Distributing Systems Patents (Class 169/16)
  • Patent number: 11905689
    Abstract: A device of the invention comprises piping for carrying liquid such as potable water within a piping network of a building, at least two control valves, a pressure transducer to measure water pressure in the piping, a flowmeter to measure water flow and a controller to control opening and closing of the control valves based on sensed pressure and measured waterflow. The controller has a processor with preprogrammed instructions for controlling conditions under which the control valves are opened and closed by command from said controller. Two programmable modes for control are provided for use in a building under construction; a rough-in operation and a normal water-on operation. Both modes have respective leak prevention logic in the controller enabling automatic operation of the control valves for effective leak prevention. The device may be employed within a communications network in which remote computers and mobile communication devices may observe and/or control operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: RK INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Wallace
  • Patent number: 11878196
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring apparatus includes a temperature sensor and a control circuit. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of a piping system, such as a temperature of water in the piping system. The control circuit includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the control circuit to determine whether water in the piping system is expected to freeze based on the indication of the temperature, predict whether a valve tripping event is expected to occur based on determining that the water in the piping system is expected to freeze, and in response to predicting that the valve tripping event is expected to occur, provide a prediction that the valve tripping event is expected to occur for remedial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Chad A. Goyette, Jeremy Tyler Cogswell
  • Patent number: 11673008
    Abstract: Attic fire protection systems and methods for the protection of sloped attic spaces having large roof spans over eighty feet up to one hundred feet (80-100 ft.). The systems and method provide for a five-branch system with sprinklers having a directional spray interleaved between sprinklers having a uniform radial spray at the peak ridge and sprinklers having a uniform radial spray at the eave of the attic space. The systems and methods define a hydraulic demand with a total flow rate of under 175 GPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Jed Edmond Pipe, Shawn Gregory Orr
  • Patent number: 11534641
    Abstract: Sectional fire protection systems and methods for the protection of an attic space are provided. A fluid control thermal detection device is located above a ceiling base and one or more open fluid distribution devices are disposed, spaced and connected to the fluid control thermal detection device for receipt of firefighting fluid from the fluid control thermal detection device to protect the attic space with a desired fluid density and total system flow demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Sean E. Cutting, John Morton Walker, IV
  • Patent number: 11452894
    Abstract: Sectional fire protection systems and methods for the protection of an attic space are provided. A fluid control thermal detection device is located above a ceiling base within a spherical radial distance proximate a peak region of the attic space. An open fluid distribution device is disposed between the roof deck and the ceiling base and connected to the fluid control thermal detection device for receipt of firefighting fluid from the fluid control thermal detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew Craig Williams, Luke Stevenson Connery, Sean E. Cutting
  • Patent number: 11400324
    Abstract: A method of protecting life, property, homes and businesses from wild fire by applying environmentally-clean anti-fire (AF) liquid spray using a wireless system network supported by GPS-tracking techniques. Intelligence is collected and GPS-specified maps and reports are generated on the wireless system network informing when environmentally-clean anti-fire (AF) chemical liquid should be spray applied to GPS-specified property parcels, prior to the arrival of wild fires, using GPS-tracking AF chemical liquid spraying systems. The preferred clean anti-fire chemical liquid does not depend on water to inhibit the ignition of fire and flame spread, so that, even after a month or two after spray application on buildings and dry brush around homes and the neighborhood, the clean anti-fire chemical continues to work by inhibiting fire ignition and flame spread, and the ability of a wild fire to advance and consume property and homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: MIGHTY FIRE BREAKER LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Conboy
  • Patent number: 11358736
    Abstract: A damage recovery system of a fuselage of an aircraft, comprising: a tank containing a polyurethane foam; a main duct fluidically coupled to the tank to receive the foam; secondary ducts fluidically coupled to the main duct; and distribution means adapted to allow an outflow of the foam from the secondary ducts. Graphene powder can be mixed and added to the polyurethane foam. In flight, a possible leak (crack or hole) in the fuselage is plugged by the polyurethane foam with graphene powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: LEONARDO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Brelati, Girolamo Brelati, Rosario Del Giudice, Tommaso Romano
  • Patent number: 11247086
