Abstract: Embodiments of a low-pressure actuator, for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized gas, liquid fire control and suppression sprinkler system, with a pneumatic/electric double interlock mechanism, which requires that two separate events, such as discharging air pressure from the sprinkler system, and an electrical detection, must occur in order for the sprinkler check valve to be activated, thereby allowing water into the sprinkler system, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a low-pressure actuator is utilized in series with a liquid flow valve equipped with a solenoid and an electrical detector/sensor for detecting an event such as the occurrence of smoke, heat, or a high rate of temperature rise. In alternative embodiments, the low-pressure actuator itself is equipped with the solenoid and detector/sensor.

Abstract: An accelerator for venting a pressurized gas source to the ambient is disclosed. The accelerator includes a first gas compartment connected to the pressurized gas source. A second gas compartment is connected to the first gas compartment through a one-way valve allowing gas to pass from the first gas compartment to the second gas compartment. A restrictor orifice allows gas to pass between the first and the second gas compartments at a predetermined rate. A valve member in the first gas compartment is normally in the closed position and moves to the open position in response to a pressure drop of the pressurized gas source causing a pressure differential between the first and second gas compartments, thereby venting the pressurized gas source to the ambient through the valve member in the first gas compartment.

Abstract: A vacuum dry sprinkler system includes a sprinkler head formed with a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A thermally sensitive trigger member is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler body carries an expulsion assembly which includes an expulsion member and a thrust member. In response to a fire, the expulsion member of the expulsion assembly overcomes the vacuum force and expels the sealing assembly out of the outlet end of the sprinkler body, while the thrust member laterally thrusts the sealing member out of the water trajectory path, and thus, prevents the sealing assembly from reseating on the outlet of the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A kinetic antifreeze device for preventing a dry sprinkler system from freezing is disclosed. The kinetic antifreeze device contains a longitudinal pipe for guiding air and water flow connected to a dry sprinkler system pipe at a junction adjacent to a drain valve. The longitudinal pipe provides a pressure gauge, an isolation valve, a bleed off valve and a relief disc for providing over pressure relief. The relief disc is either a bursting disc device or a rupture disc device which remains closed when the dry sprinkler system is contains only air. The relief disc exits or opens upon fire suppression fluid entering the system after a main supply of fire suppression fluid is actuated by the dry sprinkler system and the pressure increases due to the presence of fire suppression fluid in the dry sprinkler system.

Abstract: An automatic auxiliary condensate drain for an automatic dry-pipe type fire protection sprinkler system, wherein condensation which forms within the sprinkler system due to changes in temperature is drained from the condensate reservoir at the direction of a programmable controller. The programmable controller coordinates the opening and closing of inlet and outlet valves so that accumulated condensate is drained from the system, yet the pressurized gas located in the sprinkler system is not allowed to escape. Actuators operate the inlet and outlet valves in response to signals from the programmable controller.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: The virtual accelerator is for detecting an alarm condition within a pressurized gas sprinkler system. It has a pressure monitor for monitoring pressure within the pressurized gas sprinkler system, and generating a pressure signal representative of the pressure thereof; a sampler for sampling the pressure signal at a given frequency during a predetermined period of time, and generating a series of pressure values; and a detector for detecting variations of the pressure values, and generating an alarm signal if the variations are within a predetermined range. A method for detecting an alarm condition within a pressurized gas sprinkler system is also proposed.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator having AND gate logic characteristics is disclosed. The actuator has three chambers each divided into two chamber portions by respective flexible diaphragms. One of the diaphragms acts as a valve closing member and controls the flow of a pressurized fluid through the actuator to actuate an associated device when fluid flow is permitted. The other two diaphragms are in mechanical contact with one another and in hydraulic communication with the one diaphragm and thereby control its motion, keeping it normally closed and preventing fluid flow but allowing it to move into an open position permitting fluid flow and actuation of the associated device only when each of the two diaphragms are subject to separate, concurrent drops in pressure which allows both of them to deflect away from the one diaphragm.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low-pressure actuator, for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized gas, liquid fire control and suppression sprinkler syatem, with a pneumatic/electric double interlock mechanism, which requires that two separate events, such as discharging air pressure from the sprinkler system, and an electrical detection, must occur in order for the sprinkler check valve to be activated, thereby allowing water into the sprinkler system, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a low-pressure actuator is utilized in series with a liquid flow valve equipped with a solenoid and an electrical detector/sensor for detecting an event such as the occurrence of smoke, heat, or a high rate of temperature rise. In alternative embodiments, the low-pressure actuator itself is equipped with the solenoid and detector/sensor.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: A deluge fire sprinkler system for suppressing fires occurring in an air environment, the air having an atmospheric pressure, the deluge fire sprinkler system including a network of water pipes having an interior volume, a water input port opening the interior space, and a plurality of water outlet ports further opening the interior space, the network of water pipes having an internal fluid at a pressure reduced below that of the outside atmosphere; a plurality of blow off caps for resisting aspiration of air into the water outlet ports and for permitting emission of water flowing under pressure from the water outlet ports, the blow off caps covering the water outlet ports, the blow off caps being adapted to permit air to aspirate into the interior space of the water pipe network upon exposure of such network to heat; a valve actuatable by a pressure rise, such valve operatively connected to the water input port; a pump for lowering the internal fluid pressure of the network of water pipes below that of the a

