| |
| United States Patent
|
7,237,568 |
| Cooper |
July 3, 2007 |
Fire-control sprinkler riser systems
Abstract
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.
| Inventors: |
Cooper; Michael S.
(Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
10/611,777 |
| Filed: |
June 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
09596627 |
Jun., 2000 |
6601604 |
|
|
09376112 |
Feb., 1999 |
|
|
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09074758 |
May., 1998 |
|
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60400498 |
Aug., 2002 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
137/377 ;
137/382 |
| Current
International Class: |
F16K
27/12 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
137/377,382
169/51 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Lee; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Law Offices, Ltd Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation-in-part of my application
Ser. No. 09/596,627, filed Jun. 19, 2000, entitled "Fire Control
Sprinkler System", now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,604; which was a
continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 09/376,112, filed
Feb. 1, 1999, entitled "Unitary Valve System", now abandoned; which
was a continuation-in-part of my application Ser. No. 09/074,758,
filed May 8, 1998, entitled "Unitary Valve System", now abandoned.
The present application is also related to and claims priority from
my Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/400,498, filed Aug. 1, 2002,
entitled "FIRE CONTROL SPRINKLER RISER SYSTEM"; and the present
application is related to my issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,545. This
patent and all of these applications are incorporated herein by this
reference; and none are admitted to be prior art with respect to the
present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fire protection system for connecting at least one water supply
to at least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable
structure comprising, in combination: a) at least one riser system
comprising at least one riser; and, b) at least one enclosure
structured and arranged to substantially enclose and protect such at
least one riser system; c) wherein such at least one riser system is
mounted to such at least one enclosure; d) at least one component,
attached to said riser, wherein said at least one component provides
at least one function selected from the group consisting of: i) a
flow switch function to monitor water flow through the at least one
fire sprinkler system; ii) a test and drain valve function to test
and drain the at least one fire sprinkler system; iii) a pressure
gauge function to monitor water pressure in the at least one fire
sprinkler system; and, iv) a relief valve function to provide
over-pressure relief for the at least one fire sprinkler system; and
c) a computer system structured and arranged to provide selected
monitoring of functions of the fire protection system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to fire-control sprinkler riser systems.
More particularly, it is related to fire protection systems for
connecting at least one water supply to at least one fire sprinkler
system of a fire-protectable structure.
Typically, commercial buildings and an increasing number of
residential structures are provided with fire suppression systems
that dispense a fire suppression medium in the event of a fire.
These fire sprinkler systems typically have a central pipe conduit
from which a labyrinth of individual piping systems containing a
fire suppression medium under pressure are attached.
In the event of a fire, sensors which are attached to the individual
piping systems are activated thereby releasing the pressurized fire
suppression medium in the hopes of quenching the fire. In many
instances, the sudden release of system pressure activates a silent
and/or audible alarm which alerts both those persons which are on
the premises and the local fire authority that a fire is in
progress.
Since typical fire suppression systems contain fluids under
pressure, some means are needed to both check the integrity of the
system against leakage and to provide for a means to alleviate
system excess pressure in order to prevent catastrophic system
rupture. In addition, a means is required to drain the system if the
need arises and/or to quickly depressurize the system in order to
check the integrity of the alarm.
Typically, the central pipe conduit is called a riser and is that
small portion of a fire sprinkler system between a fire suppressant
supply, typically water, and a fire suppressant outlet to fire
sprinklers where the following components/functions are typically
performed: a flow switch, to ascertain whether or not there is water
flow in the riser pipe to the fire sprinkler system and to relay
this information where needed (e.g., to fire departments); a test
and drain valve, to open the riser pipe to a drain for the purposes
of testing, bleeding, etc.; a pressure gauge, to deliver a read-out
of the water pressure in the riser pipe; and a relief valve, to open
the riser pipe to a drain in the event a certain (usually settable)
water pressure is exceeded in the riser pipe. Typically, in plumbing
fire-control sprinkler connections to a building water supply, the
lower end of a riser pipe will be connected to a water supply pipe
and the upper end will be connected to an outlet pipe to the
sprinkler system, the riser pipe being stabilized in position by
connecting it to the building structure, as by tying it to a beam.
To avoid doing the above as on-the-spot plumbing labor, it has been
attempted for commercial uses to pre-make a steel, epoxy-coated
riser manifold containing ports for the component attachments. Then
such manifold, with or without components attached, may be plumbed
on site for connection to a water inlet and sprinkler outlet. But
there are still many unsolved problems, especially for residential
uses where the sprinkler system is part of a drinkable water system.
Manifolds for riser purposes, especially for residential risers, are
not available with minimum lengths and costs, with efficient
arrangement of ports and of pipe threads for component connection,
with efficient means for supporting the riser in connecting to a
structure, with abilities for safe and efficient use in all
locations in any direction, etc.
Further, efficient riser port and component arrangements have not
achieved their potentials in terms of improved structures, combined
purpose lines, or combined purpose components. This is especially
true in the areas of adapting plastics techniques in novel ways to
such efficient riser, port, and component arrangements.
Additionally, flow switches are normally manufactured for connection
plumbing by way of pipe threads, usually tapered pipe threads;
however, there are many inefficiencies in such a connection.
Eliminating such a connection would permit elimination of: an
unnecessary joint which may be a point of current or future
leakages; a large brass adapter fitting which is supplied with the
flow switch for threaded pipe mounting; the use and need for thread
sealing materials such as Teflon tape or pipe dope; the need for a
large size wrench or pipe wrench (to tighten a 1'' N.P.T. tapered
fitting requires a large amount of torque which in turn puts a great
stress upon the entire manifold and pipe system--this stress could
work loose the mounting brackets, screws, etc.); and the need to
carefully orient the final positioning of the flow switch when
rotating (tightening) the switch onto a threaded port for proper
switch operation. Thus, a threaded attachment means, utilizing
tapered pipe thread, provides a potential point of leakage,
additional labor to assemble, unnecessary components and added cost.
There is a need in the industry for an improved method and product
for flow switch connection and for lower overall cost.
Even further, considering the fact that valves typically use springs
in order to have pressure relief capability, a means is needed to
insulate the valve spring from the system fluid in order to increase
the useful life of the valve. To accomplish some of the
above-mentioned valve requirements, typical fire suppression systems
incorporate a multi-valve system which includes individual pressure
relief valves, gate valves and lateral piping arrangements. Though
these multi-valve systems are adequate to perform some of the
above-mentioned requirements, they in turn require multiple
components and a separate piping system necessitating an increase in
expense and space requirements. Information relevant to attempts to
address these problems can be found in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,662,139. However, the elongated handle described therein may be
vulnerable to accidental movement. In addition, the relatively short
travel distance along the cammed surface between the open and closed
position may result in the "water hammer" effect which arises when a
fluid flow through a piping system is suddenly terminated, thereby
creating a reverberating pressure wave. And, in addition to other
disadvantages, current such valves do not provide a means to
insulate the spring from the system fluid. There exists a need for a
new and improved fire-control system for use in fire suppression
systems which provides for a choice between pressure test, pressure
relief, and drain/test fluid flow capability, and which is less
subject to accidental opening and closing and a system which is less
prone to the creation of the water hammer effect. In addition, there
exists a need for a means to insulate the spring from the system
fluid in order to increase the useful life of the valve.
As described above, fire-control sprinkler systems are connected to
a pressurized water supply. Further, such systems are typically
connected using at least one fire control riser. Such fire control
risers are typically connected between the pressurized water supply
and the system of piping comprising the sprinkler heads. This
invention relates to all such fire control risers, but more
particularly to unitary risers of the type disclosed in the
mentioned cross-references above.
