Abstract: A fire-protection system for delivering a fire-control fluid includes a valve having a body with an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passageway connecting the inlet with the outlet. A seal member is supportable across the passageway to close the passageway. The seal member is supported across the passageway in a sealing position in a pre-activation condition of the valve. The seal member is movable from the sealing position to a fluid-flow position in an activated condition of the valve. The seal member includes a support body having a longitudinal axis, a seat, a leading surface facing in an upstream direction from the seat, and a trailing surface located in a downstream direction from the seat and contoured radially inwardly in the downstream direction. A Belleville washer is mounted on the seat of the support body.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and related methods for quickly deactivating or otherwise plugging a sprinkler, wherein the deactivated sprinkler may automatically reactivate in view of an unexpected fire. Generally, the disclosed apparatus comprises: a forked clamping arm and a jaw arm with a stopper plug, wherein the forked clamping arm is positioned around a body of a fire-sprinkler and the plug is squeezed against an outlet of a fire-sprinkler via locking plier action between the clamping arm member and the jaw arm member. Suitably, a water tight seal is created by the plug over the outlet. Preferably, the plug of the apparatus may be configured to melt whenever ambient temperatures surrounding the sprinkler reach a threshold level so that the sprinkler may reactivate in view of an unexpected fire in its proximity.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a fire sprinkler shut-off tool for stopping water flow from an activated fire sprinkler head. Due to the lack of any automatic safety release mechanisms, such tools currently on market suffer the disadvantage of requiring constant monitoring in case fire rekindles. The shut-off tool comprising a pair of adjustable clamping arms and an actuator assembly for adjusting and fixing the clamping arms addresses the safety issue by integrating a fusible link locking tab into the actuator assembly. The presence of a nearby fire melts and separates the locking tab thereby releasing the clamping arms from an activated fire sprinkler head. The shut-off tool also addresses the safety problem of firemen or building maintenance personnel using a shut-off device that requires two hands while working from a ladder as this device can be easily used with one hand.

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: 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: 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 pendant sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inner surface defining a passageway. The passageway includes an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along the longitudinal axis and defines a K-factor of about 5. The sprinkler also includes a closure assembly adjacent the outlet to occlude the outlet and a thermally responsive support means for maintaining the closure assembly adjacent the outlet. Also provided are means for distributing a flow of fluid over a protection area ranging from about 144 square feet to about 400 square feet, the fluid distribution having a density of at least 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot (0.05 gpm/ft2) so as to define a range of minimum operating pressures ranging from about seven pounds per square inch to about seventeen pounds per square inch (7-17 psi.) and a range of minimum operating fluid flows ranging from about thirteen gallons per minute to about twenty gallons per minute (13-20 gpm.).

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and related methods for quickly deactivating or otherwise plugging a sprinkler, wherein the deactivated sprinkler may automatically reactivate in view of an unexpected fire. Generally, the disclosed apparatus comprises: a piston pump that is in fluid communication with an inflatable bladder. In one mode of operation, the bladder of said apparatus may be disposed within a nozzle of a sprinkler, the piston pump operated to inflate the bladder, and wherein said inflated bladder blocks fluid from escaping the nozzle. Suitably, the working components of the apparatus may be configured to melt whenever ambient temperatures surrounding the sprinkler reach a threshold level so that the sprinkler may reactivate in view of an unexpected fire in its proximity.

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

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

Abstract: A sprinkler head shut off device, comprising of a handle with at least one jaw, a lever, a stopper arm, and a means for reciprocating the stopper arm as the lever is rotated, in order to bring a portion of the stopper arm in contact with the orifice of the sprinkler and stop water flow. The device further comprises a locking means to lock the lever in position. The locking means comprises a member attached to the lever which locks its rotary motion in one direction at a particular position by engaging with a portion of the means for reciprocating the stopper arm.

Abstract: A sprinkler wedge designed for inhibiting water discharge from an open or activated sprinkler head. The sprinkler wedge generally comprises a main body having proximal and distal ends. A handle assembly connected toward the proximal end for easy grasping by a human hand, and a forked tip toward the distal end. The sprinkler wedge is designed for improved single-handed insertion into the water stream of an activated sprinkler head.

