Fusible Closure Latch Or Retainer Patents (Class 49/7)
  • Patent number: 9840839
    Abstract: A fire-detecting device has first and second stressed brackets plugged together. The far ends of the first and second stressed brackets both have a towing hole. A disintegrable temperature-sensing device is between the first and second stressed brackets. First and second fixing pins are in the first and second brackets, respectively. The first fixing pin is located on one side of a free-moving piece and the second fixing pin is located on the other side thereof. A guide groove is in the first stressed bracket to correspond to the second fixing pin. A guide recess is in the second stressed bracket. A stressed shaft is in the second stressed bracket. An extension part having a stressed groove is in the first stressed bracket. When the disintegrable temperature-sensing device cracks off due to high temperature, the two stressed brackets will separate, leading to the fire dampers' shutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: JPCI CONTROLS (FOSHAN GAOMING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Antoine Jumeau
  • Patent number: 9297198
    Abstract: A fire resistant shutter is provided including a first panel including wood and a second panel including a cementitious material located adjacent to the first panel. The fire resistant shutter further includes a hasp attached to the second panel and configured to be attached to a building structure with a detachable connector, and a pin including wax disposed in an aperture defined by the hasp. The pin prevents the hasp from opening. When the fire resistant shutter is attached to a building structure, heat from an approaching fire at least partially melts the pin, which opens the hasp, detaches the connector, and allows the shutter to drop. The deployed shutter provides fire resistance to the building structure, such as at a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventors: Ryan Nicholas Malvey, Samuel Joseph Ruzynski, Samuel Brott Kalkman, Evin Daniel Sougstad, Liam Olaf Flanary, Nicholas Lee Ruzynski, Megan Wolgamot Malvey, Mindy Lynn Ruzynski, Steven Frederick Wolgamot
  • Patent number: 8881455
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatically closed fire protection louver device, which is installed on a window or the like in an apartment building without a balcony function or in a curtain wall type building structure to adjust natural lighting and automatically block spread of flames to an upper floor without using electrical energy when a fire breaks out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: GL World Tech C&S Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Yoo Sun Ro, Young Gon Ro
  • Patent number: 8844195
    Abstract: A fire shutter for protecting an opening 10, such as a window 12, having one or more (typically two) fire resistant panels 20 and 21. The panels are hinged along a horizontal portion of the opening such that at least one of the panels can be utilized as an awning when open. The panel(s) have an insulating core that typically provides thermal insulation from the elements and increases fire resistance from fires (such as bushfires) to provide a fire rated shutter that meets the highest building fire standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cox Architects Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Leonard Cox, Gregory Donald Chapman
  • Publication number: 20130174487
    Abstract: A lockless metal fireproof door is pivotably mounted to an outer frame and includes two metal sheets, with a fireproof mechanism mounted in each metal sheet. A hinge is mounted to a bottom of the lockless metal fireproof door for automatically returning the lockless metal fireproof door, with a gap provided between each metal sheet and the outer frame. The lockless metal fireproof door can be moved to a position and retained in the position by the ground hinge. The lockless metal fireproof door is positioned by a weight thereof after the lockless metal fireproof door reaches the position. The lockless metal fireproof door expands in a lateral direction to tightly press against the outer frame if a side of the lockless metal fireproof door is subjected to heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Che-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 8176709
    Abstract: A composite profile for a window, door or façade element includes first and second outer profile parts and at least one insulating strip connecting the first and second outer profile parts with an intermediate space defined between them for thermal separation. At least one outer profile part connecting element is disposed in the intermediate space so that it is normally not in contact with the first and second outer profile parts. An actuating element is disposed so that, upon being activated by heat, it moves the outer profile part connecting element into engagement with the first and second outer profile parts, so that the outer profile part connecting element connects the first and second outer profile parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Technoform Bautec Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Siodla
  • Patent number: 8168319
    Abstract: Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Spare, Michael D. Hillman, Robert L. Coish, Chris Ligtenberg
  • Publication number: 20110088322