Abstract: An actuator is provided for a check valve, having particular utility in a dry fire control system. The check valve is responsive to a drop in the system air pressure occasioned by opening of one or more sprinkler heads in the fire control system. The movement of the actuator to its open position, establishes a water drain line therethrough, while advantageously also opening a previously sealed vent outlet for the pressurized air within the actuator. The seal for the vent outlet may be manually adjustable to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The actuator may respond to either the magnitude of system air pressure drop, or the rate of system air pressure drop.

Abstract: A fire protection system for the exterior of a building that provides protection from fires by sprinkling the exterior of the building with water. The fire protection system includes a number of sprinkler heads that each also include a light source for providing illumination as needed.

Abstract: A condensate drain for an automatc sprinkler system of the dry-pipe type wherein the drain includes a one piece reservoir having a central chamber and tapering inlet and outlet chambers.

Abstract: In the dry pipe sprinkler valve arrangement disclosed in the specification, a dry pipe sprinkler line is normally supplied with air at a pressure in a range from about 5 psi to about 20 psi and is connected through a check valve, a dry pipe valve and a manual control valve to a water supply line. The dry pipe valve has a clapper which is normally retained in the closed position by a latch member. An actuating valve having a diaphragm which receives air pressure from the sprinkler line on one side and engages an orifice to which water from the water supply is applied on the other side permits the latch member to release the clapper when the air pressure falls as a result of opening of a sprinkler in the sprinkler line. When the system is being reset after operation the latch is either automatically movable or manually movable by an external handle to restore the clapper to its seated position without requiring opening of the dry pipe valve housing.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for a check valve, having particular utility in a dry fire control system. The check valve is responsive to a drop in the system air pressure occasioned by opening of one or more sprinkler heads in the fire control system. The movement of the actuator to its open position, establishes a water drain line therethrough, while advantageously also opening a previously sealed outlet for the pressurized air within the actuator. The actuator may respond to either the magnitude of system air pressure drop, or the rate of system air pressure drop.

Abstract: A low differential check valve is provided for a fire control system, having particular adaptability in a dry system. The check valve is maintained in its closed position by a latch which is controlled by a plunger. The plunger is activated, and moved to release the latch, upon the sensing of drop in system air pressure by a higher differential mechanism external of the check valve. The check valve may then be reset, with its clapper moved to its closed condition, without requiring internal access of the check valve to release a clapper latch.

Abstract: The fire suppression system includes a system piping, with at least one sprinkler, a flow control valve, a fire suppressant delivery line in fluid communication with the flow control valve, at least one fire detector adapted to detect temperatures associated with fire, and a control system. The control system is in communication with the fire detector, the flow control valve and the system piping. The control system is adapted to detect a flow condition and a no-flow condition in the system piping and actuates the flow control valve between a normally open condition and a closed condition when the fire detector is in a no-fire condition state and the control system detects a flow condition in the piping system and may cycle the flow control valve to open when the flow control valve is closed in response to the fire detector being in a fire condition state.

Abstract: A dual-emergency response system includes a common supply line that selectively conveys a fire extinguishing fluid to extinguish a fire and conveys life-sustaining air to displace air contaminated by biological or chemical toxins. A valve that distinguishes between the fire extinguishing fluid and the life-sustaining air opens to convey the air, but closes to prevent the fire extinguishing fluid from escaping. The valve is installed alongside an overhead spray nozzle of a fire sprinkler system.

Abstract: A gas charged fluid flow line of a dry pipe sprinkler system is continuously monitored to detect rate of loss of pressure (dp/dt). The rate of pressure loss is used to detect whether there is an open sprinkler head in a sprinkler grid of the system. Detection of an open sprinkler head and opening of a dry valve may occur in a matter of a few seconds, allowing for a quick response to a fire condition and accurate discrimination of a pressurized gas leak condition. The system may operate at charge pressures in the range of about 7 psig to about 15 psig.

