Fusible Connections Patents (Class 169/42)
  • Patent number: 11660483
    Abstract: A controller for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, and a device for detecting a fire in a fluid conduit, the device having a fluid state sensor for detecting a state variable of a fluid that is conducted in the fluid conduit, are provided. The determination of a fire situation is performed in a manner dependent on a signal of the fluid state sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Daniel Alberer, Andreas Kerschbaummayr, Andreas Leyrer, Bernhard Ramsebner, Martin Ranzmaier, Dietmar Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11630021
    Abstract: A nozzle cap assembly includes a nozzle cap defining a bore, the bore defining internal threading configured to mount the nozzle cap on a nozzle of a fire hydrant; an enclosure attached to the nozzle cap; a vibration sensor positioned within the enclosure; a circuit board positioned within the enclosure, the circuit board connected in electrical communication with the vibration sensor, the circuit board configured to process an electrical current transmitted by the vibration sensor; and an antenna connected in electrical communication with the circuit board, the antenna configured to transmit a signal received from the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Leo W. Fleury, Jr., Ganapathi Deva Varma Dintakurti, James O. Williams, Shabbir Yusuf
  • Patent number: 11602654
    Abstract: A fusible link assembly including a first detection line, a second detection line, and a fusible link. The fusible link includes, a first substrate with a first end coupled to the first detection line, a second substrate with a first end coupled to the second detection line, and a solder layer directly bonded to a second end of the first substrate and a second end of the second substrate. The solder layer is configured to prevent separation of the first substrate and the second substrate until the solder layer reaches a temperature between 500° F.-575° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Michael J. VerBrugge, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Brian J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 11484739
    Abstract: Corrosion resistant sprinklers and methods thereof include a sprinkler frame body having an internal passageway with an inlet and an outlet; a fluid deflecting member spaced from the outlet and means for non-frangible thermal actuation fluid control after exposure to an extreme salt environment. Means include a seal assembly disposed in the outlet, a screw member engaged with the sprinkler frame and a link assembly in a supporting orientation with respect to the sealing assembly to maintain and control transfer of a sealing force of the screw member against the seal assembly in a corrosive environment. Methods of obtaining or providing a corrosion resistant sprinkler include exposing sprinklers to a salt spray for an exposure period of over ten days and maintaining seal integrity after the exposure period and subsequently operating each sprinkler in a bath test within 3.5% of a nominal temperature rating of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Andrew T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11400325
    Abstract: A fire suppression system including an extinguisher assembly, a trigger assembly and a communication assembly is disclosed. The extinguisher assembly including a fire extinguisher having a fire retardant within. The fire extinguisher including a plurality of nozzles aimed in various direction for dispersing the fire retardant in multiple directions. The trigger assembly being atop of the fire extinguisher. A lever included within the trigger assembly to actuate the trigger when needed. The lever suspended above of the trigger by a melting pillar. The melting pillar melting when temperatures from a fire within the appliance reach a predetermined threshold to allow said lever to engage the trigger from above. Thereby causing the fire retardant to be dispersed in multiple directions by the plurality of nozzles to extinguish the fire. This helps to protect users from costly repairs and potentially dying within the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: James Stodola
  • Patent number: 10969205
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure device bonded to the surface of a structure at a bonding location. The vessel comprises an interior space within the vessel and a bonding surface. A bonding agent bonds the bonding surface of the vessel to a surface of the structure. A gas-emitting material is disposed within the interior space of the vessel and an initiator is arranged to activate the gas-emitting material. Upon activation of the gas-emitting material by the initiator, the pressure device produces a localized force that breaks the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Norine Chang, Erica Ronchetto
  • Patent number: 9259601
    Abstract: A detector (3) is provided that is independent of outside energy, for a release device, for which detector no battery and no external power supply is provided, and that generates a signal at a defined temperature, a thermal release element (3.2), at least one piezo element (3.1) and a coupling element (11) being arranged such in a bracket/housing (3.3) that as a result of a change in state of the thermal release element (3.2) by the coupling element (11) exerts a mechanical pressure on the piezo element (3.1) so that an electric signal is generated. A valve for a release device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Chrysafis Zlatintsis
  • Patent number: 8973672
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Henning Fraederich
  • Publication number: 20140305663
    Abstract: A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Michael REKENY
  • Patent number: 8844554
    Abstract: A valve mechanism which opens in response to a high temperature includes a stopper positionable at a closed position that blocks the flow of water in a cylindrical body attached to a water supply pipe. A stopper support permits the stopper to be movable from the closed position to an open position, wherein pressure of the water in the supply pipe tends to move the stopper from the closed position to the open position. A locking unit is positionable to lock the support in a position wherein the stopper blocks the channel, and has an inclined surface inclined obliquely to the water flow direction. A heat sensitive section blocks movement of the locking unit from the locking position and includes a heat sensitive portion responsive to the temperature of an environment of the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kikuchi, Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 8800588
