Automatic dry sprinkler assembly

Abstract

An automatic dry sprinkler assembly for a fire protection system. A preferred embodiment of an automatic dry sprinkler assembly includes a tubular outer housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and an interior surface configuration proximate the outlet opening, the interior surface configuration defining an interior landing surface and a cantilevered centering wall. The fluid deflecting member is spaced from the outlet opening along a fluid flow path of the assembly. A fluid control assembly is disposed within the outer housing for axially translating from an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly to an actuated state to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet to cause fluid discharge along a fluid flow path to the deflecting member. The inner landing surface and the cantilevered centering wall are axially spaced from each other near the outlet opening to surround and resist components of the fluid control assembly to facilitate centered and axial translation of the fluid control assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 337,130, filed May 1, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present utility model relates generally to dry sprinkler assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0004] Automatic wet pipe fire sprinkler systems can be constructed with automatic fire sprinklers, where the sprinkler is attached to a piping system that is filled with a fire extinguishing fluid, such as water, at a sufficient pressure for sprinkler operation. Typically, the automatic fire sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame and / or housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal passageway through which the fire extinguishing fluid flows and is discharged to impinge upon a fluid deflecting member coupled with the sprinkler frame and spaced apart from the outlet. The flow of fluid through the sprinkler is controlled by a heat responsive trigger that supports a sealing assembly in a position that seals the internal passageway of the sprinkler. Upon heat actuation of the trigger in response to a fire, the trigger ruptures or breaks, thereby releasing the sealing assembly to allow fluid flow through the sprinkler internal passageway.

[0005] One type of automatic fire sprinkler is an automatic dry sprinkler. Some known dry sprinkler assemblies generally include a tubular sprinkler housing having an inlet end fluid opening and a discharge outlet opening axially spaced apart from the inlet opening, with an internal passageway extending between the inlet end fluid opening and the discharge outlet opening. An internal sealing assembly and a tubular discharge orifice are supported within the housing between the inlet and outlet openings by a support member and a heat responsive trigger to seal the sprinkler at the fluid inlet. Upon actuation of the trigger in response to a fire, the support member is ejected from the outlet of the housing, thereby allowing the internal sealing assembly and the tubular discharge orifice to axially translate and rest on an internal surface or platform of the housing. Examples of dry sprinklers are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,967,240; 7,766,252; 8,636,075; 10,099,080; 10,220,231; and 11,577,108. Despite these known dry sprinkler assemblies, it is believed that there remains a need to provide configurations of dry sprinkler assemblies that further facilitate positioning and translation of internal components within the dry sprinkler assemblies while minimizing surface contact between the internal components and the housing of the dry sprinkler assemblies. SUMMARY

[0006] Preferred embodiments of an automatic dry sprinkler assembly, preferably a below ground pendent automatic dry sprinkler assembly, and more preferably an early suppression rapid response dry sprinkler assembly, and methods of operation thereof are provided. Preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly include a tubular outer housing extending along a longitudinal sprinkler axis, the tubular outer housing having a first end portion with an interior surface that encircles about the longitudinal sprinkler axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular outer housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprinkler axis. A second end portion of the preferred embodiments of the automatic dry sprinkler assembly has an interior surface that encircles about the longitudinal sprinkler axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular outer housing. An interior landing surface is positioned between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along the longitudinal sprinkler axis and a centering wall is formed between the interior landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprinkler axis. An interior conduit extends from the first end portion to the second end portion along the longitudinal sprinkler axis to axially space the annular sealing surface from the interior landing surface. A fluid deflecting member is coupled to the tubular outer housing to position the fluid deflecting member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening and the fluid deflecting member is centered on the longitudinal sprinkler axis. A response trigger assembly, and preferably a heat responsive trigger assembly, is disposed between the fluid deflecting member and the outlet opening to define an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly and operation of the heat responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. A fluid control assembly is coaxially disposed within the interior conduit, the fluid control assembly including a sealing subassembly having a first position in fluid-tight sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. A fluid flow tube has a fluid entry end coupled to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid entry end, the discharge orifice end having a terminal end that defines a discharge opening, and more particularly a discharge orifice. A pop-out support member has a seating surface and a support surface, and more preferably a support shelf portion. In the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly, the pop-out support member is disposed in the outlet opening with the support shelf portion in abutting contact with the terminal end of the discharge orifice end of the fluid flow tube and the seating surface engaged with the heat responsive trigger assembly to position the sealing subassembly in the first position.

[0007] In preferred embodiments, in the unactuated state of the dry sprinkler assembly, the distal end of the discharge orifice end of the fluid flow tube is surrounded along the longitudinal sprinkler axis between the terminal end and the outlet opening of the second end portion by an internal landing surface and a cantilevered centering wall. Preferably, the cantilevered centering wall is provided as a cantilevered centering wall comprising an internal centering rim at the intersection of the first surface section and the second surface section. The internal surface of the second end portion is located between the internal landing surface and the first surface section of the cantilevered centering wall and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, while the first surface section extends perpendicular to the longitudinal sprinkler axis and the second surface section extends from the first surface section to the outlet opening parallel to the longitudinal sprinkler axis. More preferably, the internal landing surface defines a first inner diameter of the second end portion of the tubular outer housing and the internal centering rim of the cantilevered centering wall defines a second inner diameter of the second end portion of the tubular outer housing, and the first inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, in the actuated state of the dry sprinkler assembly, the fluid flow tube is axially translated such that the discharge orifice end rests on the internal landing surface, while the internal centering rim of the cantilevered centering wall surrounds and resists the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end, and the second surface section of the cantilevered centering wall and the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end are non-parallel surfaces. Preferably, the second surface section extends parallel to the longitudinal sprinkler axis and the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end is inclined relative to the longitudinal sprinkler axis and more particularly a tapered surface. In more preferred embodiments, the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end is a frustoconical surface and the second surface section of the cantilevered centering wall is a cylindrical surface. In preferred embodiments, an annular gap is formed between the internal surface of the second end portion of the tubular outer housing and the discharge orifice end and between the second surface section and the discharge orifice end. Preferably, the annular gap has a varying width between the internal landing surface and the outlet opening.

