Fire sprinklers with frangible body closing a flow passage and separate means for shattering same
First Claim
1. A fire sprinkler comprising a flow passage extending from an inlet to an outlet, a fluid distributor positioned beyond the outlet, a frangible body closing the flow passage, separate means actuated by a temperature-responsive element of a shape-memory alloy for shattering the frangible body to allow passage of fluid on detection of predetermined temperature-rise conditions, said element itself generating the force required to shatter said frangible body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fire sprinkler has a flow passage for water or other extinguishing fluid closed by a frangible body, which may be a simple disc. A separate mechanism responsive to temperature-rise conditions shatters the frangible body, and the fluid then flows from the passage to impinge on a distributor (as in conventional sprinklers). The shattering mechanism is preferably actuated by a shape-memory alloy, preferably in sheet form, which can be located below the distributor for maximum exposure to radiant as well as convective heat; it can also be thermally insulated, contributing further to speed of response.
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Citations
9 Claims
- 1. A fire sprinkler comprising a flow passage extending from an inlet to an outlet, a fluid distributor positioned beyond the outlet, a frangible body closing the flow passage, separate means actuated by a temperature-responsive element of a shape-memory alloy for shattering the frangible body to allow passage of fluid on detection of predetermined temperature-rise conditions, said element itself generating the force required to shatter said frangible body.
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9. A fire sprinkler comprising a flow passage extending from an inlet to an outlet, a fluid distributor positioned beyond said outlet, a frangible disc closing said flow passage and processed to ensure a distribution of locked-in stresses conducive to shattering into small pieces, and separate temperature-responsive means for shattering said disc to allow passage of fluid on detection of predetermined temperature-rise conditions.
Specification