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Axel Heise
  • Patent number: 8789615
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8776903
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jimenez, George S. Polan, John Tow, Myron Allen
  • Publication number: 20140158381
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a base and a frame extending from the base. The base has a passage extending therethrough defining an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is mounted to the frame and spaced from the outlet, which is configured to deflect fluid flowing from the outlet in a radial pattern. A trigger assembly extends between the frame and the base and is adapted to support a pip cap assembly in the outlet and release the plug when a temperature associated with a fire condition is detected. The pip cap assembly includes a copper shell and a stainless steel insert received in the copper shell and extending outward therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn G. ORR, David VANEERDEN
  • Patent number: 8695719
    Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate of the present invention increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Retzloff, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8684101
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Roger Graham Gilbertson, Valery Martynov
  • Publication number: 20140060858
    Abstract: Thermally activated devices, including thermally activated release devices. These devices may be used as part of any device or system in which thermal activation may be desired. In particular, described herein are thermally activated devices configured as sprinkler valves. The thermally activated devices typically include a channel and a plug element, where the plug element is a shape memory material, which may be a single-crystal shape memory alloy. The channel has two connected regions, where the first region has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a plug element in a first configuration and the second region has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the plug element in the first configuration but greater than the diameter of the plug element in its second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Alfred David JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 8646539
    Abstract: A concealed sprinkler including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an annular wall defining a chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber. A deflector assembly is disposed within the chamber. A trigger assembly having a lever assembly engaged with an inner surface of the annular wall supports the deflector assembly in the first position, the trigger assembly including and a thermally rated plate assembly having a lip portion to substantially circumscribe and substantially cover opening and chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Bernhard Abels, Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Marcelo J. Chavez
  • Patent number: 8596372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for thermally initiated triggering of an aerosol fire extinguisher having a strike pin (6) acted upon by an inner spring (7) and locked in the stand-by state, and after thermal initiation, the lock is removed and the strike pin (6), driven by the force of the inner spring (7), strikes against a mechanical firing cap (1), whereby an initial firing material is released in the firing cap (1), igniting a booster charge (2), the hot conversion gas thereof igniting a pyrotechnic extinguisher charge in the aerosol fire extinguisher. In order that an absolutely reliable initiation takes place under the same conditions throughout the entire service life of the aerosol fire extinguisher, it is proposed that only immediately after the thermal initiation, when the firing pin (6) is still locked, the inner spring (7) is brought to the necessary tension for triggering the firing cap (1), and only after reaching said tension is the lock of the firing pin (6) automatically released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH
    Inventors: Jiang Zhang, Peter Kloft, Klaus-Jurgen Dell, Matthias Agostin, Stephan Cordes, Axel Hemmer, Michael Köller, Herbert Weisshaupt, Alexandra Welp
  • Patent number: 8522888
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Belleville seal. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2-second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8469111
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Andrew T. Thompson, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 8402657
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8353357
    Abstract: A heat responsive trigger assembly for a fire protection sprinkler may include a first plate having a bottom face; a second plate including a top face engaging the bottom face; a thermally conductive member disposed between the top and bottom faces and extending beyond a perimeter of at least one of the first and second plates; and a heat fusible material securing the first and second plates in an engaged position. The first and second plates may disengage in response to the heat fusible material reaching a predetermined temperature, thereby allowing a fire suppressant to discharge from the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8342252
    Abstract: An automatic fire extinguisher includes a closed metal container with a top and upper portion in the shape of the frustum of a cone, a hemispherical shaped lower portion and a weighted bottom portion. The closed container includes a closeable opening for filling the container with the fire suppressant and a pressure valve for pressurizing the container after filling with suppressant. A quantity of fire suppressant is disposed in the container and dischargeable through a tubular member that extends through the top of the container and outwardly through a spray nozzle attached to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Mohammad Abdullah Alzemi
  • Patent number: 8322453
    Abstract: A sprinkler head adapted for a specific yield temperature. The sprinkler head uses a heat-sensitive material composed of Sn in an amount of 0.1-2.0% by mass, Bi in an amount of 31-37% by mass and In for balance for a temperature range around 70-75° C. or a heat-sensitive material composed of Zn in an amount of 0.05-0.4% by mass, Bi in an amount of 43-55% by mass and In for balance for a temperature range around 90-95° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kikuchi, Rikiya Kato
