Collapsible Strut Patents (Class 169/38)
  • Patent number: 11986689
    Abstract: Water mist fire protection systems and methods for the protection of data centers having a raised floor defining an interstitial space beneath the floor. The systems and methods include the location of a plurality of automatic water mist nozzles above and/or beneath the floor to generate a water mist for effectively addressing a fire in the presence of a flow of forced air ventilation through the interstitial space. The systems and methods of water mist fire protection include the interconnection of the automatic water mist nozzles to a water supply to provide for dry pipe or preaction systems and methods. Water mist fire protection of data cen-ters using fire propagating cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignees: Tyco Fire Products LP, LPG TECNICAS EN EXTINCION DE INCENDIOS, S.L.
    Inventors: Sean E. Cutting, Alex Palau Bosch
  • Patent number: 11986691
    Abstract: Fire protection sprinkler assemblies and methods thereof having thermally responsive glass bulb trigger arrangements for suppression mode fast response fire protection in which the glass bulb trigger arrangements provide a consistent thermal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Daniel Sekula
  • Patent number: 11980904
    Abstract: A sprinkler guard for protection of a fire protection sprinkler to define one or more dimensional relationships between the guard and the sprinkler. The sprinkler guard includes a cage that defines an internal volume for housing operational components of the sprinkler including a fluid deflector and thermally responsive trigger. The sprinkler guard locates the deflector within the internal volume with an upper boundary of the cage spaced at a clearance distance from the fluid deflector and a lower boundary of the cage located between the deflector member and a fluid outlet of the sprinkler frame body. Affixed to the cage is a clamp assembly defining a hinged relationship for securing the sprinkler guard to the fire protection sprinkler and housing components of the sprinkler guard cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Scott A. English
  • Patent number: 11511145
    Abstract: Fire protection sprinkler assemblies and methods thereof having thermally responsive glass bulb trigger arrangements for suppression mode fast response fire protection in which the glass bulb trigger arrangements provide a consistent thermal response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Daniel Sekula
  • Patent number: 11358016
    Abstract: The sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve is configured for use in a fire sprinkler system and a water source. The heat generated by a fire automatically actuates the sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve. The sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve further comprises a manually operated valve. The manually operated valve closes the sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve in cases inappropriate actuation. The sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve comprises a deflector, a heat sensitive release mechanism, a wedge seal, a valve block, and a threaded connection. The threaded connection attaches the sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve to the water source. The heat sensitive release mechanism and the wedge seal actuate the valve. The deflector directs the water released by the sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve. The valve block forms the manually operated valve of the sprinkler head with integrated shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Eric Johnson
  • Patent number: 10955062
    Abstract: A glass ball safety valve includes: a housing including a valve passage connecting a first and second port; a valve element provided in the housing so as to close the passage, the element being movable in an open direction so as to open the passage; a biasing spring configured to bias the element in the open direction; a glass ball provided in the housing so as to support the element against biasing force of the biasing spring with a space between the element and the housing in the open direction, the glass ball including a longitudinal-direction intermediate portion that breaks at a predetermined temperature, the glass ball in a broken state allowing a movement of the valve element in the open direction; and a holding body provided in the housing and holding at least one of a first longitudinal-direction end-side portion and second longitudinal-direction end-side portion of the glass ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kodai Kato, Yutaka Suzuki, Makoto Ninomiya, Masayoshi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10272278
    Abstract: A thermal release element having a container body with an outer wall formed from a frangible material and a hollow space enclosed by the outer wall and enclosing a release fluid. The body is expanded in an axial direction with a tubular middle section extending in the axial direction and two end sections at each axial end. The middle section, as seen in a sectional plane transverse to the axial direction, has an outer contour of the outer wall that deviates from a circular or oval contour. The end sections each have a circular or an oval contour of the outer wall. Transition zones are provided between the middle and end sections where the outer contour of the outer wall transitions from the shape of the middle section deviating from a circular or oval shape, into the circular or oval shape of the end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: JOB Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Klug, Bodo Müller, Jürgen Teschner