[0009] In preferred embodiments, the discharge orifice end is a tubular component having a first end, a second end comprising a terminal end defining a discharge opening or orifice, and an outer surface having an outer annular shoulder between the first end and the second end for surface contact with the internal landing surface of the second end portion of the tubular outer housing. Preferably, the outer surface is a frustoconical profile extending from the outer annular shoulder to the terminal end. In preferred embodiments, the ejectable support member comprises a central impact surface disposed within the discharge orifice end of the fluid flow tube in the unactuated state; the central impact surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal sprinkler axis.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, the housing includes a pair of frame arms extending from the second end portion and converging at a distance from the outlet opening to provide a frame window having a width and a height, wherein the heat-responsive trigger assembly has a load member positioned within the frame window along the longitudinal sprayer axis and is preferably a load screw. The width of the frame window proximate to the terminal end of the load screw is greater than the maximum diameter of the ejectable support member such that in the actuated state, the ejectable member contacts the load screw within the frame window prior to contacting the frame window and more particularly the pair of frame arms and the convergence of the frame arms.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the dry sprinkler assembly can include: (1) a heat-responsive trigger assembly having a strut, a lever, a heat-responsive link coupling the strut and lever, and a load screw as a load member; (2) a fluid deflector member that is a planar member having a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of spaced apart slots and a diameter defining a deflector diameter to discharge orifice diameter ratio (Dia4:Dial) ranging from 1.75:1 to 2:1; (3) a second end portion of a tubular outer housing as a sprayer frame having a frame body integrally formed with the pair of frame arms and the frame body includes a threaded interior surface for threaded engagement with the tubular outer housing to define a frame window; and / or (4) a first end portion having an enlarged conduit portion between the inlet opening and the interior conduit such that in the actuated state, the seal subassembly is located within the enlarged conduit portion of the first end portion and the terminal end of the discharge orifice end is located between the outlet opening and the fluid deflector member.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the ejectable support member can include: (a) a section disposed within the outlet opening and having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the discharge opening and a height between the seating surface and the support shelf portion such that the ejectable support member positions the terminal end of the discharge orifice end between the interior landing surface and the annular seal surface of the first end portion of the tubular outer housing along the longitudinal sprayer axis; (b) a support shelf portion that is an annular shelf portion defining a shelf portion diameter equal to the outer diameter of the section of the ejectable support member disposed within the outlet opening and a central section of the ejectable support member between the support shelf portion and the section of the ejectable support member disposed within the outlet opening, the central section varying in diameter along the longitudinal sprayer axis; and / or (c) a height between the support surface and the seating surface along the longitudinal sprayer axis that is greater than a length of the tapered surface of the discharge orifice end along the longitudinal sprayer axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the application and, together with the general description of the application given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain features of the application. It should be appreciated that each of the preferred embodiments provides features of the application as provided by the appended claims.

[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly in an unactuated state.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a dry sprinkler in an actuated state. Figure 1

[0016] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a dry sprinkler in an unactuated state. Figure 1

[0017] Figure 3A is a preferred embodiment of a fluid deflection member of a dry sprinkler. Figure 1

[0018] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a dry sprinkler in an actuated state. Figure 2

[0019] Figure 4A is a detailed view of the IVA-IVA region of Figure 4

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a pop-out support member of a dry sprinkler assembly of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a discharge orifice end of a dry sprinkler assembly of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a discharge orifice end of Figure 6

[0023] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an illustrative wet sprinkler system utilizing a dry sprinkler assembly of Figure 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​​​​​​​​​A preferred embodiment of a dry sprinkler assembly 10 for use in a wet pipe fire protection system is shown in FIG. 1. The sprinkler assembly 10 generally includes an elongated tubular housing 12 having a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 16 opposite the first end portion 14. Within the tubular housing 12, an internal conduit 18 extends along a longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X from the first end portion 14 to the second end portion 16. The first end portion 14 of the housing 12 defines a fluid inlet end 10a of the sprinkler assembly 10 having an inlet opening 20 and an internal sealing surface 22 downstream of and proximate to the inlet opening 20. The second end 16 of the housing 12 defines a fluid discharge end 10b of the sprinkler assembly 10 having an outlet opening 24. A fluid deflecting member 30 is coupled to the housing 12 to position the fluid deflecting member 30 at a preferred fixed distance from the outlet opening 24 along a fluid flow path of the sprinkler assembly extending along the sprinkler axis X-X.

[0025] The first end portion 14 of the sprinkler assembly 10 is configured to be coupled to a fluid supply pipe (not shown) or pipe fitting of a fire protection system. For example, the first end portion 14 can be externally threaded as shown for coupling to a threaded pipe fitting or connection. Alternatively, the first end portion 14 can be configured, for example, to have a groove for a grooved coupling connection, or provided with any other suitable connection mechanism and / or device to secure and fluidly connect the sprinkler assembly 10 to the fluid supply pipe. The sprinkler assembly 10 is preferably an automatic dry sprinkler assembly in which the fluid flowing through the sprinkler is regulated by a trigger assembly, preferably a heat responsive trigger assembly 40, and preferably an internal fluid control assembly 100 disposed coaxially within the housing 12. Operation of the heat responsive trigger assembly 40 is based on the temperature of the ambient conditions surrounding the dry sprinkler assembly 10. Alternatively, the dry sprinkler assembly 10 can be an actuated dry sprinkler assembly having a responsive trigger assembly operated by a control signal, and in another preferred embodiment, the dry sprinkler assembly can be an automatic / actuated dry sprinkler assembly operated by the temperature of the ambient conditions surrounding the dry sprinkler assembly 10 and / or a control signal provided to the dry sprinkler assembly 10.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the heat responsive trigger assembly 40 includes a strut, lever, and heat responsive welded link assembly supported by a load member, such as a load screw 60. Alternatively, the trigger assembly 40 can be configured as a heat responsive fluid-filled frangible sphere supported by a load member. The heat responsive trigger assembly 40 defines an unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10 in which the heat responsive trigger assembly 40 supports the internal fluid control assembly 100 within the housing 12 to be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening 20 and to be in fluid communication with the fluid deflecting member 30. Figure 1fluidly tight seal with the internal sealing surface 22 and seals the remainder of the sprinkler assembly 10 from fluid within the fluid supply piping of the system. Upon thermal operation of the heat responsive trigger assembly 40, an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10 is defined in which the internal fluid control assembly 100 is axially translated into contact with the internal sealing surface 22, as seen in FIG. 2, and the internal conduit 18 is seated in fluid communication with the fluid supply piping of the system. Figure 2 As seen in FIG. 2, the internal fluid control assembly 100 is axially translated out of contact with the internal sealing surface 22, thereby seating the internal conduit 18 in fluid communication with the fluid supply piping of the system. Fluid, i.e., water or other fire suppression fluid, flows through the internal conduit 18 and the internal fluid control assembly 100 and is discharged from the control assembly 100 and / or the outlet opening 24 of the housing 12. The discharged fluid flows along the fluid flow path and impinges the fluid deflection member 30 to distribute around and below the sprinkler assembly 10, thereby wetting the surrounding area and addressing any fire in the vicinity.

[0027] To center the fluid control assembly 100 within the conduit 18 and facilitate axial translation of the fluid control assembly 100, the fluid discharge end 10b of the tubular outer housing includes a preferred internal surface 200 configuration. As described herein, preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 10 include an internal landing surface and a cantilevered surface structure that are axially spaced apart from one another to center the ejectable component of the fluid control assembly 100 and position the fluid control assembly 100 centrally in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly. Further, the preferred internal surface 200 configuration facilitates the centered axial translation of the fluid control assembly within the conduit in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly so as to eliminate or minimize any undesirable interference between the internal fluid control assembly 100 and the outer housing 12. By eliminating or minimizing undesirable interference between the components, the internal fluid control assembly 100 can be translated to fully open the sprinkler assembly and maximize fluid flow through the sprinkler assembly.

[0028] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As seen in each of Figs. 1-3, the interior surface 200 of the fluid discharge end 10b is circumferential about the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X to define the outlet opening 24 of the tubular housing 12 and an interior landing surface 210 positioned upstream of the outlet opening 24 along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X. The interior surface 200 preferably further includes a centering wall 220 formed circumferentially between the interior landing surface 210 and the outlet opening 24 and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X. As shown herein, the preferred annular centering wall 220 is preferably cantilevered relative to the interior surface 200 of the housing 12. Axially spaced from one another by the interior landing surface 210 and the preferred cantilevered centering wall 220 is a discontinuous surface 230 disposed between the interior landing surface 210 and the preferred cantilevered centering wall 220, the discontinuous surface 230 preferably extending from the interior landing surface 210 to the centering wall 220.

