256278Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR.
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Publication number: 20230233894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2021Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Lyle Miller, William K. Rucker, Kevin W. Pressnell
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Patent number: 11666790Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11660482Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
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Patent number: 11642558Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11614191Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11471719Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Publication number: 20220305313Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
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Publication number: 20220296946Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, JR., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Publication number: 20220296947Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11389682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
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Patent number: 11389681Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
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Patent number: 11376457Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11376456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Kevin W. Pressnell, Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Patent number: 11253737Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210162248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Publication number: 20210154508Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, JR., Sean E. Cutting, William K. Rucker, Daniel A. Cross
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Publication number: 20210077843Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Steven Lee Shields, Gary J. Luiz
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Publication number: 20210033231Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: Tyco Fire Products LPInventors: Manuel R. SILVA, JR., Steven Lee SHIELDS, Gary J. LUIZ