Unitary Deflector With Multiple Fingers Or Serrated Edges Patents (Class 239/498)
  • Patent number: 7614457
    Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly includes a sprinkler head body, a frame including a pair of arms extending from the body from opposed sides of the body, and a deflector mounted to the frame spaced from the outlet opening of the sprinkler head body for deflecting fire extinguishing liquid flowing from the outlet opening. The sprinkler head assembly is adapted to direct a greater proportion of the fire extinguishing liquid from one side of the sprinkler body than the other side of the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Brian S. Green
  • Patent number: 7614780
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for high-pressure mixing of reactive chemical components. The chemical components are fed into a mixing chamber, by respective injectors at least one of which comprises a nozzle and a plug member for controlling the pressure drop; the nozzle and/or the plug member are shaped to form a lobed outlet orifice having an adjustable outlet cross section and a plurality of radially extending lobed formations, to create a vortical or swirling and highly turbulent state in the fluid jet. The surfaces in contact with the fluid of the nozzle and/or of the plug member can either be smooth or have sharp edges which contribute to increase the turbulence and swirling state of the fluid jet; a highly effective mixing degree is thereby achieved in the manufacture of polyurethane resins, bi-component resins and molded articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Afros S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Corti
  • Patent number: 7562833
    Abstract: A sprinkler including a sprinkler head incorporating a nozzle; a spool fixed to the sprinkler head in proximity to the nozzle; a cage assembly loosely mounted on the spool, the assembly including a distribution plate at a first end of the assembly downstream of the nozzle and a first magnet at a second opposite end of the assembly upstream of the spool; a mounting element fixed to the assembly between the first and second ends, an inner edge of the mounting element loosely confined between upper and lower flanges of the spool; and a second magnet fixed to the sprinkler head, axially between the spool and the first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Lee A. Perkins, Craig Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090056958
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a body having an output orifice and a flange and a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice. A thermally-responsive element is positioned to releasably retain the seal cap. Housing members extend through and from the flange of the sprinkler body, and contain rods, each of which extends through the flange. A deflector is connected to ends of the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: GEORGE S. POLAN
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080011491
    Abstract: A sprinkler for fire suppression systems that produces an orthogonal spray pattern is disclosed. The sprinkler has an exit orifice with a non-round perimeter and a deflector plate having a non-round perimeter. The shape of the deflector plate perimeter may be matched to that of the exit orifice perimeter. Orifice perimeters may be square, rectangular, formed of lobes or interconnected curves, and there may be multiple orifices in the sprinkler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Thau, William J. Reilly, Stephen R. Ide, Thomas F. Wancho, Robert J. Ballard
  • Patent number: 7303153
    Abstract: A spray head provided with a plurality of nozzles defined by a base and a deflector cap. Each nozzle is provided with a deflector portion or nozzle plate for directing an upward traveling fluid in an outward direction. Furthermore, the deflector portion may be provided with steps or vanes for altering and varying the flow characteristics of a fluid spray pattern exiting the nozzle. In this manner, different portions of the fluid spray pattern may be projected to varying distances so that the fluid may cover an area having generally straight boundaries and having one or more right angles. Furthermore, the fluid spray pattern may be used to cover a triangular area. In this manner, overspray is reduced. The areas covered by independent nozzles of the spray head may be proximally located by their arrangement within the spray head so as to minimize overlap of the areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Han, Harold Miller
  • Patent number: 7261248
    Abstract: A spray nozzle that includes a nozzle body defining a first surface, a cap defining a second surface able to define an annular nozzle opening therebetween, and a turbine having a plurality of radially extending fins circumferentially positioned about the nozzle opening for directing the flow of fluid exiting the nozzle opening. The turbine is rotatably connected to the cap such that the nozzle opening is free of any portion of the turbine. The spray nozzle further includes a grinding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7201234
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rogers, Mark E. Fesseden, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7165624
    Abstract: An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7163105