  • Patent number: 10099076
    Abstract: Fire protection mist nozzles for industrial oil cookers, oil cookers with fire protection systems, and method of oil cooker fire protection are provided. The mist nozzles operate at pressures between 170 and 250 psi, and provide a unique distribution pattern that allows for variable installations for protection in certain operative environments including oil cookers with various hood configurations. The fire protection nozzles includes a base defining an inlet and an outlet along an axis. The base includes an orifice having an inlet diameter and an outlet diameter. The outlet diameter is preferably greater than the inlet diameter; and the orifice defines a K-factor of less than 1.0 gpm/psi½. The nozzle includes a diffuser aligned with the orifice. The diffuser has a preferably substantially domed portion with a maximum diameter that is less than the summation of the inlet diameter and the outlet diameter of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Jose L. Almeida, Thomas W. Bowder, Jr., Chad A. Goyette
  • Patent number: 9782612
    Abstract: Fire protection mist nozzles for industrial oil cookers, oil cookers with fire protection systems, and method of oil cooker fire protection are provided. The mist nozzles operate at pressures between 170 and 250 psi, and provide a unique distribution pattern that allows for variable installations for protection in certain operative environments including oil cookers with various hood configurations. The fire protection nozzles includes a base defining an inlet and an outlet along an axis. The base includes an orifice having an inlet diameter and an outlet diameter. The outlet diameter is preferably greater than the inlet diameter; and the orifice defines a K-factor of less than 1.0 gpm/psi½. The nozzle includes a diffuser aligned with the orifice. The diffuser has a preferably substantially domed portion with a maximum diameter that is less than the summation of the inlet diameter and the outlet diameter of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Jose L. Almeida, Thomas W. Bowder, Jr., Chad A. Goyette
  • Patent number: 9731305
    Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a nozzle apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a spray nozzle apparatus is described. The spray nozzle apparatus includes a plurality of flow channels formed by the combination of a: sprayhead, a major element, and a minor element. The sprayhead may have a plurality of holes. The major element is retained within the sprayhead by a nozzle nut and spring, allowing a first annular gap to form between the sprayhead and the major element. The minor element is retained within the major element by a second nozzle nut and second spring, allowing a second annular gap to form between the major element and the minor element. The minor element may have an axial hole. Other embodiments also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Hany A. Al-Ansary, Kevin G. Schoonover, Said I. Abdel-Khalik
  • Patent number: 9604084
    Abstract: A sprinkler is provided for a firefighting installation including a network of vacuum sprinklers. The sprinkler includes: a fixing connector, which allows the sprinkler to be connected to pipe work and has a nozzle; a fusible member; and a shutoff member for shutting off the nozzle, held in shutoff position by the fusible member. The fusible member is kept bearing against the shutoff member by a moveable bearing, capable of allowing the shutoff member to leave its shutting-off position when the pressure in the nozzle exceeds a predetermined pressure. An ejecting element for ejecting the shutoff member is mounted outside the nozzle and acts in a pulling sense on the shutoff member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: VACTEC
    Inventor: Maurice Kadoche
  • Patent number: 9265981
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a base and a frame extending from the base. The base has a passage extending therethrough defining an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is mounted to the frame and spaced from the outlet, which is configured to deflect fluid flowing from the outlet in a radial pattern. A trigger assembly extends between the frame and the base and is adapted to support a pip cap assembly in the outlet and release the plug when a temperature associated with a fire condition is detected. The pip cap assembly includes a copper shell and a stainless steel insert received in the copper shell and extending outward therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, David Vaneerden
  • Patent number: 9205290
    Abstract: Fire protection mist nozzles for industrial oil cookers, oil cookers with fire protection systems, and method of oil cooker fire protection are provided. The mist nozzles operate at pressures between 170 and 250 psi, and provide a unique distribution pattern that allows for variable installations for protection in certain operative environments including oil cookers with various hood configurations. The fire protection nozzles includes a base defining an inlet and an outlet along an axis. The base includes an orifice having an inlet diameter and an outlet diameter. The outlet diameter is preferably greater than the inlet diameter; and the orifice defines a K-factor of less than 1.0 gpm/psi½. The nozzle includes a diffuser aligned with the orifice. The diffuser has a preferably substantially domed portion with a maximum diameter that is less than the summation of the inlet diameter and the outlet diameter of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Zachary L. Magnone, Jose L. Almeida, Thomas W. Bowder, Jr., Chad A. Goyette
  • Patent number: 9016393
    Abstract: A spraying head, especially a spraying head intended for fire extinguishing, which comprises a frame part, an inlet for extinguishing medium and at least two nozzles. At least one first nozzle (9) is arranged in a spraying head part (2), for which first nozzle (9) the medium passage from the inlet of the spraying head is always open and that at least one second nozzle (4) is arranged in a sprinkler part (1) which comprises a triggering means (5), whereby the passage of medium from the inlet to at least one second nozzle (4) is closed when the triggering means (5) is non-activated, and that the passage of medium for at least one second nozzle (4) is open when the triggering means (5) is activated. The invention also relates to a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventors: Göran Sundholm, Harry Metzger, Richard Eggleton
  • Patent number: 8905151
    Abstract: An extended coverage pendent sprinkler configured for the fire protection of an occupancy classified as any one of: light hazard, ordinary hazard, extra hazard, rack storage with solid shelves and any combination thereof. The sprinkler preferably includes a body having an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet to define a passageway to further define a sprinkler axis and a K factor ranging from 11 gpm/(psi)1/2 to about 25 gpm/(psi)1/2. A deflector is spaced from the outlet to distribute a fire fighting fluid over a maximum protection area of about 196 square feet, and having one or more combination of features as described in the preferred deflector described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Manuel R. Silva, Jr., Donald B. Pounder, Michael R. Landi
  • Patent number: 8887822
    Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube having an inlet attached to a first end, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly. An outlet is attached to the second end of the flexible tube, and defines an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly. A flexible linkage extends from the inlet to the outlet through the flexible tube, and is constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position. The flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George Polan
  • Patent number: 8794340
    Abstract: A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rekeny
  • Patent number: 8789615
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Scott T. Franson, Thomas E. Winebrenner, Shawn G. Orr
  • Patent number: 8776903
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler is provided. The sprinkler includes a body having an output orifice and a flange; a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice; and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap and constructed to separate into a plurality of portions upon exposure to a predetermined temperature. The sprinkler also includes at least one deflector support member, a deflector connected to the deflector support member, and at least one arm extending from each of the deflector support members. Each of the arms has a free end positioned in spaced relation to the thermally-responsive element to contact the portions of the thermally-responsive element upon separation thereof. In another embodiment, the sprinkler includes at least one arm extending from the flange, and the arms may be formed as a bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jimenez, George S. Polan, John Tow, Myron Allen
  • Patent number: 8714180
    Abstract: A thermal triggering element for sprinklers, valves or the like including an enclosed compartment with a container filled with a highly temperature-sensitive shattering fluid for precise and reproducible adjustment of a triggering temperature within the range of a few degrees Celsius. The invention increases the accuracy of the triggering temperature and identifies shattering liquids that allow precise sensitive triggering action in terms of temperature of the triggering element and open up further triggering temperatures ranges. The triggering fluid contains or consists of a hydrocarbon compound selected among one of the following substance groups or a mixture thereof: d) a heterocyclic hydrocarbon having a OH, NH or NH2 group bonded to a carbon atom; e) a hydrocarbon having at least one benzene ring with an OH group bonded to one of the carbon atoms of the benzene ring; f) a phosphate with at least one hydrocarbon moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Klug, Tino Schmalfuss
  • Patent number: 8684101
    Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Roger Graham Gilbertson, Valery Martynov
  • Patent number: 8607887
    Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent, autonomously usable closure for misting nozzles, atomizing nozzles and sprinklers. A covering plate 20 is fixed on the closure having a heat tripping device, a nozzle body 2, outlet channel 11 and outlet opening 10 by means of a melt tripping device 5. The melt tripping device 5 is activated when necessary by a heat element 23 and the outlet opening 10 is released. A structural element 21, such as a disk spring, ensures at the melting moment of the melt tripping device 5 that a force F is applied and the covering plate 20 is separated with force from the outlet opening. In case of emergency, the release is triggered without energy. The proposed autonomous device can be used in a system network and can also be integrated into an existing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Kammer
  • Patent number: 8607886
