582 results about "Sprinkler system" patented technology

The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real-time information which can readily permit distinguishing false alarms, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion / fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in an interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in near real-time. In embodiments, communications can be handed from the centrally located host monitoring station to a mobile monitoring station (for example, a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle). Additional embodiments include the measurement of environmental parameters such as temperature, carbon monoxide and differential air pressure to detect, monitor and manage a fire event. These measurements along with selected controllable output devices deployed in a space, such as sprinkler control valves and individually or zoned sprinkler heads, are used to initiate and control fire suppression technology both locally and remotely. For instance, a system of the present invention may detect a fire and cause a sprinkler system to disburse water in a facility.

The present invention is directed to providing systems and methods for remotely monitoring sites to provide real-time information which can readily permit distinguishing false alarms, and which can identify and track the precise location of an alarm. In embodiments, monitoring capabilities such as intrusion / fire detection and tracking capabilities, can be implemented through the use of multistate indicators in an interface which permits information to be transmitted using standard network protocols from a remote site to a monitoring station in near real-time. In embodiments, communications can be handed from the centrally located host monitoring station to a mobile monitoring station (for example, a laptop computer in a responding vehicle, such as a police or fire vehicle). Additional embodiments include the measurement of environmental parameters such as temperature, carbon monoxide and differential air pressure to detect, monitor and manage a fire event. These measurements along with selected controllable output devices deployed in a space, such as sprinkler control valves and individually or zoned sprinkler heads, are used to initiate and control fire suppression technology both locally and remotely. For instance, a system of the present invention may detect a fire and cause a sprinkler system to disburse water in a facility.

A sprinkler discharges a column of water downwardly onto a deflector that has a plurality of peripheral tines with a respective non-radial tapered notch separating each adjacent pair of tines. Opposed cutouts with tabs in the central portion of the deflector combine with the notches and with depressed peripheral tabs to produce a predetermined spray pattern.

A method and apparatus for communicating between electrical appliances (e.g. smoke detectors, thermostats, refrigerators, TV program recorders, lawn / garden sprinkler systems, irrigation control systems, etc.) and cloud-based applications (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, email, SMS, etc.) includes a server that translates communications between the communication protocols used by the appliances and applications. The electrical appliances include a minimum complexity necessary to perform their primary functions and to communicate with the server. Additional complexity necessary for the electrical appliances to communicate with the cloud-based applications is enabled by the server remote from the electrical appliances.

A master control system for conserving water used by sprinkler systems within a predetermined geographical region includes a plurality of sprinkler systems each of which is assigned an identifying indicia. A transmitting station is arranged for transmitting control signals receivable at any location within the geographical region. A valve connects each sprinkler system to a water source for selectively feeding water to an associated sprinkler system when the valve is open and for precluding water from being fed to the associated sprinkler system when the valve is closed. A receiver is provided for each sprinkler system within the region connected to an associated valve for receiving the control signals and generating a disabling signal for causing only said valves for the sprinkler systems assigned said identifying indicia to open independently of their status. In this manner, said transmitting station can control and override the operation of selected sprinkler systems assigned said identifying indicia to regulate the extent to which water may be used within said geographical region in accordance with protocols established for the consumption of water by such sprinkler systems within said geographical region.

A fire fighting robot including a frame assembly and a fire extinguishing mechanism disposed on or within the frame assembly for ejecting a fire suppressant onto a fire. The robot also includes a caterpillar type of drive including a left and a right endless metal belt or track with an independent drive unit on each side of the robot. The left and the right motor are provided for rotating the endless belts to move the robot in a forward or rearward direction. Retractable illumination and video means for displaying a remote image of the area around the robot are provided. The robot also includes a mechanism for connecting the fire extinguishing mechanism to a source of water or other fire suppressant and for positioning a stream of suppressant onto a fire. In addition, the robot includes a pair of cooling fans and sprinkler system for maintaining the robot at an acceptable temperature.

A sprinkler system includes a control panel including a processor, a power supply source, and a memory including software instructions for automatically toggling the system between operating and non-operating modes. The control panel includes controls mated to the processor that generate and transmit a user input control signal thereto. The processor executes a control algorithm for enabling the user to override the system. Sensors are spaced along a perimeter of the building structure, are camouflaged and shaped as an outdoor ornamental lawn art such as insects and amphibians, and generate and transmit an RF detection signal to the control panel, identifying an ambient temperature. Lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are positioned about the building structure. The lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies are mated to the control panel and are independently operable. The sensors automatically instruct the control panel to activate and deactivate the lawn and fire sprinkler assemblies when a threshold exceeding ambient temperate is detected.

The present invention provides a system and method to control the flow duration and the flow rate of each individual sprinkler head wirelessly in each zone of an automatic sprinkler system. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, preferably wireless, to control the sprinkler heads, either directly or through a controller. The system enables precise control over irrigation times for the areas covered by each sprinkler head. The system also enables each sprinkler head to control its on / off and duration decisions based on receiving data from a sensor within an irrigation zone of an automatic sprinkler system.

