Dry Pipe Patents (Class 169/17)
  • Patent number: 11925826
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system having a configuration with one or more coupling arrangements for connection to a fluid supply piping of the system. The dry sprinkler structure further includes an inner surface and inner assembly to provide a preferred discharge performance. The dry sprinkler provides for a flow rate from the outlet of the sprinkler in accordance with the start pressure at the inlet of the sprinkler and the rated discharge coefficient, K factor, ranging between 16.8 GPM/PSI½ and 33.6 GPM/PSI½.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Yoram Ringer, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., George B. Coletta, Roger H. Leduc, Sean D. Weed
  • Patent number: 11885454
    Abstract: To inhibit damage to or failure of the bladder within a bladder-type pulsation dampener, an internal passage of a bladder saver device carrying pumped fluid from the pulsation bleed plate mounted within the internal passage and movable between a first position in which the pulsated fluid flow is unencumbered by the bleed plate and a second position in which the pulsated fluid flow is restricted by the bleed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Performance Pulsation Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Cersten Jantzon
  • Patent number: 11872427
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler has an inlet having an inlet orifice, an outlet, a flexible tube having a first end attached to the inlet and a second end attached to the outlet, an inlet seal for sealing the inlet orifice, whereby, when the inlet seal releases, fluid is permitted to flow from the inlet orifice to the outlet through the flexible tube, and a yoke positioned in the inlet, the yoke having a plurality of spaced-apart legs that permit the fluid to flow passed the yoke toward the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 11612776
    Abstract: Systems and methods of an integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly are provided. The assembly includes a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system of a fire protection system when transitioning the fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for setting of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operating the fluid control valve automatically and/or manually. The assembly has a common supply port to supply fluid to the control valve and the actuator and a common discharge port connected to multiple devices that can place the system in an actuated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: James O. Williams, Su Yang
  • Patent number: 11596822
    Abstract: A dry fire protection sprinkler has an inlet seal assembly to seal an inlet orifice. A spring seal compresses in response to a load. An inlet release unit releases the inlet seal assembly. A flexible tube has an inlet end connected to the inlet release unit. A flexible linkage extends through the flexible tube, and has an inlet end connected to the inlet release. An outlet biasing portion is connected to an outlet end of the tube and an outlet end of the linkage, which displaces upon activation of the sprinkler. A sprinkler body is connected to the outlet biasing portion, with an outlet seal assembly to seal its outlet orifice. When ambient reaches a predetermined temperature, the outlet seal assembly releases from the outlet orifice, and the outlet biasing portion displaces the linkage, causing the inlet of the linkage to operate the inlet release unit, releasing the inlet seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 11590375
    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: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy Krayeski, Andrew Shetty, Dale Funk
  • Patent number: 11547886
    Abstract: An automatic valve includes a body configured to receive a piston axially therein, the piston being movable within the body between a first axial position in which the piston is configured to seal a valve opening when pneumatic pressure is applied to the piston and a second axial position in which the piston is configured to be withdrawn from the valve opening such that a fire suppression agent can enter the valve body through the valve opening, wherein the piston includes a channel longitudinally therethrough and a check valve positioned within the channel such that fluid can enter the check valve in a first longitudinal direction but not in a second longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: REACTON FIRE SUPPRESSION LTD
    Inventors: Theodoros Koutsos, Edward Michael John Barnes
  • Patent number: 11541261
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system. The system can includes an auxiliary drain including a main collection pipe, a heater having a bracket configured to attach the heater to the main collection pipe of the auxiliary drain, the bracket including a deflector configured to direct heat from the heater onto the main collection pipe, and a self-draining apparatus configured to receive excess water from the auxiliary drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Bentley F. Gleeson, Michael B. Ferrucci, George J. McHugh, IV, James P. McHugh
  • Patent number: 11541262
    Abstract: A control mechanism includes an actuator having first and second positions, a resilient member arranged to bias the actuator toward the second position, and an input cable. The input cable is arranged along a serpentine path and is connected to the actuator, the input cable arranged to retain the actuator in the first position using tension applied by a plurality of detector cables along the serpentine path of the input cable. Fire detector connector modules, fire suppression systems, and methods of integrating detector cables into control mechanisms are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Kjellman
  • Patent number: 11504562
    Abstract: A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 11439855