    Abstract: A pilot actuator for controlling the operation of a control valve. The control valve can be part of a dry-type fire suppression sprinkler system in which the sprinkler piping network is filled with pressurized gas such as, for example, air, nitrogen, or another gas. The pilot actuator is a differential valve that actuates the control valve when the gas pressure in the sprinkler piping network is at or below a value for tripping or actuating the pilot valve to the open position. The pilot actuator has a ratio of a change in a trip pressure set point to a change in an inlet pressure that is in a range of 0.007 to 0.045.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Shawn J. Feenstra, Marc Serge Ferere
  • Patent number: 11149435
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to an apparatus for fire protection to a peak of a roof of a structure including a fire-retardant conduit mounted to the peak of the roof. The fire-retardant conduit includes a channel having sidewalls, each sidewall including a top portion having a lip; a channel windbreak configured to cover the channel and the lip of the channel; and a fire-retardant source pipe coupling the fire-retardant conduit to a fire-retardant source to supply fire-retardant into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: EVAC FIRE PREVENTION, LLC
    Inventor: Matt Sayeri
  • Patent number: 11081015
    Abstract: A training device, which is used to cause a user to be trained to operate an extra part based on a measurement result of user's brain activity, notifies the user of information indicating a degree of activation of a brain area corresponding to the extra part, as information indicating the state of the brain activity of the user who imagines trying to operate the extra part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: Yuya Maruyama, Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11035713
    Abstract: Meters including a pressure regulating systems are provided. The pressure regulating system includes a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure of water flowing through the meter; an actuator coupled to the pressure sensor; an electronics module configured to receive pressure information related sensed pressure from the actuator and process the received pressure information; and a radio module coupled to the meter and configured to receive the processed sensor information from the electronics module, communicate the processed sensor information to a remote location and receive pressure adjustment information from the remote location. The received pressure adjustment information is used to adjust water pressure in the meter from the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum LLC
    Inventor: Christian Heizenroeder
  • Patent number: 10864397
    Abstract: A manifold for supplying multiple water streams, which streams may be used in connection with fire protection systems, from a single water supply source. The system includes an elongate body portion for holding water. Body portion has spaced apart first and second ends and a wall having a non-circular cross section with a top portion and converging side portions join the top portion and a bottom portion. A water inlet extends from the bottom of the body portion. A pair of water outlets extend from the top of the body portion and are located proximate the first and second ends of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald Beasley
  • Patent number: 10843020
    Abstract: A system to mitigate false trips of a valve that supplies water to a piping system in a fire suppression system includes at least one edge device, a control circuit, and at least one user device. The at least one edge device monitors a parameter corresponding to at least one of a corrosion, a presence of water, a differential pressure across the valve, and a temperature in the piping system of the fire suppression system. The control circuit includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the control circuit to receive an indication of the parameter monitored by the at least one edge device, predict whether a valve tripping event is expected to occur based on the received indication, and in response to predicting that the valve tripping event is expected to occur, provide the prediction that the valve tripping event can occur for remedial action. The at least one user device presents display data regarding the prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Chad A. Goyette, Zachary L. Magnone, Cassandra Lyn DeNunzio, Jeremy Tyler Cogswell
  • Patent number: 10829914
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for maintaining the integrity or pressurization of a dry pipe sprinkler system by preventing damage to auxiliary drains from freezing temperatures are taught. An insulated, heated housing, which may be thermostatically controlled provides a controlled environment about an auxiliary drain, insulated and with a heater. An alarm may be used as well to provide warning if said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate and embodiments may be retrofit about an existing auxiliary drain or be provided with an auxiliary drain for installation upon a dry pipe sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventor: George Joseph McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 10744358
    Abstract: A method of temporarily operating sprinklers and mobile sensors during buildings/facilities alterations, renovations, additions, repairs, rehabilitations, relocations and any other similar activities where personnel may trigger sprinkler systems through accidental actions (or inactions) during their chores. This minimizes the possibility of damages during the building's construction/renovation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Timothy Krayeski, Andrew Shetty, Dale Funk