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a fire door, including a first lead post having a longitudinal cavity located therein, an opening extending through a wall of the first lead post into the longitudinal cavity and a locking member may be positioned within the longitudinal cavity that is configured to obstruct the opening into the longitudinal cavity upon reaching a predetermined temperature, is disclosed. In additional embodiments, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: W. Michael Coleman, Duane O. Hall, E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, D. George Field
  • Publication number: 20110083368
    Abstract: A mullion assembly (10) includes a top mounting block (92) attached to a top beam (24) of a door frame (22). A bottom mounting block (108) is mounted on a floor (20) spaced from the top beam (24) in a vertical direction. A post (40) is detachably mounted between top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). A brace (50) is mounted to a lower end (44) of the post (40). A positioning rod (172) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position to lock the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108). An anchoring rod (214) is mounted to the brace (50) and moveable between an anchoring position and a non-anchoring position, allowing further locking of the post (40) between the top and bottom mounting blocks (92, 108) when the mullion assembly (10) is exposed to a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 7591102
    Abstract: An emergency door opening actuator includes electrical switches that are at least one of normally open and normally closed. The electrical switches may be connected accordingly in parallel or in series to terminals of an overhead door operator. The terminals may correspond to a push button circuit, an obstruction sensing circuit, an alarm system circuit, and/or a door opening circuit. The emergency door opening actuator may take advantage of a protocol in the operator to cause the overhead door to open during an emergency condition to facilitate egress. Likewise, the emergency door opening actuator may cause that the overhead door cannot close by signaling the protocol in a predetermined way when the switches are actuated by an emergency condition. The electrical switches may be mechanically actuated when at least one fusible link is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Rob Evans
  • Patent number: 7574826
    Abstract: An emergency door opening actuator includes electrical switches that are at least one of normally open and normally closed. The electrical switches may be connected accordingly in parallel or in series to terminals of an overhead door operator. The terminals may correspond to a push button circuit, an obstruction sensing circuit, an alarm system circuit, and/or a door opening circuit. The emergency door opening actuator may take advantage of a protocol in the operator to cause the overhead door to open during an emergency condition to facilitate egress. Likewise, the emergency door opening actuator may cause that the overhead door cannot close by signaling the protocol in a predetermined way when the switches are actuated by an emergency condition. The electrical switches may be mechanically actuated when at least one fusible link is broken. The emergency door opening actuator may include an automatic mechanical stop and/or a test release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Rob J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7530891
    Abstract: A thermally-actuated cartridge (21) has a center pin (24) which is arranged to protrude through the rear of a cartridge holder (23) when the cartridge assembly (21) is not set, so that it is apparent that the cartridge assembly (21) is not set. In a fire damper for an airflow duct, the cartridge assembly (21) is used as a detent to hold a damper flap (7) open. There is a particularly convenient way of mounting the detent arrangement by having a U-shaped member (9) which carries a limb (15) acting as a backing piece for a retention quadrant (7) and a sprung bracket (16) which are squeezed together by the cartridge assembly (21). The U-shaped member (9) is mounted by a means of a limb extension (10) which slots over the damper flap axle (5) and is held by a rivet (13) in the correct orientation, the cartridge assembly (21) being screwed through a threaded bore formed by upsetting or swaging a limb (14) of the U-member (9) through a hole in the extension (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Kent Tooling & Components Limited
    Inventor: Richard Perrin
  • Patent number: 7154394
    Abstract: A hidden security device for a container of cargo transportation includes a case provided with an electronic processing unit; a tightly-seized device, including a plate, extending from the case, on which a displacement sensor communicating with the electronic processing unit is provided at a predetermined place; and a tightly-seized part, perpendicularly extending from the plate and having a flexing end; and an antenna, communicating with the electronic processing unit and extending out from the case to the flexing end of the tightly-seized part. The present security device can accurately record the time and frequency of opening the door plates of the container, and meanwhile it is disposed on the inner side of the door plates, and is readily concealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuanda Zhou
  • Patent number: 7138912
    Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Andrew Gavel, William Gioia
  • Patent number: 6968658