Even further, the riser is generally installed prior to many types
of construction activities, for example, application of gypsum board
and painting. Often, extraneous construction materials come into
contact with the riser or one of its components. There is a need to
protect the riser from construction activities and extraneous
materials. Also, for the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a
fire-control sprinkler system with improved riser, component, and
arrangement structures of the kind below described.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill
the above-mentioned needs by the provision of a multifunction
unitary valve system for providing pressure test, pressure relief,
and drain/test fluid flow capability. Another primary object of the
present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned needs by the
provision of a sprinkler riser system having an efficient unitary
manifold construction. A further object is to provide an improved
method of component connection. A further object and feature of the
present invention is to provide such a system providing a protective
enclosure for a fire-control sprinkler system comprising a
fire-control riser system. It is a further object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system, which provides a
protective enclosure for support stability for a unitary manifold
riser system for porting to system components. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system
that protects such riser systems from damage during the construction
process. It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide a fire-control riser system substantially comprised of
plastic material. Also, it is an object and feature to provide a
fire-control sprinkler riser system comprising at least one plastic
riser component as well as improvements to flow switch devices and
to provide new flow switch devices combining multiple functions
heretofore not found in flow switch devices. It is a further object
and feature of the present invention to provide such a system in a
kit. It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system that utilizes no-thread attachment or threaded
attachment. It is a further object and feature of the present
invention to provide such a system that provides multiple mounting
methods for riser attachments. It is a further object and feature of
the present invention to provide such a system with an improved flow
switch coupling-attachment system. It is a further object and
feature of the present invention to provide such a system wherein
the flow switch comprises a flow volume sensor. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system
wherein the flow switch comprises a fluid pressure sensor. It is a
further object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system that provides a method of manufacture, assembly and
shipping of all or part of the system. A further primary object and
feature of the present invention is to provide such a system, which
is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of
this invention will become apparent with reference to the following
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a multi-function unitary valve system for use in a fluid
system containing a fluid and having pressure testing, pressure
relief, and drain/test free fluid flow capability, comprising, in
combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an outlet
portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such valve body
and having an exterior surface and an internal bore; a valve stem
concentrically disposed within such valve riser and having an upper
portion and a lower portion; a first sealer, to assist sealing at
such valve seat, affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem
and structured and arranged for engagement with such valve seat when
such valve stem is lowered; a controller, adjustably attached to
such exterior surface of such valve riser, structured and arranged
to implement raising and lowering of such valve stem; an engaging
element, structured and arranged to attach to such valve stem
adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem and to engage such
controller; and an urger structured and arranged to urge such first
sealer towards such valve seat.
Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in
a fluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing,
pressure relief, and drain/test free fluid flow capability,
comprising, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an
outlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such
valve body and having an upper end and having an internal bore; a
valve stem concentrically disposed within such valve riser and
having an upper portion and a lower portion; a first sealing means
for assisting sealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lower
portion of such valve stem and structured and arranged for
engagement with such valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; a
control means, adjustably attached to such upper end of such valve
riser, for implementing raising and lowering of such valve stem; an
engagement means, structured and arranged for attachment adjacent
such upper portion of such valve stem, for engaging such control
means; an urging means for urging such first sealing means towards
such valve seat; and a blocking means, removably affixed in such
control means, for implementing blocking of movement of such valve
stem away from such valve seat.
Also, it provides such a system wherein such control means comprises
a handle having a threaded recessed upper portion; and, further,
wherein such blocking means comprises a blocking plug having an
externally threaded substantially cylindrical portion structured and
arranged for engagement with such threaded recessed upper portion of
such handle. And it provides such a system wherein such first
sealing means is displaced from such valve seat when such control
means is in a raised position, whereby such drain/test free fluid
flow capability is provided. Further, it provides such a system
wherein such first sealing means is removably seated against such
valve seat when such control means is in a lowered position, whereby
such pressure relief capability is provided. Also, it provides such
a system wherein such first sealing means is irremovably seated
against such valve seat when such valve stem is blocked by such
blocking means, whereby pressure testing capability is provided.
Moreover, the present invention provides such a multi-function
unitary valve system wherein such engagement means comprises a
threaded fastener. It also provides such a system wherein an upper
portion of such valve stem comprises a threaded portion structured
and arranged for engagement with such threaded fastener. Further, it
provides such a system wherein such upper end of such valve riser
comprises an upper riser threaded portion. Still further, it
provides such a system wherein such handle further comprises a
substantially cylindrical lower end having a threaded interior
recess structured and arranged to engage such upper riser threaded
portion. Also it provides such a system wherein such urging means
comprises a helical spring structured and arranged for location
adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem.
In addition, the present invention provides such a multi-function
unitary valve system wherein: such first sealing means is displaced
from such valve seat when such control means is in a raised
position, whereby such drain/test free fluid flow is provided; such
first sealing means is removably seated against such valve seat when
such control means is in a lowered position, whereby such pressure
relief capability is provided; and such first sealing means is
irremovably seated against such valve seat when such valve stem is
blocked by such blocking means and when such control means is in a
lowered position, whereby pressure testing capability is provided.
It also provides such a system wherein such engagement means
comprises an annular washer and such first sealing means comprises a
valve washer.
In addition, the present invention provides such a multi-function
unitary valve system further comprising a second sealing means,
attached to such lower portion of such valve stem between such
helical spring and such valve seat, for essentially preventing such
fluid from contacting such helical spring. Also, it provides such a
system wherein such second sealing means comprises an essentially
rubber material. Still further, it provides such a system further
comprising an adjustment means, disposed within such internal bore,
for adjusting such urging of such urging means. Even further, it
provides such a system further comprising: a second sealing means,
attached to such lower portion of such valve stem, for essentially
preventing such fluid from contacting such urging means; and an
adjustment means, disposed within such internal bore, for adjusting
such urging of such urging means.
Further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in
a fluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing,
pressure relief, and test/drain free fluid flow capability,
comprising, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an
outlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser, affixed to such
valve body, having an upper riser threaded portion and having an
internal bore defined by a riser inner wall; a valve stem
concentrically disposed within such valve riser and having an upper
portion and a lower portion; a first sealing means for assisting
sealing at such valve seat, affixed to such lower portion of such
valve stem and structured and arranged for engagement with such
valve seat when such valve stem is lowered; a handle having a
threaded recessed upper portion and a substantially cylindrical
lower portion having a threaded internal recess structured and
arranged for releasable attachment with such upper riser threaded
portion; a blocking plug having an externally threaded substantially
cylindrical lower portion structured and arranged for engagement
with such threaded recessed upper portion of such handle; an
engagement means, structured and arranged for attachment adjacent
such upper portion of such valve stem, for engaging such control
means; a helical spring, disposed within such valve riser, for
urging such first sealing means against such valve seat. And it
provides such a system wherein such riser inner wall comprises a
threaded portion.
Yet in addition, it provides such a system further comprising a
tension disk, such tension disk comprising: a substantially
cylindrical outer surface comprising external threads structured and
arranged to engage such threaded portion of such riser inner wall; a
concentric aperture structured and arranged to allow unobstructed
movement of such valve stem through such concentric aperture; and a
bottom disk surface structured and arranged for engagement with a
top coil of such helical spring. And it provides such a system
further comprising a gasket, attached to such lower portion of such
valve stem, structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
such riser inner wall, whereby such fluid is essentially prevented
from contacting such helical spring. It also provides such a system
further comprising a gasket, attached to such lower portion of such
valve stem, sized and arranged for slidable engagement with such
riser inner wall, whereby such fluid is essentially prevented from
contacting such helical spring.
Even moreover, this invention provides such a system wherein such
handle is structured and arranged to displace such first sealing
means from such valve seat when such handle is in a raised position
whereby such test/drain free fluid flow capability is provided. And
it provides such a system wherein such handle is structured and
arranged to removably seat such first sealing means against such
valve seat when such handle is in a lowered position whereby such
pressure relief capability is provided. It also provides such a
system wherein such handle is structured and arranged to irremovably
seat such first sealing means against such valve seat when: said
handle is in a lowered position and said blocking plug is affixed to
such handle, whereby such pressure test capability is provided. And
it provides such a system wherein: said engagement means comprises a
threaded fastener; said upper portion of such valve stem comprises a
threaded portion structured and arranged for engagement with such
threaded fastener; and said first sealing means comprises a valve
washer; and, further, wherein said engagement means comprises an
annular washer, and said first sealing means comprises a valve
washer.
Yet further, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in
a fluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing,
pressure relief, and drain/test free fluid flow capability,
comprising, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an
outlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such
valve body and having an upper end; a valve stem concentrically
disposed within such valve riser and having an upper portion and a
lower portion; a first sealing means for assisting sealing at such
valve seat, affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem and
structured and arranged for engagement with such valve seat when
such valve stem is lowered; a blocking means for implementing
blocking of movement of such valve stem away from such valve seat;
and an urging means for urging such first sealing means towards such
valve seat; and a second sealing means, attached to such lower
portion of such valve stem, for essentially preventing such fluid
from contacting such urging means. And it provides such a system
wherein such first sealing means is irremovably seated against such
valve seat when such valve stem is blocked by such blocking means,
whereby pressure testing capability is provided.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, this
invention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use
with a valve having a valve seat, a valve washer, a valve stem, a
valve riser, a rotary handle threadedly held by such valve riser,
and a blocking element held by such rotary handle, and providing,
for use in a fluid system containing a fluid, a pressure testing,
pressure relief, and drain/test free fluid flow function, comprising
the pressure testing steps of: manipulating such rotary handle until
such valve washer is seated against such valve seat; affixing such
blocking element in such rotary handle; manipulating such blocking
element until such blocking element contacts such valve stem;
pressurizing such fluid system to a pre-determined testing pressure;
and manipulating such rotary handle, holding such blocking element,
until such valve washer is displaced from such valve seat, whereby
such pressure is relieved in such fluid system.