  • Patent number: 10675492
    Abstract: Fire protection system and methods for concealed spaces providing for effective fire protection over an effective depth range measuring from a minimum six inches up to a maximum that is greater than thirty-six inches. A combustible concealed space that includes an upper deck and a ceiling deck spaced about a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the ceiling deck with a fire protection system having a firefighting fluid supply pipe and at least one automatic upright sprinkler coupled to the fluid supply pipe and positioned to define an effective depth range that measures from six inches to a maximum of at least sixty inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Sean E. Cutting, Patrick Hoefner Crowe
  • Patent number: 10603533
    Abstract: Noise and room air overpressure on discharge of a gas extinguisher system is reduced. During the discharge, an extinguishing fluid is conveyed from a pressurized container via a container valve and line system to an extinguishing nozzle. At the beginning of the discharge the extinguishing fluid is predominantly present in the line system in liquid phase and after discharge it assumes a predominantly gaseous phase. In a phase transition period, which is accompanied by a significant reduction in the extinguishing fluid mass flow and a significant increase in the noise and the room air pressure, the mass flow is then reduced or stopped. Due to the reduction of the mass flow, the sound level of the noise arising is advantageously reduced to a value of a maximum of 100 dB and the room air pressure to an overpressure value ranging from 200 to 1000 Pa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gerd Huelsen, Benno Rupp
  • Patent number: 10537761
    Abstract: A monitored fire suppression assembly for preventing water damage includes a control valve that is coupled a water supply. A flow detector and a release valve are positioned proximate to the control valve in a piping network extending from the control valve. Each of a plurality of a sprinklers that is coupled to the piping network comprises a switch and a plug. The switch is operationally coupled to the plug so that release of the plug trips the switch. An alarm panel is operationally coupled to the flow detector, the release valve, the control valve, and the switch. Receipt of a flow signal from the flow detector, in an event the switch is not tripped, positions the alarm panel to actuate the control valve to cut off water to the sprinkler, and to actuate the release valve to drain the piping network via a tube extending from the release valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Justin Mull
  • Patent number: 10532236
    Abstract: A fire protection method includes providing a plurality of pendent control mode specific application extended coverage fire protection sprinklers as components of a fire protection sprinkler system for a storage area defined by a storage height of at least 25 feet and a building height of at least 30 feet. Each sprinkler has a thermally responsive element, a deflector, and a K-factor of at least 25.2 gpm/(psi)1/2, and is connected to a piping network at a height greater than the storage height. When each sprinkler is activated, a fluid is supplied to the sprinkler from the piping network at a pressure of at least 30 pounds per square inch, and is delivered to a coverage area of greater than 110 and up to and including 196 square feet per sprinkler. A design operating area of the sprinkler system is up to six sprinklers or 1200 square feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 10512804
    Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing fluids such as fire suppressant include a fire suppressant delivery system having at least one fire suppressant delivery apparatus. The fire suppressant delivery apparatus includes a tower member, at least one dispensing mechanism mounted to the tower member and operable to adjust at least one of a dispensing angle relative to a horizontal plane and a dispensing angle circumferentially about the tower member, at least one fire monitoring device mounted to the tower member and operable to detect fire, and a flow regulator automatically operable to control flow of a fire suppressant to the at least one dispensing mechanism in response to fire detected by the at least one fire monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jacques Klarlund, Lola Klarlund-Younger
  • Patent number: 10486005
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting oxygen in ambient air from entering a water supply system having at least one ingress point at which a fluid can enter the water supply system includes supplying an inert gas to the at least one ingress point of the water supply system. The inert gas enters the water supply system at the at least one ingress point and substantially inhibits ambient air including oxygen from entering the water supply system at the at least one ingress point to substantially inhibit oxygen corrosion in the water supply system. Example pump assemblies for coupling to water supply systems, piping networks, and water- based fire sprinkler systems for inhibiting ambient air, including the oxygen it may contain, from entering the systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Engineered Corrosion Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Kochelek
  • Patent number: 10449401