Abstract: A spring-loaded device conceals a recessed sprinkler head. Heat releases the spring and exposes the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly for controlling a fire situation includes at least one fluid conduit defining a flow passage including an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid source and at least one outlet for discharging the fluid, and a dispensing mechanism such as an open or closed sprinkler head for distributing water to a selected location. A fluid control apparatus is provided including a valve assembly having a valve seal which is moveable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through the conduit and an open position causing fluid flow through the conduit. The fluid control apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism including a valve actuator which is operatively connected to the valve assembly for causing movement of the valve seal to the open position upon release of the sealing force.

Abstract: A sprinkling or spraying head, for fire fighting systems, comprises a nozzle holder cap which is removably coupled to the body of the sprinkling head and comprises a plurality of nozzles designed for ejecting a fighting liquid in a nebulized form.

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.

Abstract: A single-piece manifold for use with a residential or other building sprinkler system is disclosed which comprises a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a conduit adapted for fluid flow formed between the inlet and the outlet. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and a combination pressure relief and test valve for draining and testing the sprinkler system. A pair of check valves are positioned across the conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough when the sprinkler system is inactive with a space being defined between the first and second check valves for communication with a vent passageway. The vent passageway communicates with atmosphere and prevents false alarms due to water surges in the supply line.

Abstract: A tool for deactivating a sprinkler head. The tool includes a housing, a first arm supported by the housing and a second arm supported for movement relative to the first arm. A first engagement surface is supported by the first arm and a second engagement surface is supported by the second arm. The first and second engagement surfaces are adapted for positioning intermediate a valve and a receiving support of the sprinkler head. A biasing member is operably connected to the second arm for urging the second engagement surface away from the first engagement surface. A handle is supported by the second arm and is moveable relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire extinguishing device that includes at least one liquid conduit connected at one end to a source with a fire extinguishing liquid under pressure, and at the other end having channels in a nozzle head with a plurality of nozzles. The channels of the nozzle head include a first channel connected to at least one atomizing nozzle for discharging liquid in atomized form, and a second channel which has an air intake. A foam nozzle is connected to the second channel downstream of the air intake for discharging a liquid in foamed form. The device can be utilized for effectively extinguishing class A, B, C, and E fires and can with one single handle be converted to fighting fires with either foam or water. The water can be atomized to a very high fineness by means of a relatively slight pressure of about 10 to 25 bar over a range of more than 10 meters. Far less water is used for extinguishing a fire than when using conventional fire extinguishing equipment.

Abstract: A sprinkler device for fire extinguishing systems is adapted to be coupled to a fluid supply line and placed in an environment which is to be protected from fire. The device has an actuator sensitive to room temperature which causes motion of a shutter for controlling the flow of the fluid to an outlet when the room temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. The actuation device has an unbreakable container in which there is stored a material having a volume which is a function of the container's temperature, a shaft movable in response to a change in volume of the material, and a closure and sealing device for the chamber and shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is to discharge the fire extinguishing water by accurately opening the valve, using a shape-memory alloy at a predetermined temperature in a fire. When a shape-memory alloy in a first heat sensitive operation part is heated to a predetermined memory restoring temperature, a pilot valve is operated by the restoring force thereof so that a spool valve can be in a state capable of being opened by an actuator. When a second heat sensitive operation part reaches a predetermined water discharge starting temperature higher than the memory restoring temperature, a fusible alloy provided inside is thermally decomposed so that the first heat sensitive operation part maintained in the closed state is released so as to discharge the fire extinguishing water.

Abstract: In an automatic on-off sprinkler, water enters an inlet and passes through a hollow interior region to the outlet. A reciprocating member in the hollow region normally blocks the outlet when water entering a narrow passageway fills a central chamber above the reciprocating member. A large gap between the hollow region ID and the reciprocating member OD permits friction-free movement of the reciprocating member. A flexible, water-tight diaphragm seals the central region, preventing liquid entering the narrow passageway from communicating with a lower region from passing to the outlet. A sensor detects an emergency condition, unsealing a control opening larger than the narrow passageway, allowing liquid to rapidly escape through the unsealed control, dropping the pressure in the central region, whereby a pressure imbalance lifts the reciprocating member closing the outlet. When the control opening is resealed, liquid pressure in the central region sealed by the water-tight membrane increases.