It further provides such a valve system wherein such controller
comprises a receiver system structured and arranged to removably
receive a valve-stem-movement blocker; and, also, further comprising
a such valve-stem-movement blocker, removably affixable in such
receiver system of such controller, structured and arranged to
implement blocking of movement of such valve stem away from such
valve seat. And it provides such a system wherein such outlet
portion of such valve body comprises a downward facing faucet
opening; and, further, wherein such valve riser comprises an
integral element of such valve body; and, further, wherein such
outlet portion of such valve body comprises a downward facing faucet
opening; and, further, wherein said controller comprises an
approximately round cylindrical outer surface having indentations
structured and arranged to assist a user to grip such controller for
turning such controller. It also provides such a system further
comprising an adjuster, disposed within such internal bore,
structured and arranged to adjust such urger.
Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a multi-function unitary valve system for use in
a fluid system containing a fluid and having pressure testing,
pressure relief, and drain/test free fluid flow capability,
comprising, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an
outlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such
valve body and having an upper end; a valve stem concentrically
disposed within such valve riser and having an upper portion and a
lower portion; a first sealer, to assist sealing at such valve seat,
affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem and structured and
arranged for engagement with such valve seat when such valve stem is
lowered; a blocker system structured and arranged to assist
implementation of blocking of movement of such valve stem away from
such valve seat; an urger structured and arranged to urge such first
sealer towards such valve seat; and a second sealer, attached to
such lower portion of such valve stem, structured and arranged to
essentially prevent such fluid from contacting such urger.
Further, it provides such a system wherein such blocker system
comprises a blocker element removably affixable in such valve
system; and, also, further comprising a controller, adjustably
attached to such valve riser, structured and arranged to implement
raising and lowering of such valve stem, wherein such controller is
structured and arranged to removably receive such blocker element;
and, further, wherein such valve riser comprises an integral element
of such valve body; and, further, wherein such outlet portion of
such valve body comprises a downward facing faucet opening; and,
further, wherein such controller comprises an approximately round
cylindrical outer surface having indentations structured and
arranged to assist a user to grip such controller for turning such
controller.
Yet in addition, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a riser of the type connecting a water supply
pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe of the structure
comprising, in combination: a first longitudinal pipe, having a
first end and a second end, structured and arranged to connect to
the water supply pipe at such first end and to the sprinkler system
pipe at such second end; and extending transversely from such
longitudinal pipe and all aligned in parallel relation along a first
side of such longitudinal pipe, multiple ports, each such port being
structured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system
component having at least one capability selected from the group
consisting of safety capabilities, test capabilities, and monitoring
capabilities.
Also, it provides such a riser further comprising, extending
transversely from such first longitudinal pipe along a second side
of such longitudinal pipe about 180 degrees opposed to such first
side, a support, directly attached to such first longitudinal pipe,
structured and arranged to assist attachment of such riser to the
structure. And it provides such a riser wherein each such port is
structured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system
component having at least one of the following capabilities: a
flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow to
sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a test-and-drain-valve
capability for testing and draining the sprinkler system; a
pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the
sprinkler system; a relief-valve capability for providing
over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system. It also provides such
a system wherein such port nearest such first end of such
longitudinal pipe is structured and arranged to assist attachment to
a flow switch; and, further, wherein said first longitudinal pipe is
no more than about thirteen inches long; and, further, wherein said
first longitudinal pipe is no more than about eleven inches long.
And it provides such a riser wherein such port nearest such first
end of such first longitudinal pipe comprises a flange connection
structured and arranged to assist direct no-pipe-thread attachment
of a flow switch.
It further provides such a riser wherein such flange connection is
constructed and arranged for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a
flow switch of the type comprising a housing including a face plate,
a sensing switch within the housing, a sensing paddle outside the
housing and connected by a connector member through the face plate
to the sensing switch, screw attachments for connecting the face
plate to a flange member, and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial
with the sensing paddle and encircling the connector member, for
sealing a face-plate-to-flange-member connection. And it provides
such a riser wherein such flange connection comprises: a flange; a
smooth female bore central to such flange of such flange connection;
wherein such flange comprises at least two flange connectors each
structured and arranged to assist a connection to the flow meter.
And it provides such a riser wherein such flange connection
comprises: a flange; a male hollow round cylinder element extending
outwardly and centrally from such flange; wherein such male hollow
round cylinder element comprises at least one external sealer
structured and arranged to seal a flow meter of the type comprising
a female bore connector; wherein such flange comprises at least two
flange connectors each structured and arranged to assist a
connection to the flow meter. It also provides such a riser wherein
such flange connection comprises: a flange; wherein such flange
comprises external threads structured and arranged to match internal
threads of a flow meter connection element; and wherein an outer
face of such flange comprises a flat surface structured and arranged
for sealing against a face of the flow meter connection element.
Furthermore, it provides such a riser wherein such multiple ports
comprises three such ports in the following order in a direction
from such first end of such first longitudinal pipe to such second
end of such first longitudinal pipe: a first such port structured
and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system component
having at least a flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of
the water flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such
port structured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler
system component having at least a test-and-drain-valve capability
for testing and draining the sprinkler system and a relief-valve
capability for providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler
system; a third such port structured and arranged to attach to at
least one sprinkler system component having at least a
pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the
sprinkler system.
It also provides such a riser wherein such multiple ports comprises
two such ports in the following order in a direction from such first
end of such first longitudinal pipe to such second end of such first
longitudinal pipe: a first such port structured and arranged to
attach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least a
flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow to
sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such port structured
and arranged to attach to at least two sprinkler system components
each having at least one of the following capabilities: a
test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the
sprinkler system, a relief-valve capability for providing
over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system, a pressure-gauge
capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system. It
also provides such a riser wherein such second port is structured
and arranged to attach to two sprinkler system components: a first
sprinkler system component having a pressure-gauge capability for
monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system; and a second
sprinkler system component having a test-and-drain-valve capability
for testing and draining the sprinkler system, and a relief-valve
capability for providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler
system.
Yet in addition, it provides such a riser wherein such second port
comprises a second longitudinal pipe extending from and
perpendicular to such first longitudinal pipe and wherein such
second longitudinal pipe comprises two component attachment
structures: a first component attachment structure suitable to
assist in attaching a pressure gauge for monitoring water pressure
in the sprinkler system; and a second component attachment structure
suitable to assist in attaching a valve having at least a
test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the
sprinkler system; and, further, wherein such riser comprises a
molded plastic; and, further, wherein such riser comprises
essentially CPVC. It also provides such a riser further comprising:
at about 90 degrees from such first side of such longitudinal pipe,
first indicia indicating a water flow direction and second indicia
indicating port identifications; and at about 270 degrees from such
first side of such longitudinal pipe, third indicia indicating a
water flow direction and fourth indicia indicating port
identifications; said indicia comprising symbols raised above a
surface level of such riser. It also provides such a riser wherein
such support comprises pedestal means including mounting flange
means comprising a mounting hole for assisting attachment of such
unitary means to such structure; and, further, wherein such mounting
hole is slanted away at an acute angle from a direction
perpendicular to such longitudinal pipe.
Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a sprinkler system riser unit for supplying water
from a water supply pipe of a structure to a sprinkler system pipe
of such structure comprising, in combination: a first longitudinal
pipe, having a first end and a second end, structured and arranged
to connect to the water supply pipe at such first end and to the
sprinkler system pipe at such second end; and extending transversely
from such longitudinal pipe and all aligned in parallel relation
along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, multiple ports, each
such port being structured and arranged to attach to at least one
sprinkler system component having at least one capability selected
from the group consisting of safety capabilities, test capabilities,
and monitoring capabilities; extending transversely from such first
longitudinal pipe along a second side of such longitudinal pipe
about 180 degrees opposed to such first side, a support, directly
attached to such first longitudinal pipe, structured and arranged to
assist attachment of such riser to the structure; wherein each such
port is structured and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler
system component having at least one of the following capabilities:
a flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow
to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a test-and-drain-valve
capability for testing and draining the sprinkler system; a
pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water pressure in the
sprinkler system; a relief-valve capability for providing
over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system; wherein such port
nearest such first end of such longitudinal pipe is structured and
arranged to assist attachment to a flow switch; and attached to such
riser, the following such sprinkler system components: a flow switch
to monitor delivery of water flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler
system; a multipurpose valve comprising a test and drain valve to
test and drain the sprinkler system, such test and drain valve
including a relief valve to provide over-pressure relief for the
sprinkler system; a pressure gauge to monitor water pressure in the
sprinkler system.
And it provides such a riser unit wherein such multipurpose valve
comprises, in combination: a valve body having an inlet portion, an
outlet portion, and a valve seat; a valve riser affixed to such
valve body and having an upper end; a valve stem concentrically
disposed within such valve riser and having an upper portion and a
lower portion; a first sealer, to assist sealing at such valve seat,
affixed to such lower portion of such valve stem and structured and
arranged for engagement with such valve seat when such valve stem is
lowered; a blocker system structured and arranged to assist
implementation of blocking of movement of such valve stem away from
such valve seat; and an urger structured and arranged to urge such
first sealer towards such valve seat. And it provides such a riser
unit wherein said multipurpose valve further comprises a second
sealer, attached to such lower portion of such valve stem,
structured and arranged to essentially prevent such fluid from
contacting such urger.
