Abstract: A fire suppression system is provided including at least one nozzle configured to expel a fire suppression agent into a space. A storage container includes a fire suppression agent and a first pressurized gas at least partially dissolved within the fire suppression agent. At least one canister contains a second pressurized gas. A piping system is configured to fluidly couple the at least one canister to the storage container and to fluidly couple the storage container to the at least one nozzle. When the fire suppression system is inactive, the fire suppression agent within the storage container is pressurized to a storage pressure. The storage pressure is greater than a vapor pressure of the fire suppression agent such that first pressurized gas dissolves into the fire suppression agent. When the fire suppression system is active, propellant pressure in the piping system exceeds the storage pressure of the fire suppression agent.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system valve (1) comprising a housing (2, 3) which has a fluid inlet chamber (8), a fluid outlet chamber (9) and a closing body (4a) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state, wherein the fluid inlet chamber (8) and the fluid outlet chamber (9) are separated from each other in the blocking state and communicate with each other in fluid-conducting relationship in the release state. At least one pressure sensor (6) is integrated in the housing (2, 3).

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. Automatic control devices can be placed in fluid communication with the valve actuator to maintain and control operation of the valve actuator for controlled operation of the fluid control valve.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for use in a fluid transport or storage system includes a body defining an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid flow passageway extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, a seat arranged in the body adjacent the outlet port, a shaft at least partially disposed in the body, and a control assembly disposed in the body and operatively coupled to the shaft. The control assembly is movable between a closed position, in which a portion of the control assembly sealingly engages the seat to seal the outlet port, and an open position, in which the control assembly is spaced away from the outlet port and substantially outside of the fluid flow passageway, such that the control assembly provides minimal flow-restriction to fluid flowing through the fluid flow passageway.

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.

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.

Abstract: An automatic flow restrictor includes a movement sensor that detects undesired movement of a firefighting apparatus relative to a support surface and automatically reduces the flow of fluid through the apparatus to thereby reduce reaction forces acting upon the apparatus. The sensor may be a slidable member or an actuatable lever, for example, that detects movement of the apparatus along or away from a support surface, and actuates an adjuster to restrict the flow of fluid until the forces are balanced and the apparatus stops moving relative to the support surface.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a fire extinguishing agent includes an agent tank at least partially filled with a volume of liquid fire extinguishing agent and a supply of pressurizing gas operatively connected to inject pressurizing gas into the volume of liquid agent. A discharge valve is configured to open when the agent tank reaches a desired pressure due to the injection of pressurizing gas therein thereby delivering a flow including fire extinguishing agent with associated dissolved pressurizing gas from the agent tank. The flow of fire extinguishing agent and associated dissolved pressurizing gas is discharged from the agent tank.

Abstract: A dry pilot actuator provides for a high liquid to gas trip ratio. The actuator includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis. The valve further includes a first inlet port; a second pilot port and a third drain port, each in communication with the internal chamber. A first actuator seat is disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis and a second actuator seat is circumscribed about the first actuator seat. A seal member having a sealed position and an open position is substantially aligned with the central axis of the housing in each of the sealed and open positions. The third port is isolated from the first and second port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, and in fluid communication with the first port when the sealing member is in the open position. The second port is isolated from the first and third ports when the sealing member is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A dry pipe sprinkler system comprises at least one sprinkler head (18); a control valve (10) operable to supply an extinguishant to the sprinkler head; a system of pipes (16) interconnecting the control valve and the sprinkler head, the pipe system comprising a control column (26) and a riser pipe (42); and a pressure control means (38) located downstream of the control valve and upstream of the sprinkler head; wherein the pipe system is arranged to form a manometer which contains a quantity of extinguishant up to a predetermined level (48) in the control column and in the riser pipe; wherein the manometer is arranged such that the creation of a pressure differential across the pressure control means results in a reduction in the extinguishant level in the control column and a rise in the extinguishant level in the riser pipe; and wherein the control valve is adapted to open to supply extinguishant to the sprinkler head when there is a change in the predetermined level of extinguishant in the control column a

Abstract: A fire protection system includes a dry pipe system and a controlled discharge gas vent. The dry pipe system and controlled discharge gas vent operate using a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and/or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry pipe system. The controlled gas discharge vent allows displacement of pressurized air with nitrogen, for example, using manual or automated processes that can employ one or more sensors. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and/or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated.