An intelligent local irrigation system includes one or more sprinklers and a controller coupled to the one or more sprinklers via a wired or wireless connection and enabled to control the sprinklers thereby. A controller arrangement establishes connectivity with an internet service portal which stores a profile of the local irrigation system and which obtains information from internet-based resources. The internet service portal determines an irrigation schedule based on the profile and on information obtained from the internet-based information resources and provides the irrigation schedule to the controller arrangement for implementation.

This disclosure describes a system for recycling and reusing water from sprinkler systems to water or irrigate a yard or an area of land. The system includes a water reclamation tank that stores water captured from beneath the area of land. When it is time to water the area of land, the sprinkler system draws water from the water reclamation tank. A portion of this water is then recaptured and supplied back to the water reclamation tank for further storage until the next time the sprinkler system is activated. This cyclical process occurs repeatedly and enables a significant reduction in the amount of freshly supplied water used to maintain the area of land.

This invention provides a fire-control sprinkler system riser for a residence, including a unitary manifold for porting to system components. The longitudinal manifold has pipe threads on its ends to connect to an inlet water pipe and an outlet sprinkler system; and it has ports all to one side of the manifold for mounting the riser system components in the following order from inlet to outlet: flow switch means; test and drain valve means; pressure gauge means; and relief valve means. On the other side of the manifold are support connections, as for attachment to a beam of the residence. The manifold may be connected facing either way, i.e., left support or right support, and it has indicia on both manifold facing sides for indicating flow direction and port identifications to a user from either side. Dimensions provide high efficiency in use of space, etc.

The present invention is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for automatically determining a object type in a computer automated design application, and more particularly to automatically determining and drawing the pipe type of a pipe in a sprinkler system CAD drawing. The present invention allows a user to make various pipe parameter choices and decisions up front, and to then draw each individual pipe without having to each time make the numerous selections and decisions required to determine that pipe's proper type. The present invention may also be used to determine other component types in non-piping related CAD designs, such as electrical wiring, for example.

The present invention is directed to apparatuses, programs, methods, devices, and / or systems for administering water to an area in need of irrigation. For example, an irrigation unit uses a microprocessor to control its fluid dynamics to affectivity save water and enhance uniform water distribution to and area of grass. The microprocessor controls a pivot motor or solenoid, and an electronic throttle that waters lawns in any configuration or pattern; the sprinkler still retains the ability to pop out of the ground and rotate N×360 degrees.

This invention provides for a valve system for use in fire suppression systems that provides pressure relief, pressure testing, and drain / test fluid flow capability. The valve system consists of a valve body with an attached riser. Adjustably attached to the riser is a rotary handle for raising and lowering a spring loaded valve stem. A blocking plug is provided for attachment to the handle which operates to block the movement of the valve stem during pressure testing of the fire suppression system. A tension disk is adjustably attached to the inside of the riser to manually adjust the spring tension. In addition, a means is provided for preventing system fluid from contacting the spring.

A fast response, upright sprinkler head includes a body having a central orifice through which fire extinguishing fluid is expelled through an outlet end. A yoke, attached to the exterior surface of the sprinkler body, extends beyond the outlet end of the sprinkler body and is connected at its apex to a deflector. A fusible trigger assembly is coupled to the yoke and the outlet end of the sprinkler head. The deflector is formed with a planar member having a skirt depending therefrom and an annular ledge extending horizontally from the skirt. The skirt depends from the planar member in an outward direction at a pre-selected angle from the vertical, and is formed with a plurality of through-holes. The fast response upright sprinkler head is configured to have a K value of at least 13.5, while the fusible trigger assembly has a fusing temperature between approximately 155° F. and 175° F. to thereby provide a fast response sprinkler head capable of expelling a sufficient density of water during the early stages of fire development. The angle of the skirt, as well as the through holes formed therein, alter the trajectory of the water to thereby provide a hemispheric pattern of large water droplets capable of penetrating the fire plume and reaching the fire source in order to suppress or extinguish the same. In another aspect of the invention, the fast response upright sprinkler head is used in a fire extinguishing system and method wherein the upright sprinkler head is placed in proximity to a horizontal obstruction depending from, or otherwise supported, a preselected distance from the ceiling of an enclosure. The upright sprinkler system of the present invention develops an effective spray distribution pattern about the obstruction to thereby suppress a fire positioned directly below, or approximately below, the obstruction.

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

A control system and method for an automatic sprinkler system is disclosed. The automatic sprinkler system includes a first control line and a common line coupled to control a first valve. The control system includes a relay coupled in series with the common line, a sensing circuit coupled to detect the assertion and deassertion of the first valve, and a controller coupled to receive a control data. The controller provides a control signal to enable the relay based on the control data. In operation, the relay is turned on or off based on the control data for controlling the on / off duration of the first value. The relay may be incorporated in the sprinkler system. In one embodiment, the control system learns the programming of the sprinkler system by monitoring the common line to determine the start time, the duration, and the irrigation frequency of the first irrigation zone.