    Abstract: A mullion assembly that is removably positioned within an opening. The invention includes a tube having telescoping members that fit together and are adjustable between a variety of lengths. The ends of the tube mount to first and second edges of the opening. A biasing mechanism positioned within the tube provides for adjusting the overall length of the tube. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is located within the tube to prevent the telescoping members from moving relative to each other thus preventing the tube from being reduced in length and removed from first and second mounting assemblies and removed from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Norman Hales
  • Patent number: 6748700
    Abstract: A smoke release and ventilation system comprises a frame housing upper and lower members each slidable in the frame between a normally closed position and an open position, the upper member being retained in its upper position by retaining element, for example an electromagnetic, the upper member being heavier than the lower member whereby, on release of the retaining, the upper member falls under gravity to its open position, and, consequential upon said fall of the upper member and the kinetic energy thereof, the lower member is raised to its open position, thereby providing gaps above and below the members and through which smoke can escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Pensher Security Doors LTD
    Inventor: James Francis McAllister
  • Patent number: 6725602
    Abstract: An extendable astragal system (40) includes a housing (47), an actuating member (48) located in and slidably engaged with the housing (47), and an astragal (50) located in the housing (47) and slidably engaged with the housing (47) and the actuating member (48). A latch mechanism (80) retains the astragal (50) within the housing (47) when an ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature. The latch mechanism (80) enables sliding movement of the actuating member (48) and resultant movement of the astragal (50) to an extended position outside of the housing (47) when the ambient temperature is at the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: William A. McWilliams
  • Publication number: 20040045219
    Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame, a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the vent of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Nystrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jalil Tlemcani, Michael J. Carroll, Patrick K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6615544
    Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame; a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the event of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nystrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jalil Tlemcani, Michael J. Carroll, Patrick K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6484784
    Abstract: A door, such as a fire door or a security gate, for blocking a throughway or opening in an exterior or interior wall of a building, such as a doorway or countertop window, has an open position and a closed position. A force, such as gravity, a counter weight or a spring, tends to move the door toward its closed position. In the case of the fire door, a disengageable stop holds the door in its open position. The disengageable stop includes a brake actuator for releasing a brake. An expandable linkage, having a normal length and having an elongate length when an external force is applied thereto, has a first end connected to the brake actuator. A second end of the expandable linkage is connected to a fire condition sensitive device, which releases the second end upon a fire indicative condition. With the fire door, or any other type of door, a DC generator is connected to the door and produces power as the door moves from its open position to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Herman Weik, III, Arthur Stephen Weik
  • Patent number: 6161348
    Abstract: A drop-out fire vent for a building has a plastic dome that softens and loses structural integrity with increasing temperature. However, the dome is prevented from dropping out by an internal trap door controlled by a fusible link that will release at a precise temperature. This allows the vent to be used in combination with sprinkler systems such as ESFR systems that require opening of the vent at a precise temperature after the sprinklers have been triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: C/S Construction Specialties Limited
    Inventor: Richard P. Morris
  • Patent number: 6131338
    Abstract: The removable mullion assembly allows a mullion to be removed, thereby allowing wider objects to pass through double doors. The top fitting of the assembly includes a spring loaded retaining bolt which locks the mullion in place. A locking mechanism attached to the top fitting allows the retaining bolt to be disengaged from the mullion. However, in the event of a fire, a meltable platform within the top fitting releases a deadlock, which mechanically blocks the retaining bolt from disengaging the mullion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Haeck, Raymond Peeler
  • Patent number: 6092334
    Abstract: A door locking device for locking a door in predetermined, opened positions and automatically unlocking the door from the open positions in the event of a fire. The door locking device comprises a rotating body which includes channels and a support body which includes guide grooves separated by locking grooves. The rotating body and support body are operatively connected together. A locking device which includes locking balls mounted on springs extends through the channels for selective spring biased engagement of the locking balls with the locking grooves or guide grooves of the support body. A heat detection device is operatively connected to the locking device, the heat detection device including a heat-sensitive material. If the door locking device is exposed to a predetermined amount of heat, the heat-sensitive material loses its shape, causing the locking device to permit the locking balls to move from the locking grooves to the guide grooves for releasing the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Young Jo Kim