[0029] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 4A A detailed view of the second end portion 16 of the sprayer assembly 10 and the fluid discharge end 10b is shown in Figs. 2-4. The preferred centering wall 220 shown includes a surface section 220a that preferably extends radially perpendicular to the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X, with the discontinuous surface 230 preferably extending parallel to the sprayer axis. Alternatively or additionally, the radially extending surface section 220a defines a first surface section of the centering wall, and a second surface section 220b extends parallel to the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first surface section 220a to the outlet opening 24. Further, the interior second surface section 220b is preferably co-terminal with the interior conduit 18 to define the outlet opening 24 of the housing 12. The first and second surface sections 220a, 220b meet at an edge to define an interior centering edge 220c of the centering wall 220 within the interior conduit 18.

[0030] To minimize unwanted interference with full axial translation of the fluid control assembly 100, the interior surface 200 defines an interior surface geometry that is different from the exterior surface geometry of the components of the fluid control assembly 100 that are encircled by the interior surface 200. By "different" is meant that the interior surface 200 of the housing 12 and the encircled exterior surface of the fluid control assembly are not parallel and / or define different concentric cross-sectional profiles. For example, in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly 10, as shown in Figs. 1-3, the interior surface 200 of the housing 12 is not parallel to the exterior surface of the fluid control assembly 100 that is encircled by the interior surface 200. Figure 3As shown, the inner landing surface 210, the preferably cantilevered centering wall 220, and the discontinuous surface 230 surround the ejectable support member 110 of the fluid control assembly 100. Generally, the inner surface 200 defines two cylindrical surfaces that surround the ejectable support member 110, wherein the inner landing surface 210 and the discontinuous surface 230 define a first inner diameter, and the cantilevered centering wall 220 defines a second, smaller inner diameter. More specifically, the inner landing surface 210 defines a first, larger inner diameter, and the centering wall 220 defines a second, preferably smaller inner diameter of the housing 12. In contrast, the ejectable support member 110 defines a cylindrical surface profile that is variable in diameter, wherein a first diameter is surrounded by the inner landing surface 210 and the discontinuous surface 230, and a second, larger diameter is surrounded by the centering wall 220. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the sprayer assembly 10, the diameter of the inner surface 200 of the second end portion 26 of the housing 12 decreases along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X from the inlet opening 20 to the outlet opening 24, while the diameter of the ejectable support member 110 increases along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X from the inlet opening 20 to the outlet opening 24.

[0031] The preferred embodiment of the fluid control assembly 100 includes a seal subassembly 102, a fluid flow tube 104, and a discharge orifice end 106 opposite the seal subassembly 100. In abutment with the discharge orifice end 106 is the ejectable support member 110 of the fluid control assembly 100. The exposed end surface 110b of the ejectable support member 110 engages the heat responsive trigger assembly 40. As shown in Figure 5 In the preferred embodiment of the ejectable support member 110, the end surface 110b provides a seating surface having a central slot or channel structure 114, as shown in FIG. 6. The strut member of the heat responsive trigger assembly 40 is supported within the central slot or channel structure 114. In alternative embodiments, the end surface 110b can alternatively be configured to seat against a glass bulb with a central tube cap extending through and / or into the ejectable support member 110. Upon thermal actuation and breakage of the trigger assembly 40, the ejectable support member 110 translates out of the interior conduit 18 of the housing, ejects from the outlet opening 24, and shifts into initial contact with the load member, load screw 60 of the heat responsive trigger assembly 40, and then preferably pivots out of the fluid flow path between the housing 12 and the fluid deflection member 30. See Figure 4 Upon axial translation of the fluid flow tube 104 such that the discharge orifice end 106 rests on the inner landing surface 210, and the centering wall 220 preferably surrounds the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end 106. The outer surface portion of the discharge orifice 106, and the inner surrounding surfaces of the centering wall 220, the landing surface 210, and the discontinuous surface 230 provide different, and in particular non-parallel surfaces.

[0032] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The discharge orifice end 106 of the fluid control assembly 100 is a tubular member having a first end 106a, a second end 106b, and an outer surface 300 between the first end 106a and the second end 106b. The outer surface 300 preferably includes or is formed with an outer annular shoulder 302 between the first end 106a and the second end 106b for surface contact with the interior landing surface 210 of the second end portion 16 of the tubular outer housing 12 as seen in Figure 4 to position the discharge orifice end 106 within the discharge end portion 10b of the housing in a manner that preferably extends slightly out of the outlet opening 24. The outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice 106 preferably defines a frustoconical surface profile that tapers from the annular shoulder 302 to the end 106b. Thus, the encircled outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice end 106 is preferably inclined with respect to the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X. In contrast and as previously mentioned, the interior surface 200 of the outer housing is made of a series of surfaces that extend parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X. Thus, as seen in Figure 4A , the concentric interior surface 200 of the housing and the outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice end 106 are different. Due to the difference between the surfaces 200, 304, the actuation-type sprayer assembly preferably forms an annular gap 18a between the interior surface 200 of the second end portion of the tubular outer housing and the outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice end 106. The inner gap 18a also extends between the second wall segments 220b of the cantilevered centering wall 200 such that the width of the annular gap 18b varies along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X from the interior landing surface 210 toward the outlet opening 24.

[0033] The varying width of the annular gap 18a ensures that an inner centering rim 220c defined by the intersection of the first surface section 220a and the second surface section 220b of the centering wall 220 within the inner conduit 18 resists the outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice end 106 to present a limitation to lateral movement of the inner fluid control assembly 100 transverse to the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X. In the preferred embodiment, the outer surface 304 contacts the centering surface 200 upon lateral movement of the inner fluid control assembly 100 and, in particular, the outer surface 304 contacts only the inner centering rim 220c around the curvilinear section while avoiding face-to-face contact with each of the first surface section 200 and the second surface section 220b to center the inner fluid control assembly 100 within the inner conduit 18 and ensure that fluid, i.e., water and / or other fire suppression fluid, discharged from the fluid discharge end 106 provides a column of fluid along and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X to impinge the fluid deflection member 30.

[0034] In the actuated and open state of the sprayer assembly 10, fluid flowing through the inlet opening 20 flows through the fluid flow tube 104 at the preferred operating pressure, out the discharge orifice end 106 and the outlet opening 24 to impinge the axially spaced apart fluid deflection member 30. The discharge orifice 106 is preferably configured and dimensioned to define the desired discharge characteristics of the sprayer. Thus, the discharge orifice end 106 can be quantified by a preferred nominal K-factor. The discharge or flow characteristics of the sprayer assembly are defined by the internal geometry of the sprayer assembly including the internal passageway, inlet and outlet (orifice) of the sprayer assembly. As known in the art, the K-factor of a sprayer is defined as K = Q / P 1 / 2 where Q represents the flow rate (in gallons per minute, GPM) of fluid, such as water, through the outlet (orifice) of the internal passageway of the sprayer assembly and P represents the pressure (in pounds per square inch (psi.)) of the fluid supplied to the inlet end of the internal passageway of the sprayer assembly. Generally, the discharge characteristics of the sprayer assembly define a preferred nominal K-factor in the range of 11 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] to 50 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ]. The preferred embodiment of the sprayer assembly 10 defines a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] or greater. Thus, the preferred embodiments of the sprayer can be nominal 16.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ], 19.6 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ], 22.4 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ], 25.2 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2], 28.0 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ], 30.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ], or 33.6 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ]. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the nominal K-factor of the discharge orifice end 106 ranges from 16.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] to 25.2 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ]. In one preferred embodiment of the discharge orifice end 106 having a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] or greater, the inner diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice defined by the discharge orifice end 106b is preferably in the range of 1 inch to 1.1 inches.

[0035] Thus, in a sprinkler assembly 10 having a discharge orifice end 106 defining a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] or greater, the ejectable support member 110 and its support surface, preferably its annular support shelf portion 110a, is dimensioned to support the discharge orifice end 106 and the rest of the fluid control assembly 100. Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the ejectable support member 110 defines a variable Dia2, which is preferably at its maximum value at the support shelf portion 110a and at the area surrounded by the cantilevered centering wall 220. In a preferred embodiment of the ejectable support member 110, its maximum value of the diameter Dia2 is greater than the diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice end 106b, and more preferably is about 1.05 to 1.1 times the diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice end 106b. The minimum value of the diameter Dia2 of the ejectable support member 110 is preferably about 90% to 92% of the maximum value.

[0036] As previously mentioned, in the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10, the ejectable support member 110 passes through the outlet opening 24 of the outer housing 12, and the second end 106b of the discharge orifice end 106 is surrounded by the cantilevered centering wall 220 and the outlet opening 24. Thus, the outlet opening 24 defines an inner diameter Dia3 that is greater than each of the maximum diameter Dia2 of the ejectable support member 110 and the inner diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice end 106. Furthermore, the inner diameter Dia3 of the outlet opening 24 is preferably dimensioned such that the ejectable support member 110 substantially fills the outlet opening 24 to conceal the inner conduit 18 in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10, thereby preventing or minimizing the possibility of debris entering the conduit 18. In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter Dia3 of the outlet opening 24 is preferably 1.1 to 1.2 times the inner diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice end 106, and 1.05 to 1.2 times the maximum diameter Dia2 of the ejectable support member 110.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of the dry sprinkler assembly, the fluid discharge end 10b of the housing 12 preferably includes a sprinkler frame body 50 with internal threads, the sprinkler frame body 50 having a preferred interior surface 200 about the longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X. While the tubular housing 12 can be formed as a single, unitary structure, the tubular housing 12 is more preferably a sprinkler frame subassembly formed from two or more tubular housing components that are interconnected. For example, in the preferred sprinkler assembly 10 of Figure 1 In the preferred sprinkler assembly 10 of

[0038] Referring to Figure 3 , the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler housing 12 includes a pair of frame arms 27a, 27b that are preferably integrally formed with the frame body 50, diametrically opposed about the outlet opening 24, and preferably axially extending along the longitudinal sprinkler axis X-X downstream of and away from the second end 16 of the housing 12. In the preferred embodiment, the frame arms 27a, 27b converge and merge to form a convergence or frame boss 28 centered on the sprinkler axis X-X. The fluid deflection member 30 is preferably attached to the frame boss 28 to position the fluid deflection member 30 at a preferred fixed distance from the outlet opening 24. As illustrated, the frame boss 28 is preferably generally frustoconical in shape, but can be defined as an alternative geometry, such as for example hemispherical, so long as the frame boss 28 can support the fluid deflection member 30, trigger assembly 40, or other components of the sprinkler assembly 10.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler assembly 10, as Figure 4 seen in , a frame window FW is formed between the outlet opening 24 of the tubular housing 12, the pair of frame arms 27a, 27b, and the frame convergence or frame boss 28. The width Wl of the frame window FW is preferably defined as the maximum spacing between the frame arms 27a, 27b. The length or height Hl of the frame window FW is preferably defined by the minimum axial distance from the outlet opening 24 to the frame arms 27a, 27b. For a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi 1 / 2In preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 10, the inner diameter Dia3 of the outlet opening 24 is preferably less than the minimum axial distance H1 of the frame window FW. In preferred aspects, the minimum axial distance H1 is preferably 1.15 to 1.2 times the inner diameter Dia3 of the outlet opening 24. Preferably, the width of the frame window FW along the minimum axial distance H1 proximate the terminal end of the load screw 60 in the frame window FW is greater than the maximum diameter of the ejectable support member 110, such that in the actuated state and prior to the ejectable support member 110 contacting the frame arms 27a, 27b, the ejectable support member 110 contacts the terminal end of the load screw within the frame window FW so as to minimize interference between the ejectable support member 110 and the frame arms 27a, 27b upon ejection of the ejectable support member 110 from the outlet opening 24, which allows the fluid flow assembly 100 to translate into full open sprinkler assembly and maximize fluid flow through the sprinkler assembly.

[0040] Additionally, the surface features of the fluid control assembly 100 in combination with the preferred cantilevered centering wall 220 facilitate positioning and centering of the fluid control assembly 110. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The remaining components of the preferred fluid control assembly 100, including the seal sub-assembly 102 and the fluid flow tube 104, can each be constructed and assembled using multiple components or, alternatively, can be constructed from a unitary structure such that the seal sub-assembly and the fluid flow tube are coupled together; that is, the seal sub-assembly and the fluid flow tube are joined as separate components or as joined segments of a unitary member. For example, the seal sub-assembly 102 preferably includes a spring disc 101 affixed about a base 103 having an array of legs 103a extending therefrom. In the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly, the spring disc 101 is in fluid-tight sealing contact with the interior sealing surface 22 of the housing. The seal sub-assembly 102 can be constructed as any of the embodiments of the "spring support assembly" shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,636,075 in the dry sprinkler assembly. The desired translation of the fluid control assembly 100 is set such that the base 103 is centrally positioned in the enlarged conduit portion of the inlet member 52 of the housing 12 to maximize fluid flow about the seal assembly 102. The enlarged area contains a greater cross-sectional area than each of the inlet opening 20, the outlet opening 24, and any other cross-sectional area of the interior conduit 18.

[0041] The preferred embodiment of the support member 110 and the discharge orifice end 106 includes surface features that position the seal subassembly 102 against the interior seal surface 22 in the unactuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10 and provide for proper axial translation upon sprinkler actuation to position the seal subassembly 102 within the enlarged region of the interior conduit 18. Figure 5 A preferred embodiment of the ejectable support member 110 is shown in FIG. 12. The ejectable support member 110 is preferably a unitary, generally cylindrical member having a variable diameter Dia2 over its axial length. Preferably, a pair of axially spaced apart circumferential ribs 116 are included along the outer peripheral surface of the ejectable support member 110. These ribs 116 can provide one or more visual indicators for the sprinkler assembly. Each rib 116 is respectively axially positioned at an axial distance H3, H4 from the support shelf 110a. In the sprinkler assembly 10, as seen in FIG. 13, positioning the preferred ribs 116 within the cantilevered centering wall 220 positions the support shelf 110a within the conduit 18 to support the discharge orifice end 106, the fluid flow tube 104, and the seal assembly 102 in fluid-tight sealing contact against the interior seal surface 22, as shown in FIG. 14. The ribs 116 can also prevent debris or corrosives from entering and / or forming between the ejectable support member 110 and the cantilevered centering wall 220. To axially adjust the position of the ejectable support member 110, the sprinkler assembly 10 includes a load screw 60 that engages the frame boss 28, which can be used to axially adjust the position of the trigger assembly 40 and the fluid flow assembly 100 under the appropriate sealing load. Figure 3 Figure 1 As seen in FIG. 13, positioning the preferred ribs 116 within the cantilevered centering wall 220 positions the support shelf 110a within the conduit 18 to support the discharge orifice end 106, the fluid flow tube 104, and the seal assembly 102 in fluid-tight sealing contact against the interior seal surface 22, as shown in FIG. 14. The ribs 116 can also prevent debris or corrosives from entering and / or forming between the ejectable support member 110 and the cantilevered centering wall 220. To axially adjust the position of the ejectable support member 110, the sprinkler assembly 10 includes a load screw 60 that engages the frame boss 28, which can be used to axially adjust the position of the trigger assembly 40 and the fluid flow assembly 100 under the appropriate sealing load.

[0042] Further, by positioning the preferred ribs 116 within the annular centering wall 220, the outer annular shoulder 302 is axially spaced apart from the interior landing surface 210 to define a preferred axial translation distance of the discharge orifice end 106 to position the seal assembly 102 in the desired actuated position. For preferred embodiments of the sprinkler assembly 10 having a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi 1 / 2 ] or greater, the preferred axial spacing H3, H4 between the ribs 16 and the annular support shelf 110a is preferably 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the inner diameter Dia1 of the discharge opening defined by the discharge orifice end 106b. Alternatively or additionally, the axial spacing H3, H4 is preferably 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of the maximum diameter Dia2 of the ejectable support member 110.

[0043] ​To further facilitate centering of the pop-out support member 110, the pop-out support member 110 preferably includes a central impact post or surface 112 extending axially from the support shelf portion 110a for insertion into the discharge orifice end portion 106 in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly 10 and preferably intersects the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X, as seen in Figure 3 The discharge orifice end portion 106 abuts the support shelf portion 110a about the central impact post or surface 112. Due to the preferred axial spacing H3, H4 between the rib portion 116 and the annular support shelf portion 110a, the discharge orifice end portion 106 abuts the annular support shelf portion 110a between the inner landing surface 210 and the inlet opening 20. Thus, the inner landing surface 210 and the cantilevered centering wall 220 encircle the pop-out support member 110 along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X between the terminal end portion of the discharge orifice end portion 106 of the fluid flow tube 110 and the outlet opening 24 of the second end portion. The location of the terminal end portion of the discharge orifice end portion 106 and the preferred axial spacing H3, H4 between the rib portion 116 and the annular support shelf portion 110a allows the outer surface 304 of the discharge orifice end portion 106 between the outer annular shoulder 302 and the terminal end portion of the discharge orifice end portion 106 to have a length that is less than the height H2 of the pop-out support member 110 along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X between the support surface and particularly the support shelf portion 110a and the seating surface 110b. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the frustoconical profile of the outer surface 304 between the outer annular shoulder 302 and the terminal end portion has a length along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X that is less than the height H2 of the pop-out support member 110 along the longitudinal sprayer axis X-X between the support shelf portion 110a and the seating surface 110b, which minimizes undesirable interference between the components of the sprayer assembly 10 and allows the inner fluid control assembly 100 to translate to fully open the sprayer assembly 10 and maximize fluid flow through the sprayer assembly 10.

[0044] Further, the impact post 112 is preferably formed with a sloped impact surface to change the center of gravity of the ejectable support member 110. In the actuated state of the sprinkler assembly 10, when the support member 110 is ejected from the outlet opening 24 and after the ejectable support member 110 contacts the load screw 60 within the frame window FW, fluid can impact the sloped surface to cause the member to pivot out of the fluid flow path between the outlet opening 24 and the fluid deflecting member 30. To further facilitate proper ejection, the ejectable support member 110 is also dimensioned to minimize interference with the frame arms 27a, 27b. In a preferred embodiment, the axial length H2 of the ejectable support member 110 between the support shelf portion 110a and the seating surface 110b is ½ to ¾ of the minimum axial height HI of the frame window FW.

[0045] The discharge orifice end 106 also preferably includes a centering surface feature. As seen in the embodiment of the discharge orifice end 106 in Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in the embodiment of the discharge orifice end 106 in Figure 3 the outer surface 300 includes an outer peripheral rib 306 that can make surface contact with the inner surface of the intermediate tubular member 54 of the outer housing 12 to keep the fluid control assembly 100 centered within the conduit 18 as shown in

[0046] Figure 8 A preferred fire protection sprinkler system 1000 using the preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 10 as described herein is schematically illustrated. The preferred embodiment of the system 1000 includes a piping network 1100 that includes a fluid supply riser 1120 and at least one branch pipe 1140 coupled to the fluid supply riser by one or more distribution pipes. As shown, the preferred embodiments of the dry fire protection sprinkler 10 are coupled to the branch pipe by appropriate fittings 1160. Fluid valves 1180 are optionally coupled to the riser to deliver fire suppression fluid from a fluid source to the piping network and the sprinkler assembly 10.

[0047] As a pendant sprinkler, the dry sprinkler assembly 10 and its fluid deflector member 30 are installed in a pendant orientation in which water is discharged from the outlet opening 24 in a vertical direction from the ceiling CL to the floor FLR to impinge the fluid deflector member 30. In a pendant installation of a fire protection system, the sprinkler assembly 10 is coupled to extend vertically from an overhead fluid supply pipe, branch pipe 1140. The sprinkler assembly 10 is preferably rotationally oriented with the frame arms 27a, 27b according to the branch pipe 1140. Upon sprinkler actuation, the preferred ejectable support member 110 is ejected vertically relative to the overhead supply pipe, and the seal subassembly 102 and fluid flow tube 104 are translated vertically toward the outlet opening 24. With the ejectable support member 110 ejected away from the sprinkler assembly 10, the inlet opening 20 and discharge orifices of the discharge orifice end 106 are fully open, and the fluid flow path is clear for flow of fire suppression fluid through the fluid flow path to impinge the pendant fluid deflector member 30.

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 10 are configured to have fire suppression performance and more preferably suppression performance for stored merchandise with a thermal response to fire or a sufficient level of heat faster than a standard response, such as a fast response, quick response, or early quick response, where the preferred response time index (RTI) is 50 (m-s) 1 / 2 [100 (ft-s) 1 / 2 ] or less, preferably no more than 36 (m-s) 1 / 2 [65 (ft-s) 1 / 2 ], and even more preferably 19 to 36 (m-s) 1 / 2 [35-65 (ft-s) 1 / 2 ]. The thermal responsive trigger assembly 40 can be configured with a frangible glass bulb or a fusible link device. More preferably, the embodiments of the dry sprinkler assembly 10 can be configured as an early suppression quick response (ESFR) dry pendant sprinkler and / or a fast response storage sprinkler with a nominal K-factor of 22.4 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ] or greater, and even more preferably a nominal K-factor of 25.2 [GPM / (psi) 1 / 2 ]. Thus, the preferred embodiments of the ESFR dry pendant sprinkler assembly 10 have a thermal responsive trigger assembly 40 with an RTI of no more than 65 (ft-s) 1 / 2 [36 (m-s) 1 / 2 ]. The rated heat of the thermal responsive trigger 40 is preferably in the range of 155°F to 210°F, and more preferably in the range of 165°F to 205°F, and its rated heat is preferably 165°F or 205°F.

[0049] The fluid deflection member 30 of the preferred ESFR dry pendant sprinkler assembly 10 is configured to distribute the extinguishing fluid in a manner sufficient to suppress the fire. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A preferred embodiment of the fluid deflection member 30 for suppressing performance is shown. The fluid deflection member 30 is preferably formed as a planar member, which, when installed, defines an upper planar surface that is parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal sprayer axis XX, and an opposite planar surface.

