Abstract: A valve gate assembly with a eutectic implement configured to degrade in response to a force imparted along a non-parallel load path. The unique architecture employed for various embodiments ensures a non-parallel load path is employed in triggering the shift in position for a valve gate. This enhances the integrity of the eutectic implements such that a wider variety of valve gate assembly dimensions may be utilized. This, in turn, allows for such assemblies to be utilized with larger production line volumes without compromise to safety measures afforded by such safety valves.

Abstract: Ceiling only dry sprinkler systems and methods for protection of a storage occupancy employing a mandatory fluid delivery delay period. The systems and methods provide for fire protection of stored commodities of forty-five feet or greater with a hydraulic design ranging from six to eighteen design sprinklers. The systems and methods employ an upright sprinkler having a nominal K-factor greater than 28.

Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods for ceiling-only high-piled storage protection. The systems and methods include a fluid distribution, detection and control sub-systems to identify one or more fluid distribution devices for controlled operation to address a fire.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.

Abstract: A fire suppression system comprising a polymer housing and an internal channel arranged to communicate a fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet is in the form of at least one aperture extending through a portion of the polymer housing into said channel.

Abstract: An automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a passage with an inlet end and a discharge opening. A pair of sprinkler arms extend from the sprinkler body. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially inwardly extending leg including a threaded bore for receiving a compression screw. The pair of sprinkler arms each include a radially outwardly extending leg each defining an aperture therein. An outlet closure assembly includes a closure element that selectively blocks the discharge opening of the sprinkler body and a trigger assembly including a yoke that engages the compression screws and a glass bulb that extends between the yoke and the closure element. A deflector is coupled to the sprinkler arms by a pair of support pins that are received in the apertures in the radially outwardly extending legs of the at least two sprinkler arms.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler includes a valve body and a protective shell. The valve body defines therein an orifice being normally fitted with a cap. The valve body is provided with two opposing bars extending downwardly from two sides thereof to form a frame that supports a heat-activated glass bulb engaged between the cap and a bottom of the frame. The protective shell can be mounted to the opposing bars to surround the glass bulb. Each of the opposing bars is provided with a stop portion. The protective shell is provided with two opposing guide portions and two opposing engagement portions, wherein each guide portion of the protective shell receives one of the opposing bars to allow the engagement portions of the protective shell to be engaged with the stop portions of the opposing bars. It allows the protective shell to be mounted to the valve body more securely.

Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler assembly coupled to a mounting surface includes a sprinkler having a heat responsive element arranged adjacent a first end. A cover plate is positioned adjacent the heat responsive element and includes a thermally conductive cover layer. A reflective shield has a reflective interior surface. The reflective shield is positioned substantially opposite the cover plate adjacent the first end of the sprinkler such that heat reflects from the top plate towards the heat responsive element.

Abstract: A concealed sprinkler head cover adjusting device includes a valve body formed with a flow channel therein. Both sides of the valve body are formed with an opposing bar along the axial direction of the flow channel. A shell is clamped on the opposing bars and is formed with a first accommodating space. A bottom cover is fixed to the bottom of the shell and is inwardly concaved formed a second accommodating space. A restriction site is formed on the outer wall of the opposing bars along the axial direction of the flow channel, both sides of the shell are symmetrically formed with a guiding part and a plurality of clamping parts, and the guiding parts guide the opposing bars to allow the clamping parts adjust the clamping position on the restriction site, thereby adjusting the position of the valve body in the first and second accommodating spaces.

Abstract: A concealed fire sprinkler includes a main body, an arm extending along the main body and a receiving slot formed on the arm. A bottom cover is fixed by the arm at bottom of the main body. An elastic component is received in the receiving slot. Two ends of the elastic component contact with the arm and the bottom cover. Accordingly, the conventional problems that the temperature sensing speed of concealed fire sprinklers is not capable of increasing rapidly can be solved.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes: a fixing connector, which allows the sprinkler to be connected to pipework and has a nozzle; a fusible member; a shutoff member for shutting off the nozzle, held in shutoff position by the fusible member; and an ejecting element for ejecting the shutoff member. The ejecting element is mounted outside the duct and acts in a pulling sense on the shutoff member.