    Abstract: The present application discloses a ground-deployable, rooftop-situated wildfire defense sprinkler system, which may be safely and quickly installed onto peaks of the roof by one or two people working from the ground, and which may also be safely and quickly removed from the roof once the equipment is no longer required; the sprinkler comprising a clam shell frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one front skid pivotally coupled at a pivotal coupling to at least one rear skid so that the front and rear skids rotate relative to one another about an axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling, a translation means mounted to the frame, at least one connection point mounted to the frame and positioned adjacent the axis of rotation, a sprinkler mast mounted to the frame and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom and adapted for mounting a sprinkler head thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Bryan David Coffey
  • Patent number: 10400432
    Abstract: A sanitary coupling (1) is provided that connects an inflow-side and an outflow-side line section to each other. A sanitary insert element (5) is provided that has an insert housing (4) and is insertable via an end-side insert opening into a housing receptacle (7) of a first line section (2). The housing interior (6) of the insert housing (4) communicates with the ambient air, in that an annular zone (10) is provided between the housing outer circumference of the insert housing (4) and the inner circumference of the housing receptacle (7), and in a partial region of said annular zone (10), at least one air duct (12) which is effective between housing interior (6) and housing outer circumference is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Fangmeier
  • Patent number: 10335620
    Abstract: Methods of making manufactured housing components and manufactured homes are disclosed. Manufactured housing components and manufactured homes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ScotBilt Homes, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Anthony Burkett, Gregory Keith Scott
  • Patent number: 10336464
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion assembly includes an engine, a nacelle surrounding the engine, and a system for extinguishing a fire that may occur in the engine and/or in the nacelle. The extinguishing system has means for supplying an extinguishant to at least one extinguishant distribution pipe which opens into a cavity of the engine and/or a cavity of the nacelle. The extinguishing system also includes means for supplying said at least one pipe with air so as to ventilate the or each cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Pierrick Charlemagne, Delphine Leroux
  • Patent number: 10279367
    Abstract: Provided herein is a sprinkler system including a compact-design connector coupling a flexible conduit to a sprinkler body. In one approach a sprinkler assembly includes a t-joint connector, a sprinkler body (e.g., a dry-type pendent body) coupled to the t-joint connector at a first opening of the t-joint connector, and a flexible conduit coupled to the t-joint connector at a second opening of the t-joint coupling. The sprinkler assembly may further include an adjustable bracket coupling the sprinkler body to a building structure, such as a ceiling or wall. The t-joint connector eliminates the use of an elbow-type connection to a flexible hose, thus enabling use in a freezer/cooler application, while also reducing the overall footprint of the sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Anvil International, LLC
    Inventors: Odair Dafonseca, Joseph Beagen
  • Patent number: 10272274
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes one or more solid horizontal barriers that cover a rack, of a plurality of adjoining racks, and a vertical flue space between adjacent racks. Each barrier is provided at a predetermined height, and has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack and a depth of the vertical flue space. In addition, one or more rack-level fire protection sprinklers are connected to a fluid supply conduit, and are disposed in the vertical flue space above or below a solid horizontal barrier. Each of the one or more rack-level sprinklers is vertically spaced from the commodities stored on a rack, of the plurality of adjoining racks, that is covered by the solid horizontal barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Multer, Oliver Pahila
  • Patent number: 10265560
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, an inlet, an inlet seal assembly, and an inlet release unit. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and is sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends between the inlet and the outlet through the flexible tube. When the outlet seal assembly is released, the flexible linkage translates from a first position to a second position, and the flexible linkage operates the inlet release unit to release the inlet seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George Polan
  • Patent number: 10226653
    Abstract: A device configured for fire suppression and containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: First Cousins, LLCF
    Inventors: Frank R. Reda, Frank P. Bevilacqua
  • Patent number: 10220228
    Abstract: A fire suppression system for a plurality of enclosures in an aircraft comprises a plurality of bottles containing fire suppression agent, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor on each bottle for measuring temperature and pressure data of the bottle contents, an addressable bottle valve on each bottle and a control unit. The control unit is configured to analyze the temperature and pressure data for each bottle to determine adequacy of fire suppression agent content for extinguishing a fire in a particular enclosure of the aircraft. The control unit is further configured to control the bottle valves independently by using the bottle valves' addresses, in order to manage the release of fire suppression agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KIDDE GRAVINER LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul A. Rennie, Josephine G. Gatsonides, Stuart M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10155126