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.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a container for supplying a fire suppression agent into a compartment to be protected. The container communicates with a flow line leading to the compartment. A control controls the fire suppression system, and a valve on the flow line delivers a variable pressure to the flow line from the container. Further, a system is disclosed and claimed wherein a single gas supply communicates through a manifold to each of a plurality of compartments. In addition, a system is disclosed and claimed wherein a primary gas supply container switches to secondary gas supply containers once a pressure within the primary gas supply container drops below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A fire extinction device comprises a reservoir (2) of extinguishing agent and means for generating a pressurized gas (30) such that the gas generated (16) may enter the reservoir (2) when the extinguishing agent (4) is to be ejected onto a fire zone. The device of the invention comprises furthermore a refractory separating element (40) between the extinguishing agent (4) and the pressurizing gas generated (16), in order to avoid heat exchanges between them and to optimise the ejection of the extinguishing agent (4).

Abstract: Systems, methods and aspect thereof for a fire protection system including a releasing control panel. In one aspect a fire protection system for a residential unit as defined in the 2002 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 13, 13D and 13R having at least one dwelling is provided. The fire protection system preferably includes a liquid supply source along a main line and a network of pipes in communication with the dwelling. The system includes at least one sprinkler in the network to discharge a fluid within about fifteen seconds of sprinkler activation. In addition, the system includes at least one fire control panel disposed between the main line and the pipe network to control release of a fire fighting fluid under various control modes. The system further include at least one fire detector disposed in the at least one dwelling and in communication with the at least one fire control panel.

Abstract: A differential control valve and method of operation as a residential dry pipe fluid control valve which provides for a high liquid to gas trip ratio. The valve includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis. The valve further includes a first port; a second port and a third port, each in communication with the internal chamber. A first valve seat is disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis and a second valve seat is circumscribed about the first valve seat. A sealing member defines a sealed position and an open position with respect to the valve seats. A spring member biases the seal member toward the open position and is disposed between the sealing member and the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A Self-Testing and Self-Setting residential fire pump system for residential fire protection. The system is designed to boost pressure into a residential sprinkler system when water supply is insufficient to meet the sprinkler system's design requirements. The system comprises an in-line vertical multi-stage, centrifugal pump connected to an electric motor with horsepower ranges from ¾ to 10, a flow rate range of 15 gpm-200 gpm, and pressure ranges of 20 psi-238 psi. The system also comprises a controller assembly which is programmed to Self-Test and Self-Calibrate to most residential fire sprinkler systems with the push of a button, and a manifold made from brass or stainless steel pipe fittings connected to the pump's suction and discharge ports, allowing water to flow from an existing water supply through the pump to either the test loop or existing residential fire sprinkler system. The pump and controller can be mounted on an ABS base.

Abstract: A sprinkler which comprises a sprinkler frame (2), in which there is at least one nozzle (3), a heat-activated triggering element (5), and a protective element (8) which is in front of the nozzle (3) in the protective position and mechanically protects the triggering element (5) when the sprinkler is in a non-active mode, and which protective element (8) is movable to a second position in which the nozzles (3) and the triggering element (5) are not protected by the protective element (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire-extinguishing system of the high-pressure gas type, in which the gaseous extinguishing agent is stored under high pressure in at least one high-pressure gas bottle (1). The bottle valve operates, with interposition of a container attachment for the extinguishing gas, as a pressure-controlled, reducing and self-regulating control valve (3). By means of a predetermined control pressure which corresponds to the pressure in the extinguishing line system (2), the pressure of the extinguishing gas is reduced from, for example, 150 to 300 bar within the control valve to, for example, 60 bar. This makes it possible to dispense with all the high-pressure components used to date between the bottle valve and the extinguishing line system. Furthermore, a computational software is no longer required.

Abstract: A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard and signal a secondary hazard detection system that an event has occurred. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure that is configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A valve may be coupled to the pressure tube and be configured to release the control material from a container is response to the pneumatic signal. A second valve may also be coupled to the pressure tube and be configured to provide a signal to the secondary hazard detection system in response to the pneumatic signal.

Abstract: A fire extinction device includes a reservoir of extinguishing agent and device for generating a pressurized gas such that the gas generated may enter the reservoir when the extinguishing agent is to be ejected onto a fire zone. The extinction device also includes a refractory separating element between the extinguishing agent and the pressurizing gas generated, in order to avoid heat exchanges between the extinguishing agent and the gas and to optimize the ejection of the extinguishing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire suppression system, a valve for the system, and a movable valve member for the valve. The system includes a reservoir for a fire suppressant material. The reservoir has an outlet, at least one nozzle from which the suppressant is delivered, and a valve governing passage of the suppressant to the nozzles. The valve includes a movable valve member and first and second valve seats cooperating therewith. The valve member is movable from a first position seated with respect to the first valve seat preventing communication between the reservoir and the nozzles, to a second position seated with respect to the second valve seat permitting suppressant flow from the reservoir to the nozzles and preventing suppressant flow to an actuator operatively associated with the valve to selectively cause movement of the valve member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting a fire suppression system from a single interlock electric or double interlock electro-pneumatic system to a single interlock pneumatic system which draws no electrical power. A pneumatic actuator is in fluid communication with a pressurized piping network and a control valve controlling flow of fire suppressant to the network. The pneumatic actuator is isolated from the piping network by a check valve and a latching solenoid valve. In the event of a power failure the latching solenoid valve is opened, placing the pneumatic actuator in fluid communication with the piping network. Electrical power is drawn only to change the state of the latching solenoid valve, it otherwise draws no power. When the latching solenoid valve is open the pneumatic actuator controls actuation of the control valve, and triggers the control valve when there is a pressure change in the piping network indicative of a fire.