  • Patent number: 5927012
    Abstract: An emergency release latch mechanism for a hinged cover of a hatchway construction, wherein the cover is heavily spring biased to open position but is normally restrained in closed position by the latch mechanism. The mechanism includes an emergency-actuated release member such as a low-temperature fusible metal link which, through a release mechanism which reduces the tensile load on the link, retains a latching dog in engagement with a shackle pin on the cover but assures positive disengagement therefrom to release the cover to open position in the event of actuation of the emergency-actuated release member. The latch mechanism is typically positioned at the center of the hatch but the release member and emergency-actuated release members are disposed near a wall of the hatch so that the latch mechanism may easily be set or reset by a person at the periphery of the hatch by securing a cable connecting the latch mechanism and release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Bilco Company
    Inventors: Steven G. Cermola, Won Suk Surh
  • Patent number: 5893234
    Abstract: A time delay release mechanism has a brake actuator including an actuation member movable between engaged and released positions. The actuation member, when in the engaged position, operatively engages a fire barrier for preventing closure thereof. The actuation member, when in the released position, is operatively disengaged from the fire barrier such that the release mechanism does not prevent closure thereof. A timer includes a magnet which is powered by voltage applied to a capacitor. The magnet is, in turn, connected to the actuator member. When power is interrupted, the capacitor disengages for a predetermined time period. At the conclusion of the time period the magnet releases the actuator which, in turn, releases the brake and causes the fire barrier to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: McKeon Rolling Steel Door Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. McKeon
  • Patent number: 5890319
    Abstract: The removable mullion assembly allows a mullion to be removed, thereby allowing wider objects to pass through double doors. The top fitting of the assembly includes a spring loaded retaining bolt which locks the mullion in place. A locking mechanism attached to the top fitting allows the retaining bolt to be disengaged from the mullion. However, in the event of a fire, a meltable platform within the top fitting releases a deadlock, which mechanically blocks the retaining bolt from disengaging the mullion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Haeck, Raymond Peeler
  • Patent number: 5813739
    Abstract: An improved, under-counter flammable material storage cabinet which complies with all present fire codes and which overcomes problems associated with access to the utility conduits behind the storage cabinet is provided. The cabinet is self-closing in the presence of internal or external heat to either contain a fire within the cabinet or to keep materials inside the cabinet from combusting from an external fire. The cabinet advantageously utilizes a wooden storage container insert which may be removably affixed within the cabinet frame to provide a storage area wherein flammable materials can be safely stored while at the same time allowing access as necessary to utility conduits installed behind the cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Collegedale Casework, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph J. White
  • Patent number: 5794382
    Abstract: A fire-rated removable mullion, includes a top fitting mounted to a door frame lintel, a bottom fitting assembly, a mullion head capable of detachably engaging the top fitting, a mullion tube having provisions for mounting between the mullion head and the bottom fitting assembly, and another provision for accommodating thermal expansion of the mullion assembly to resist warping of the assembly. Where desired, a mortise cylinder lock can be included to limit removal by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Prucinsky
  • Patent number: 5791086
    Abstract: A window equiped with heat effect automatic opening device is provided. The window comprises a rectangular casing composed of hollow interior frames, an exterior panel and an interior panel secured to the lower portion of the casing and a tempered glass for covering the upper portion slidably secured into the casing between the panel and suspended from a suspension system which includes a heat effect device therein to automatically open the window when the indoor temperature becomes higher than an infusion point, and a lift device disposed between the glass and the interior panel for manually opening or closing the window. The improvement is characterized in that when comes a fire alarm, the heat effect device will break off to set the glass free to open the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Hsin-Tsung Huang
  • Patent number: 5638639