[0050] Reference Figure 3A A plan view of a preferred fluid deflector 30 is provided. The preferred fluid deflector 30 has a periphery 400 and a central opening or through-hole 401. The fluid deflector is formed to define a plurality of spaced-apart teeth, thereby defining a plurality of pairs of opposing grooves 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412 located between adjacent teeth. Each groove has a first width at the periphery 400 of the fluid deflector and a rounded portion between the first width of the fluid deflector and the central through-hole 401. The widths of the five sets of grooves 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412 are preferably the same at the periphery of the fluid deflector, and the first set of grooves 402 preferably has the widest groove width. The spaced-apart ends or edges of each tooth collectively define the periphery 400 of the fluid deflector 30. The periphery 400 is preferably located on a common circle to define a preferred deflector diameter Dia4.

[0051] like Figure 4 As seen in the diagram, the diameter Dia4 of the fluid deflection member 30 is preferably larger than the inner diameter Dia1 of the discharge orifice end. This is for a nominal K-factor of 16.8 [GPM / (psi)]. 1 / 2 [or greater, and more preferably 22.4 [GPM / (psi]]] 1 / 2 [or larger, and even more preferably, a K-factor of 25.2 [GPM / (psi)] 1 / 2 In a preferred embodiment of the dry sprayer assembly 10, the deflector 30 and the discharge orifice end 106 define a preferred fluid deflection member diameter, particularly the ratio of the deflector diameter to the discharge orifice diameter (Dia4:Dia1), which ranges from 1.5:1 to 2:1, and more preferably from 1.5:1 to 1.75:1. In the preferred sprayer assembly 10, the diameter Dia4 of the fluid deflection member is preferably greater than the width W1 of the frame window FW and less than the outer peripheral width W2 defined by the frame arms 27a, 27b.

[0052] The six pairs of different opposing slots 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, and 412 differ in their location and / or geometry, including their radial length and / or width. In defining the slot length of each group of slots, the rounded portion of each slot is tangent to a concentric circle circumscribing a common center. In the preferred deflector member 30, a pair of opposing first group slots 402 are aligned along a first bisecting plane Pi, each slot terminating in a tangent circle defining a minimum radius Ri. Thus, the first group slots 402 have the longest length of any of the slots. In the sprinkler assembly 10, the pair of opposing first group slots 402 and the first bisecting plane Pi are preferably aligned with the frame arms 27a, 27b. Adjacent to the first group slots 402 are second group slots 404, which have the smallest slot length, terminating in a tangent to a circle having a maximum radius R2.

[0053] The third group slots 406 preferably terminate in a fifth tangent circle defining a fifth radius R5. Each of the fourth group slots 408 and the fifth group slots 410 have a common slot length, terminating in a tangent to a circle having a third radius R3. The opposing fifth group slots 410 are preferably aligned along a second bisecting plane P2 that is perpendicular to the first bisecting plane Pi. The sixth group slots 412 preferably terminate in a fourth tangent circle defining a fourth radius R4, which is preferably between the first radius Ri and the fifth radius R5 in length. Thus, the length of the third group slots 406, which preferably terminate in the fifth radius R5, is preferably between the third radius R3 and the fourth radius R4. Further, the sixth group slots 412 are preferably disposed adjacent to the fifth group slots 410 and the second bisecting plane P2. Preferably, there are a total of twenty slots, with one pair of first group slots 402, two pairs of second group slots 404, two pairs of third group slots 406, two pairs of fourth group slots 408, one pair of fifth group slots 410, and two pairs of sixth group slots 412. The arrangement of the groups of slots is preferably symmetrical about each of the first bisecting plane Pi and the second bisecting plane P2.

[0054] Other variations in the slot features or variations in combinations of similar slot features can define alternative embodiments of the deflector adapted to provide a suppression spray pattern for use in the system 1000. For example, there can be fewer slots, or all of the groups of slots can have the same slot width at the periphery, with the second group slots being the longest slots and the fifth group slots being the shortest slots. To vary the length of the slots, concentric circles can define alternative radii from the deflector center, with one or more rounded slot portions extending tangentially therefrom.

[0055] While the present application has been disclosed with reference to certain implementations, it is understood that modifications, variations and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure, which are however within the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims. It is therefore intended that the present application not be limited to the described implementations, but that it include all implementations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprayer axis; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an inner landing surface positioned along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a centering wall formed between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger assembly disposed between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, wherein operation of the thermally responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the discharge orifice end having an end portion defining a discharge opening; and A pop-out support member having a support surface and a seating surface, wherein, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the pop-out support member is disposed in the outlet opening, wherein the support surface abuts against the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe, and the seating surface engages with the thermal response trigger assembly to position the sealing sub-assembly in a first position, characterized in that, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the internal landing surface and the centering wall surround the pop-out support member along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe and the outlet opening of the second end portion, and In the actuated state of the sprayer assembly, the fluid flow tube is axially translated such that the end of the discharge orifice rests on the inner landing surface, and the centering wall surrounds the outer surface portion of the end of the discharge orifice.

2. The sprayer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering wall includes a cantilevered centering wall, which includes an internal centering edge located at the intersection of the first surface segment and the second surface segment.

3. The sprayer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the second end portion, located between the inner landing surface and the first surface section of the centering wall, extends parallel to the longitudinal sprayer axis.

4. The sprayer assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal landing surface defines a first inner diameter of the second end portion of the tubular outer shell, and the internal centering edge of the cantilevered centering wall defines a second inner diameter of the second end portion of the tubular outer shell, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter.

5. The sprayer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pop-out support member includes a central impact surface disposed within the discharge orifice end of the fluid flow pipe in the unacted state, the impact surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal sprayer axis.

6. The sprayer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tubular housing includes a pair of frame arms extending from the second end portion and converging at a distance from the outlet opening to provide a frame window with width and height. The thermal response trigger assembly includes a load member positioned within the frame window along the longitudinal sprayer axis. The width of the frame window near the load member is greater than the maximum diameter of the pop-out support member, such that, in the actuated state, the pop-out support member contacts the load member within the frame window.

7. The sprayer assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal response trigger assembly includes a support, a lever, and a thermal response link connecting the support and the lever, and the load member includes a load screw.

8. The sprayer assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The discharge opening defines the discharge orifice diameter, and wherein the fluid deflector is a planar member having a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of spaced-apart slots and a diameter defining a deflector diameter to discharge orifice diameter ratio (Dia4:Dia1) ranging from 1.75:1 to 2:1, the fluid deflector providing suppression performance against the minimum operating pressure of the extinguishing fluid supplied to the inlet opening in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly.

9. The sprayer assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second end portion of the tubular housing includes a sprayer frame having a frame body integrally formed with the pair of frame arms. The frame body includes the inner surface of the second end portion, the inner surface including an internally threaded surface near the inner landing surface for threaded engagement with a tubular component of the tubular housing.

10. The sprayer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the pop-out support member disposed within the outlet opening includes an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the discharge opening, and wherein the height between the seating surface and the support surface positions the end portion of the discharge orifice along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inner landing surface and the annular sealing surface of the first end portion of the tubular housing.

11. The sprayer assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support surface includes an annular support shelf portion that defines the shelf portion diameter of the pop-out support member. The shelf portion diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the section disposed within the outlet opening. The central section of the pop-out support member located between the annular support shelf portion and the section disposed within the outlet opening includes a diameter that varies along the longitudinal sprayer axis.

12. The sprayer assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust orifice tip is limited to at least 16.8 [GPM / (psi)]. 1 / 2 The nominal K-factor.