  • Patent number: 8220556
    Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. In one preferred form, the passageway section is defined by at least one lip projecting from the periphery of the cover plate, away from the sprinkler head. Alternatively, the cover plate may include a peripheral rim projecting away from the sprinkler head. In another preferred embodiment, the passageway section is defined by one or more undulations formed within the cover plate, each of which define a ridge at the periphery, enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate is substantially planar and includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: James G Retzloff, Scott T Franson
  • Patent number: 8172001
    Abstract: A pendent residential fire prevention sprinkler has a frame structure extending from the sprinkler body, and a system for blocking an outlet to prevent fluid from passing through the outlet until occurrence of a predetermined condition and for unblocking the outlet in response to occurrence of the condition. A deflector is supported by the frame structure at a predetermined distance from the outlet, at a position to be impinged upon by the fluid leaving the outlet. The deflector has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and slots formed in the periphery, defining tines therebetween. The slots include a first plurality of slots, each of which extends inward from the deflector periphery with a uniform width, a second plurality of slots, each of which has a first portion and a second portion between the deflector periphery and the slot's closed end, where the first portion has a width that varies at different points, while the second portion has a uniform width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Tow, Oliver S. Pahila, Charles R. Watson
  • Patent number: 8151462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8151897
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Stephen J. Meyer, George S. Polan, James E. Golinveaux
  • Patent number: 8028757
    Abstract: A nozzle for extinguishing devices and the like, made of a material with a high heat conductivity coefficient and comprising at least one through opening, at least one portion of which is blocked hermetically by at least one pad made of thermoplastic material, the pad being automatically removable, due to the pressure of the extinguishing agent, at a preset temperature, so as to allow the automatic dispensing of the extinguishing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Firet Italia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabio Bruno Candito, Andrea Amadesi
  • Publication number: 20110100650
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a dual stage hazard suppression system according to various aspects of the present invention include a housing containing a first hazard control material that is configured to be located close to a hazard source and a container containing a second hazard control material located at a distance from the hazard source. The housing may be configured to release the first hazard control material in response to a breach of the housing and/or the hazard source. The container may be configured for a timed release of the second hazard control material in response to the release of the first hazard control material. Alternatively, a sensor may be used to trigger the release of the second hazard control material in response to a triggering event separate from the initial breach of the housing and/or the hazard source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Brian J. Cashion, Dustin C. Moran, Matthew Sampson, William A. Eckholm
  • Patent number: 7845423
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a Row path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Gary K. Lund, James D. Rozanski
  • Publication number: 20100258324
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure accumulator has an interior chamber containing a fire-suppressing gas such as nitrogen. The fire-suppressing gas in the accumulator is fluidly connected to a thermal device, such as a valve with a thermal fuse or a controlled valve triggered by a thermal sensor. The thermal device is designed to open a fluid connection between the accumulator's interior chamber to ambient when the exterior temperature exceeds a determined safety threshold, thereby releasing the fire suppressing gas from the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: James G. Bryson, Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 7784555
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of a total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler is installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface, with a front edge in a fluid flow direction, and a back edge. The mounting platform of the support cup is closer to the front edge of the support cup in an axial direction thereof than to the back edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Publication number: 20100059235
    Abstract: A combination of a cover and a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head includes a fusible linkage mounted within a frame and having a protruding portion. The cover includes a first member adjacent to the protruding portion of the fusible linkage. The first member has a first connecting end and a first fastening end opposite the first connecting end. A second member is opposite to the first member and has a second connecting end and a second fastening end opposite the second connecting end. The first and second connecting ends are coupled to each other. A first projection and a second projection extend from the first member toward the second member and are in spaced relation to each other for receiving the protruding portion of the fusible linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shawn Feenstra
  • Patent number: 7607488