    Abstract: A wet piping system modular valve assembly includes a single piece valve body with a check valve within the valve body. The check valve is movable between a closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the check valve. A drain valve is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body downstream of the check valve. A mechanically independent flow detection switch is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body upstream of the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yoram Ringer, Kevin Desmond Maughan, Thomas Edwin Archibald, Stephen J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11413483
    Abstract: An electronic accelerator includes a pressure sensor, a first control valve, and a control circuit. The pressure sensor detects a pressure in a fluid supply line between a fluid supply and at least one sprinkler head. The first control valve is coupled to a second control valve that when open permits fluid to flow from the fluid supply to the at least one sprinkler head. The control circuit receives the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, determines the at least one sprinkler head to be open based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, and in response causes the first control valve to open to reduce a chamber pressure in a chamber of the second control valve to cause the second control valve to open to permit fluid to flow from the fluid supply through the fluid supply line to the at least one sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Roger S. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 11389679
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11331524
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring any fluid accumulation, temperature, and other properties, characteristics and conditions of the fluid in the dry portion of a life safety fire sprinkler system. The sensor assembly includes a sensor receptacle, an initial fluid level accumulation sensor, a fluid temperature sensor, and at least one upper fluid level accumulation sensor. The sensor assembly can transmit data in real time through a transmitter assembly to a controller and based upon programmed criteria and interact in real time, with other devices. For example, if the sensor assembly detects an amount of condensed fluid in the system and a temperature of the condensed fluid is below a programmed value (e.g., ?38.0° F.), the system can send an alarm in real time that the system could be experiencing a potential fluid freezing event which could be detrimental to the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: JTJ Tech LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Epstein, James N. Seip
  • Patent number: 11291872
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fire extinguishing system valve (1) comprising a housing (2), a fluid inlet chamber (11) in the housing (2), a fluid outlet chamber (13) in the housing (2), and a closing body (9) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state and which in the blocking state prevents a direct flow of fluid between the fluid inlet chamber (11) and the fluid outlet chamber (13) and in the release state connects the fluid inlet chamber (11) directly in fluid-conducting relationship to the fluid outlet chamber (13). According to the invention the fire extinguishing system valve (1) has at least one manometer (15, 17) which is operatively connected to the fluid inlet chamber (11) or the fluid outlet chamber (13) and which is mounted to the housing (2), and a venting device (21) integrated into the housing (2) for the at least one manometer (15, 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kempf, Frank Stachowitz
  • Patent number: 11278754
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dry alarm valve station of a fire extinguishing installation. According to the invention it is proposed that the dry alarm valve station includes an alarm valve, an alarm line connected to the alarm valve, an alarm alert device, preferably with an alarm pressure switch, which is connected to the alarm line and is configured to trigger an alarm signal when there is a predetermined fluid pressure in the alarm line, and a pressure-operated valve which is interposed between the alarm alert device and the alarm valve, is controlled by a control chamber, and is configured to block the alarm line as long as there is the predetermined control pressure in the control chamber and to open it when the pressure falls below the predetermined control pressure in the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kempf, Frank Stachowitz
  • Patent number: 11241598
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler has a casing tube having an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. When the sprinkler is in a non-actuated state, an inlet seal assembly operatively seals the inlet orifice and an outlet seat assembly operatively seals the outlet orifice. A translating member extends through the casing tube between an inlet and an outlet. The translating member axially translates from a first position, in which the translating member retains the inlet seal assembly in a sealed state, to a second position, in which the translating member releases the inlet seal assembly, toward the outlet when the outlet seat assembly is released. The sprinkler has a nominal K-factor greater than 17 gpm/(psi)1/2. In addition, a difference between a cross-sectional area of the casing tube and a cross-sectional area bounded by an outer perimeter of the translating member is more than 30% of the cross-sectional area of the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 11207553
    Abstract: Water mist fire protection systems and methods for the protection of data centers having a raised floor defining an interstitial space beneath the floor. The systems and methods include the location of a plurality of automatic water mist nozzles above and/or beneath the floor to generate a water mist for effectively addressing a fire in the presence of a flow of forced air ventilation through the interstitial space. The systems and methods of water mist fire protection include the interconnection of the automatic water mist nozzles to a water supply to provide for dry pipe or preaction systems and methods. Water mist fire protection of data centers using fire propagating cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignees: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP, LPG TECNICAS EN EXTINCION DE INCENDIOS, S.L.