    Abstract: An emergency door, such as a fire door which closes automatically in case of fire, includes a nose piece which moves to an extended position when the door is closed to provide a seal of the gap otherwise present between the forward edge of the door and an adjacent door frame or door, and generally also interlocks with a mating portion of the adjacent frame or door. An addition latching element may be provided to extend from the top edge of the door and be received in a keeper when the door is closed. Door operating hardware, preferably all mounted interiorly of the door except for a push bar on one side of the door and a door handle on the other side, is operable to retract the nose piece and latching element when it is desired to open the door. The nose piece and latching element are held in retracted position when the door is open. A release device releases the latching element and nose piece to extend to extended position when the door is moved to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Wallace D. Pack, Michael D. George, Ronald A. Smart, Ronald L. Richardson, Craig Bell, Michael Hazlett, James D. Porter
  • Patent number: 5582472
    Abstract: An improved storage cabinet is provided which is particularly suitable for the safe storage of flammable materials. An embodiment of the cabinet includes two side-by-side doors which close toward each other. Each door is self-closing, being biased in a closed position by a spring. For convenience, each door can be retained in an open position by a chain. The chain includes a fusible link which melts in the presence of a dangerous level of heat, allowing the associated door to close. In order to protect the interior, the doors have overlapping edges. Accordingly, the cabinet has a closing synchronization mechanism which causes the dual doors to close in a predetermined order. Sequential closing is necessary to effect a proper overlapping of door edges, providing a heat shield. Furthermore, the doors are self-latching, as one door has an independent, three-point latching arrangement which engages the cabinet housing at the top and bottom as well as the first-closed door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: S. Ross Lyons, Kurt Rindoks
  • Patent number: 5440843
    Abstract: The panel assembly has a panel generally fitting in a hole and having an outer periphery running generally parallel to the inner periphery of the hole. Respective geometrically similar inner and outer annular frames on the inner and outer peripheries have confronting outer faces forming an annular gap around the panel between the inner and outer frames. One of the frames has an inner face forming an annular compartment extending around the respective periphery. This one frame is formed with an array of throughgoing openings extending between the respective inner and outer faces and the compartment is substantially closed except at the openings. An annular body of heat-swellable material is provided in the compartment so that on heating of the material it swells and exits the compartments through the openings to fill the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Eva Langenhorst nee Lahrmann
    Inventor: Christoph Langenhorst
  • Patent number: 5373932
    Abstract: A fire barrier apparatus includes a wall separating two adjacent spaces, extending in a predetermined plane and formed from a fire resistant material. The wall has an opening. The apparatus further includes a conveyor defining a conveyor path which extends through the opening. The conveyor has at least one conveyor element within the predetermined plane. A shutter is included within the range of the opening. The shutter is composed of fire resistant material and is movable towards the conveyor element and away from it between an open position where the opening is free and a closed position where the opening is shut off. At least part of the shutter is included in an encasing arrangement for encasing the conveyor element in the closed position of the shutter. Several embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Stoebich Brandschutz GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Stobich, Joachim Luther
  • Patent number: 5247998
    Abstract: An apparatus arranged to orient a closure cap over an entrance opening of a chimney stack to prevent a fire from projecting through the stack with the apparatus to include a spring-biased member and a fusible link permitting release of a plug member to secure the plug member within the chimney stack upon release of the fusible link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Edward C. Fallon
  • Patent number: 5213542
    Abstract: A building construction includes a building structure and a ventilator, the ventilator having a stack defining a vent passage, a closure being provided for normally sealing off the vent passage, insulating material supported by the closure and providing an air seal within the vent passage under normal conditions, and vent actuating means operative in response to the presence of combustion products to disable the closure, automatically release the insulating material and exhaust combustion products through the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5165505
    Abstract: The elevator landing door apparatus is provided with a door for opening and closing the doorway at an elevator landing zone, a rail for guiding the rollers of a hanger plate installed in an upright position in the upper part of the door just defined, and a sill for guiding a door shoe set in the lower part of the door laid out in the lower part of the doorway defined above. The elevator landing door apparatus is characterized in that a plate is set up in an upright position on the upper frame of three-side frames in the doorway defined above and a closure plate is set up in the upper part of the door defined above and forms an overlapping construction together with the plate when the door is shut. This closure plate is fitted out with an expansive material which expands by the effect of heat and thereby the clearance between the plate and the closure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Hayashi, Masami Yoshikawa, Makoto Tomidokoro, Yoshinari Kuzuya