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for use with gas or electric range stove top to automatically deploy and energize an audible alarm. The system includes a pressurized supply of inert gas within an inflatable bag. A grease fire on the stove top breaks the fusible cord and allows the case to open, releasing the inert gas supply. The inert gas inflates a flame resistant bag to cover the burners of the stove top. The bottom of the flame resistant bag is a specific temperature sensitive material that will decompose on contact with the grease fire. As the bottom decomposes, the flame resistant material surrounds the cooking container containing the grease fire. The grease fire becomes isolated by flame resistant materials and inert gas. The bottom two layers of the bag have an additional layer of non-flammable absorbent fiber between the two layers of the decomposing bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Joe Durham
  • Patent number: 7584803
    Abstract: A sprinkler of the compressed strut and lever type wherein the motion of the lever is limited is disclosed. The sprinkler includes a compression member that compresses a strut against a sealing member that closes the outlet of the sprinkler. One end of a lever is positioned between the compression member and the strut. The opposite end is positioned in proximity to an abutment surface on the sprinkler. The opposite end is engageable with the abutment surface which limits motion of the lever and maintains an offset between the strut and the compression member that renders the strut and lever an unstable mechanism. A frangible link extends between the strut and the lever. The link separates in response to an increase in temperature indicative of a fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Ballard
  • Patent number: 7543654
    Abstract: A sprinkler head cover including a housing adapted to be attached to a sprinkler head which is connected to a water supply piping and in which, in the case of fire, a valve disposed inside the sprinkler head is opened to allow a fire-extinguishing liquid in the water supply piping to be dispersed. A cover plate is adapted to cover the sprinkler head so that the sprinkler head cannot be seen from outside, and a mount is installed in the housing and has a hole inside thereof. The cover plate and the mount are connected to each other by a low melting point alloy melted out from the hole, and a heat collector of the sprinkler head has a structure for allowing the heat collector to come into contact with the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 7540330
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G Orr, Andrew T Thompson, Scott T Franson
  • Patent number: 7353882
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of a total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler is installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface, with a front edge in a fluid flow direction, and a back edge. The mounting platform of the support cup is closer to the front edge of the support cup in an axial direction thereof than to the back edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 7343980
    Abstract: An enhanced protection extended coverage pendent fire protection sprinkler has a body including a fluid passage and an output orifice sealed with a seal cap, two arms extending from the body and meeting at a hub, a release mechanism with a thermally-responsive element positioned between the seal cap and the hub, and a deflector positioned on the hub and facing the output orifice. The deflector includes a pair of aligned slots, aligned with a plane of the arms, and a pair of perpendicular slots, perpendicular to the aligned slots and having a width that is less than that of the aligned slots. The deflector further includes a pair of corner slots, positioned between the aligned slots and the perpendicular slots. Angled slots are positioned between the aligned slots and the corner slots and between the perpendicular slots and the corner slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 7337856
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for suppression of fires are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided with a first opening (or set of openings), a second opening (or set of openings) and a flow path defined between the first and second openings. A fire-suppressing gas is produced, such as from a solid propellant composition, and is introduced into the flow path in such a way that a volume of ambient air is drawn from a location external to the housing, through the first opening and into the flow path. The volume of ambient air may be subjected to an oxygen-reducing process and mixed with the fire-suppressing gas to form a gas mixture. The gas mixture is discharged from the flow path through the second opening and into an associated environment for suppression of a fire located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Gary K. Lund, James D. Rozanski
  • Patent number: 7314093
    Abstract: A fast response residential sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a base and a frame extending from the base. The base has a passage extending therethrough defining an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is mounted to the frame and spaced from the outlet, which is configured to deflect fluid flowing from the outlet in a radial pattern. A trigger assembly extends between the frame and the base and is adapted to seal the outlet and release the seal when a temperature associated with a fire condition is detected. In addition, the sprinkler body is configured such that a ratio of the flow in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure in pounds per square inch gauge of the fluid supplied to the inlet is in a range of 4 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 7290618
    Abstract: A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W Thomas, Thomas G Deegan, Scott T Franson, Michael J Bosma, Delwin G Dornbos
  • Publication number: 20070221388
    Abstract: A sprinkler system comprises a network of CPVC conduits and a plurality of sprinklers. The system includes an electrically activated solenoid control valve to allow fluid to flow in the pipe network. One or more fire detectors operate independently of the condition of the sprinklers. Upon detection of an incipient fire situation, a fire detector sends an electrical signal to cause activation of the control valve. Upon activation of the control valve, fire suppression fluid is caused to flow through the conduits before the incipient fire situation matures into a sprinkler-triggering event. The cooling effect of fluid flowing through the conduit enables the conduit to resist structural failure prior to sprinkler deployment. The control valve may be disposed at a remote location in the sprinkler line and be operable as part of an inspector's test connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: NOVEON, INC.