Abstract: A releasing control panel (RCP) for use with residential fire protection systems and methods. The RCP provides a primary communication between a liquid supply source and a network of pipes and sprinklers using a series of three control valves. The RCP also encloses a pressure source providing pressurized gas to an auxiliary line that is isolated from the pipe network and sprinklers, with pressurized gas being provided in response to a pressure in the isolated auxiliary line. The RCP also encloses a secondary communication between the series of the control valves and a drain without the use of a bypass system for the primary communication. The RCP further encloses a power supply and a controller that communications with a fire detector disposed in a dwelling at a defined spacing to a sprinkler.

Abstract: A dry valve is provided for a sprinkler system, including a housing including a valve body having an inlet end and a valve cover having an outlet end. A prime chamber housing is disposed within the housing and defines a prime chamber. A prime piston is disposed within the prime chamber and is movable between a closed position seated against a valve seat and an open position received within the prime chamber. A check valve diaphragm assembly is disposed within the housing and disposed against the prime chamber housing in a closed position and spaced from the prime chamber housing in an open position.

Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge valve for a fire-extinguishing or explosion-preventing system including: a valve body with a gas inlet channel and a gas outlet channel; a valve seat arranged between the channels; and a triggering chamber; a closing piston which is slidably movable within the valve body and has a first end portion forming a pressure surface in the triggering chamber, a second end portion forming a sealing surface, with which it can be sealingly pressed against the valve seat, and a pressure compensation channel via which the triggering chamber communicates with the inlet channel when the closing piston rests on the valve seat; a triggering port in communication with the triggering chamber, for connecting thereto a low pressure triggering device that is capable of generating a pressure drop in the triggering chamber; and a pressure-reducing valve for reducing a pressure of high pressure gas to a reduced pressure suitable for the low pressure triggering device.

Abstract: A differential dry pipe control valve for fire protection sprinkler systems includes an eccentric plug that rotates and separates supply water and system air pressure and uses an integral actuator that maintains the seal of the eccentric plug with a smaller ratio of air pressure to a higher supply water pressure. When the sprinkler system is actuated, the actuator allows the rotary eccentric plug to open the waterway and includes an eccentric plug opening that swings out of the waterway to reduce friction loss of the water supply. The eccentric plug includes a conical rubber coated seat surface and dynamic metal seal seat that seals due to water pressure eliminating close tolerance mating of sealing components. The actuator includes an integral alarm connection to provide a required alarm function and acts as a pilot differential actuator to provide the required operation of an approximately 5.5:1 ratio differential dry pipe control valve.

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.

Abstract: A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material.

Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve is open. The field convertible valve also has a system actuator, a gas control valve and a water supply shut-off valve which are open in the dry mode. In the wet mode of operation, the bypass valve is open and the gas control and water supply shut-off valves are closed. The field convertible valve operates in a latch mode controlled by the system actuator in the dry mode, and as a flapper valve in the wet mode of operation. A method of converting the mode of operation of the sprinkler system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire suppression system having a plumbing assembly, an engine, a hose, an air-bleed valve, and a controller is provided. The controller includes a one-touch activation control. The controller is also configured to automatically activate the air-bleed valve to remove air within the hose to prevent user injury and damage to the fire suppression system. A fire suppression system that automatically configures the fire suppression system to output a predetermined fire suppression fluid composition upon actuation of a one-touch activation control is also provided. In addition, an integrated control system is provided to automatically configure a fire truck's interlock and shift pump operation.

Abstract: A valve has a valve body that defines a chamber. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet through which a flow path passes. A seat is positioned within the chamber and surrounds the flow path. A closing member is positioned within the chamber and a biasing member biases the closing member into an open position away from the seat. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the closing member which exceeds the force exerted on the closing member by a first fluid which enters the inlet and flows past the closing member and through the open valve. The biasing force is less than the force exerted by a second fluid having one or more different characteristics from the first fluid. Force exerted by the second fluid on the closing member overcomes the biasing force and moves the closing member into engagement with the seat, closing the valve.

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.

Abstract: A fire protection system includes a dry pipe system and a controlled discharge gas vent. The dry pipe system and controlled discharge gas vent operate using a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and/or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry pipe system. The controlled gas discharge vent allows displacement of pressurized air with nitrogen, for example, using manual or automated processes that can employ one or more sensors. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and/or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated.