  • Patent number: 5020423
    Abstract: A rotating blade damper for an air handling system, the damper having a perimetrical frame and a blade or a plurality of blades each of which is rotatable with respect to the frame between a flow permitting position and a flow blocking position. Each blade is biased toward its flow blocking position but is normally retained in its flow permitting position, for example, by a fusible link. A stop and lock mechanism is provided to stop each blade in a predetermined open or flow permitting position and to securely lock or latch each blade in its closed or flow blocking position. The stop and lock mechanism includes a disc segment which is carried by a blade rod, at a location outside of the damper frame, and a slide plate which is positioned between the damper frame and the disc segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Mestek, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Hill
  • Patent number: 4865367
    Abstract: A door lock structure includes a frame and a latch bolt carried by the frame for movement between retracted and advanced positions relative to a jamb. The bolt in its retracted position allows the door to open and when its in its advanced position blocks the closed door from opening. A first heat-fusible spring carried by the frame urges the bolt toward the advanced position. A lever pivotally carried by the bolt pivots between a first bolt blocking position and a second bolt freeing position. The lever has a second heat fusible spring carried by the bolt and acting on the lever for urging the lever toward the first bolt blocking position. The frame carries an actuator for pivoting the lever into the second position allowing movement of the bolt toward the retracted position. The lever also has a counterweight on the lever for keeping the lever in the first position to block retraction of the bolt in the event that the first and second springs melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Mansam Choi
  • Patent number: 4858517
    Abstract: A fire damper kit is set forth wherein a fire damper box is formed with a first framing angle iron fixedly secured thereto with a second angle iron slidable thereon to secure said damper and sandwich a fire wall between said opposed angle iron collars. A fusable link positions a fire damper door in a first position to enable heat flow through associated duct work wherein a chimney fire will effect a release of said door to prevent spread of a fire through the duct work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Rick Coker
  • Patent number: 4835904
    Abstract: A device for automatically closing windows with vertically sliding sashes in the case of fire comprisesat least one spring compensator (9) removably engaged with a lateral upright (3) of the cased frame (2) of the window and having its extractable core (14) connected to the sliding sash (1),a cord (15) fixed at one end to said compensator (9), fixed at its other end to said cased frame (2) and passing about an idler pulley (16) fixed to said cased frame (2) in a position above the two ends of said cord (15) in such a manner as to keep it under tension and ensure that said compensator (9) remains engaged with said cased frame (2), anda thermosensitive element (17) interposed along said cord (15) and acting to break its continuity if the predetermined temperature is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Industrie Secco S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renzo Secco
  • Patent number: 4635729
    Abstract: A flame deflecting device that comprises a fire resistant lamina and a protective casing mountable on a building exterior in rows above windows. Each device has a width greater than the window below. When mounted on a building, the device does not extend vertically by more than three feet (0.9 m). When activated on the occurrence of fire, the flame resistant lamina is released and extended substantially horizontally from the building exterior, thereby deflecting flames, smoke and hot gases escaping from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventor: Tibor Z. Harmathy
  • Patent number: 4627498
    Abstract: A fuse for safety appliances such as fire limiters in ventilation systems, the fuse comprising a first part, a second part, fusible material disposed between said first and second parts for normally maintaining said parts in fixed position with respect to one another when the fusible material is in solid form, a narrow path being defined for flow of fusible material in molten form, and the first and second parts being urged towards one another. The parts move towards one another when the fusible material melts and flows through the narrow path. The parts stop moving when the fusible material stops flowing with the parts again maintained in fixed position with respect to one another when the fusible material resolidifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Halton Oy
    Inventors: Erkki Aalto, Harri Saukkonen, Juhani Hasa
  • Patent number: 4619076
    Abstract: A safety cabinet for the storage of flammable or combustible materials that has doors and a closure mechanism designed to automatically close and latch the doors in the event of fire. The closing mechanism is fully automatic and eliminates mechanical timing features as well as provides an automatic positive method and structure of closing the doors of the cabinet to insure a complete seal and lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jerry L. Livingston