Abstract: A fire protection installation of the type comprising a normally dry network of sprinklers is, whenever the dry network of sprinklers is put to atmospheric pressure due to said network of sprinklers being opened, fed with water via a control station connected to a supply of water under pressure, wherein the network of sprinklers is evacuated and is normally maintained at a pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a deluge and preaction control system supplies water to a sprinkler line through a solenoid control valve which may be actuated by a control panel receiving electrical signals from detectors or from an emergency switch. A preaction riser assembly is arranged to bypass the solenoid control valve to supply water to the sprinkler line through a manual valve and to permit testing of the system. An optional compressor supplying air pressure of at least 2 psi to the sprinkler line and detects damage to the sprinkler line by loss of pressure.

Abstract: A fire control foam distribution system wherein foam is distributed to the area below a passenger boarding bridge includes a telescoping pipe system to get the foam to delivery manifolds at intermediate and at an outboard location of the passenger boarding bridge. Multiple foam delivery discharge nozzles are attached to the delivery manifolds to assist in directing the foam to the area below the passenger boarding bridge.

Abstract: The installation comprises at least one hose connected by a turning joint to a conduit for distributing an extinguishing fluid. The hose can pivot from a vertical monitoring position to a horizontal position of use around an axis of the conduit. The maintenance in monitoring position is assured by a mechanical attachment affixed between the wall and the hose. A latching element slides away from the opening of the outlet of the hose. An unlatching element has a surface positioned along the trajectory of flow of the fluid in the hose, in a manner such that the flow of fluid towards the exterior of the hose axially displaces the unlatching element towards an unlatched position in which the mechanical linkage attachment between the hose and the wall is broken. The hose can then pivot towards its position of use to spray the zone of the fire.

Abstract: In a fire extinguishment system, aspiration type fine water spray nozzles are distributed under the ceiling of a structure to be protected. The nozzles contain venturi housings to draw combustion gases from under the ceiling and to discharge combustion gases along with steam and mist downwardly from the nozzles. The discharge from the lower end of the venturi housing is delayed by twirlers sufficiently for the water droplets sprayed within the housing to be converted to steam. The steam and combustion products provide a localized flooding effect to extinguish the fire. The water is supplied to the nozzles in a dry pipe system wherein the discharge of water in the nozzles over a fire is delayed sufficiently for at least one to two rows of nozzles (4 to 12) around the fire to be actuated.

Abstract: There is described an electronic fire reporting and sprinkling control module to be connected to a control bus of a fire alarm system, and to a flow control valve which controls flow of extinguishing fluid into a sprinkler system. The sprinkler system can be monitored by pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sprinkler system for refrigerated spaces and sets the task of assuring a longer minimum-time functional capacity for such devices after they have been switched to the operating state. This objective is resolved by an overdimensioning of the piping in combination with special dry sprinklers.

Abstract: A sprinkler head of the present invention comprises a cover plate which is operated to fall down at a temperature lower than the operating temperature of the sprinkler head body and a switching unit provided on the body side of the sprinkler head so as to detect the falling of the cover plate and send a fire detection signal.A sprinkler head comprises a switching unit provided on the side of the sprinkler head body so as to send a fire detection signal when the unit is operated at a temperature lower than the operating temperature of the sprinkler head and send a sprinkler head operation signal when it is returned to a non-operating state by detection of the firewater discharged by the operation of the sprinkler head after the fire detection signal has been sent.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler system includes a compressed gas pilot operated water valve between a water supply main and a dry sprinkler pipe, the valve being normally open and held closed upon activation of the pilot by water pressure.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler control apparatus which is adapted for connection between a network of connecting fluid flow lines which terminate in sprinkler heads and a water supply. The apparatus consists of a conduit having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to a water supply and the second end is secured to a network of connecting lines. A solenoid valve is positioned at the first end of the conduit such that the flow of water from the water supply through the conduit to the connecting lines is controlled. An expansion tank is connected to the conduit. A sniffer valve is provided for coupling the conduit to an air source, such that the conduit, the expansion tank and all connecting lines may be pressurized with gas. A pressure switch is connected to the solenoid valve and with the conduit. The solenoid valve is opened to release water from the water supply into the conduit should the pressure in the conduit drop below a preset level.