    Abstract: A froth flotation process typically used to separate particulate materials such as coal, has a mixed size feed (1) separated in a sieve bend (2) into a stream of relatively fine particles (3) and a stream of relatively coarse particles (14). The fine particles are fed to a flotation cell (7) in the normal manner, while the coarse particles are mixed with wash water (16) and distributed onto or into the froth layer (10) by wash water distribution apparatus (19, 20). Alternative variations of wash water distribution apparatus able to handle coarse particles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited
    Inventors: Graeme John Jameson, Noel William Alexander Lambert
  • Patent number: 7143962
    Abstract: A selected range arc settable spray nozzle with pre-set table precipitation rate in which the arc of coverage adjustment is coupled to an upstream flow throttling valve. As the arc of coverage is adjusted, the opening of the upstream flow throttling valve is proportionally adjusted to maintain the precipitation rate substantially constant independent of arc of coverage adjustments. Upstream flow throttling achieved by use of pre-selected number of larger slots for desired flow whose opening area is varied as the arc is being set. The precipitation rate is set by adjusting the throttling valve to provide the desired flow rate for the maximum arc of coverage setting. A pressure compensating valve may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7137455
    Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly includes a sprinkler head body, a frame including a pair of arms extending from the body from opposed sides of the body, and a deflector mounted to the frame spaced from the outlet opening of the sprinkler head body for deflecting fire extinguishing liquid flowing from the outlet opening. The sprinkler head assembly is adapted to direct a greater proportion of the fire extinguishing liquid from one side of the sprinkler body than the other side of the sprinkler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Brian S Green
  • 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: 7066405
    Abstract: A mist sprayer includes a base, a pump, a pressure storage member, a circuit board, a mounting tube, an injection unit, a decorative shade, a mounting seat, a guide unit, a bottle, and a plug. Thus, the liquid is mixed with and atomized by the pressurized gas and the misted gas hits the striking face of the guide unit to multiple misted molecules, thereby enhancing and optimizing the atomized effect of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Jun-Lin Wang
  • Patent number: 6854668
    Abstract: A sprinkler discharges a column of water downwardly onto a deflector that has a plurality of peripheral tines with a respective non-radial tapered notch separating each adjacent pair of tines. Opposed cutouts with tabs in the central portion of the deflector combine with the notches and with depressed peripheral tabs to produce a predetermined spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Wancho, David Mann
  • Patent number: 6851482
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Dolan
  • Publication number: 20040227015
    Abstract: A spray nozzle includes an orifice disposed on a substantially planar discharge surface. An impingement surface is disposed opposite the orifice, the impingement surface forming an angle with a centerline of the orifice. The angle between the orifice centerline and the surface is less than 90 degrees. A deflection ridge bridges a gap between the impingement surface and the discharge surface. The deflection ridge encompasses a partial circumference of the nozzle. The nozzle includes a fluid fitting adapted for providing a pressurized fluid to the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Les Johnson
  • Patent number: 6811098
    Abstract: A sprinkler device, especially for units for the spray distribution of water and other similar liquids, comprising an at least partly hollow central body defining a longitudinal axis, a connecting sleeve to a supply line removably secured to the central body, a convergent nozzle to accelerate the liquid located between the central body and the sleeve, a diverter unit located downstream from the nozzle to divert the flow in a substantially transverse direction so as to spray the fluid outwards, first snap means to connect the nozzle to the sleeve. The first snap connection means are arranged so as to hold the nozzle in an axially immobilised position with respect to the sleeve when the latter is fitted to and disconnected from the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Patent number: 6805203
    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: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Retzloff, Scott T. Franson
  • Patent number: 6799639