Abstract: A sprinkler head A has a main body including a pipe connection portion and a frame portion. In the frame portion, an outer circumferential surface protruding to the outside of the pipe connection portion is provided, and beam-like portions (inward flanges) with which a lever of a thermo-sensitive breakup portion engages and openings obtained by cutting off the outer circumferential surface from the side of the pipe connection portion to the beam-like portion are provided at opposite positions in the outer circumferential surface. Thereby, the weight of the frame portion can be largely reduced. Therefore, the weight of a sprinkler head is reduced, so that the weight load applied to the fire extinguishing system pipes in which a large number of sprinkler heads are installed can be reduced, and the work burden due to the weight load when the sprinkler heads are conveyed and installed in the fire extinguishing system pipes can also be reduced.

Abstract: A sprinkler head including a sprinkler body with a passage for fluid and a seal mechanism sealing the passage, and a cage member. A frangible bulb extends between the cage member and the seal. A shape memory alloy element is associated with the frangible bulb and has a first configuration that fits within, about, or abutting the bulb and a second configuration at a predetermined temperature which breaks the frangible bulb releasing the fluid through the passage.

Abstract: A device is provided for triggering a fire extinguishing system by a sprinkler, the device being arranged between the pipe for the extinguishing agent and the sprinkler and including a multiple-armed toggle-lever joint acting between a load axis of the triggering element and a sealing element that is arranged at an angle of 80 to 120° thereto. The device has the advantage that dry pipe sprinklers whose glass bulbs can only absorb low mechanical forces can also be arranged for use with pipes that exhibit large entry cross-sections, large volume flows and high pressures as the forces from the pipe that arise have to be absorbed only in part by the sprinkler glass bulb. It is further advantageous that the sealing force of the sealing element can be adjusted by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly having a base including a passageway, an inlet opening communicating with a pressurized fluid source, an outlet opening for outputting a flow of pressurized fluid along a flow path, and an axis extending through the outlet opening. The sprinkler assembly further comprises a top engaging the base and a deployment assembly supporting a flow shaper assembly. The deployment assembly is movably mounted to either the base or the top and is movable horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position for dispersing the pressurized fluid from the outlet opening. A heat responsive trigger is mounted to releasably retain the deployment assembly within the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a sprinkler head adaptor assembly including a sprinkler head adaptor having a generally cylindrical shape and a female threaded interior wall in a central aperture for receiving a male threaded sprinkler head. The sprinkler head adaptor includes an exterior surface that includes an exposed portion. The assembly includes a pipe extension formed from an injection moldable material with a length suitable for spanning a distance from a pipe system to sprinkler location that is formed integrally with the sprinkler head adaptor, wherein the exposed portion of sprinkler head adaptor is sized and shaped for engagement with a wrench. A metal ring maybe formed in the central aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for inspecting and/or sensing defects in a thermal pressure relief device. The thermal pressure relief apparatus may comprise a bulb having a fluid therein. In some implementations, a sensor may be used to determine whether the fluid within the bulb exceeds a fill level threshold. Upon determining that the fluid is below the fill level threshold, an action may be taken. In some implementations, the action may comprise providing a notification.

Abstract: A sprinkler head cover including an end wall and a side wall extending from and around the end wall to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized for receiving a deflector and arms of a sprinkler head. The side wall is adapted for engaging the sprinkler head to thereby releasably mount the cover to the sprinkler head. The sidewall includes a tear-away strip to facilitate removal of the cover from the sprinkler head.

Abstract: An extended coverage pendent sprinkler configured for the fire protection of an occupancy classified as any one of: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard, rack storage with solid shelves and any combination thereof. The sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K factor ranging from 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A deflector is spaced from the outlet to distribute a fire fighting fluid over a maximum protection area of about 196 square feet, and having one or more combination of features as described in the preferred deflector described herein.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.

Abstract: A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided including a structure, a fluid deflecting structure, a locator, a metallic annulus and a shield. The structure defines a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet with a rated K-factor defining an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the inlet of the passageway in pounds per square inch gauge. The fluid deflecting structure is proximate the outlet. The locator is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position and supports the metallic annulus which includes first and second metallic surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis between an inner and outer circumference. The shield has a first face exposed to the inlet and a second face confronting the first metallic surface to define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to periodically inspect and control piston movability are provided that can include using a contactless sensor system through a gas outlet port of a pressure relief device. By moving a stop, relative movement of the piston can be compared to the fixed body reflecting a movability or a blocking of the release piston. Inductive/magnetic or optical borescope sensors can detect piston movement through the gas outlet, for example. The activation function where the piston must move when activated can therefore be tested and maintained.