Abstract: A chimney fire extinguisher includes a small diameter narrow conduit removably insertable through a small aperture in a chimney wall. A source of fire extinguishate under pressure is coupled to one end of the conduit for delivery of the extinguishate through the conduit. A sprinkler head is fixed to the opposite end of the conduit for insertion through the chimney wall aperture. The sprinkler head comprises an enclosed chamber, a restrictor for restricting the flow of extinguishate from the conduit into the chamber, a small orifice for spraying extinguishate from the chamber into the chimney and a fusible seal for normally sealing the sprinkler head orifice. In an alternate embodiment the sprinkler head orifice is not sealed but is only loosely covered. A temperature sensor is provided for sensing the temperature within the chimney. A valve which is opened in response to the detection of chimney temperatures in excess of about 1200.degree. F.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguishing system for ranges having top burners, including a hood, mountable over the range, tanks containing fire extinguishing fluids remotely located from the hood, solenoid operated valves connected in circuit with heat sensors and power lines to discharge fluid from the tanks when the heat sensors are operated. The range may have electric or gas burners. A solenoid operated switch or solenoid operated valve is connected in circuit with the heat sensors to open the power line to the electrical burners or to open the gas main to the gas burners when the heat sensors operate. An automatically operated exhaust fan and audible alarms are also provided. The system includes manually operable set and reset switch means.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a fire extinguisher, pneumatically operable actuator on the fire extinguisher for triggering the extinguisher, an elongate tube containing a temperature responsive gas-evolving substance, and a conduit connecting the tube to the actuator for transmitting gas pressure to the actuator. The gas-evolving substance is selected to generate, when the temperature about the tube attains a critical value within a predictable range, a quantity of gas which develops a pressure in the conduit sufficient to operate the actuator.

Abstract: A dry pipe valve accelerator is operative for quickening the operation of a dry pipe valve in a dry sprinkler system in order to hasten the delivery of water throughout the system in response to the operation of one or more sprinkler heads of the system. The accelerator is automatically actuated in response to a slight but significant rate of decay in system gas pressure, such as is caused by the operation of a sprinkler head of the system; and when the accelerator is actuated, an exhaust valve element thereof is moved from a closed position to an open position wherein the accelerator provides an interconnection between the pressurized portion of the system and the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve to effect the opening of the latter.

Abstract: In an alarm valve for permanently installed fire-extinguishing systems, having a blocking element mounted in a valve housing with an inlet and outlet and which tightly blocks the open cross-section of the housing and locking and release mechanism integrated into the valve, the improvement wherein the locking and release mechanism comprises at least one radial depression at the open cross-section of the valve mounting, at least one locking element engageable with the at least one depression to lock the blocking element in a blocking position. The locking element is maintained in the engaged position against the pressure of an extinguishing fluid in response to the pressure of a gas or mixture of gases exceeding a predetermined level which is weaker than the pressure of the extinguishing fluid.

Abstract: A dry pipe fire extinguishing sprinkler apparatus including an adapter which is charged with fluid under pressure and connects an adjustable drop nipple or branch pipe having a sprinkler to a header or supply pipe. The adapter includes a valve member which excludes water from the drop nipple and sprinkler until the fluid under pressure is discharged after which such valve member opens to discharge water through the sprinkler.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus particularly but not exclusively for protecting large areas comprising a reservoir for a fire extinguishing fluid under pressure connected by a normally closed differential valve to a plastics tube which traverses the area to be protected, the tube being filled with air and/or an inert gas under pressure and being adapted to burst when exposed to a predetermined temperature, bursting of the tube and the consequent sudden decrease in pressure in the tube causing opening of the valve to allow the extinguishing fluid to flow from the reservoir along the tube to the region of the burst.

Abstract: A sprinkler arrangement comprises a sprinkler head connected via a first valve to one end of a length of connection pipework adapted for attachment to a main pipework system containing fire extinguishant. A second valve is arranged at the other end of the connection pipework and comprises an inert plug which is maintained in a valve closed position by a strut which contacts the first valve. On opening of the first valve, for example when a predetermined temperature is reached, the strut is caused to move and thereby permit movement of the inert plugs to allow a flow of extinguishant into and through the connection pipework to the sprinkler head when the arrangement is attached to the main pipework system.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for use especially on a floating roof tank includes an enclosure secured to the tank roof. The enclosure carries an agent tank, an expellant tank and an accumulator tank. The agent tank contains fire extinguishing agent and includes an expellant inlet and an agent outlet. The expellant tank contains pressurized expellant fluid. An expellant conduit extends from the expellant tank to the inlet of the agent tank. A sprayer duct is connected to the outlet of the agent tank and is arranged along one protected zone of the roof rim. A control valve is disposed in the expellant conduit. A flow control member is disposed in the expellant conduit upstream of the control valve for metering the rate of flow of expellant fluid. The accumulator communicates with the expellant conduit upstream of the control valve and downstream of the flow control member so that the accumulator is normally pressurized by the expellant tank.

Abstract: Fire protection apparatus having a conduit formed internally with longitudinally continuous compartments for conveying water or fire-extinguishing gas or foam, and spray nozzles spaced along the conduit and each connected to a different compartment thereof. Combustion detectors are arranged in each of the areas adjacent to the conduit which are covered by the spray from the nozzles and operate a control system selectively supplying fluid to a compartment of the conduit when a fire hazard is detected, so as to supply the particular nozzle or nozzles covering the area where the fire hazard has arisen. An extensive network of piping is avoided and the apparatus can be installed inconspicuously and without the need for robust jointing, sealing and supporting fittings.