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall sprinkler head includes a tubular body with an inlet opening communicated with a source of water and an outlet opening normally closed by a valve member, and a cylindrical frame connected to the body. A deflector is disposed in the frame and is movable between retracted and extended positions. A thermally responsive assembly is mounted to the frame to urge the valve member in sealing engagement with the outlet opening. The thermally responsive assembly is activated to release the valve member when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined value. A deflector guide includes a ring movably disposed within the frame, a pair of parallel struts axially extending from the ring, and a pair of parallel stabilizer arms axially extending from the outer periphery of the ring. The stabilizer arms have a proximal end connected to the ring, a distal end and an elongate intermediate portion extending between the two ends. The intermediate portion has an area less than that of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Senju Sprinkler Company Limited
    Inventors: Koki Sato, Satoshi Oba
  • Publication number: 20040104287
    Abstract: A sprinkler device, especially for units for the spray distribution of water and other similar liquids, comprising an at least partly hollow central body (2) defining a longitudinal axis (L), a connecting sleeve (3) to a supply line removably secured to the central body (2), a convergent nozzle (4) to accelerate the liquid located between the central body (2) and the sleeve (3), a diverter unit (5) located downstream from the nozzle (4) to divert the flow in a substantially transverse direction so as to spray the fluid outwards, first snap means (7) to connect the nozzle (4) to the sleeve (3). The first snap connection means (7) are arranged so as to hold the nozzle (4) in an axially immobilised position with respect to the sleeve (3) when the latter is fitted to and disconnected from the central body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel
  • Publication number: 20030201341
    Abstract: A sprinkler discharges a column of water downwardly onto a deflector that has a plurality of peripheral tines with a respective non-radial tapered notch separating each adjacent pair of tines. Opposed cutouts with tabs in the central portion of the deflector combine with the notches and with depressed peripheral tabs to produce a predetermined spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Wancho, David Mann
  • Patent number: 6516893
    Abstract: In the particular embodiments disclosed in the specification, a residential sprinkler arrangement includes a sprinkler body with an axial passage having an outlet opening providing a K factor of about 4 to about 6 which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a thermally responsive element and a planar deflector spaced from the outlet opening and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms. The deflector has a circumferential array of peripheral slots, a first set of which, located in the plane of the frame arms, has a length greater than that of any of the other slot-like openings and a second set of which, located in the plane perpendicular of the plane of the frame arms, has a length less than that of the first set but greater than that of any of the other slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co.,Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6494384
    Abstract: A sprinkler head includes a fixed nozzle; and a rotor plate spaced from the nozzle and mounted for rotation about an axis extending through the nozzle, and mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis. The rotor plate has adjacent water distribution grooves therein, selectively alignable with the nozzle, the grooves shaped and arranged to cause the rotor plate to rotate in opposite directions. A flow reaction member is secured to the rotor plate. A first flow channel having a first inlet port is arranged to intercept a stream emanating from one of the grooves aligned with the nozzle, and to thereby divert at least a portion of the stream through the flow channel and onto the reaction member to cause the rotor plate to tilt about the horizontal axis and align the other of the grooves with the nozzle, thereby reversing the rotation direction of the rotor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Larry P. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6485293
    Abstract: A burner assembly having improved BTU output, flame stability and starting reliability is provided. The burner includes a retention plate at an output end of a gas supply line having a central hub from a which a plurality of spokes radially extend. The retention plate and gas supply line are provided within an outer sleeve of the burner. The retention plate occupies a relatively small cross-sectional area of the sleeve. Accordingly, large amounts of combustion air can be forced through the sleeve, with controlling air flow paths being created by apertures provided in each of the spokes. A pilot, including a circumferential spark gap, is provided to improve starting reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Midco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ceji Li, Qin-Lai Yu
  • Patent number: 6450266
    Abstract: In the typical embodiments described in the specification, a sprinkler arrangement for protecting stored documents has a sprinkler body with an orifice providing a K factor in the range from about 1.1 to about 2.7, a pair of frame arms terminating in a boss from which a glass bulb supports a cap in position to seal the orifice in the passage, and a pair of closely spaced substantially planar deflector members having a peripheral edge spacing in a range from about 0.01 inch to about 0.60 inch. The deflector member closer to the axial passage has a plurality of slots permitting some water to pass into the space between the deflector members where it generates a very fine droplet mist and some water to be distributed outwardly in the form of fine droplets to carry the mist away from the sprinkler. A recess formed in the surface of the second deflector member facing the first deflector member provides a cavity which promotes atomization and generates turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6446732