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 protection sprinkler is provided. The sprinkler includes a body having an output orifice and a flange; a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice; and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap and constructed to separate into a plurality of portions upon exposure to a predetermined temperature. The sprinkler also includes at least one deflector support member, a deflector connected to the deflector support member, and at least one arm extending from each of the deflector support members. Each of the arms has a free end positioned in spaced relation to the thermally-responsive element to contact the portions of the thermally-responsive element upon separation thereof. In another embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one arm extending from the flange, and the arms may be formed as a bracket.

Abstract: The fire sprinkler system of the preferred embodiments is preferably installed in a space defined by two beams, such as rafters, extending along the width of a space and separated by a distance equal to a length of the space. The fire sprinkler system includes a supply line generally extending along the width of the space and generally located between the rafters, and a series of sprinklers connected to the supply line. Each sprinkler is adapted to disperse in a coverage area having a length and a width, which is substantially less than the length. Each sprinkler is oriented such that the length of each coverage area extends in opposite directions toward the rafters. The fire sprinkler system may also be installed in a space having a series of purlins extending the length of the space. In this variation, each sprinkler is located between two purlins.

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.

Abstract: A combined plug and sealing ring for a sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle plug having a substantially cylindrical portion adapted to engage within a nozzle orifice of a sprinkler nozzle, and a cap overlaying the substantially cylindrical portion. A sealing ring is adapted to seat onto a threaded pipe fitting portion of the sprinkler nozzle. A leash interconnects the nozzle plug and the sealing ring. A combined plug and sealing ring in combination with a sprinkler nozzle, and a method of installing a sprinkler nozzle in a highly corrosive or extremely corrosive environment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent, autonomously usable closure for misting nozzles, atomizing nozzles and sprinklers. A covering plate 20 is fixed on the closure having a heat tripping device, a nozzle body 2, outlet channel 11 and outlet opening 10 by means of a melt tripping device 5. The melt tripping device 5 is activated when necessary by a heat element 23 and the outlet opening 10 is released. A structural element 21, such as a disk spring, ensures at the melting moment of the melt tripping device 5 that a force F is applied and the covering plate 20 is separated with force from the outlet opening. In case of emergency, the release is triggered without energy. The proposed autonomous device can be used in a system network and can also be integrated into an existing system.

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The shape memory element typically communicates with the valve so as to force it open. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.

Abstract: A sprinkler head cover including an end wall and a side wall extending from and around the end wall to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized for receiving a deflector and arms of a sprinkler head. The side wall is adapted for engaging the sprinkler head to thereby releasably mount the cover to the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a leg configured to extend transverse to each of a pair of adjacent parallel spaced beams. The leg includes levered clamp assemblies that are configured for connecting and supporting each end of the leg to a corresponding one of the beams. The levered clamp assemblies include a first plate and a second plate, each plate configured to straddle the beam. The levered clamp assemblies also include a lever assembly. The lever assembly includes a rod passing through corresponding rod openings in the first and second plates, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the rod. The lever includes a cam surface disposed adjacent to the first plate. The lever assembly is configured to reduce spacing between the plates upon actuation of the lever, whereby the leg is secured to the beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire sprinkler head that once activated can be shut off via a built-in ball-type cutoff valve without requiring the flow of fire retardant in the feeding pipe to be cut off.

Abstract: A sprinkler mounting strut that secures an unrestrained pipe and a sprinkler together to engage a wall through which the sprinkler extends. The strut provides prongs and engagement portions that secure the strut to the edges of a hole extending through the wall. The strut provides a base against which a pipe abuts to secure the pipe to the wall. The sprinkler extends through an escutcheon and through the base of the strut to engage the pipe and draw the pipe and escutcheon towards each to secure the components to the surfaces of the wall.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.

Abstract: A concealed-type sprinkler that includes a body having a proximal portion defining an opening and a distal portion defining an outlet. The body defines an internal passageway having an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion preferably includes an annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface to further define a chamber distal of the outlet to house an internal component of the sprinkler. A cover plate assembly substantially conceals the chamber and includes a thermally responsive surface in communication with the chamber to actuate the sprinkler. The preferred sprinkler preferably includes a spacing member disposed between the annular wall and the cover plate assembly to define at least one aperture for communication between the chamber and the environment external to the sprinkler. An escutcheon is preferably disposed about the annular wall.