13. The sprayer assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The thermal response trigger assembly has a response time exponential of no more than 65 (ft-s). 1 / 2 [36(ms) 1 / 2 Furthermore, the rated thermal response trigger is in the range of 155°F to 210°F.

14. The sprayer assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least 16.8 [GPM / (psi)] 1 / 2 The nominal K-factor includes 22.4 [GPM / (psi)]. 1 / 2 Up to 33.6 [GPM / (psi)] 1 / 2 The nominal K-factor.

15. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprayer axis; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an inner landing surface positioned along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a centering wall formed between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger assembly disposed between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, wherein operation of the thermally responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the discharge orifice end having an end portion defining a discharge opening; and A pop-out support member, having a support surface and a seating surface, is disposed in the outlet opening in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly. The support surface abuts against the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe, and the seating surface engages with the thermal response trigger assembly to position the sealing subassembly in a first position. The pop-out support member is characterized in that, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the internal landing surface and the centering wall surround the pop-out support member along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe and the outlet opening of the second end portion. The centering wall includes a cantilevered centering wall, which includes an internal centering edge positioned at the intersection of the first surface segment and the second surface segment. Wherein, the inner surface of the second end portion, located between the inner landing surface and the first surface section of the centering wall, extends parallel to the longitudinal sprayer axis, and The first surface section extends perpendicular to the longitudinal sprayer axis, and the second surface section extends parallel to the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first surface section to the outlet opening.

16. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprayer axis; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an inner landing surface positioned along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a centering wall formed between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger assembly disposed between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, wherein operation of the thermally responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the discharge orifice end having an end portion defining a discharge opening; and A pop-out support member, having a support surface and a seating surface, is disposed in the outlet opening in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly. The support surface abuts against the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe, and the seating surface engages with the thermal response trigger assembly to position the sealing subassembly in a first position. The pop-out support member is characterized in that, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the internal landing surface and the centering wall surround the pop-out support member along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe and the outlet opening of the second end portion. The centering wall includes a cantilevered centering wall, which includes an inner centering edge positioned at the intersection of the first surface segment and the second surface segment. In the actuated state of the sprayer assembly, the fluid flow tube is axially translated such that the end of the discharge orifice rests on the inner landing surface, wherein the inner centering edge of the cantilevered centering wall surrounds the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end, and wherein the second surface section of the centering wall and the outer surface portion of the discharge orifice end include non-parallel surfaces.

17. The sprayer assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second surface section extends parallel to the longitudinal sprayer axis, and the outer surface portion at the end of the discharge orifice is inclined relative to the longitudinal sprayer axis.

18. The sprayer assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The outer surface portion at the end of the discharge orifice is truncated conical, and the second surface section of the centering wall is cylindrical.

19. The sprayer assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, An annular gap is formed between the inner surface of the second end portion of the tubular housing and the end of the discharge port, and between the second surface section and the end of the discharge port.

20. The sprayer assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, In the actuated state, the inner surface of the second end portion of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the discharge orifice end of the fluid flow pipe define an annular gap of varying width between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening.

21. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprayer axis; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an inner landing surface positioned along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a centering wall formed between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger assembly disposed between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, wherein operation of the thermally responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the discharge orifice end having an end portion defining a discharge opening; and A pop-out support member having a support surface and a seating surface, wherein, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the pop-out support member is disposed in the outlet opening, wherein the support surface abuts against the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe, and the seating surface engages with the thermal response trigger assembly to position the sealing sub-assembly in a first position, characterized in that, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the internal landing surface and the centering wall surround the pop-out support member along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe and the outlet opening of the second end portion, and The discharge orifice end includes a tubular component having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface. The second end includes a terminal end defining the discharge opening. The outer surface has an outer annular shoulder located between the first end and the second end, the outer annular shoulder for surface contact with the inner landing surface of the second end portion of the tubular housing. The outer surface includes a truncated conical profile extending from the outer annular shoulder to the terminal end, wherein the length of the truncated conical profile along the longitudinal sprayer axis is less than the height along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the support surface and the seating surface of the pop-out support member.

22. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface spaced apart from the inlet opening along the longitudinal sprayer axis; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an inner landing surface positioned along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and a centering wall formed between the inner landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger assembly disposed between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, wherein operation of the thermally responsive trigger assembly defines an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the discharge orifice end having an end portion defining a discharge opening; and A pop-out support member having a support surface and a seating surface, wherein, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the pop-out support member is disposed in the outlet opening, wherein the support surface abuts against the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe, and the seating surface engages with the thermal response trigger assembly to position the sealing sub-assembly in a first position, characterized in that, in the inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the internal landing surface and the centering wall surround the pop-out support member along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the end portion of the discharge orifice of the fluid flow pipe and the outlet opening of the second end portion, and The first end portion includes an enlarged conduit portion located between the inlet opening and the internal conduit, and wherein, in the actuated state, the sealing sub-assembly is positioned within the enlarged conduit portion of the first end portion, and the end portion of the discharge orifice is positioned between the outlet opening and the fluid deflection member.

23. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A sprayer frame subassembly, the sprayer frame subassembly comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface axially spaced from the inlet opening; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing, an internal landing surface axially spaced from the outlet opening, and a cantilevered centering wall formed between the internal landing surface and the outlet opening and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; a pair of frame arms diametrically opposed about the outlet opening, the pair of frame arms extending from the second end portion to form a converging portion centered along the longitudinal sprayer axis and axially spaced from the outlet opening to define a minimum axial distance from the outlet opening to the pair of frame arms; A fluid deflector, connected to the frame arm to position the fluid deflector at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and A thermal response trigger, positioned between the converging portion and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the thermal response trigger having a thermal response defining an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit of the tubular housing, is configured to axially translate from the unactuated state to the actuated state of the sprayer assembly in the thermal response, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing sub-assembly for fluidly and tightly sealing with the annular sealing surface in the unacted state of the sprayer assembly, and spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end abutting against the sealing subassembly and a discharge orifice end opposite the fluid inlet end, the inner diameter of the discharge orifice end being defined as 16.8 [GPM / (psi)]. 1 / 2 A nominal K-factor of 1 or greater, wherein the inner diameter is less than the minimum axial distance from the outlet opening to the pair of frame arms, characterized in that, in the actuated state, the discharge port end includes an outer surface comprising a first outer surface portion resting on the inner landing surface and a second outer surface portion resisting the cantilevered centering wall, wherein the second outer surface portion of the discharge port end is formed by a tapered surface located between the first outer surface portion and the end portion of the discharge port end, the tapered surface resisting the inner centering edge of the cantilevered centering wall.

24. The sprayer assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that, The fluid control assembly includes a pop-out support member, wherein, in the unactuated state, the pop-out support member includes a support surface and a seating surface, the support surface and the seating surface defining a height along the longitudinal sprayer axis, the seating surface engaging with the thermal response trigger, and the support surface abutting the end end of the discharge orifice, and the height being greater than the length of the tapered surface along the longitudinal sprayer axis.

25. The sprayer assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that, The pop-out support member includes a section disposed within the outlet opening in the unactuated state and surrounded by each of the internal landing surface and the cantilevered centering wall, wherein the section of the pop-out support member disposed within the outlet opening has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the discharge orifice end, and wherein the height between the sitting surface and the support surface positions the end portion of the discharge orifice end along the longitudinal sprayer axis between the internal landing surface and the annular sealing surface of the first end portion of the tubular housing.