Various mist-type fire protection systems for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies of reduced water demand as compared to known mist type systems or sprinkler systems configured to protect the same occupancies. Three system configurations are defined by varying design criteria for the installation of: mist devices having an enlarged coverage area alone or in combination with known nozzles or sprinklers. The preferred mist devices provide for the protection of at least one of a light hazard occupancy only and a light and ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling with a maximum ceiling height of at least 8 ft. The preferred device include a body having a passageway defining a K-factor of less than 1 gpm / psi1 / 2. The preferred device includes means for diffusing the fluid at a flux density of less than 0.1 gpm / sq. ft. for a fluid pressure at the inlet of less than 500 psi. to define a coverage area of the device of over than 132 sq. ft., preferably to a maximum of 256 sq. ft.

A fire-control riser system that provides a multi-function unitary valve system including providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain / test fluid flow capability for fire-control sprinkler systems. Furthermore, the fire-control riser system comprises an enclosure that provides for easier installation, pre-assembled components and protects such riser systems from damage during the construction process. Additionally, the fire-control riser system may be substantially comprised of plastic material. The system utilizes an improved flow switch coupling-attachment system that includes no-thread attachment or threaded attachment. The system also provides for multi-function components as well as reduced ports for component installation thereby reducing potential leak areas.

The present invention provides a system and method to control the flow duration and the flow rate of each individual sprinkler head wirelessly in each zone of an automatic sprinkler system. The system comprises a plurality of sensors, preferably wireless, to control the sprinkler heads, either directly or through a controller. The system enables precise control over irrigation times for the areas covered by each sprinkler head. The system also enables each sprinkler head to control its on / off and duration decisions based on receiving data from a sensor within an irrigation zone of an automatic sprinkler system.

A voice activated control system that uses a microphone to accept verbal commands from the user to control a plurality of electronic and electric devices such as a TV, DVD player, stereo receiver, projector, security system, sprinkler system, computer and the like using their inherent control methods. This is a computer-based system with associated software, which allows input of Infrared (IR) signals, voice commands, and various typed commands or strings and stores these in a database. It then allows for the user to assign one or more commands of any stored type to a virtually unlimited number of unique voice commands for controlling the plurality electronic and electric devices. Said system controls the plurality of electronic and electric devices using their inherent control methods such as IR, Contact Closure, Serial, Ethernet, TCP / IP, USB, IEEE 1394, etc.

An arrangement for testing a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a supply conduit for supplying a fire suppression fluid to a plurality of sprinklers. A sensor senses a flow of fire suppression fluid through the supply conduit. A drain conduit drains fire suppression fluid when the fire suppression system is tested. A drain valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid is controlled to enter the drain conduit. A fire suppression fluid collection tank collects the fire suppression fluid which has entered the drain conduit for reintroducing the collected fire suppression fluid to the supply conduit. A circulation valve controls the flow of the fire suppression fluid so that when the fire suppression system is tested the fire suppression fluid enters the fire suppression fluid collection tank.

A rotary sprinkler having a rotatable nozzle assembly for watering an arc of ground traversed or swept by the nozzle assembly as the nozzle assembly rotates is disclosed. Oscillating rotation is achieved via a drive train that includes a trip spring that is drivable between first and second positions for reversing the direction of nozzle rotation. The sprinkler also includes: a variable trajectory nozzle; secondary opening adjacent the variable trajectory nozzle; an automatic break up screw configuration; a substantially constant speed turbine assembly; a bypass stator; a reversing cluster gear planetary drive with a uni-directional turbine; an overcenter reversing mechanism; a nozzle base clutch; an adjustable arc mechanism, solid arc limit stops, a snap ring installation method and an adjustable pilot valve which uses visual indicia.

The present invention is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for automatically resolving conflicts in a computer automated design application, and more particularly to utilizing an arm around to alter a graphic object to avoid an obstruction created by a second graphic object. The present invention allows a CAD user to automatically resolve conflicts between sprinkler system piping and obstructions such as heating / cooling ducts or support beams by proposing arm around solutions. The present invention may also be used to resolve conflicts in other types of piping systems or to resolve conflicts in unrelated applications.

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

A bracing apparatus for bracing a flexible pipe extending between a fire sprinkler header pipe and a sprinkler and for holding the sprinkler in a desired location, a flexible piping system having the bracing apparatus, and a method of installing a sprinkler of a sprinkler system having the bracing apparatus. The bracing apparatus has first mounting members that attach to a flexible pipe, and a stiffener bar that extends between the first and second mounting members.

A sprinkler system and a method for mitigating scaling, microbiological influenced corrosion and oxidative corrosion are disclosed. The system includes a piping network in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water and an air pump. The network is vented to the ambient. The air pump moves initially dry ambient air through the system, either by maintaining a negative or a positive air pressure within the network. The dry air absorbs residual water within the network and exhausts it to the ambient. Rate of air flow through the system is controlled by restrictor elements such as orifices, throttle valves or venturies within the piping network.