Abstract: The fire extinguishing and smoke eliminating apparatus using water mist, including a water mist nozzle for spraying fine water particles with a designated particle diameter suitable for smoke generated from different types of objects existing in a section indicating a designated range of a fire extinguishing and smoke eliminating object or different types of smoke itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire fighting equipment, comprising at least one spray head (1) with a number of nozzles (3) directed obliquely sideways. The nozzles (3) are arranged so close to each other that the fog formation areas of the individual nozzles intensify the fog flows and provide a suction to cause the fog formation areas to be compressed into a continuous directional fog spray.

Abstract: An adjustable stopper for a fusible link sprinkler head comprised of an elongated upper rectangular plate. The device includes an elongated lower rectangular plate. A rocker assembly is positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. A hemispherical stopper is secured to a proximal end portion of the upper rectangular plate. The stopper is dimensioned to fit into a sprinkler head orifice. An adjustment assembly extends through the upper plate and the lower plate.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is coupled to a pressurized fire extinguishing fluid supply line and positioned generally above a predetermined area to be protected against damage by fire. The sprinkler has a body with an inlet and at least one outlet, a divider defining bias and outlet chambers within the body, and a pilot valve assembly, forming an integral part of the body, is in communication with the bias chamber. The divider has a first "off" position substantially preventing fluid from exiting the outlet chamber and a second "on" position allowing fluid flow from the outlet chamber to be distributed over the area being protected. The pilot valve assembly includes a thermally responsive sensing element, e.g. a bimetal snap disc, disposed in a relatively horizontal plane generally below a main portion of the body for exposure to heat from all regions of the predetermined area to be protected by the sprinkler device.

Abstract: An actuator for performing a function at a predetermined temperature includes an actuator assembly with a resiliently expandable element and a device for liberating hydrogen gas into a sealed system formed in part by the element. When the hydrogen gas pressure in the system becomes sufficiently high, the element expands to perform the function. The resiliently expandable element is a piston or a bellows and the device for liberating hydrogen gas is a hydride sensor assembly.

Abstract: In an automatic turn-off sprinkler, water enters an inlet and passes through a hollow interior region to the outlet. A reciprocating spool in the hollow region normally blocks the outlet enabling incoming water to fill a chamber above the spool. The gap between the ID of the bore and the OD of the spool permits sliding movement of the spool while providing a watertight seal preventing liquid entering the small opening communication with a chamber above the top of the spool from passing to the outlet opening. A heat sensor detects an emergency condition, unsealing a normally sealed opening allowing liquid pressing upon the spool to escape through the unsealed opening dropping the pressure on the top of the spool, whereby water pressure upon the bottom of the spool lifts the spool above the outlet. When the heat sensor seals the control opening, liquid pressure upon the top surface builds.

Abstract: An automatic sprinkler head comprising a body with a passageway for fire-extinguishing fluid, a frame extending from the body having a deflector plate opposite the passageway, a closure assembly (including a closure thimble) for closing the passageway, a thermally responsive glass bulb interposed between the closure assembly and the deflector plate, and a means to minimize lodgement of the closure assembly. The means to minimize lodgement of the closure assembly is interposed between the glass bulb and the closure thimble. The means to minimize lodgement is preferably an underground spiral spring and causes the closure assembly and any glass bulb fragments to tumble away from the axis of the passageway when the glass bulb fractures, thus minimizing the possibility of the closure assembly and glass bulb fragments becoming lodged against the deflector plate.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve arrangement for a fire sprinkler system includes a set of auxiliary pipe fittings interconnected between the water distribution pipes and the sprinkler heads. Each fitting houses a multi-vane paddle wheel rotatably mounted under an eccentric valve opening normally unobstructed by a movable valve member, and the paddle wheel axle is connected by a gear train to an actuator for the valve member. When water flows from the distribution pipe through the fitting and exits therefrom via the sprinkler head to douse a fire, the paddle wheel rotates rapidly and drives the actuator via the gear train so that the valve member is shifted to close the valve opening and interrupt the flow of water therethrough after a prescribed time interval, thereby minimizing the risk of water damage to the protected premises.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire protection sprinkler head having a base constructed for connection to a source of fire retardant fluid under pressure, a throat in the base through which fire retardant fluid can flow, a valve seat defined by the base about the periphery of the throat, and a resiliently flexible valve disk disposed across the throat and impressed upon the valve seat in sealing engagement. The valve seat has an arcuate profile segment, with a protuberant ridge disposed about the periphery of the throat and adjacent thereto. The ridge, in the region of its crest, defines a valve seat surface. The valve seat further has a recessed surface segment disposed radially outwardly of the throat, and divergent from a plane of the crest of the protuberant ridge.