    Inventors: Sean E. Cutting, Alex Palau Bosch
  • Patent number: 11117003
    Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods of fire protection systems for protection of a stored commodity. The systems and methods included a plurality of fluid distribution devices disposed above the stored commodity and configured for selective identification and controlled actuation in response to a fire. The systems have a hydraulic demand defined by at least one of: i) a hydraulic design area having a minimum operational area of less than 768 square feet; or ii) less than twelve hydraulic design devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Daniel G. Farley, John Desrosier, Donald D. Brighenti
  • Patent number: 11097139
    Abstract: A corrosion prevention process to protect the piping of a dry pipe sprinkler system from corrosion is described. The process includes the selection and application of suitable corrosion inhibitors to interior portions of the piping. The corrosion inhibitors used in this process may include volatile corrosion inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Mincheng Shen, Sen Kang, Boris A. Miksic
  • Patent number: 11045674
    Abstract: A dry alarm valve assembly, for controlling a sprinkler firefighting system, has a first inlet connected to a pressurised air source, a second inlet connected to a pressurised water source, an outlet connected to a network of channels for supplying the sprinklers, and a valve that opens/closes a flow of water from the second inlet to the outlet; between the valve and the outlet there is a chamber communicating with the first inlet through a first pneumatic line, which includes a one-way valve; the assembly is provided with a blocking device to hold the valve closed and provided with a second pneumatic line, which is connected to an actuator of the blocking device so as to operate such actuator by means of pressurised air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: BOCCIOLONE ANTINCENDIO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Galletti, Riccardo Vacca
  • Patent number: 11035768
    Abstract: In a nitrogen generator, multiple, concurrent gas pressure monitors constantly and simultaneously monitor gas pressures at key points in the nitrogen generation process, and a controller generates an alarm when the pressure at any point falls below a respective predetermined pressure level, and remains there for longer than a respective predetermined duration. In some embodiments, a run time of the nitrogen separation unit is additionally monitored. Additionally, in some embodiments, if the output pressure of nitrogen gas falls below a predetermined pressure level, a bypass route is activated to route compressed air directly to the output, thus sacrificing nitrogen gas purity but maintaining required minimum pressure for downstream systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: South-Tek Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Christian Bodemann
  • Patent number: 10561871
    Abstract: A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown the fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent one or more sprinklers so as to form the preferred sprinkler operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably configured so as to provide sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire-event with a surround and drown configuration. The defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantages and design penalties of current dry sprinkler system design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: James E. Golinveaux, David J. Leblanc, Roger S. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10486006
    Abstract: One example of a redundant vent for a water-based fire sprinkler system having a pipe network includes a unitary valve body defining a primary valve chamber and a redundant valve chamber, a primary float valve positioned within the primary valve chamber, and a redundant float valve positioned within the redundant valve chamber. The primary float valve and the primary valve chamber form a primary gas vent. The redundant float valve and the redundant valve chamber form a redundant gas vent. The primary gas vent is coupled to the redundant gas vent. The primary gas vent and the redundant gas vent are each configured to vent gas but not water from the pipe network when the redundant vent is coupled to the pipe network. Various optional features, components and water-based fire sprinkler systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Engineered Corrosion Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Kochelek, Adam H. Hilton
  • Patent number: 10449402
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10426983
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler system is described which includes a piping system having at least one dual-use pipe providing both an air conveying inlet and a fire extinguishing fluid conveying outlet. The pipe has at least one air sampling opening allowing ambient air flow into the pipe and at least one fire sprinkler for ejecting a fire extinguishing fluid from the pipe in the event of a fire. An air sampling detector is fluidly connected to the pipe and tests the ambient air within the pipe to detect the presence of the fire. A valve, disposed between the source of the fire extinguishing fluid and the pipe, is in communication with the air sampling detector and operable to open, upon detection of the fire based on the ambient air tested by the air sampling detector, in order to fill the pipe with the fire extinguishing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Michael L. Hennegan
  • Patent number: 10380861
    Abstract: A burst temperature indicator system for determining when an electrical contact or other component reaches a predetermined temperature. In operation, a trace material may disperse into a surrounding environment, and be detected, when the electrical component reaches a predetermined threshold temperature. One or more foil barriers may be ruptured or broken by temperature-induced gas pressure. According to another aspect of this disclosure, a rupture disk may be burst at a predetermined temperature to generate, or enable emission of, a light signal. According to another aspect, a rupture disk device acts as, or is associated with, an engine to drive one or more electro-mechanical and/or acoustic devices to signal the occurrence of a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Bruce W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 10376725
    Abstract: A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 10086224
    Abstract: A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Alan E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9903502
    Abstract: In a fluid-operated drive for a field device, the drive being designed to set a control valve of the field device, a fluidically operated basic drive is provided with a basic working chamber loaded fluidically and delimited by a basic drive housing part and by a basic actuating piston guided in the basic drive housing part. At least one supplementary drive is provided with a supplementary working chamber loaded fluidically and delimited by a supplementary drive housing part. The basic drive housing part and the supplementary drive housing part are displaceable in one another in accordance with a piston and chamber arrangement so that a volume of the supplementary chamber changes in the event of a relative movement of the drive housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Philipp Fuhr, Sebastian Krause, Christof Weigand
  • Patent number: 9833649
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler that includes a body defining an internal passageway extending along a sprinkler axis between an inlet end and an outlet end to define a passageway length and a nominal K-factor greater than 16. A deflector is supported and spaced from the outlet end by a pair of support arms. The sprinkler includes means for allowing a flow of water from the outlet end of the body. The means includes a closure assembly having a body defining a blind bore and a thermally responsive glass bulb. The glass bulb has a first end disposed within the blind bore defining a first seat diameter and a second end defining a second seat diameter. The glass bulb has a bulb length that is greater than the length of the internal passageway and a maximum wall thickness less than the difference between the bulb length and the passageway length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: Tyco Fire Products LP, FLN Feuerloschgerate Neuruppin Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Abels, Stefan Vaeth
  • Patent number: 9777457
    Abstract: A water service supply assembly includes a water supply line with a stop valve. A lid is supported relative to the stop valve. A first switch is adapted to detect movement of the lid and a second switch is adapted to detect if a body is moved relative to the stop valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Harold Edmund Mosley
  • Patent number: 9776028
    Abstract: A residential or commercial sprinkler system is provided wherein the sprinkler heads and piping distribution network are provided with a relatively low pressure fire suppressant liquid in place of pneumatic pressure, which is typical, and control valve keeps fire suppressant supply pressure from entering the discharge sprinkler system at design discharge pressure until a fire detection system detects a fire condition. Upon the detection of a fire condition, a control valve is opened to provide the sprinkler heads and piping distribution network with a fully pressurized supply of fire suppressant. Also in the case of electric control power loss the system will operate from loss of outlet supervised pressure releasing sprinkler liquid suppressant to the discharge system of closed fused sprinklers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn J. Feenstra, Eldon D. Jackson, Martin H. Workman, Michael J. Bosma
  • Patent number: 9511248
    Abstract: A sprinkler system installation for fire suppression within a cold environment uses a dry sprinkler assembly connected to a piping network by a flexible hose and supported in a substrate of a structure separating the cold environment from a temperature controlled warm environment. Sleeves of insulating material surround a conduit of the assembly and engage both the conduit and the substrate to seal and provide support. Escutcheons are also provided on opposite sides of the substrate which effect a clamping action on the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Rudolf Szentimrey, John M. Stempo, Eric McWhirter
  • Patent number: 9345918
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard A. Bucher, Frank J. Cygler, William J. Reilly, Yi Liu, Lawrence W. Thau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9072924
    Abstract: A preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is provided for a sprinkler pipework (24) and sprinklers with a fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). A water supply (38 and an air feed (37) are selectively in communication with the sprinkler pipework. A pilot control chamber (19) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1) is depressurized in case of a fault message from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel (26). When the pilot control chamber (19) is depressurized and, in the case of a decreasing pressure in the sprinkler pipework (24), a quick opener (40) opens the valve head (2) of the preaction dry pipe alarm valve (1), so that extinguishing water can flow into the dry pipework (24). The system allows very short flooding times for the sprinkler pipework with no additional rapid vents installed in the pipework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Christian Capsius
  • Patent number: 9032994
    Abstract: An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a supply conduit for supplying a fire suppression fluid to a plurality of sprinklers. A sensor senses a flow of fire suppression fluid through the supply conduit. A drain conduit drains fire suppression fluid when the fire suppression system is tested. A drain valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid is controlled to enter the drain conduit. A fire suppression fluid collection tank collects the fire suppression fluid which has entered the drain conduit for reintroducing the collected fire suppression fluid to the supply conduit. A circulation valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid enters the fire suppression fluid collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AGF MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: James P. McHugh, George McHugh, IV
  • Patent number: 9022132
    Abstract: A trim manifold assembly is utilized to facilitate control of the control valve in a fire protection system. The trim manifold assembly utilizes a manifold block with numerous passageways to provide desired flow communication between various components, such as automatic and manual valves, check valves, inlet and exit ports, and sensor ports, by way of non-limiting example. The trim manifold assembly can be cost-effectively manufactured and may require less assembly steps. The trim manifold assembly can facilitate the assembly of a fire protection system and the attachment of the trim manifold assembly to the control valve for operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Patent number: 9016393