It further provides such a riser manifold unitary means wherein such
riser manifold unitary means is constructed essentially of a molded
plastic material; and, further, wherein such riser manifold unitary
means is constructed essentially of a molded CPVC material.
Also, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this invention
provides, in a system for connecting a flow switch to a longitudinal
pipe for monitoring water flow through such longitudinal pipe, such
flow switch being of the type comprising a housing including a face
plate, a sensing switch within such housing, a sensing paddle
outside such housing and connected by a connector member through
such face plate to such sensing switch, screw attachments for
connecting such face plate to a flange member, and a cylindrical
seal member, co-axial with such sensing paddle and encircling such
connector member, for sealing such face-plate-to-flange connection,
the steps of: providing an attachment pipe extending transversely
from such longitudinal pipe along a first side of such longitudinal
pipe, such attachment pipe comprising, at an outer end of such
attachment pipe, a flange, comprising a cylindrical counterbore
co-axial with such attachment pipe, for direct no-pipe-thread
attachment of such flow switch to such attachment pipe in such
manner that such flow switch may monitor water flow through such
longitudinal pipe; providing a such disassembled such flow switch
with such face plate, such sensing paddle and connector member, and
such seal member; inserting such sensing paddle through such
counterbore into such attachment pipe in such manner that such seal
member rests essentially within such counterbore; connecting such
face plate to such flange with such screw attachments in such manner
as to seal such face-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing
paddle in place for such monitoring and permit such connector member
to pass through such face plate in position for connection to such
sensing switch; reconnecting such connector member to such sensing
switch; and reconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow
switch.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a method of protecting at least one fire
sprinkler riser system of a fire-protectable structure comprising
the steps of: providing at least one protective enclosure around the
at least one fire sprinkler riser system; attaching such at least
one protective enclosure to such fire-protectable structure; and
operatively connecting such at least one fire sprinkler riser system
to a fire sprinkler system of such fire-protectable structure. It
also provides such a method further comprising: providing at least
one closable access portal to such at least one protective enclosure
structured and arranged to permit maintenance of such at least one
fire sprinkler riser system. Further, it provides such a method
wherein such at least one protective enclosure comprises: at least
one box sufficiently large to enclose such at least one fire
sprinkler riser system.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
this invention provides a method of supplying fire sprinkler riser
systems for a fire-protectable structure comprising the steps of:
providing at least one fire sprinkler riser; providing at least one
protective enclosure to protect such at least one fire sprinkler
riser after installation; mounting, before the installation, such at
least one fire sprinkler riser in such at least one protective
enclosure; and providing transportation of such mounted at least one
fire sprinkler riser to at least one installer. Also, it provides a
method further comprising the step of attaching at least one fire
sprinkler riser component to such at least one fire sprinkler riser
prior to such mounting. It also provides such a method further
comprising the step of attaching at least one fire sprinkler riser
component to such at least one fire sprinkler riser after such
mounting.
Further, it provides such a method wherein such at least one
protective enclosure comprises at least one closable access portal.
And, it provides such a method wherein such at least one protective
enclosure further comprises storage means for storing replacement
sprinkler heads. It also provides such a method wherein such at
least one protective enclosure further comprises indicia means for
instructing at least one user concerning the at least one fire
sprinkler riser system.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
this invention provides a fire protection system for connecting at
least one water supply to at least one fire sprinkler system of a
fire-protectable structure comprising, in combination: at least one
riser system comprising at least one riser; and, at least one
enclosure structured and arranged to substantially enclose and
protect such at least one riser system; wherein such at least one
riser system is mounted to such at least one enclosure. And, it
provides such a system wherein said at least one enclosure further
comprises at least one closable access portal structured and
arranged to permit maintenance of said at least one riser system.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein said at least one
enclosure comprises at least one box sufficiently large to enclose
and protect said at least one riser system. Further, it provides
such a system wherein said at least one protective enclosure further
comprises storage means for storing replacement sprinkler heads;
wherein said at least one enclosure further comprises indicia means
for instructing at least one user concerning the at least one riser
system; and, wherein said at least one enclosure comprises
attachment means for assisting attachment of said enclosure to such
fire-protectable structure.
Furthermore, it provides such a system further comprising at least
one component attached to said riser wherein said at least one
component provides at least one function selected from the group
consisting of: a flow switch function to monitor water flow through
the at least one fire sprinkler system; a test and drain valve
function to test and drain the at least one fire sprinkler system; a
pressure gauge function to monitor water pressure in the at least
one fire sprinkler system; and, a relief valve function to provide
over-pressure relief for the at least one fire sprinkler system.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein said at least one riser
comprises a unitary structure. And, it provides such a system
wherein said at least one enclosure is structured and arranged to
fit substantially within wall framing supports of a wall within the
fire-protectable structure. It also provides such a system wherein
said at least one enclosure comprises at least one box having at
least one first opening for at least one ingress water supply and at
least one second opening for at least one water egress to at least
one sprinkler of the at least one fire sprinkler system.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein said at least one
riser consists essentially of a plastic material. And, it provides
such a system wherein said at least one enclosure consists
essentially of at least one material selected from the following
group: plastic, metal, composite material, at least two of the above
materials. It even provides such a system wherein said enclosure
comprises at least one mud-ring. And, it provides such a system
wherein elements of said indicia means comprise information selected
from the group consisting essentially of: instructions, test data,
troubleshooting information, hydraulic calculations. It also
provides such a system wherein said at least one closable access
portal comprises at least one transparent window. Also, it provides
a computer system structured and arranged to provide selected
monitoring of functions of the fire protection system.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
this invention provides an apparatus for use in a fire-protectable
structure adjacent a location of at least one fire sprinkler system
of a fire-protectable structure comprising, in combination: at least
one portable enclosure structured and arranged to protect at least
one fire sprinkler riser system when substantially interior to said
at least one portable enclosure from normally damaging elements
exterior to said at least one portable enclosure; at least one first
aperture in said at least one portable enclosure structured and
arranged to permit entry into said at least one portable enclosure
of at least one fire suppressant supply line, and at least one
second aperture in said at least one portable enclosure structured
and arranged to permit entry into said at least one portable
enclosure of at least one fire suppressant egress line; wherein said
at least one portable enclosure comprises at least one closable
access portal structured and arranged to permit maintenance of the
at least one fire sprinkler riser system; and wherein said at least
one portable enclosure is attachable to at least one portion of the
at least one fire-protectable structure adjacent a location of the
at least one fire sprinkler riser system. Further, it provides such
an apparatus further comprising at least one user-option knock-out
aperture.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides at least one unitary riser for
use in at least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable
structure comprising substantially plastic. It also provides such a
unitary riser further comprising at least one bracket structured and
arranged to assist attachment of said at least one unitary riser to
the fire-protectable structure. And, it provides such a unitary
riser wherein at least one said at least one bracket is aligned with
at least one port of said at least one unitary riser; wherein at
least one said at least one bracket is perpendicular to at least one
port of said at least one unitary riser; and wherein at least one
said at least one bracket is integral to said at least one unitary
riser. Further, it provides such a unitary riser comprising
substantially CPVC plastic.
Moreover, it provides such a unitary riser further comprising: at
least one component wherein said at least one component provides at
least one function selected from the group consisting of: a flow
switch function to monitor water flow through the at least one fire
sprinkler system, a test and drain valve function to test and drain
the at least one fire sprinkler system, a pressure gauge function to
monitor water pressure in the at least one fire sprinkler system,
and a relief valve function to provide over-pressure relief for the
at least one fire sprinkler system; and a plurality of ports wherein
at least one of said plurality of ports is attached to said at least
one component.
Even further, it provides such a unitary riser wherein said at least
one of said plurality of ports is structured and arranged to provide
a gluable-connection. Still further, it provides such a unitary
riser further comprising indicia means for providing information to
at least one user.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a riser system for use in at
least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure
comprising at least one unitary riser having at least one integral
bracket structured and arranged to attach said at least one unitary
riser to the fire-protectable structure.
According to still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a flow switch system for
monitoring water flow through at least one fire sprinkler system
wherein the flow switch comprises: at least one first flow indicator
structured and arranged to indicate the water flow; and at least one
second flow-volume indicator structured and arranged to indicate
water flow volume. And, it provides such a system wherein said at
least one second flow-volume indicator is numerically readable. It
also provides such a system wherein said at least one second
flow-volume indicator is electronically readable.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
this invention provides a flow switch system for monitoring water
flow through at least one riser of a fire sprinkler system of a
fire-protectable structure comprising at least one flow switch
comprising a readable gauge wherein said flow switch is structured
and arranged so that, when said flow switch is installed adjacent a
wall of the fire-protectable structure, a readable face of said
readable gauge is parallel to the wall.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a flow switch system for
monitoring water flow through at least one fire sprinkler system
comprising a fail-safe electronic monitoring system.