    Abstract: In the fire protection sprinkler arrangement described in the specification, a VELO ECOH has a sprinkler body with an axial passage for delivery of water and a deflector supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms. The deflector has a substantially planar central region and a peripheral portion bent toward the sprinkler body along a circular bend line at an angle of about 45° from the plane of the central region. The perimeter of the deflector has four arcuate segments disposed at 90° angles and four substantially straight line segments interposed between the arcuate segments and includes twelve slots extending inwardly from the perimeter. The slots adjacent to the arcuate segments extend approximately parallel to perpendicular axial planes intersecting those segments and the other slots extend radially inwardly from locations centered in the substantially straight line segments of the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 6439477
    Abstract: A nutating sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having one end adapted to be coupled to a water supply conduit and an opposite end supporting a nozzle; at least one arm extending from the sprinkler body for supporting a removable cap assembly downstream of the nozzle, the cap assembly having a center body supporting a rotor plate having off-center grooves for distributing a stream exiting the nozzle and impinging upon the grooves. A spool bearing assembly having upper and lower bearing flanges is supported in the cap center body, and the center body mounts an interior ring loosely confining the spool bearing assembly and the rotor plate. The center body has an end wall formed with a post extending toward and received within a cavity of a lower spool bearing component of the spool bearing assembly when the rotor plate is in an at-rest position, thereby creating an unstable arrangement causing the rotor plate to tilt to an off-center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Fred J. Sweet, Craig B. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020096580
    Abstract: In the typical embodiments described in the specification, a sprinkler arrangement for protecting stored documents has a sprinkler body with an orifice providing a K factor in the range from about 1.1 to about 2.7, a pair of frame arms terminating in a boss from which a glass bulb supports a cap in position to seal the orifice in the passage, and a pair of closely spaced substantially planar deflector members having a peripheral edge spacing in a range from about 0.01 inch to about 0.60 inch. The deflector member closer to the axial passage has a plurality of slots permitting some water to pass into the space between the deflector members where it generates a very fine droplet mist and some water to be distributed outwardly in the form of fine droplets to carry the mist away from the sprinkler. A recess formed in the surface of the second deflector member facing the first deflector member provides a cavity which promotes atomization and generates turbulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6415993
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a rapidly solidifying mixture from a plurality of liquid components and subsequent atomization of the solidifying mixture. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber (4), a liquid distributor (1′,7) and N identical, droplet-forming nozzles (9a,9b) connected to the liquid distributor. The liquids to be mixed can be fed separately to the mixing chamber and the mixing chamber has neither significant back-mixing in the areas in which reactions can occur, nor significant dead spaces in the flow in these areas. The liquid distributor (1′,7) is connected to the mixing chamber and divides the mixed stream coming from the mixing chamber equally over the nozzles (9a,9b) without significant back-mixing or dead spaces in the flow, so that the flow properties of the partial streams and their residence time in the liquid distributor are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Axiva GmbH
    Inventors: Rainald Forbert, Johannes Hartel, Wilfried Schierholz
  • Patent number: 6367708
    Abstract: A sprinkler head apparatus includes two separately molded members secured together independently of a water volume control member. A number of selectively removable devices that withstand the forces of water in irrigation systems and can be easily removed by the user without additional hardware are situated at the entry point of water outflow channels to provide the user directional control of the water sprayed from the apparatus. Registration elements are provided to ensure the proper alignment between the members of the apparatus. Correspondingly, indicia located at upper and lower external surfaces of the assembled apparatus reduce or eliminate the need to disassemble the apparatus or intermittently test the water spray pattern to ensure proper installation of the apparatus. Preferred methods for assembling the apparatus, for directing the outflow of water, and for aligning the members of the apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Publication number: 20020036090