    Abstract: Embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion with a detection device, a valve body, an armature assembly, and a detection plate. The armature assembly has a first end extending through the solenoid portion and a second end extending into the valve body. The detection plate is configured to interact with the detection device to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body. The solenoid portion is disposed between the valve body and the detection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: TLX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Schwobe, Derek Arvid Dahlgren, Benjamin Nathan Shimon
  • Patent number: 10149992
    Abstract: A fire suppression system in which the water supply line (108) is fitted with repeating arrays of sprinkler heads (102, 106). Each array is substantially identical and is composed of two side-discharge sprinklers (106) and one vertical-discharge sprinkler (102). The side-discharge sprinklers (106) in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. The trigger (109) for the vertical-discharge sprinkler (102) has a lower activation temperature (Tv) than the activation temperatures (Th) of the side-discharge sprinklers (106) so that the vertical-discharge sprinkler (102) will activate earlier than either of the side-discharge sprinklers (106). The vertical-discharge sprinkler (102) may include a heat collector (104) to facilitate early activation of its trigger (109). The fire suppression system and method harness the working power of working of multiple orientations of fire sprinklers to produce, in effect, a super fire sprinkler system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Firebird Sprinkler Company LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Pigeon
  • Patent number: 10052507
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system of an aircraft including: a fire extinguishing nozzle that is provided on an installation member forming a compartment of the aircraft; and a fire extinguishing pipe that is provided on a support structure supporting the installation member from a back side, and supplies a fire extinguishing agent to the fire extinguishing nozzle, wherein the fire extinguishing pipe includes a first pipe that is supported by a first support member constituting the support structure, a second pipe that is supported by a second support member constituting the support structure and crossing the first support member, and a tube having flexibility that connects the first pipe and the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takafumi Kono, Yuya Kojima, Koichiro Fushiya, Kyoichi Wada
  • Patent number: 10022575
    Abstract: An antifreeze fire protection sprinkler system is provided including a water supply and a water distribution pipe system having a plurality of segments disposed in a potentially freezing environment and having a check valve and a plurality of fire protection sprinklers disposed in each segment wherein the plurality of fire protection sprinklers are designed to limit the atomization of the antifreeze solution. A pressure regulating device is disposed in the water distribution pipe system for limiting a maximum pressure of water supplied to the water distribution pipe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Bosma
  • Patent number: 9950203
    Abstract: A control valve assembly includes a valve body having inlet and outlet ends, and an endless valve seat therebetween. A clapper disk is pivotably mounted within the valve body, and is pivotable between a sealingly closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the clapper disk. A U-shaped arm is rotatably supported in the valve body, and rotatable between a first position, wherein a bight of the U-shaped arm is positioned out of an operational range of movement of the clapper disk such that the clapper disk is freely movable between the open and closed positions thereof, and a second position, wherein the bight of the U-shaped arm engages and maintains the clapper disk in the sealingly closed position thereof. A selectively rotatable control arm operatively coupled with the U-shaped arm and utilized to move the U-shaped arm between the first and second positions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBE FIRE SPRINKLER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoram Ringer, Stephen J. Meyer, Thomas Edwin Archibald
  • Patent number: 9890873
    Abstract: Embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion having a housing. The housing has a first bore and a second bore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armature assembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil. The solenoid valve also includes a valve body. The valve body is adapted to receive a second end of the armature assembly. The solenoid valve further includes a detection device located in the second bore and a detection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body. The detection device interacts with the detection plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: TLX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas Schwobe, Derek Arvid Dahlgren, Benjamin Nathan Shimon
  • Patent number: 9889326