Still further, according to still another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, this invention provides a unitary riser
system for use in at least one fire sprinkler system of a
fire-protectable structure comprising at least one integral backflow
valve. And, it provides such a system wherein said at least one
integral backflow valve is structured and arranged to connect to a
flow switch indicator.
Even further, according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, this invention provides a riser system for use in
at least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure
comprising at least one integral backflow valve connected to a flow
switch indicator.
According to still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a flow switch attachment system
for attaching at least one flow switch to at least one riser of at
least one fire sprinkler system of a fire-protectable structure
comprising: at least one first coupler; and at least one second
coupler, attachable to the at least one flow switch, structured and
arranged to removably couple to said at least one first coupler;
wherein said at least one first coupler comprises at least one first
end and at least one second end; wherein said at least one first end
is structured and arranged to sealably attach to the at least one
riser; wherein said at least one second end is structured and
arranged to sealably attach to said at least one second coupler;
wherein said at least one first end comprises at least one
attachment selected from the following group: screw threads,
adhesive, welding; and wherein the at least one flow switch may be
sealably attached to the at least one riser utilizing said at least
one coupling.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, this invention provides a flow switch system for
monitoring water flow through at least one riser of a fire sprinkler
system of a fire-protectable structure comprising: at least one flow
switch; wherein said at least one flow switch comprises at least one
water pressure indicator structured and arranged to indicate water
pressure in said at least one riser. This invention also provides
each and every novel detail, feature, article, process, system
and/or method disclosed in or mentioned by or shown in this
specification, including the drawings, the claims, the abstract, and
any appendices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
sprinkler system riser unit of the present invention, showing
sprinkler system components attached.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the riser manifold (riser) of the
preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 without components attached.
FIG. 3 is a front view, partially in section, of a matching
embodiment of the flow meter switch attachment to the riser manifold
flow meter port of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the riser
manifold flow meter port of the sprinkler system riser unit of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 5,
showing also the connector parts of a matching flow meter.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of
the riser manifold flow meter port of the sprinkler system riser
unit of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is cross-sectional plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7,
showing also the connector parts of a matching flow meter.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a
riser manifold according to the present invention, with a preferred
embodiment of a test, drain and pressure relief valve attached.
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the test, drain and pressure relief
valve major components according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the test, drain and pressure
relief valve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another preferred embodiment of the
test, drain and pressure relief valve components of the present
invention as illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the test, drain and pressure
relief valve embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 12.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment of
the valve system of the present invention in pressure relief mode.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
valve system of FIG. 14 with blocking plug installed for pressure
test mode.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the
valve system of FIG. 14 with valve open for flow test mode.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
valve system of FIG. 14 of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a side view of the of the preferred embodiment of the
valve system of FIG. 14 of the present invention installed in-line
in a pressurized water fire sprinkler system.
FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another alternate
preferred embodiment of the valve system.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tension disk for use in the
alternate preferred embodiment of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate preferred
valve system of FIG. 19 showing the location of the tension disk.
FIG. 22 is a partial cross sectional view of the valve system of
FIG. 19 showing a preferred valve stem arrangement.
FIG. 23 is an elevation view showing the details of the preferred
valve stem arrangement for use with the valve system of FIG. 19.
FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of an alternate preferred
embodiment of a blocking plug.
FIG. 25 is a partial cross sectional view showing the arrangement of
the blocking plug of FIG. 24 on the valve system so as to provide
pressure test capability.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fire control sprinkler system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system,
partially in section, according to another preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a front view of the fire control sprinkler system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a flow switch of the fire control
sprinkler system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flow switch of FIG. 29 with the
front cover in an open position according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a front view of a flow switch according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a front view of a flow switch according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a plastic riser system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a plastic riser system according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view, of the plastic riser system
of FIG. 34 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view, of a plastic riser system
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view, of the plastic riser system of FIG.
33 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a two-port embodiment of a plastic
riser according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port embodiment
of FIG. 38 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of a riser system according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 41 is a front view of a fire control sprinkler system according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a two-port riser according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a three-port riser according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a two-port riser system according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of the two-port riser system
of FIG. 42 with riser components according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 46 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a flow switch
attachment system according to another preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the flow switch coupling
attacher for the flow switch attachment system of FIG. 46 according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 48 is side view in section of the flow switch coupling
assembly, in a disassembled position, according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 49 is another side view in section of the flow switch coupling
assembly of FIG. 48, in an assembled position, according to another
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 50 is a sectional view through the section 50--50 of FIG. 51
according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of yet another riser system comprising
an integral backflow valve according to another preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 52 is a front view of the riser of FIG. 51 installed in an
enclosure according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 53 is a perspective diagram illustrating a preferred shipping
method that may be used on any or all of the above described riser
systems according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic view of a fire control sprinkler system
further comprising a computer control system according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 55 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a preferred arrangement
for the flow switch control system according to another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler system riser unit of the
present invention illustrated as preferably connected (with attached
components) in a residential structure; and FIG. 2 is a perspective
view of a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler system riser
manifold only. With particular reference to FIG. 1, the riser unit
150 is preferably a component of a water sprinkler system for a
residential fire protection system. The riser unit 150 includes
components used for monitoring delivery of water to the sprinklers,
monitoring water pressure, providing system over-pressure relief,
and testing and draining the water sprinkler system. Riser unit 150
incorporates a riser manifold unitary means embodied by the
one-piece manifold 151 to assist in making connections to the
above-mentioned components as well as water system connections, all
as hereinafter described.
Manifold 151 incorporates support means (for assisting attachment of
the riser manifold unitary means to the structure) embodied by two
pedestals 152 for stabilizing of the riser unit 150 by attachment of
the riser unit 150 to a convenient location of the residence's
structure. The riser unit 150 connects the residence's water piping
to the sprinkler system by two connections onto manifold 151: to
connect to inlet means embodied by water supply pipe 154 and
standard pipe coupling 158 at the inlet 160; and to connect to
outlet means embodied by sprinkler plumbing pipe 161 and standard
pipe coupling 162 at the outlet 163. Other suitable fittings may be
used. Manifold 151 includes pipe thread attachment locations (on its
side facing direction B, as shown in FIG. 2) for system components
as illustrated: flow switch means embodied by flow switch 165; test,
drain and relief valve means embodied by test, drain and relief
valve 166; pressure gauge means embodied by pressure gauge 168.
There are also connections to riser unit 150 of a drain pipe 169 at
drain connection means embodied by elbow-fitting 170.
With particular reference to FIG. 2 and continued reference to FIG.
1, the riser unit 150 includes means for conveniently grouping,
connecting and securely mounting various components of a fire
prevention water sprinkler system. Although water sprinkler systems
are custom tailored for each application with a varying quantity of
sprinkler heads and a varying layout of interconnecting plumbing,
the system components of riser unit 150 remain reasonably consistent
with most applications; and the teachings of the present invention
will apply even if in a particular application only two ports for
the described system components are cast into manifold 151 (as
embodied and further shown in FIG. 9). The functioning of all the
preferred components is as follows. A pressure gauge 168 indicates
the pressure within the system and is monitored for indication that
ample pressure is available in the event that the sprinklers will be
activated. Over-pressurization of a closed system can occur, from
thermal expansion or other reasons. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a multi-function unitary valve system for
providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain/test fluid flow
capability is provided and illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. An
alternate embodiment of the multi-function unitary valve system for
providing pressure test, pressure relief, and drain/test fluid flow
capability is provided and illustrated in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG.
11.
Referring now to FIG. 13, valve 180, is shown in cross-sectional
view. Valve 180 consists of a standard globe valve body 182
(well-known to those skilled in the art) of a predetermined size
(readily selectable by those skilled in the art) and having a fluid
inlet side 183, a fluid outlet side 184 and having an internally
threaded upper portion 186. Disposed within the valve body 182 is a
valve seat 187 which is structured and arranged to engage a valve
washer 188. The valve washer 188 is preferably attached to valve
stem 190 by use of a metal screw 192 which is sized and arranged to
engage an internally threaded recess 193 disposed within the bottom
end 194 of valve stem 190 (preferably made of brass). The screw 192
is further secured to the valve stem 190 with the use of a screw
thread locking product, preferably the product known as "Loctite"
(TM) (preferably product #271 available from Loctite Corporation of
Newington, Conn.)]. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the use of a lock
washer 319, of the type readily selectable by one skilled in such
art, is preferably used to further secure the screw to the valve
stem 316 (and 190 in FIG. 13).
To accomplish pressure relief capability, valve 180 incorporates the
use of a valve stem helical spring 196 which exerts a predetermined
pressure on the valve stem bottom end 194 and the valve washer 188.