    Abstract: A sprinkler apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a sprinkler head and a sprinkler head controller. The sprinkler head has a heater and a thermal fuse, the heater is configured to generate first and second heat based on first and second currents. The thermal fuse melts by the second heat, and the sprinkler head is configured to discharge an extinguishing liquid therethrough in response to the melting of the thermal fuse. The sprinkler head controller is connected to the sprinkler head, and is configured to provide the first current to the heater and detect the amount of current flowing through the heater, and diagnose the status of the sprinkler head based on the detected current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jong Jin Gil
  • Patent number: 6341733
    Abstract: A nutating sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having one end connected to an adapter; a nozzle mounted in the sprinkler body captured between the adapter and the sprinkler body; at least one arm extending from the sprinkler body for supporting a removable cap assembly downstream of the nozzle, the cap assembly having a center body supporting a rotor plate having off-center grooves for distributing a stream exiting the nozzle and impinging upon the grooves; a hub having one end secured in the rotor plate and an opposite end supporting a load disc, the load disc loosely captured between opposed rings provided in the center body; the center body having an end wall formed with a tilter button extending toward and engaging a center portion on an underside of the load disc when the rotor plate is in an at rest position, thereby creating an unstable arrangement causing the rotor plate to tilt to an off-center position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Fred J. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6276460
    Abstract: In the particular embodiment disclosed in the specification, a sprinkler has a sprinkler body with a passage having an orifice providing a K factor of about 3 to 6 which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a glass bulb thermally responsive element. A deflector spaced from the orifice and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of frame arms has a circumferential array of tines separated by radial slot-like openings and two openings located in the plane in the frame arms have a length greater than that of the other slot-like openings while four openings located at 45° to the plane of the frame arms are shorter than the other openings. The openings in the plane of the frame arms have a width of about 25% to 75% of the width of the frame arms adjacent to the deflector and a root diameter of about 150% to 300% of the width of the frame arms adjacent to the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6230990
    Abstract: The invention comprises an injector for feeding additives into a polymer melt stream. The injector comprises a body with a curved surface and a longitudinal axis having an inlet opening for the additives in the upper portion, opening into a channel running along the longitudinal axis and having a 90 degree deflection to a side injector outlet and having two groove-shaped recesses in the outer wall arranged parallel to the channel on both sides at the level of the injector outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinz-Dieter Beeck
  • Patent number: 6188045
    Abstract: A combination convection and steam oven having a three stage atomizer for breaking up supply water prior to vaporization. The atomizer includes a motor-driven fan having an atomizer cup at its hub which revolves with the fan about an axis of rotation. The atomizer cup has rectilinear or concave walls defining pockets having lengthwise slots at their corners. As the atomizer cup is rotated, supply water is fed into the cup so as to impact the inner surfaces and shear as it exits through the slots under centrifugal force, which directs the water through the fan blades. The supply water thereby is broken up by three separate actions prior to vaporization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hansen, Jembu K. Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6119965
    Abstract: A hollow-core nozzle structure which can provide solid core beam typically generated by a solid-core nozzle. The hollow-core nozzle structure contains (1) a hollow passage which is in communication with a water inlet connected sideways to the hollow passage; (2) a water outlet at an end of the hollow passage; (3) a bell-shaped stream-guide plate furnished on an outer rim of the water outlet. The stream-guide plate is provided with, in the order away from the outer rim, a plurality of first, second, and third water baffles respectively arranged in a circular manner. The first water baffles are rectangular in shape, the second water baffles are also rectangular shape but with a bevel on one thereof facing inward, and the third water baffles are triangular in shape, so as to cause a portion of sprayed water to be broken into tiny drops which exit the stream-guide plate along a central line and an outer rim of a water beam to form a solid water beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Sei-Chang Chang