    Abstract: A combined plug and sealing ring for a sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle plug having a substantially cylindrical portion adapted to engage within a nozzle orifice of a sprinkler nozzle, and a cap overlaying the substantially cylindrical portion. A sealing ring is adapted to seat onto a threaded pipe fitting portion of the sprinkler nozzle. A leash interconnects the nozzle plug and the sealing ring. A combined plug and sealing ring in combination with a sprinkler nozzle, and a method of installing a sprinkler nozzle in a highly corrosive or extremely corrosive environment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Harrington, Paul Po-Cheng Su, David Fuller
  • Patent number: 8584767
    Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The shape memory element typically communicates with the valve so as to force it open. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
    Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Roger Graham Gilbertson, Valery Martynov
  • Patent number: 8573316
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler has a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of the total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler may be installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface. A horizontal or pendent fire protection sprinkler has a body having an output orifice and a flange and a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap. Housing members extend through and from the flange of the sprinkler body, and contain rods, each of which extends through the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Polan, Oliver S. Pahila, Thomas L. Multer
  • Publication number: 20130240219
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly can utilize an adapter having straight threads and an internal sealing member therein to attach the sprinkler to a piping system. The sprinkler may include tapering threads that engage with the straight threads of the adapter and compress the sealing member therein to form a fluid-tight seal. A sprinkler assembly can utilize a fitting that is attached to an extension member containing the sprinkler. The fitting allows the sprinkler and extension member to be coupled to the piping system with a solvent weld. A sprinkler assembly can utilize an attachment system to couple a sprinkler attached to an extension member to a piping system. The attachment system can include a first fitting attached to the connection member, a second fitting attached to the piping system, and a clamping member to clamp the two fittings together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn G. ORR, Scott T. FRANSON
  • Patent number: 8448714
    Abstract: A fuse type sprinkler has a body which is fastened to a drain pipe for spraying water through a drain formed inside, a valve of which an upper end is inserted into the drain of the body and to which a sealing unit is mounted along an upper end circumference to press and seal an inner surface of the drain, a frame which is fastened to the body to surround the valve and is provided with a hook on a lower end inner peripheral surface, a heat sensing unit which supports a lower end of the valve to allow an upper end of the valve to be inserted into the drain while being hooked by the hook of the frame, and is provided with a fuse which is separated from the frame to fall off when the fuse is fused by heat, and a deflector which is positioned inside the frame and falls off and is hung on the hook when the heat sensing unit is separated to distribute water sprayed through the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Union Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Park, Jae Kil Shim, Sung Ki An
  • Patent number: 8402985
    Abstract: A thermal release element for valves in the form of a completely enclosed inner space with a container filled with a release liquid in which the release liquid contains a hydrocarbon selected from one of the following substance groups or containing a mixture of the hydrocarbons of an aliphatic bromide, a hydrocarbon with a nitro group, a singly halogenated benzene ring, and an aliphatic ester compound with two double-bonded oxygen atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Tino Schmalfuss
  • Patent number: 8353357
    Abstract: A heat responsive trigger assembly for a fire protection sprinkler may include a first plate having a bottom face; a second plate including a top face engaging the bottom face; a thermally conductive member disposed between the top and bottom faces and extending beyond a perimeter of at least one of the first and second plates; and a heat fusible material securing the first and second plates in an engaged position. The first and second plates may disengage in response to the heat fusible material reaching a predetermined temperature, thereby allowing a fire suppressant to discharge from the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8322453
    Abstract: A sprinkler head adapted for a specific yield temperature. The sprinkler head uses a heat-sensitive material composed of Sn in an amount of 0.1-2.0% by mass, Bi in an amount of 31-37% by mass and In for balance for a temperature range around 70-75° C. or a heat-sensitive material composed of Zn in an amount of 0.05-0.4% by mass, Bi in an amount of 43-55% by mass and In for balance for a temperature range around 90-95° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Senju Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kikuchi, Rikiya Kato
  • Patent number: 8176987
    Abstract: A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Rekeny
  • Patent number: 8172001
    Abstract: A pendent residential fire prevention sprinkler has a frame structure extending from the sprinkler body, and a system for blocking an outlet to prevent fluid from passing through the outlet until occurrence of a predetermined condition and for unblocking the outlet in response to occurrence of the condition. A deflector is supported by the frame structure at a predetermined distance from the outlet, at a position to be impinged upon by the fluid leaving the outlet. The deflector has a central portion and a peripheral portion, and slots formed in the periphery, defining tines therebetween. The slots include a first plurality of slots, each of which extends inward from the deflector periphery with a uniform width, a second plurality of slots, each of which has a first portion and a second portion between the deflector periphery and the slot's closed end, where the first portion has a width that varies at different points, while the second portion has a uniform width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Tow, Oliver S. Pahila, Charles R. Watson
  • Patent number: 8162069
    Abstract: An upright fire protection sprinkler having an input orifice at an input end of the sprinkler for receiving fluid and an output orifice at an output end of the sprinkler for outputting fluid. The sprinkler has a connection portion at the input end of the sprinkler and a body extending between the connection portion and the output end. A pair of frame arms extends from the output end and meets at a hub positioned in axial alignment with the output orifice. A deflector is positioned on the hub and is configured to direct fluid output from the output orifice substantially in a direction back toward the output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Multer, George S. Polan
  • Publication number: 20110272168
    Abstract: A fuse type sprinkler has a body which is fastened to a drain pipe for spraying water through a drain formed inside, a valve of which an upper end is inserted into the drain of the body and to which a sealing unit is mounted along an upper end circumference to press and seal an inner surface of the drain, a frame which is fastened to the body to surround the valve and is provided with a hook on a lower end inner peripheral surface, a heat sensing unit which supports a lower end of the valve to allow an upper end of the valve to be inserted into the drain while being hooked by the hook of the frame, and is provided with a fuse which is separated from the frame to fall off when the fuse is fused by heat, and a deflector which is positioned inside the frame and falls off and is hung on the hook when the heat sensing unit is separated to distribute water sprayed through the drain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ASIA UNION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin PARK, Jae Kil SHIM, Sung Ki AN
  • Patent number: 7699116
    Abstract: An anti-skipping sprinkler includes a frame defining a central longitudinal axis, the frame including a base portion defining an orifice, and first and second arms extending away from the base portion and joining at a lower end of the frame; a deflector located at the lower end of the frame; an orifice plug held over the orifice by a trigger element including a heat sensitive element; and an anti-skipping shield extending circumferentially around the heat sensitive element. The anti-skipping shield has an upper end and a lower end. The anti-skipping shield is open at the upper end and at the lower end to permit airflow to the heat sensitive element around the upper end and the lower end of the anti-skipping shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies
    Inventors: John L. de Ris, Hong-Zeng Yu, Benjamin D. Ditch
  • Publication number: 20090294140
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly includes a sprinkler body having a base and a frame extending from the base. The base has a passage extending therethrough defining an inlet and an outlet. A deflector is mounted to the frame and spaced from the outlet, which is configured to deflect fluid flowing from the outlet in a radial pattern. A trigger assembly extends between the frame and the base and is adapted to support a plug in the outlet and release the plug when a temperature associated with a fire condition is detected. The plug is made from plastic and can include a reinforcing insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian S. Green
  • Publication number: 20080202773
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler of the preferred embodiments includes a frame, a trigger, and a deflector. The frame defines a duct to exhaust the flow of a fire suppressing or extinguishing substance, and includes a fastener to fasten the frame to a supply line. The trigger blocks the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance through the duct during a first mode, and permits the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance during a second mode. The deflector redirects the flow of the fire suppressing or extinguishing substance into a coverage area. The deflector also at least partially shields the trigger from the dispersal of a fire suppressing or extinguishing substance from an adjacent fire sprinkler and prevents a failure of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Pigeon
  • Publication number: 20080115948
    Abstract: [Problems] To provide a sprinkler head installed by burying it in a ceiling, having a cover plate to conceal the sprinkler head, enabling the adjustment of the height of the sprinkler head relative to the surface of the ceiling, and capable of efficiently transferring the heat of flame absorbed by the cover plate to the heat sensitive body of the sprinkler head. [Means for Solving Problems] A heat collector (15) having a plurality of fins (14) in the radial direction is fitted to the heat sensitive body of the sprinkler head, and the fins (14) are bent in a diagonal lower side by a plurality of bent parts (16). A disk-like heat collector (13) is stackingly installed on the upper part of the heat collector (15), and ribs (13A) and (13B) formed on the heat collector (13) are installed at positions where the bent parts (16) are not interfered with the ribs (13A) and (13B) when the heat collector (15) is contracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 7353882
    Abstract: A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler is provided, including a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of a total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler is installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface, with a front edge in a fluid flow direction, and a back edge. The mounting platform of the support cup is closer to the front edge of the support cup in an axial direction thereof than to the back edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver S. Pahila
  • Publication number: 20080053665
    Abstract: An upright fire protection sprinkler having an input orifice at an input end of the sprinkler for receiving fluid and an output orifice at an output end of the sprinkler for outputting fluid. The sprinkler has a connection portion at the input end of the sprinkler and a body extending between the connection portion and the output end. A pair of frame arms extends from the output end and meets at a hub positioned in axial alignment with the output orifice. A deflector is positioned on the hub and is configured to direct fluid output from the output orifice substantially in a direction back toward the output end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: THE RELIABLE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO., INC.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Multer, George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 7314094
    Abstract: A spring-loaded device conceals a recessed sprinkler head. Heat releases the spring and exposes the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew J. Gow, Thomas W. Gow
  • Patent number: 7290618
    Abstract: A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W Thomas, Thomas G Deegan, Scott T Franson, Michael J Bosma, Delwin G Dornbos
  • Patent number: 7275603
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Polan
  • Patent number: 7222678
    Abstract: A sprinkler head comprises: a locking unit locked inside a second housing for maintaining a sealing state between a deflector and a first housing; a heat responding unit exposed to outside of a ceiling for releasing the locked state of the locking unit by reacting to fire when fire breaks out; and a head cover mounted at a lower side of the heat responding unit and transmitting heat to the heat responding unit after collecting heat at the time of a fire occurrence. According to this, a fine appearance of the sprinkler head is provided, and the head cover performs a heat collecting function at the time of a fire occurrence thus to have a fast reaction speed, thereby enhancing a function of the sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Paradise Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Min Shim
  • Patent number: 7143834
    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: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Dolan
  • Patent number: 7096964
    Abstract: The sprinkler includes the following structural members: a body (1) with a channel for liquid supply, a thermally responsive unit with a valve (4) closing the sprinkler outlet, and a thermally responsive unit attachment. In the first alternative embodiment a sprinkler channel is formed by a segment (10) of a cylindrical configuration connected with a segment (11) made as a conical diffuser. To generate a fine uniform gas-and-drop stream of a high kinetic energy and space-uniform distribution the cylindrical segment (10) length exceeds the channel diameter at this segment. The segment (11) length in the form of conical diffuser exceeds the channel diameter at the cylindrical segment (10). In the second alternative embodiment the sprinkler has two coaxial liquid supply channels. The length of the axial cylindrical channel exceeds its diameter. The second annular channel is coaxial to the first channel and fitted with helical guide components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Obschestvo S Organichennoi Otvetstvennostju “Unipat”
    Inventors: Andrey Leonidovich Dushkin, Alexandr Vladimirovich Karpyshev
  • Patent number: 7036603
    Abstract: A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Peter W. Thomas, Thomas G. Deegan, Scott T. Franson, Michael J. Bosma, Delwin G. Dornbos
  • Patent number: 7017673
    Abstract: A sprinkling or spraying head, for fire fighting systems, comprises a nozzle holder cap which is removably coupled to the body of the sprinkling head and comprises a plurality of nozzles designed for ejecting a fighting liquid in a nebulized form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Armando Gargani
  • Patent number: 6976544
    Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a temperature-activated means (1), a housing (2), a central nozzle (4), a side nozzle (5a, 5b), a first channel (9-15-6-12-13) for guiding a medium to the central nozzle, and a second channel (9-15-17-14-7a) for guiding the medium to the side nozzle, the second channel being closed with a spindle means (8) while the sprinkler is in its standby state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Marioff Corporation Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 6976543
    Abstract: A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Fischer