The valve stem helical spring 196 embodies herein an urging means
for urging such valve washer towards such valve seat 187; and it
also embodies an urger structured and arranged to urge such first
sealer towards such valve seat. The predetermined pressure is that
pressure which is required to maintain the valve washer 188 against
the valve seat 187 during standard fire sprinkler system operating
pressure. The "not to exceed" predetermined pressure for fire
sprinkler water systems is typically 175 psi. Upon a given fire
suppression system exceeding this predetermined pressure, valve
washer 188 will be displaced (provided that valve stem 190 is not
otherwise blocked from moving) from the valve seat 187 thereby
relieving system pressure (by releasing pressurized system fluid
through fluid outlet side 184) and thus preventing damage to the
system components. When the system pressure has returned to the
operating "not to exceed" pressure, spring 196 automatically urges
valve washer 188 against valve seat 187 thereby sealing the system
from further fluid loss.
Also shown in FIG. 13 is a valve riser 198, preferably made of a
metal material (brass), and having a threaded upper portion 199, a
threaded lower portion 200, and having an internal bore portion 202
therein. The threaded lower portion 200 of valve riser 198 is sized
to frictionally engage the internally threaded upper portion 186 of
valve body 182. To assist in maintaining a tight connection between
valve riser 198 and valve body 182, a thread tightening product,
preferably "Loctite" (TM), may be applied to the threaded lower
portion 200 of valve riser 198 and the internally threaded upper
portion 186 of valve body 182. Internal bore portion 202 comprises a
first bore section 204 and a second bore section 205. As shown in
FIG. 13, first bore section 204 has a diameter greater than the
second bore section 205 which is necessary to house spring 196 as
shown. The second bore section 205 is sized so as to allow for
unobstructed movement of the valve stem 190 therein when the valve
is arranged for pressure relief capability (locking plug 208 not
installed). As FIG. 13 further illustrates, the present invention
also provides for a valve handle 210, preferably of the rotary type
and preferably made of a metal material. Valve handle 210 comprises
a lower portion 211 having a lower internally threaded recess 212,
and an upper portion 214 having an upper internally threaded recess
215. Separating each respective recess 212 and 215 is a center
portion 216 having an axial hole 218 sized so as to allow
unobstructed movement of valve stem 190 therein when valve 180 is
arranged for pressure relief capability. The lower internally
threaded recess 212 of valve handle 210 is structured and arranged
for adjustable attachment to the threaded upper portion 199 of valve
riser 198. In operation, opening of valve 180 consists of
manipulating the valve handle 210 (preferably by manually turning
valve handle 210 counterclockwise) until the valve washer 188 is
displaced from the valve seat 187. To facilitate lifting of the
valve stem 190, a threaded fastener (preferably a stem bolt 220 as
further shown in FIG. 12) is attached, preferably by threaded
attachment, to the valve stem upper portion 222 (preferably having a
threaded portion). Preferably stem bolt 220 also secures a washer
221 and a substantially annular tension disk 224, preferably
consisting of a metal material and having a preferred thickness of
about 1/4 inch, for use in adjusting the tension on spring 196 so as
to more thoroughly ensure that when the system pressure achieves the
above mentioned "not-to-exceed" system pressure, the valve washer
188 is displaced from the valve seat 187. Stem bolt 220 embodies
herein an engagement means, structured and arranged for attachment
adjacent such upper portion of such valve stem, for engaging such
control means; and it also embodies an engaging element, structured
and arranged to attach to such valve stem adjacent such upper
portion of such valve stem and to engage such controller.
As shown in perspective in FIG. 12, the tension disk 224 is provided
with a concentric aperture 225, sized to allow unobstructed movement
of valve stem 190 therethrough, and is further provided with
substantially cylindrical outer surface threaded portion 235 which
is structured and arranged to engage the valve riser upper portion
199. Preferably, adjusting the tension in spring 196 consists of
engaging the outer surface threaded portion 235 with the valve riser
upper portion 199, and turning (in well known ways) the tension disk
224 so that it recedes into the internal bore portion 202. When so
positioned, the planar bottom surface 236 of tension disk 224 is in
contact with the top coil 238 of spring 196, as shown in FIG. 12.
Subsequent such turns of the tension disk 224 results in further
compression of spring 196 (with a resultant increase in spring
tension) resulting in a corresponding increase in the system
pressure required to unseat the valve washer 188 from the valve seat
187. The tension disk 224 embodies herein an adjustment means,
disposed within such internal bore, for adjusting such urging of
such urging means; and it also embodies an adjuster, disposed within
said internal bore, structured and arranged to adjust said urger. To
avoid accidental or unauthorized adjustment of the tension in spring
196, it is preferred (and often required by applicable safety codes)
that spring 196 be factory adjusted prior to installing the valve
180 in the particular fluid system and that the tension disk 224 be
secured after adjustment by a suitable thread tightening product,
preferably the aforementioned Loctite (TM) product. To prevent fluid
from escaping around valve stem 190 when the valve 180 is in an open
position, an O-ring-type gasket 226, of the kind readily selectable
by one with ordinary skill in such art, is attached to a
circumferential groove 228 on valve stem 190, as shown in FIG. 12.
Preferably, in one embodiment the valve 180 may also be structured
and arranged to pressure test fire suppression systems as described
below. Typically, hydrostatic pressure testing is required in piping
systems in order to ascertain the integrity of such systems against
leakage and/or faulty components. Commercial fire sprinkler systems
typically require a test pressure of approximately 200 psi. Since
the test pressure typically exceeds the system pressure which will
activate the pressure relief function, this embodiment provides for
a blocking plug 208 which is structured and arranged to block
movement of the valve stem 190 when the system "not to exceed"
pressure is exceeded. The blocking plug 208 is preferably made of a
metal material and has a bottom surface 229, a plug upper portion
230 with a slot 232 for adjustment and a cylindrical externally
threaded plug lower portion 231. Obtaining pressure test capability
is achieved by simply turning valve handle 210 until valve washer
188 is seated against valve seat 187. The blocking plug 208 is then
installed in valve handle 210 by attaching, preferably by a threaded
attachment, the externally threaded plug lower portion 231 to the
upper internally threaded recess 215 of valve handle 210. When
properly installed, the bottom surface 229 of blocking plug 208 is
seated against the valve stem top surface 234 as shown in FIG. 13.
To facilitate installation of blocking plug 208, the plug upper
portion 230 has, for example, as shown, a slot sized to fit a
typical flat end screwdriver. Upon completion of the pressure test,
relieving the fire suppression system of excess pressure consists of
simply turning the valve handle 210 until the valve washer 188 is
displaced from the valve seat 187 thereby allowing the pressurized
fluid to escape through the fluid outlet side 184. The use of the
blocking plug 208 has the further advantage of maintaining the stem
upper portion 222 disposed within the upper internal threaded recess
215 of valve handle 210 when the user is attempting to alleviate
system pressure. This arrangement effectively prevents the sudden
movement of the valve stem 190 which may come into contact and
injure the hand of the user.
Preferably valve 180 may be arranged for drain/test fluid flow
capability which is necessary to either drain the fire suppression
system or to check the integrity of the alarm system. As
hereinbefore discussed with respect to FIG. 13, opening of valve 180
consists of manipulating the valve handle 210 (preferably by
manually turning valve handle 210 counterclockwise). As the threads
on the lower internally threaded recess 212 travel along the
corresponding threads on the threaded upper portion 199 of valve
riser 198, the valve handle 210 rises (defined as the movement of
valve handle 210 away from the valve body 182). Continued turning of
valve handle 210 causes handle center portion 216 to exert pressure
on washer 221 and stem bolt 220 thereby raising the valve stem 190
which, in turn, causes the valve washer 188 to become displaced from
the valve seat 187. Closing of valve 180 consists of manipulating
the valve handle 210 (preferably by manually turning valve handle
210 clockwise) thereby lowering valve handle 210 (defined as
movement of valve handle 210 towards the valve body 182) and thus
allowing the tensile force in spring 196 to urge the valve washer
188 against the valve seat 187. A further advantage of the present
invention is that the valve handle 210 may be operated to open and
close the valve 180 even with the blocking plug 208 installed. As
hereinbefore discussed, this arrangement is beneficial in preventing
injury to the user when the user attempts to alleviate system
pressure following a pressure test. Further, the use of threaded
portions on the valve riser 198 and valve handle 210 allows for
gradual and smooth opening and closing of valve 180. This
arrangement is helpful in preventing the "water hammer" effect which
is caused when a flow of fluid through a fluid system is suddenly
halted thereby creating a reverberating pressure wave in the fluid
which may result in system damage.
Installation of valve 180 preferably comprises threaded attachment
of valve body to conveniently accessible portion of the test and
drain piping 156 (FIG. 1), preferably comprising threaded pipe, from
which the fire suppression fluid is removed from the fire
suppression system to either drain the system or check the alarm
system integrity.
Referring further to FIG. 12, the details of the valve stem 190 of
the present embodiment will now be disclosed. The valve stem 190 is
preferably made of a metal material and comprises a substantially
cylindrical upper stem portion 240 and a substantially cylindrical
lower stem portion 242 having a lower stem ledge portion 244 sized
to support the lower coil 245 of spring 196. As shown, valve stem
190 is structured so that the upper stem portion 240 has a smaller
diameter than the lower stem portion 242. The lower stem portion 242
is provided with a groove 228 structured and arranged to receive a
typical O-ring-type gasket 226, preferably comprising an essentially
rubber material. The valve stem 190 is sized and arranged for
concentric placement within the internal bore portion 202 such that
the lower stem portion 242 is adjacent the lower inner riser portion
213 of valve riser 198. When the valve stem 190 is structured and
arranged in the above-mentioned fashion, the O-ring gasket 226
always remains in contact with the lower inner riser portion 213 of
valve riser 198 even when the valve washer 188 is fully displaced
from the valve seat 187. This arrangement advantageously serves the
purpose of effectively insulating the spring from the system fluid,
thereby prolonging the life of spring 190. The O-ring gasket 226
embodies herein a second sealing means, attached to such lower
portion of such valve stem between such helical spring and such
valve seat, for essentially preventing such fluid from contacting
such helical spring; and it also embodies herein a second sealer,
attached to such lower portion of such valve stem, structured and
arranged to essentially prevent such fluid from contacting such
urger.
To provide a means to manually raise valve stem 190, the valve 180
is provided with an annular washer 221, of a type well known in such
art, which is structured and arranged to engage handle center
portion 216 when the valve 180 is manually opened in accordance with
the aforementioned disclosure accompanying FIG. 13. As shown in FIG.
12, the annular washer 221 is secured to the top surface 234 of
valve stem 190 by use of a stem bolt 220 fastener, preferably a
threaded fastener, which is structured and arranged for receipt by
the stem upper threaded recess 237. To prevent system fluid from
escaping past valve seat 187 when valve 180 is in a closed position,
the present embodiment of valve 180 is provided with a lower stem
ledge 247 structured and arranged to be integrally attached adjacent
the lower valve stem portion 242 of valve stem 190. Lower stem ledge
247 comprises a foot 241, preferably comprising a metal material,
having a substantially planar bottom end 194 sized to receive valve
washer 188. The valve washer 188, preferably comprising a
rubber-type material, is secured to the foot 241 with a metal screw
fastener 192, preferably comprising a threaded fastener.
Preferably, configuring valve 180 for pressure test capability is
achieved by simply turning valve handle 210 until the valve washer
188 is seated against valve seat 187 (such as shown in FIG. 13). The
blocking plug 208 is then installed in valve handle 210 by
attaching, preferably by a threaded attachment, the externally
threaded body 231 to the upper internally threaded recess 215 of
valve handle 210. When properly installed, the planar bottom surface
229 of blocking plug 208 is seated against the head top surface 223
of fastener, stem bolt 220. To facilitate attachment of the blocking
plug 208 in the aforementioned manner, slot 232 is provided in the
plug upper portion 230 which is structured and arranged to receive
the flat edge of a screwdriver or like device.
Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, incorporated on riser unit 150
is a flow switch 165 which utilizes its included sensing paddle 171
(as shown in FIG. 3) to monitor water flow within the interior of
manifold 151. In the event of sprinkler activation (or testing),
water flow through riser unit 150 is recognized by flow switch 165
which activates its integral electrical contacts and sends an
electrical signal through attached wiring (not shown). This
electrical signal may typically then be used to actuate an alarm or
bell within the residence and may additionally be used to notify a
fire station.
To functionally connect these components together, manifold 151 is
provided. Manifold 151 is a one-piece casting, preferably with
standard pipe thread connections at inlet 160, outlet 163, pressure
gauge port 154, and test and drain port 155, preferably as shown in
FIG. 2. Flow switch port 167 encompasses several embodiments further
described below. The two pedestals 152 for mounting the manifold 151
are preferably cast integrally with mounting holes 153 provided, as
shown. The longitudinal pipe means for guiding water flow from the
water supply pipe to the sprinkler system pipe is embodied by
manifold 151 which extends from a first end 160a at inlet 160 to a
second end 163a at outlet 163, both of which outlets preferably have
standard male, external pipe threads sized one inch N.P.T.
(embodying herein also a first longitudinal pipe, having a first end
and a second end, structured and arranged to connect to the water
supply pipe at such first end and to the sprinkler system pipe at
such second end). Located on manifold 151 (on its side facing
direction C, see especially FIG. 2), at about 90 degrees from the
first-mentioned side (facing direction B, hereinafter sometimes
called side B) of manifold 151, are first indicia, embodied by arrow
172, indicating a water flow direction, and second indicia, embodied
by port identifications 174, indicating port identifications. Also
located on manifold 151 (on its side facing in direction D,
sometimes hereinafter called side D), at about 270 degrees from
first side B of manifold 151, are third indicia (similar to said
first indicia) indicating a water flow direction and fourth indicia
(similar to said second indicia) indicating port identifications.
All these just-mentioned indicia preferably comprise symbols raised
above a surface level of manifold 151 Port identifications 174 are
preferably worded GAUGE, TEST & DRAIN, and FLOW. Port identification
174 located at flow switch port 167 additionally preferably has
adjacent to it arrow 172 indicating direction of water flow within
the manifold 151, as shown. Additional indicia 173 cast into
manifold 151 might include trade name and mark, part numbering,
patent numbering, manufacturer, and phone number, etc.
A perspective view of manifold 151 is shown in FIG. 2. The manifold
151 is preferably tubular in cross-section and preferably hollow its
full length. Extending transversely (perpendicularly) from the
longitudinal pipe means of manifold 151 and aligned in parallel
relation along a first side B of manifold 151 are multiple pipe
thread attachment means for attaching sprinkler system components to
manifold 151, such attachment means being embodied by: pressure
gauge port 154 which preferably has internal pipe threads sized
one-quarter inch N.P.T.; flow switch port 167 which preferably has
multiple embodiments as described below, and test, drain valve and
relief port 155 which preferably has external pipe threads sized
one-half inch N.P.T. It is noted that, although such test, drain and
relief valve ports are usually female and internal, the casting in
manifold 151 of male, external threads for such port provides an
efficient and direct connection to the usual test, drain and relief
valve (i.e., it saves requiring a nipple to be added to the port).
This arrangement also embodies herein that, extending transversely
from such longitudinal pipe and all aligned in parallel relation
along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, there are multiple
ports, each such port being structured and arranged to attach to at
least one sprinkler system component having at least one capability
selected from the group consisting of safety capabilities, test
capabilities, and monitoring capabilities. And it embodies also such
a system wherein each such port is structured and arranged to attach
to at least one sprinkler system component having at least one of
the following capabilities: a flow-switch capability for monitoring
delivery of the water flow to sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a
test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the
sprinkler system; a pressure-gauge capability for monitoring water
pressure in the sprinkler system; a relief-valve capability for
providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system. And it
further embodies a riser wherein such multiple ports comprises three
such ports in the following order in a direction from such first end
of such first longitudinal pipe to such second end of such first
longitudinal pipe: a first such port structured and arranged to
attach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least a
flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow to
sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such port structured
and arranged to attach to at least one sprinkler system component
having at least a test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and
draining the sprinkler system and a relief-valve capability for
providing over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system; a third
such port structured and arranged to attach to at least one
sprinkler system component having at least a pressure-gauge
capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system.
It is preferred (for embodiments like that of FIGS. 1 and 2) that
the system components be attached to the pipe thread attachments of
the ports of manifold 151 in the following order with respect to a
direction from the first end 160a at the pipe threads of inlet 160
to the second end 163a at the pipe threads of outlet 163: flow
switch means; test and drain and relief valve means; and pressure
gauge means. Also preferred in combination, for the reasons herein
for this described embodiment, are the following dimensions: for the
length of manifold 151, about thirteen inches; for the location of
the center of flow switch port 167 for flow switch 165, about three
inches from first end 160a of manifold 151; for the location of the
center of test and drain port 155 for test, drain and relief valve
166, about eight inches from first end 160a of manifold 151; and,
for the location of the center of pressure gauge port 154 for
pressure gauge 168, about eleven inches from first end 160a of
manifold 151.
The above preferred dimensions provide high efficiency in use of
space, etc. The largest diameter system component is usually the
pressure gauge, usually about three and one-half inches in diameter.
And the system component usually having longest longitudinal
extension for its port center line is the flow switch, usually about
three and 11/16 inches. Considering all of the above and the
importance and efficiency (in cost and space) of a minimum length
riser while preserving the ability to install the riser manifold for
support to either side, the herein illustrated and disclosed
arrangement and dimensions are an important part of the present
invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, and this
arrangement embodies herein that said first longitudinal pipe is no
more than about thirteen inches long.