    Abstract: A spraying head, especially a spraying head intended for fire extinguishing, which comprises a frame part, an inlet for extinguishing medium and at least two nozzles. At least one first nozzle (9) is arranged in a spraying head part (2), for which first nozzle (9) the medium passage from the inlet of the spraying head is always open and that at least one second nozzle (4) is arranged in a sprinkler part (1) which comprises a triggering means (5), whereby the passage of medium from the inlet to at least one second nozzle (4) is closed when the triggering means (5) is non-activated, and that the passage of medium for at least one second nozzle (4) is open when the triggering means (5) is activated. The invention also relates to a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventors: Göran Sundholm, Harry Metzger, Richard Eggleton
  • Publication number: 20150075821
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Richard A. BUCHER, Frank J. CYGLER, William J. REILLY, Yi LIU, Lawrence W. THAU, JR., Robert BALLARD
  • Patent number: 8973669
    Abstract: Various mist-type fire protection systems for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies of reduced water demand as compared to known mist type systems or sprinkler systems configured to protect the same occupancies. Three system configurations are defined by varying design criteria for the installation of: mist devices having an enlarged coverage area alone or in combination with known nozzles or sprinklers. The preferred mist devices provide for the protection of at least one of a light hazard occupancy only and a light and ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling with a maximum ceiling height of at least 8 ft. The preferred device include a body having a passageway defining a K-factor of less than 1 gpm/psi1/2. The preferred device includes means for diffusing the fluid at a flux density of less than 0.1 gpm/sq. ft. for a fluid pressure at the inlet of less than 500 psi. to define a coverage area of the device of over than 132 sq. ft., preferably to a maximum of 256 sq. ft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Luke S. Connery, David J. Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20150060091
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: George Polan
  • Patent number: 8899341
    Abstract: A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8887821
    Abstract: A dry sidewall sprinkler and system and methods of installation provide extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. The preferred sprinkler and systems provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Robert Michael Cordell, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8887822
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George Polan
  • Publication number: 20140332240
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pipe having a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion. The first pipe portion includes a wall having a first wall thickness, and the second pipe portion includes a wall having a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fire sprinkler system further includes structure coupled to the pipe and defining a sealed chamber between the structure and at least the first pipe portion, and a sensor for sensing a pressure in the sealed chamber. Example corrosion monitoring devices and methods for monitoring corrosion in pipe systems, including fire sprinkler systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Kochelek, Adam H. Hilton, Lucas E. Kirn
  • Patent number: 8851195
    Abstract: A differential dry pipe valve is provided having a body including an inlet chamber having an inlet port, an exit chamber having an exit port, and a gasket flange positioned between the inlet and exit chambers facing the exit port, the inlet and exit ports being substantially aligned. The valve also includes a gasket attached to the gasket flange and an openable cover hingedly attached to the body. The gasket has an inner water lip in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and an outer air lip surrounding the water lip. The spacing between the water lip and air lip varies. The air and water lips are coaxial. The cover is configured to be sealingly engaged with the seal when in a closed position and to be sealingly disengaged in an open position when the pressure in the exit chamber is lower than the pressure in the inlet chamber. When the cover is in the open position, a direction of a path between the inlet and exit ports is substantially unaltered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David Deurloo
  • Patent number: 8826998
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided including a structure, a fluid deflecting structure, a locator, a metallic annulus and a shield. The structure defines a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet with a rated K-factor defining an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the inlet of the passageway in pounds per square inch gauge. The fluid deflecting structure is proximate the outlet. The locator is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position and supports the metallic annulus which includes first and second metallic surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis between an inner and outer circumference. The shield has a first face exposed to the inlet and a second face confronting the first metallic surface to define a gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE46342
    Abstract: A method of designing a residential fire protection system in a residential dwelling unit are shown and described. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, 13R. The method can be achieved by: determining a minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire sprinklers of a piping network filled with water and arranged to protect the plurality of compartments; and specifying the minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a gas. Various aspects of the invention are also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: RE46349
    Abstract: A method of designing a residential fire protection system in a residential dwelling unit are shown and described. The residential dwelling unit has a plurality of compartments as defined in the 2002 National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. The method can be achieved by: determining a minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers required to determine a hydraulic demand calculation of the residential fire sprinklers of a piping network filled with water and arranged to protect the plurality of compartments; and specifying the minimum quantity and location of residential fire sprinklers in a piping network filled with a gas. Various aspects of the invention are also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: James E. Golinveaux