Abstract: A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a structure, a fluid deflecting structure, a locator, a metallic annulus and a shield. The structure defines a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The structure has a rated K-factor defining an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the inlet of the passageway in pounds per square inch gauge. The fluid deflecting structure is proximate the outlet. The locator is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. The locator supports the metallic annulus. The metallic annulus includes first and second metallic surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis between an inner and outer circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis. The shield has a first face exposed to the inlet and a second face confronting the first metallic surface to define a gap there between.

Abstract: A sprinkler head A has a main body including a pipe connection portion and a frame portion. In the frame portion, an outer circumferential surface protruding to the outside of the pipe connection portion is provided, and beam-like portions (inward flanges) with which a lever of a thermo-sensitive breakup portion engages and openings obtained by cutting off the outer circumferential surface from the side of the pipe connection portion to the beam-like portion are provided at opposite positions in the outer circumferential surface. Thereby, the weight of the frame portion can be largely reduced. Therefore, the weight of a sprinkler head is reduced, so that the weight load applied to the fire extinguishing system pipes in which a large number of sprinkler heads are installed can be reduced, and the work burden due to the weight load when the sprinkler heads are conveyed and installed in the fire extinguishing system pipes can also be reduced.

Abstract: An extended coverage sidewall automatic fire sprinkler includes a generally tubular body with a central passageway and a central axis. One end of the passageway forms an outlet at one end of the tubular body. A closure at the one end of the tubular body at least essentially generally closes the passageway. A trigger positioned to releasably retain the closure at the outlet closes the passageway. A deflector at a discharge end of the sprinkler is coupled with the tubular body facing and spaced axially away from the outlet and intersects the central axis. The tubular body has a K factor greater than 9.

Abstract: A pendent type residential fire sprinkler is described. The residential fire sprinkler has a body with a K-factor of at least 6 passage coupled to a deflector assembly that distributes fluid flowing through the passage over a coverage area to perform in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1626 (October 2003) for listing by Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated so that the body and a heat responsive trigger disposed between the passage and the deflector assembly of the sprinkler can be installed in accordance with the 2002 Edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. Various aspects of the residential fire sprinkler, including a method of protecting a residential dwelling unit are described.

Abstract: A fire protection system includes fire sprinklers having a male member of a quick-connect coupling. Corresponding female members of a quick-connect coupling are molded into plastic water pipe couplings forming a water supply and distribution system or, alternatively, threaded into metal pipe couplings.

Abstract: A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler includes a housing having a vertical segment and a horizontal segment extending generally perpendicular to the vertical segment. The vertical segment defines an inlet opening. A plug member is disposed in the inlet opening for sealingly closing the inlet opening. A sprinkler is attached to the horizontal segment and includes a base having a passage extending therethrough and defining an outlet opening. A cap is disposed in the outlet opening and a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap. A translation mechanism is disposed in the housing and engaging the cap and supporting the plug member in the inlet opening, wherein when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap, the translation mechanism is allowed to move within said housing to allow the plug member to dislodge from the inlet opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure of a coupler for a sprinkler. The mounting structure is constructed so that a coupler to which a sprinkler head and a water supply line are connected is fitted into a clamp in a lateral direction and is secured at a predetermined position by a snap part, and a support structure having a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the coupler is provided so as to prevent the coupler from rotating in the clamp.

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 mounting coupling for a fire sprinkler support system includes an adjustable opening for receiving a sprinkler reducer coupling that allows insertion of the sprinkler coupling into the mounting coupling with a sprinkler head assembled thereto. The mounting coupling can be securely engaged to the reducer coupling and fixed to a support bar of the sprinkler support system using a single fastener thereby providing improved installation and functionality.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system. The preferred dry sprinkler has a metallic disc annulus positionable within a passageway to skew a central axis of a face of the metallic disc annulus with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dry sprinkler so that an expected minimum flow rate based on a rated discharge coefficient is provided. The dry sprinkler operates to provide an expected flow rate over a range of start pressures. The expected flow rate is based on a K-factor rating. The dry sprinkler provides an acceptable level of fluid flow rate from the expected flow rate based on the K-factor for a range of start pressures.