  • Patent number: 4578900
    Abstract: A double hung window assembly (10) having a perimeter frame assembly (11) and a vertically slidable upper sash (12) secured in its raised or closed position by fusible link means (26) to the frame assembly (11). The vertically slidable bottom sash (13) has releasable catch means (42) for securing it in its lowered or closed position. Stop means (30) adapted to prevent the upper sash (12) moving beyond the lower sash (13) is present. Biasing means (40) are included with the bottom sash (13) to provide an elevated bias to it, sufficient to hold the bottom sash (13) in selected open or raised positions but insufficient to hold both the upper (12) and lower (13) sashes in an elevated position upon release of the fusible link (26) whereby when the assembly (10) is used and the bottom sash (13) is elevated, both sashes will move to their lower positions to provide a smoke ventilating opening thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Crestlite Aluminum Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory J. F. Hannay
  • Patent number: 4555981
    Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation; and biasing means to urge the damper closed when the arms are disengaged; and means to prevent the blade from opening when the arms are disengaged and the blade has been biased shut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4531534
    Abstract: A spring-powered actuator especially for operating devices such as fire and/or smoke dampers, doors, hatches, vents, traps, valves and other devices having components which are movable between at least two positions. The spring-powered actuator of the invention comprises a longitudinally-displaceable re-wind screw which is rotatable to recharge the spring of the actuator, and a tilting element on the screw which is mounted for tilting movement with respect to the screw axis to allow longitudinal movement of the re-wind screw so as to permit rapid and reliable release of energy stored in the spring. When used in a combination fire and smoke damper, it thus opens or closes the blades of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Actionair Equipment Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Magill, David J. Gaiger, Neil Simkins
  • Patent number: 4474167
    Abstract: An air/smoke/fire damper including a frame and a pair of damper blades pivoted for rotation within the frame between an open and a closed position, and comprising a heat responsive latch including mounting straps associated with each of the damper blades; a fusible link engaging one of the mounting straps; and a hook pivotally associated with the other mounting strap and extending over the edges of the damper blades and into engagement with the fusible link. Also, a locking mechanism for restraining the blades in the closed position upon release of the heat responsive latch, and a retaining lug for preventing blade buckling in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4472999
    Abstract: A damper operator for use with a damper having a frame and a damper blade pivotally associated with the frame, which damper operator comprises a drive rod; a pair of lever arms which are pivotally associated with each and which extend between the drive rod and a pivoting mechanism associated with the blade of the damper; and a latching mechanism which extends between portions of each of the lever arms, and which permits selective engagement and disengagement between those portions of the lever arms, and accordingly, selective respective rotation of the lever arms, so that the blade of the damper can be urged toward a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventor: Francis J. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4467562
    Abstract: A fire door assembly for automatically closing an opening in a wall in response to a predetermined condition has two or more door panels, a connection system for connecting a side edge of one of the door panels to an adjacent side edge of the other door panel in an edge-to-edge relationship, and flame break barriers interposed between the side edges of the panels and the connection system to provide a flame-resistant barrier between the core of each panel and the connection system. Tie bars are secured to the top and bottom edges of the panels to reinforce the edge-to-edge connection. A support system for the door has a track that is free from all external interference to allow free passage of suitably configured rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Assignee: American Metal Door Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene A. Hemmerling
  • Patent number: 4398371
    Abstract: A magnetic smoke and fire shield is disclosed for installation adjacent an air register associated with a building conduit to control the conduit opening. The apparatus includes a frame containing an opening, and a closure member connected with the frame for movement between open and closed positions relative to the frame opening. At least one of the closure members and frame is formed of ferromagnetic material, the other member having magnetic sealing means associated therewith. The closure member is retained in the open position by means including a fusible link set to melt at a predetermined temperature. The closure member may also be released manually. Upon the occurrence of a fire, the closure member is released to a closed, magnetically sealed position relative to the frame opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: James H. Jenkins