  • Patent number: 6098718
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall sprinkler head includes a tubular body with an inlet end adapted to be connected to a source of fire extinguishing liquid, and an opposite, discharge end. The tubular body includes an internal passage extending axially therethrough. The tubular body has an axis extending centrally through the internal passage. A deflector is supported from the tubular body. The deflector includes a plurality of sets of mirror image side tines extending in a direction transverse to the axis of the tubular body. At least one set of side tines are rearwardly angled and diverge from the axis of the tubular body in a direction toward the discharge end of the tubular body. An auxiliary deflector is secured to the tubular body and includes a canopy portion. The canopy portion is located above the primary deflector and inclined downwardly with respect to the axis of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Senju Sprinkler Company Limited
    Inventor: Koki Sato
  • Patent number: 6089171
    Abstract: A minimum recirculation flame control (MRFC) solid fuel nozzle tip (12) that is suited to being cooperatively associated with a pulverized solid fuel nozzle (34) of a firing system in a pulverized solid fuel-fired furnace (10). The MRFC solid fuel nozzle tip (12) includes a secondary air shroud (46), secondary air shroud support (50) operative for supporting the primary air shroud (48) relative to the secondary air shroud (46), and a splitter plate (52) mounted in supported relation within the primary air shroud (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton A. Fong, Todd D. Hellewell, Robert D. Lewis, Charles Q. Maney, Srivats Srinivasachar, Majed A. Toqan, David P. Towle
  • Patent number: 6082465
    Abstract: A fire extinguishing sprinkler nozzle includes a body defining a central channel or bore through which water flows during a fire. The sprinkler nozzle includes a fluid flow thrust reverser disposed over the orifice of the central channel such that water exiting out of the channel impinges the thrust reverser. The direction of water flow is reversed by the thrust reverser. After exiting the thrust reverser, the water impinges the impact surface of deflector disposed around the periphery of the sprinkler body. An upright sprinkler nozzle is thereby provided in which the water has a downward momentum prior to its impinging the impact surface of the deflector that is comparable to a pendent sprinkler head. The sprinkler nozzle is activated by conventional fire detecting or heat sensitive structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Retzloff
  • Patent number: 6059044
    Abstract: A pendent-type fire protection sprinkler for forming a superimposed combination of an inner, downwardly-directed spray pattern and an outer, umbrella-shaped spray pattern. The pendent-type sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and outlet for flow of fluid from a source and a pair of frame arms extending from the body. The deflector includes a generally plate-like body member defining reentrant slots, which may include a second type of reentrant slots in addition to a first type of reentrant slots, with slots of the second type positioned symmetrically between adjacent slots of the first type. The length of slots of the second type, measured along the slot centerlines extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the deflector body member generally toward the central axis of the deflector body, being less than the length of slots of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6026907
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment disclosed in the specification a sprinkler has a sprinkler body with a passage having an orifice which is normally closed by a cap retained in position by a glass bulb thermally responsive element and a deflector spaced from the orifice and supported from the sprinkler body by a pair of arms. The deflector has a circumferential array of tines separated by openings and the openings located in the plane in the frame arms have a substantially teardrop shape with the larger end closer to the sprinkler axis having a width which is 120% to 160% of the width of the adjacent portions of the frame arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler, Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Patent number: 6023050
    Abstract: In a steam oven suitable for cooking foods, for example, with a fixed distributor for the water to be evaporated, air is aspirated to form a central flow of aspirated air by a cylindrical fan and is discharged radially at the periphery toward heating elements. Water is fed into the interior of the fan by an inlet pipe and distributed in the depthwise direction of the fan by a distributor structure including a pipe end section having a lateral slot and a fixed inclined distributor plate. The invention applies to steam oven suitable for cooking foods, and assures good distribution of the water over all the heating elements so that it is evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Cooperative de Production Bourgeois
    Inventor: Raymond Violi