    Inventor: Gary L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7182143
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide fire extinguishers for appliances and methods. A fire extinguisher includes a container containing a pressurized fire retardant. A delivery tube is connected to the container and is in fluid communication with the pressurized fire retardant. A fusible tip is disposed at a distal end of the delivery tube that seals the delivery tube. The fusible tip is adapted to release the fire retardant from the container upon melting of the fusible tip when the fusible the tip is exposed to a temperature that exceeds its melting temperature. A pressure-actuated switch may be connected to the container in fluid communication with the pressurized fire retardant. The pressure-activated switch is adapted to shut down an appliance in which the distal end is disposed when the pressure within the container drops below a predetermined value as a result of releasing the fire retardant into the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Neal Hall, Shelby Holen
  • Patent number: 7104335
    Abstract: A sprinkler head having a first housing connected to a water supply pipe disposed inside a building ceiling. The sprinkler head includes a second housing coupled to the first housing and fixed to the ceiling surface. A deflector is adhered to the first housing for spraying water by being detached from the first housing. A locking unit is locked inside the second housing for maintaining the sealing state between the deflector and the second housing, and a heat responding unit is exposed to outside of the ceiling for sensing heat at the time of a fire occurrence and thus releasing a locking of the locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignees: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7096964
    Abstract: The sprinkler includes the following structural members: a body (1) with a channel for liquid supply, a thermally responsive unit with a valve (4) closing the sprinkler outlet, and a thermally responsive unit attachment. In the first alternative embodiment a sprinkler channel is formed by a segment (10) of a cylindrical configuration connected with a segment (11) made as a conical diffuser. To generate a fine uniform gas-and-drop stream of a high kinetic energy and space-uniform distribution the cylindrical segment (10) length exceeds the channel diameter at this segment. The segment (11) length in the form of conical diffuser exceeds the channel diameter at the cylindrical segment (10). In the second alternative embodiment the sprinkler has two coaxial liquid supply channels. The length of the axial cylindrical channel exceeds its diameter. The second annular channel is coaxial to the first channel and fitted with helical guide components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Obschestvo S Organichennoi Otvetstvennostju “Unipat”
    Inventors: Andrey Leonidovich Dushkin, Alexandr Vladimirovich Karpyshev
  • Patent number: 7036603
    Abstract: A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Thomas, Thomas G. Deegan, Scott T. Franson, Michael J. Bosma, Delwin G. Dornbos
  • Patent number: RE45377
    Abstract: An upright ESFR sprinkler includes a generally tubular body, at least one frame arm, a closure assembly, an unactuated heat responsive trigger assembly and a deflector assembly with a K-factor greater than 14, and preferably 16.8. The passageway extends between inlet and outlet openings. The closure is positioned proximate the outlet so as to occlude the passageway with a Bellville seal being. An ejection spring is coupled to the closure assembly. The heat responsive trigger assembly has a Response Time Index of 40 meter1/2second1/2 (m1/2sec1/2) or less. The deflector assembly includes a nosepiece and a plate like redirecting member. The plate like redirecting member faces the outlet and is coupled to the at least one frame arm and spaced from the outlet opening. The plate shaped member includes a first generally planar portion, a conical second portion, and a third portion extending from the conical second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer