Abstract: Differential-type dry pipe valves for fire protection systems are provided. The valve includes a body with a clapper assembly disposed in an internal passage of the valve body between an inlet and an outlet. The clapper assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position to respectively prevent and permit fluid flow through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. With the clapper assembly in the open position, an internal mechanism is positioned to stop the clapper moving to the closed position. The valve includes a resetting assembly having a knob exterior to the body. Translation of the knob toward the outlet moves the internal mechanism which permits the clapper assembly to move to the closed position.

Abstract: A proportioner having a body portion that defines a foam passage and a fluid passage. The proportioner also includes a restrictor assembly having a restrictor disk and an orifice plate having an opening for receiving the restrictor disk. The proportioner can further include a rod member connected to the restrictor disk and a clapper assembly connected to the rod member via a sliding interface. The clapper assembly can be configured to control a flow of the foam concentrate through the foam passage in proportion to a flow of the fire protection fluid through the fluid passage by moving the rod member to vary the distance between the restrictor disk and the orifice plate. The sliding interface can be disposed between a first guide and a second guide, and at least a portion of the restrictor disk is disposed in the opening.

Abstract: A valve (10) for sealing and selectively opening a flow path from a water-filled inlet (210) to a dry outlet (220) includes a valve body (100) having a valve opening (230) surrounded by first and second annular valve seat regions (110, 120). A drainage channel (510, 512)) connects to a space between the first and second annular valve seat regions (110, 120). A plug (300) is displaceable between an open state and a closed state for closing the valve opening (230). The plug has a first annular seal (310) for sealing against first annular valve seat region (110) and a second annular seal (350) for sealing against the second annular valve seat region (120). The second annular seal (350) is a flexible seal deployed so that it closes prior to closure of the first annular seal (310). Second annular seal (350) is elastically deformed so as to be pressed into contact with the second annular valve seat (120) when the plug (300) reaches its closed state.

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 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.

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: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.

Abstract: A fire suppression system and method thereof is provided. The fire suppression system includes at least one inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe, and a valve. The inlet pipe is at least partially filled with a fluid substance, wherein the fluid substance creates a first pressure in the inlet pipe. The outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and contains a gaseous fluid, wherein the gaseous fluid creates a second pressure in the outlet pipe. The valve is in fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, wherein the fluid substance enters the outlet pipe through the valve when the second pressure is altered to a predetermined pressure.

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.

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 improved fire protection system that is of fail safe design for kitchen stoves with or without a range hood and other applications utilizing electrical power for generating heat and in which a fire condition such as a skillet of grease becomes ignited. Said system is activated thermally to release a quantity of fire suppressant material while simultaneously cutting off the electrical power. The system utilizes a reservoir containing the fire suppressant under pressure with a hose or pipe connected to one or a plurality of thermally activated nozzles. A second hose or pipe is connected to a pneumatically operated electrical interruption device.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided, and includes at least one inlet configured to be at least partially filled with water, the water creating a first pressure in the at least one inlet, at least one outlet in fluid communication with the at least one inlet, the outlet configured to be at least partially filled with a chemical fluid, wherein the chemical fluid creates a second pressure in the at least one outlet, and a valve assembly in fluid communication between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein the valve is configured to be in a closed position when the first pressure is less than the second pressure, and the valve is configured to be in an open position when the first pressure is greater than the second pressure, such that said valve fails open when the second pressure is less than the first pressure.

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 dry/deluge valve for an automatic sprinkler system. The valve includes a main chamber having an input port for receiving fluid from a supply line and an output port. A clapper assembly is installed in the main chamber for sealing the input port. The clapper assembly includes a threaded valve seat configured to be screwed into a wall of the main chamber, so as to be in communication with the input port. The assembly further includes a collar configured to receive the valve seat, wherein the collar is held in position by the valve seat. A clapper configured to seal the input port, in cooperation with the valve seat, is hinged to the collar, and a lever also is hinged to the collar and is movable between a first position in which the clapper is held closed by the lever and a second position in which the clapper is allowed to open.

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 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 valve is disclosed having an inlet duct aligned with an outlet duct and an angularly oriented elliptical seat positioned between them. A pressure chamber faces the seat. A pivoting valve closure member is positioned between the pressure chamber and the seat. An asymmetrical rolling diaphragm is attached to the closure member and defines part of the pressure chamber. A seat engaging surface on the side of the closure member opposite the pressure chamber is sealingly engageable with the seat to close the valve. The valve closure member is pivoted into the closed positioned by pressurizing the pressure chamber. The valve remains closed against hydraulic pressure in the inlet duct. The valve is permitted to open by de-pressurizing the pressure chamber, allowing the closure member to pivot out of engagement with the seat. Fluid may then flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct.

Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow control device is disclosed. A body houses a filter screen, a check valve and an orifice plate mounted on a frame which is removable from the body as a unit through an opening in the body sealed by a removable plug. The orifice plate is removable from the frame to permit different sized orifices to be fitted. An inlet in the body conducts pressurized fluid through the filter screen, through the check valve and then out through an outlet in the body, both the inlet and outlet being adapted for convenient connection to a piping network. An opening in the body in fluid communication with the inlet and sealable by a removable plug allows the screen to be flushed for removal of debris.

Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.

Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.

Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.

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 container valve for fixed fire extinguishing systems comprises a valve body (12), a closure piston (26), one sealed end of which is introduced into the release chamber (24) and the opposite end of which has a sealing surface which can be pressed against a valve seat (22). Said closure piston (26) has a pressure compensation channel (36). A closing spring (32) exerts a spring force on the closure piston (26) in the direction of the valve seat (22). A trigger device (46) enables a drop in pressure to be created in the release chamber (24), in such a way that the closure piston (26) is displaced away from its valve seat (22), coming to rest against an end stop. A sealing element (38) seals the pressure compensation channel when the closure piston (26) rests against the end stop.

Abstract: An electro-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. One of the pressure drops is triggered pneumatically, the other electrically.

Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.

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 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: 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: 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: A valve for a fire fighting installation has an inlet into a valve body for connection to a primary source of a first liquid under a first pressure, a liquid space in the valve body for connection to a secondary source of a second liquid under a second pressure, an outlet from the valve body for connection to an out-going line for the first and second liquids, and a connection from the inlet to the outlet and a movable spindle in the valve body for closing the connection with one end of the spindle when the spindle is in a stand-by position and opening the connection when the spindle is in an activated position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a valve including a valve member having: a predetermined surface area on its inlet side exposed to the inlet pressure to produce a force tending to move the valve member to an open position; a larger surface area on its opposite, control side exposed to the inlet pressure to produce a larger force tending to move the valve member to its closed position; a passageway through the valve member; a restrictor orifice in the passageway; and a one-way valve in the passageway permitting fluid flow only from the inlet side to the control side of the valve member, to prevent unintentional opening of the valve member in the event of a drop in the inlet pressure followed by the resumption of the inlet pressure.

Abstract: A fire suppression system in which fire suppressant material is contained in a reservoir, the reservoir having an outlet and a system containing one or more nozzles from which the suppressant is delivered for fire suppresant purposes.The system incorporates a valve between the reservoir outlet and the nozzle(s) the valve including a movable valve member and a valve seat which cooperates with the movable member. The valve member is movable from a closed position with respect to the valve seat preventing communication of suppressant between the reservoir and the nozzle(s) to an open position permitting flow of the suppressant from the reservoir to the nozzle(s).An actuator is provided to selectively open and close the aforesaid valve member. The actuator maintains a fluid (preferably nitrogen) under pressure to maintain the valve member in the closed position and is operable to vent the fluid to lower the pressure in the valve, thus permitting the valve member to open.

Abstract: A rapid-acting fire suppressant valve that includes a linearly-movable poppet having a long stroke enabling the poppet to move beyond the suppressant flow stream. Poppet motion is initiated by venting a pre-pressurized piston-cylinder unit; ledge mechanism attached to the piston moves out of the poppet path to permit the valve-open action. The valve is characterized by redundant seal action during standby periods, and rapid poppet motion during the valve-opening operation.

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 sprinkler system control valve has a "wet" valve which is maintained seated against a mains water inlet by water pressure applied to a piston of larger effective area than the wet valve. The sprinkler system downstream of the wet valve is charged with air at a relatively low pressure, this air pressure also being supplied to an actuator chamber so as to maintain a deadweight in a lifted position. Upon operation of a sprinkler head the air pressure in the system drops rapidly, causing the deadweight to descend, operating a trip valve through a self-locking cam. Once operated, the trip valve vents the pressure on the piston to an exhaust port allowing the wet valve to open, and at the same time cutting off the actuator chamber from the sprinkler system by the entry of a sealing O-ring into an internal bore in the wet valve housing.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system that is of the gas dispersion type is provided, whereby a given supply cylinder, controlled by a cylinder valve, is piped to a plurality of directional or line valves for delivery to various locations. Sensing devices are also provided for controlling the line valves and cylinder valves as are manual valve operators. A particularly novel cylinder valve is provided, whereby once the valve is opened, venting of one side of the piston prevents closing prior to discharge of fluid from the cylinder.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system that is of the gas dispersion type is provided, whereby a given supply cylinder, controlled by a cylinder valve, is piped to a plurality of directional or line valves for delivery to various locations. Sensing devices are also provided for controlling the line valves and cylinder valves as are manual valve operators. A particularly novel cylinder valve is provided, whereby once the valve is opened, venting of one side of the piston prevents closing prior to discharge of fluid from the cylinder.