  • Patent number: 5890657
    Abstract: In the representative embodiments described in the specification, a pendent sprinkler has a sprinkler body with an axial passage for fire extinguishing liquid and a pair of frame arms supporting a deflector at a location spaced from the end of the axial passage. In order to provide high density water with uniform distribution throughout an area to be protected, the deflector is formed with a circumferential array of slots, each of which is oriented at an angle with respect to a radius line extending through the inner end of the slot. Preferably the angle of orientation of each slot is about 35.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Ponte
  • Patent number: 5862994
    Abstract: An upright-type fire protection sprinkler with a body defining an orifice and outlet for flow of fluid, and a deflector positioned coaxial with the outlet for impingement of fluid flow thereupon, has one or a combination of the following features for improved performance. The deflector may have an inner surface with a recessed central area, and a recessed redirecting area about the central area at a predetermined acute angle and axial offset thereto. The deflector has tines with inner surfaces inclined towards the outlet, at least a first set of tines disposed in planes at about 45.degree. to a first plane of sprinkler frame arms, the surfaces of the first set of tines being inclined at an angle relatively more outward from the axis than the angle of inner surfaces of adjacent tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventors: Donald B. Pounder, Michael A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5839667
    Abstract: A pendent-type diffuser impingement water mist fire protection nozzle has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for flow of water from a source. The orifice defines an axis, and the outlet is disposed generally coaxial with the orifice. A diffuser is disposed generally coaxial with the axis of the orifice and defines a diffuser inner surface positioned for impingement of the flow of water thereupon and an opposite outer surface. The diffuser has a plurality of tines distributed about a diffuser periphery and defining a plurality of openings therebetween. The diffuser inner surface defines at least one channel extending along the inner surface of the diffuser toward a predetermined region of the diffuser periphery, preferably positioned to collect water impinging thereupon and to divert collected water toward the predetermined region of the diffuser periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fishcer
  • Patent number: 5753149
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in a cooling tower having a hot water deck including a nozzle body positioned in an opening in the deck, the body having mounted at the bottom thereof a diffusion plate for diffusing water, a vortex crown member telescopically received within said nozzle body, the crown member having an orifice ring which defines an orifice opening through which water passes for engaging the diffusion plate, with the nozzle body and the crown member being locked to the deck when the crown member is fully telescopically received with the nozzle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: C. E. Shepherd Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Shepherd, Hakija Kovic
  • Patent number: 5735319
    Abstract: A dispersing apparatus (10, 110, 210) uniformly disperses a stream of material pieces, such as wood chips, into a storage area (84) from an overhead feeding channel in order to achieve efficient and compact accumulation of the material pieces in the storage area (84). The dispersing apparatus (10, 110, 210) is detachably mounted to the feeding channel and has an impeller (18, 118) with a plurality of impeller blades (22a-22d; 122a-122d) for rotating through the stream of wood chips for transversely engaging the same. As a result, the wood chips are propelled outwardly from the feeding channel and uniformly toward the storage area (84). A first impeller (18) is shaped in the form of a cone configuration and is utilized to project material pieces outwardly and downwardly from the feeding channel. A second impeller (118) has a dish (128) with a concave deflection surface (132) for directing the material pieces outwardly and upwardly from the feeding channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventors: John O. McNamara, John Patrick McNamara
  • Patent number: 5687914
    Abstract: In the representative embodiments described in the specification, a pendent sprinkler has a sprinkler body with an axial passage for fire extinguishing liquid and a pair of frame arms supporting a deflector at a location spaced from the end of the axial passage. In order to distribute fire extinguishing liquid substantially uniformly throughout a protected area, the deflector is provided with pairs of tines having ends which are oppositely inclined with respect to the plane of the central portion of the deflector and which extend upwardly from that plane and has further tines intersected by the plane of the sprinkler arms with end portions which are displaced downwardly from the plane of the central portion of the deflector and are inclined upwardly with respect to that plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Claude P. Bosio, Thomas F. Wancho