Abstract: A thermally responsive device for terminating the discharge of fire-extinguishing fluid from an activated sprinkler head of the pendent and sidewall type. The device includes a recessed seat which, when impressed onto an activated sprinkler head, returns the shut-off valve to the water emitting conduit to obturate fluid flow. The device is secured by a frictional locking means which allows it to remain in place as a guard against inadvertent discharge.

Abstract: A device for terminating the flow of fire-extinguishing fluid from an activated sprinkler head of the pendent and sidewall types. A cavity within the device receives the sprinkler head and a protuberance within said cavity engages the valve assembly and returns the shut-off valve to the fluid-emitting conduit. Biased apertures within the sidewalls engage the sprinkler head flange and provide a locking means. The device is constructed from thermoplastic resins which melt and allow the device to become reactivated when ambient temperatures reach critical levels.

Abstract: A device for terminating the flow of fluid from an overhead sprinkler equipped with a cut-off valve. The device provides a cut-off means for obturating fluid flow in sprinkler heads equipped with both a circular baffle and a baffle having a sidewall member for directing water into a limited area. When impressed onto the sprinkler head a recessed segment returns the cut-off valve to its original shut-down position and a biased locking means allows the user to secure the device against unintended discharge.

Abstract: An automatic on-off fire extinguishing sprinkler head including a housing defining inlet and outlet openings; a valve retained by the housing and disposed between the inlet and outlet openings, the valve being movable between a closed position in which it prevents fluid flow between the inlet and outlet openings and an open position in which it allows fluid flow therebetween and a latch releasably latching the valve in the closed position. A release mechanism responds to a sensor by releasing the latch to allow movement of the valve into the open position at a predetermined ambient temperature. Operatively coupled to the valve is a temperature responsive actuator shaped and arranged to allow movement of the valve into its open position in response to ambient temperatures above a given level and to force the valve into its closed position in response to ambient temperatures below the given level.

Abstract: A device for terminating the flow of fluid from an overhead sprinkler equipped with a cut-off valve. A recess within said device accepts the sprinkler head and returns the cut-off valve to its original position. A biased locking means is also provided so that the device can be secured against any unintended resumption of fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for stopping the flow of water through the opening in a fire sprinkler head after the failure of an originally installed triggering device, which apparatus thereafter serves as a substitute triggering device. The apparatus is provided with a meltable body portion having a first bore formed therein with a shoulder formed at one end of the first bore and a second bore formed generally transverse to and in contact with the first bore at the shoulder end of the first bore, a spring positioned in the first bore, a piston positioned within the spring and having a slot at one end which is alignable with the second bore and a pin inserted through the second bore and engaging the piston slot. Thus, after placement in a sprinkler head, transverse movement of the pin results in the release of the piston which is moved by the spring into the sprinkler head opening, stopping the flow of water.

Abstract: An automatic on-off sprinkler head is disclosed for discharge of water for extinguishing a fire in the vicinity in which the delivery of water to and through the head is controlled by alternative temperature responsive elements, namely a snap-disc and a fusible alloy, which normally remains in an inactive position, the temperature responsive element actuating a seal plunger to retain water in a priming or control chamber, the priming or control chamber having therein a flexible tubular valve capable of being compressed to and retained in a closed position by the pressure in the priming or control chamber, the flexible tubular valve providing a boundary of the priming or control chamber, the flexible tubular valve providing a passageway connecting the inlet of the sprinkler head with the discharge orifice nozzle for straight through flow when the flexible tubular valve is in uncompressed or open condition, the priming or control chamber being in communication with the inlet for pressure variation accommodation

Abstract: A valve for pressurized, liquid sprinkler systems which is adapted for flow esting of the valve without activating the sprinkler system. The valve is constructed with a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a flow passage. The fluid inlet is provided with a supply of pressurized fire extinguishing medium. A cylinder is positioned in the flow passage with a piston slidingly mounted in the cylinder so as to form a chamber with the cylinder. The chamber is pressurized by a sensor-controlled fluid pressure line and controls the position of the piston in the cylinder to open or close the inlet. Pressure in the chamber positions the piston so as to close the fluid inlet. A stem is mounted in the outlet so as to project into the flow passage and through the cylinder to the piston. The stem is attached to the piston on a first end and provided on the other end with a stem extension which projects out of the outlet to a position external to the valve.

Abstract: An on/off sprinkler has a body defining an extinguishant inlet and outlet and is divided internally by a diaphragm defining with the body an intermediate chamber and normally isolating the inlet from the outlet. The diaphragm has a drain orifice allowing an extinguishant pressure balance on both sides of the diaphragm. There is an exhaust port from the intermediate chamber which is normally closed by a valve controlled by a heat sensitive device serving upon attainment of a predetermined temperature value to open the valve thus causing extinguishant exhaustion from the intermediate chamber which results in diaphragm movement to place the inlet in communication with the outlet and sprinkler operation.

Abstract: A self-contained fire protection system can be supplied in kit form and is specifically adapted for installation by a novice in prefabricated or site built housing, such as, a mobile home, travel trailer or like building structure. The system comprises an inlet delivery line which can be suspended beneath the floor of the mobile home and attached to a source of water under pressure with one or more risers extending upwardly from the delivery line through the floor into the interior of the mobile home, and upper branch lines containing automatic sprinkler heads are arranged in series in each branch line and can be attached directly to the risers and inlet line as well. The delivery line has a dual check valve and water flow indicator or switch, the latter being responsive to opening of any one or more of the sprinkler heads to activate a shunt trip breaker circuit so as to automatically interrupt electrical service to the home including the gas line into the home while activating an alarm circuit.

Abstract: An automatic on-off sprinkler head including a housing that defines a primary chamber and a pilot chamber enclosed thereby; an inlet orifice and outlet orifice both opening into the primary chamber; a primary valve seat located between the inlet and the outlet orifices; a movable valve closure comprising a flexible diaphragm wall portion separating the primary chamber from the pilot chamber, the valve closure remaining against the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet orifices in response to less than a predetermined differential pressure across the wall portion and movable away from the valve seat to permit fluid flow between the inlet and outlet orifices in response to a differential pressure greater than the predetermined pressure; a fill port providing limited fluid flow between the inlet orifice and the pilot chamber; a release port for discharging fluid from the pilot chamber; and a pilot valve controlling fluid flow through the release port.

Abstract: An on-off sprinkler head for fire extinguishing systems comprises a housing having a central cavity with an inlet aperture and a discharge orifice disposed at opposing ends thereof in an aligned orientation. A reciprocating valve having a valve head, a mating seat, and a stem is mounted axially in the central cavity, and controls the flow of fire extinguishing fluid therethrough. A temperature responsive, on-off drive motor is connected with the free end of the valve stem, and reciprocates the valve head with respect to the valve seat in response to selected temperature changes. The drive motor is mounted in the housing in a position axially offset from the aligned inlet aperture and discharge orifice, whereby during a discharge condition, the fire extinguishing fluid flows substantially unimpeded through the valve, and a solid, uninterrupted stream of fluid is emitted from the discharge orifice. The valve includes a deflector plate on which the fluid stream impinges and is dispersed into a spray.

Abstract: A sprinkler-sealing device has a control member which can be coupled to a manually used operating rod system to activate a sealing element intended to seal the nozzle opening of a sprinkler against water. A housing is provided comprising recesses and guides to take up and position the control member and the sealing element. A pair of stops is located at the front side of said housing for approximative alignment of the housing with the sprinkler to be sealed. Spring-loaded gripping members are connected moveably with the housing for releasable connection of the housing to said sprinkler.

Abstract: After the sprinkler heads alone or with other means has put out a fire, applicant's device is extremely useful for shutting off the flow of water from the heads to minimize the damage resulting from the continuous flow of water. The device is effective to shut off the water from the sprinkler heads whether or not the heads are mounted so that the opening is located at the top or bottom or with heads having openings at the top and also openings at the bottom. The device is so constructed as to seal off either type of opening when applied to a sprinkler head.