Abstract: A method for activating a sprinkler system comprises maintaining a liquid extinguishant in system pipes under a standby pressure that is less than the operating pressure, determining an arrangement of the sprinklers that will control a fire, and opening the sprinkler system valve in response to a drop in pressure in each of the pipes to which at least one of the sprinklers of the arrangement is connected. An alternate method comprises providing a bypass around the system valve, and opening the system valve in response to (1) a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass and (2) a drop in pressure in the sprinkler system below a predetermined pressure. In a variation of the alternate method, the system valve is opened in response only to a predetermined flow of liquid extinguishant through the bypass.

Abstract: A controlled pressure release valve includes a valve body having a gas inlet for connection to a gas container and a gas outlet for delivering gas to a protected area. The controlled valve comprises a slidable spool housed in the valve body that is slidable between a first position and a second position. The slidable spool has a first end and a second end. A primary flow passage connects the gas inlet and the gas outlet and increases with lineal movement of the slidable spool. The sliding spool is biased towards the first position by a gas pressure applied by the second chamber and a spring.

Abstract: A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5.

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.

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 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 provider 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 disadvantage and design penalties current dry sprinkler system design.

Abstract: A monitor apparatus and method for monitoring, verifying, and prompting an existing CO2 type fire suppression system in a room or building protected by the suppression system. In its most preferred form the monitor apparatus is a unit contained in a cabinet or housing placed in the protected room, with only a signal connection to the suppression system. The monitor apparatus has a suppressant gas concentration sensor enabled by a discharge signal received from the suppression system, and a datalogger to keep a verifiable record of the suppression system's discharge performance. The monitor unit sends a continue-discharge signal back to the suppression system independently of the continuity of the suppression system's discharge signal if a desired gas concentration level in the room is not reached or held per the suppression system's own requirements.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire-extinguishing system of the high-pressure gas type, in which the gaseous extinguishing agent is stored under high pressure in at least one high-pressure gas bottle (1). The bottle valve operates, with interposition of a container attachment for the extinguishing gas, as a pressure-controlled, reducing and self-regulating control valve (3). By means of a predetermined control pressure which corresponds to the pressure in the extinguishing line system (2), the pressure of the extinguishing gas is reduced from, for example, 150 to 300 bar within the control valve to, for example, 60 bar. This makes it possible to dispense with all the high-pressure components used to date between the bottle valve and the extinguishing line system. Furthermore, a computational software is no longer required.

Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.

Abstract: An actuator for use with a negative pressure fire suppression sprinkler system is disclosed. The actuator has three chambers, each chamber having a flexible diaphragm. One chamber is connected to the sprinkler system piping network. Its diaphragm moves in response to an increase in pressure in the piping network signaling a fire. The diaphragm in the second chamber opens an orifice in response to the motion of the first diaphragm. The open orifice allows water to flow from the third chamber to the ambient. The diaphragm in the third chamber moves in response to the water flow from the third chamber. The third chamber is connected to a valve controlling water flow to the piping network. Motion of the diaphragm in the third chamber actuates the valve, releasing water to the system.

Abstract: A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material.

Abstract: A water column supervisory switch having a probe arrangement and probe circuitry for detecting the presence of a conductive medium that has reached a predetermined level above a clapper valve inside a dry pipe valve for a sprinkler system is disclosed. The probe arrangement comprises a housing and a probe operatively associated with probe circuitry that provides a means for activating an alarm when the conductive medium reaches the predetermined level in order for maintenance personnel to drain the water from the dry pipe valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for blocking a medium flow passage in a spray head has a blocking element in the passage that, when unbroken, blocks the passage of medium from a first side having a first pressure to a second side having a second pressure. A supporting element is on that side of the blocking element where the pressure is lower, the supporting element being movable between a first position where the supporting element supports the blocking element so that it cannot be ruptured and a second position where the supporting element does not so support the blocking element.

Abstract: A differential dry pipe control valve for fire protection sprinkler systems includes an eccentric plug that rotates and separates supply water and system air pressure and uses an integral actuator that maintains the seal of the eccentric plug with a smaller ratio of air pressure to a higher supply water pressure. When the sprinkler system is actuated, the actuator allows the rotary eccentric plug to open the waterway and includes an eccentric plug opening that swings out of the waterway to reduce friction loss of the water supply. The eccentric plug includes a conical rubber coated seat surface and dynamic metal seal seat that seals due to water pressure eliminating close tolerance mating of sealing components. The actuator includes an integral alarm connection to provide a required alarm function and acts as a pilot differential actuator to provide the required operation of an approximately 5.5:1 ratio differential dry pipe control valve.

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 a fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and drown 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 operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably: configured so as to provider 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.