26. The sprayer assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, The support surface includes an annular shelf portion that defines the shelf portion diameter of the pop-out support member. The shelf portion diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the segment disposed within the outlet opening. The central segment of the pop-out support member located between the annular shelf portion and the segment disposed within the outlet opening includes a diameter that varies along the longitudinal sprayer axis.

27. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A sprayer frame subassembly, the sprayer frame subassembly comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing and an annular sealing surface axially spaced from the inlet opening; A second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing and an inner landing surface axially spaced from the outlet opening, the outlet opening defining a first inner diameter, and the inner landing surface defining a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter; and An internal conduit extending along the longitudinal sprayer axis from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the internal landing surface; a pair of frame arms diametrically opposed about the outlet opening, the pair of frame arms extending from the second end portion to form a converging portion centered along the longitudinal sprayer axis and axially spaced from the outlet opening, the pair of frame arms and the converging portion defining a frame window; A fluid deflector, connected to the frame arm to position the fluid deflector at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis; and A thermal response trigger, positioned by a load member between the converging portion and the outlet opening to define an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the thermal response trigger having a thermal response defining an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and a fluid control assembly coaxially disposed within the internal conduit of the tubular housing to axially translate from the inactive state of the sprayer assembly to the actuated state in the thermal response, the fluid control assembly comprising: Sealing subassembly; A fluid flow tube having an inner and outer surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis, a fluid inlet end connected to the sealing subassembly, and an outlet end opposite to the fluid inlet end, the outlet end having a defined 16.8 [GPM / (psi)] 1 / 2 The inner diameter of a nominal K-factor of 1 or greater; and An integrated pop-out support member is disposed within the outlet opening. The integrated pop-out support member includes a seat portion for engaging with the thermal response trigger and a support surface for abutting against the end of the discharge orifice. In the actuated state, the integrated pop-out support member translates along the longitudinal sprayer axis, and the seat portion contacts the load member within the frame window. The sealing sub-assembly is characterized in that it engages with the fluid inlet end to translate axially together with the fluid inlet end. In both the unactuated state and the actuated state, the sealing sub-assembly is arranged along and around the longitudinal sprayer axis. The load-bearing component includes a load screw, and Wherein, the width of the end of the load screw near the frame window is greater than the maximum diameter of the pop-out support member, such that in the actuated state, the pop-out support member contacts the end of the load screw in the frame window and contacts the end of the load screw in the frame window before contacting the pair of frame arms.

28. The sprayer assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that, The thermal response trigger includes a support, a lever, and a thermal response link connecting the support and the lever.

29. The sprayer assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that, The discharge orifice end includes a discharge orifice defining a discharge orifice diameter, wherein the fluid deflection member is a planar member having a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of spaced-apart slots and a diameter defining a deflector diameter to discharge orifice diameter ratio (Dia4:Dia1) ranging from 1.75:1 to 2:1, the fluid deflection member providing suppression performance against the minimum operating pressure of the extinguishing fluid supplied to the inlet opening in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly.

30. The sprayer assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that, The exhaust orifice tip is limited to 22.4 [GPM / (psi)]. 1 / 2 Or 25.2 [GPM / (psi)] 1 / 2 The nominal K-factor.

31. The sprayer assembly according to claim 27, Its features are, The first end portion includes an enlarged catheter portion. The enlarged conduit portion is symmetrical about the longitudinal sprayer axis. In the actuated state, the sealing sub-assembly is positioned within the enlarged conduit portion, and The first end portion includes an external thread that surrounds the longitudinal sprayer axis between the inlet opening and the annular sealing surface.

32. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing, an annular sealing surface axially spaced from the inlet opening, and an enlarged conduit portion; A second end portion, the second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing; and An internal conduit extends along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the outlet opening; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger, seated between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening, defines an inactive state of the sprayer assembly, the thermally responsive trigger having a thermal response defining an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing subassembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly, and a second position spaced apart from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end coupled to the sealing subassembly and an outlet end opposite the fluid inlet end, the outlet end being supported by the thermal response trigger to position the sealing subassembly in the first position, the outlet end defining a nominal K-factor of 22.4 [GPM / (psi)1 / 2] or greater. The feature is that the discharge orifice end includes a discharge orifice defining a discharge orifice diameter, wherein the fluid deflection member is a planar member having a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of spaced-apart slots and a diameter defining a deflector diameter to discharge orifice diameter ratio (Dia4:Dia1) ranging from 1.75:1 to 2:1, and the fluid deflection member provides suppression performance against the minimum operating pressure of the extinguishing fluid supplied to the inlet opening in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly. Wherein, at the second position of the sealing sub-assembly, the sealing sub-assembly is positioned within the enlarged conduit portion of the first end portion, and the end portion of the discharge orifice is positioned between the outlet opening and the fluid deflection member. The enlarged conduit portion is symmetrical about the longitudinal sprayer axis, and The fluid control assembly includes a pop-out support member, wherein, in the unactuated state, the pop-out support member includes a support surface and a seating surface defining a height along the longitudinal sprayer axis, the seating surface engaging with the thermal response trigger, and the support surface abutting the end portion of the discharge orifice, wherein the end portion of the discharge orifice includes a tapered outer surface, and wherein the height is greater than the length of the tapered outer surface along the longitudinal sprayer axis.

33. An automatic dry sprayer assembly, comprising: A tubular outer casing extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, the tubular outer casing comprising: A first end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an inlet opening of the tubular housing, an annular sealing surface axially spaced from the inlet opening, and an enlarged conduit portion; A second end portion, the second end portion having an inner surface surrounding the longitudinal sprayer axis to define an outlet opening of the tubular housing; and An internal conduit extends along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer from the first end portion to the second end portion to axially space the annular sealing surface from the outlet opening; A fluid deflection member is connected to the tubular housing to position the fluid deflection member at a fixed distance from the outlet opening, and the fluid deflection member is centered on the longitudinal sprayer axis. A thermally responsive trigger, seated between the fluid deflection member and the outlet opening, defines an inactive state and an actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid control assembly, coaxially disposed within the internal conduit, the fluid control assembly comprising: A sealing subassembly having a first position in which it is in close fluid-sealing contact with the annular sealing surface in the unactuated state of the sprayer assembly, and a second position axially spaced from the annular sealing surface in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly; and A fluid flow tube having a fluid inlet end coupled to the sealing subassembly and an outlet end opposite the fluid inlet end, the outlet end being supported by the thermal response trigger to position the sealing assembly in the first position, the outlet end defining a nominal K-factor of 22.4 [GPM / (psi)1 / 2] or greater. The fluid deflection member is characterized in that it is a planar member having a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of spaced-apart slots and a diameter defining a deflector diameter to discharge orifice diameter ratio (Dia4:Dia1) ranging from 1.75:1 to 2:

1. The fluid deflection member provides suppression performance against the minimum operating pressure of the extinguishing fluid supplied to the inlet opening in the actuated state of the sprayer assembly. Wherein, at the second position of the sealing sub-assembly, the sealing sub-assembly is positioned together with the enlarged conduit portion of the first end portion.

34. The sprayer assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that, The fluid control assembly includes a pop-out support member, wherein, in an unactuated state, the pop-out support member includes a support surface and a seating surface defining a height along the longitudinal sprayer axis, the seating surface engaging with the thermal response trigger, and the support surface abutting against the end portion of the discharge orifice, and the height being greater than the length of the tapered outer surface of the discharge orifice end along the longitudinal sprayer axis.

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