    Abstract: Noise and room air overpressure on discharge of a gas extinguisher system is reduced. During the discharge, an extinguishing fluid is conveyed from a pressurized container via a container valve and line system to an extinguishing nozzle. At the beginning of the discharge the extinguishing fluid is predominantly present in the line system in liquid phase and after discharge it assumes a predominantly gaseous phase. In a phase transition period, which is accompanied by a significant reduction in the extinguishing fluid mass flow and a significant increase in the noise and the room air pressure, the mass flow is then reduced or stopped. Due to the reduction of the mass flow, the sound level of the noise arising is advantageously reduced to a value of a maximum of 100 dB and the room air pressure to an overpressure value ranging from 200 to 1000 Pa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gerd Huelsen, Benno Rupp
  • Patent number: 9861844
    Abstract: A method for fire prevention and/or fire fighting on board an aircraft comprises the steps detecting a fire event, leading an extinguishant to a fire source through a cooling-system piping system (12) which serves, in the normal operation of the aircraft, to supply a refrigerant to a cooling station (14a, 14b) and/or discharge a refrigerant from a cooling station (14a, 14b), and flooding the fire source with the extinguishant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Sieme, Markus Piesker
  • Patent number: 9849316
    Abstract: A deluge fire protection system for tunnels having vehicle traffic including a main water supply pipe and a horizontal spray nozzle arrangement. The horizontal spray nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle device having an inlet portion defining an internal diameter and an external nominal diameter. The horizontal spray arrangement includes a coupling arrangement between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement defines a multi-direction flow path between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The multi-direction flow path has an effective length of at least eight times a diameter of the inlet portion, and a cross-sectional area along the effective length greater than the cross-sectional area defined by a diameter of the inlet portion of the body of the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement provides for water delivery to the nozzle device at a working pressure ranging from about 10 psi. to about 30 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Pedriant Pena, Jose L. Almeida, George B. Coletta, Luke S. Connery
  • Patent number: 9718076
    Abstract: A sprinkler side frame coupling device including: a side frame coupled to support frames each having a locking step formed on top thereof and having a body, first bending portions formed on both sides of the body, a horizontal portion formed from each first bending portion, a second bending portion, a space portion formed on each first bending portion, pin support portions, long holes formed on the pin support portions, shaft support portions, and inclined projection portions; a locking pin having a shape of ‘U’ fitted to the long holes; and coupling members each having a plurality of inclined teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KOPULSO CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 9707423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system as well as a method for extinguishing fire in an enclosed room (6) in which the enclosed room (6) is flooded with extinguishing gas at least until an extinguishing gas concentration capable of providing an extinguishing effect (a) is set in the flood zone. In order to achieve the realizing of a maximum extinguishing gas concentration (b) as quickly as possible without the flooding of the room (6) thereby posing a danger to people, it is inventively provided for the flooding of the enclosed room (6) to be divided into a pre-flooding phase and a main flooding phase subsequent thereto. The pre-flooding phase corresponds to an interval of time between the time (t1) the alarming starts to warn people of impending danger and a predefined time (t2). The main flooding phase corresponds to an interval of time between the predefined time (t2) and the time (t4) at which a maximum extinguishing gas concentration (b) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: AMRONA AG
    Inventor: Ernst-Werner Wagner
  • Patent number: 9636532
    Abstract: A deluge fire protection system for tunnels having vehicle traffic including a main water supply pipe and a horizontal spray nozzle arrangement. The horizontal spray nozzle arrangement includes a nozzle device having an inlet portion defining an internal diameter and an external nominal diameter. The horizontal spray arrangement includes a coupling arrangement between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement defines a multi-direction flow path between the main water supply and the nozzle device. The multi-direction flow path has an effective length of at least eight times a diameter of the inlet portion, and a cross-sectional area along the effective length greater than the cross-sectional area defined by a diameter of the inlet portion of the body of the nozzle device. The coupling arrangement provides for water delivery to the nozzle device at a working pressure ranging from about 10 psi. to about 30 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Pedriant Pena, Jose L. Almeida, George B. Coletta, Luke S. Connery
  • Patent number: 9625059
    Abstract: A clamping device for connecting a first profile to a second profile that is suspended from a ceiling and runs transversely to the first profile, including a clamp with two shanks that can be adjusted relative to one another, each having a recess for receiving and fixing the first profile and each with an end section for being fixed to a section of the second profile, and having a screw element for moving the shanks toward one another. The clamping device allows a closing sheet with stops, which closing sheet cooperates with the shanks of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SALZGITTER MANNESMANN STAHLHANDEL GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Meister
  • Patent number: 9555272
    Abstract: A standpipe assembly including a pair of elongated, side-by-side chambers each including a first end and a second end, a Y-valve including an inlet and two outlets, each outlet in fluid communication with a respective one of the first ends of the pair of chambers, a hose connection snoot in fluid communication with the second ends of the pair of chambers, and a valve handle operatively connected to the Y-valve, wherein the valve handle is positionable between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the valve handle is spaced apart from the pair of chambers by at least two inches, in the second position, the valve handle is spaced apart from the pair of chambers by less than two inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Oval Fire Products Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 9517371
    Abstract: A data center includes a plurality of racks on a floor and one or more fire suppression systems coupled to at least some of the racks. The fire suppression systems include reservoirs mounted on the racks, a fire suppression material in the reservoir, and one or more material dispensing devices coupled to the reservoir. The material dispensing devices may dispense fire suppression material onto or into the racks in response to a fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock R. Gardner, Osvaldo P. Morales, Michael P. Czamara
  • Patent number: 9328711
    Abstract: In a control unit for a vehicle, a redundancy circuit includes a main power source line, a back-up power source line, and a diode. The back-up power source line performs a voltage compensation operation when a voltage of the main power source line is lower than a predetermined voltage. The back-up power source line is turned on when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the main power source line is turned on. The back-up power source line is turned off when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the main power source line is turned off. The diode is disposed on the back-up power source line. The fault detector detects an open fault of the diode when a voltage of a cathode of the diode is lower than a predetermined threshold within the predetermined period of time after the main power source line is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuya Uchida
  • Patent number: 9302131
    Abstract: The present invention regards a method and system for securing a discharge valve to a water line of a fire suppression system with multiple t-connections. The apparatus includes a plate, a chain, a plurality of eyehooks and a plurality of eyehook nuts. The plate has a perimeter and a central aperture sized to receive an elongated cylinder of a hose fitting of a discharge valve. The plate further has a plurality of eyehook apertures along its perimeter, with each eyehook aperture sized to receive the threaded post of an eyehook. The plate is positioned about the elongated cylinder of the discharge valve, through said central aperture, and the chains are positioned about the water line and affixed to the plate by means of eyehooks and eyehook nuts. The chain has a length sufficient to be positioned about the water line and received by the eyehooks so that plate is securely positioned along the elongated cylinder below the discharge valve nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Ewing Johnson
  • Patent number: 9233266
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure assembly is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9221606
    Abstract: A goods transport facility provided with a detected body installed on the ground side for providing stop control. A detected-body detector on a mobile assembly detects the presence of the detected body. The goods transport facility is switchable between a first and a second control status so that when a fire detector means detects that no goods are on fire, the first control status is maintained. Once the fire detector detects a fire, the status is switched to the second control status. In the first control status, a mobile assembly control provides travel control using an optical distance-measuring sensor to control the actuation of the mobile assembly. In the second control status, the actuation of the mobile assembly travels until detected by the detected-body detector for a goods storage section to which goods are to be transferred, and brought into alignment with the target travel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: DAIFUKU CO., LTD
    Inventor: Kazuharu Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 9144700
    Abstract: A fire protection system comprising at least one sprinkler, a source of pressurized water, a piping network connecting at least one sprinkler to the source of pressurized water, and a nitrogen generator coupled to the sprinkler system. The nitrogen generator may be a nitrogen membrane system or a nitrogen pressure swing adsorption system. The present systems and methods reduce or nearly eliminate corrosion that typically affects conventional fire protection systems, such as caused by oxygen and microbial systems, which can deteriorate or compromise function. Initial, repeated, or continuous displacement of oxygen with nitrogen in the fire protection system significantly reduces or eliminates corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Engineered Corrosion Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Burkhart, Jeffrey T. Kochelek, Kenneth Jones, Thorstein Holt