Since the ports for the system components are all to one side (side
B) of the manifold 151, and since the support connections, as for
attachment to a beam of the residence, are all on the other side
(the side facing in the direction A, hereinafter sometimes called
side A) of the manifold 151, the manifold 151 may be connected
facing either way, i.e., to a left support beam/wall or to a right
support beam/wall. Furthermore, as indicated elsewhere herein,
manifold 151 has indicia on both manifold "facing" sides for
indicating flow direction and port identifications to a user from
either side. Also, it is noted that a control means, embodied by
handle 210, for operation of test, drain and relief valve 166 may be
attached so that handle 210 is facing in the illustrated direction,
i.e., on the side B of manifold 151.
Pedestals 152 are located on the side A (180 degrees from side B) of
manifold 151 and are oriented 180 degrees from the above-mentioned
system component ports, as shown. Each pedestal 152 includes a
mounting flange 159 attached to the manifold 151 by two stand-offs
157.
Manifold 151 is preferably cast in one piece (with all of its
features included in the casting) preferably of a cast alloy
material selected from the following group: brass, bronze, copper or
plastic. A suitable plastic material, for example, the material
called "CPVC Orange", approved for such uses, may preferably be
used. Wall thickness of the riser manifold is generally relatively
the same throughout and suitable for the water pressure used.
Several embodiments of the flow switch port 167 will now be
described. FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the flow
switch port 167. Manifold 151 incorporates a flanged port 167 for
the mounting of flow switch 165, as an alternate to a common
threaded flow switch port (not shown) of manifold 151. Flow switch
165 may, depending upon the type of flow switch preferred, have
several mounting embodiments and therefore multiple mounting
embodiments of the flow switch mounting flange are described. The
flanged port of manifold 151 includes a mounting flange 167, and is
designed for direct mounting of flow switch 63, as shown.
In one preferred embodiment, the interface of flow switch 165 to the
flanged port 167 of manifold 151 is mounting flange 175 which is
illustrated further by FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the
flow switch 165 mates and secures to mounting face 252 of mounting
flange 254 with screws 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are
provided in mounting flange 254 and are appropriately sized, spaced,
and oriented to be compatible with the mounting requirements of flow
switch 165. Mounting flange 254 also includes an equivalent and
appropriately sized counterbore recess 258 with depths and diameters
required for accepting the sensing paddle 171 and double O-ring
seals 248 and 249 respectively of the flow switch "male" mounting
flange 256. The flow switch 165 mounting flange 254 is embodied as
the "female" connection. When mounting the flow switch 165 (shown in
FIG. 1) to the manifold 151, the flow switch 165 must first be
disassembled. The method of disassembly is well known by those
skilled in the art. The sensing paddle 171 with O-ring seals 248 is
inserted into the counterbore recess 258 of the mounting flange 252
with the sensing paddle 171 oriented perpendicular to the axis of
the manifold 151. The flanged port 167 is then installed onto the
flange face 252 of the mounting flange 254, which firmly sandwiches
the O-ring seals 248 between the mounting flange 254 and the wall of
the counterbore recess 258, thus retaining the sensing paddle 171.
The flow switch may then be re-installed, and the cover 164
re-installed, all in a straightforward manner to those with ordinary
skill in the art. This embodies a system for connecting a flow
switch to a longitudinal pipe for monitoring water flow through such
longitudinal pipe, such flow switch being of the type comprising a
housing including a face plate, a sensing switch within such
housing, a sensing paddle outside such housing and connected by a
connector member through such face plate to such sensing switch,
screw attachments for connecting such face plate to a flange member,
and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial with such sensing paddle and
encircling such connector member, for sealing such
face-plate-to-flange connection, the steps of: providing an
attachment pipe extending transversely from such longitudinal pipe
along a first side of such longitudinal pipe, such attachment pipe
comprising, at an outer end of such attachment pipe, a flange,
comprising a cylindrical counterbore co-axial with such attachment
pipe, for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of such flow switch to
such attachment pipe in such manner that such flow switch may
monitor water flow through such longitudinal pipe; providing a such
disassembled such flow switch with such face plate, such sensing
paddle and connector member, and such seal member; inserting such
sensing paddle through such counterbore into such attachment pipe in
such manner that such seal member rests essentially within such
counterbore; connecting such face plate to such flange with such
screw attachments in such manner as to seal such
face-plate-to-flange connection with such sensing paddle in place
for such monitoring and permit such connector member to pass through
such face plate in position for connection to such sensing switch;
reconnecting such connector member to such sensing switch; and
reconnecting such housing to reassemble such flow switch.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan elevation view of flow switch
connection shown in FIG. 3 installed on the mounting flange 254 of
manifold 151. Preferably, the male mounting flange 256 flange face
260 mates and secures to mounting face 252 of mounting flange 254
with screws 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are provided in
mounting flange 254 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and
oriented, to be compatible with the mounting requirements of flow
switch 165. Mounting flange 254 also includes an equivalent and
appropriately-sized counterbore recess 258 with depths and diameters
required for accepting the sensing paddle 171 and double O-ring
seals 248 and 249 respectively of the flow switch "male" mounting
flange 256. The flow switch 165 mounting flange 254 is embodied as
the "female" connection. The sensing paddle 171 with O-ring seals
248 is inserted into the counterbore recess 258 of the mounting
flange 252 with the sensing paddle 171 oriented perpendicular to the
axis of the manifold 151. The flanged port 167 is then installed
onto the flange face 252 of the mounting flange 254, which firmly
sandwiches the O-ring seals 248 between the mounting flange 254 and
the wall of the counterbore recess 258, thus retaining the sensing
paddle 171. This arrangement embodies herein a flange connection
constructed and arranged for direct no-pipe-thread attachment of a
flow switch of the type comprising a housing including a face plate,
a sensing switch within the housing, a sensing paddle outside the
housing and connected by a connector member through the face plate
to the sensing switch, screw attachments for connecting the face
plate to a flange member, and a cylindrical seal member, co-axial
with the sensing paddle and encircling the connector member, for
sealing a face-plate-to-flange-member connection. The arrangement of
FIGS. 3 and 4 also embodies herein such a flange connection
comprising: a flange; a smooth female bore central to such flange of
such flange connection; wherein such flange comprises at least two
flange connectors each structured and arranged to assist a
connection to the flow meter.
This last-discussed preferred embodiment of this invention, using a
flanged mounting, provides many advantages over a pipe-threaded
mounting, e.g., it provides a simple "bolt on" mounting, not
requiring large wrenches or pipe thread sealing means, such as
Teflon tape or pipe dope; it eliminates an unnecessary joint; it
eliminates the need for the large specialty adapter/mounting fitting
which is typically supplied with the flow switch; proper orientation
of the flow switch is automatically established, as the flange is
permanently located; and the switch does not need to be rotated to
be installed, therefore its large housing doesn't require "extra"
clearance from other nearby obstructions.
Another alternate preferred embodiment of the flow switch connection
is illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the flow
switch 165 mates and secures to mounting face 266 of mounting flange
269 with screws 250, as shown. Threaded holes 253 are provided in
mounting flange 269 and are appropriately sized, spaced, and
oriented, to be compatible with the mounting requirements of flow
switch 165. Mounting flange 269 also includes an equivalent and
appropriately sized "male" connection 274, preferably cylindrical,
preferably with double O-ring seals 263 and 264 set in grooves 275
and 276. The flow switch 165 mounting flange 271 is embodied as the
"female" connection. When mounting the flow switch 165 (shown in
FIG. 6), the sensing paddle 267 is inserted into the counterbore
recess 262 of the mounting flange 269 with the sensing paddle 267
oriented perpendicular to the axis of the manifold 151. The flanged
port 262 is then installed onto the male connection 274 and attached
at the flange face 266 of the mounting flange 269, which firmly
sandwiches the O-ring seals 263 and 264 between the mounting flange
269 and the wall of the counterbore recess 262, thus retaining the
sensing paddle 267 and providing a seal in the counterbore recess
262 of the flow switch 165. This arrangement embodies herein a such
flange connection comprising: a flange; a male hollow round cylinder
element extending outwardly and centrally from such flange; wherein
such male hollow round cylinder element comprises at least one
external sealer structured and arranged to seal a flow meter of the
type comprising a female bore connector; wherein such flange
comprises at least two flange connectors each structured and
arranged to assist a connection to the flow meter.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the flow switch 165 connection
is illustrated in FIG. 7 AND FIG. 8. Preferably a flow switch
attachment is made with a screw thread 280 type attachment as shown
in FIG. 7. Manifold 151 has an attached port 278 protruding from
manifold 151 with exterior screw threads 280. Preferably the screw
threads 280 are "buttress" type threads that form a compressive seal
when a matching screw thread nut 286 is attached as shown in FIG. 8.
In this embodiment of the flow switch 165 connection, the flow
switch has a matching "female" screw thread nut 286 adapter to fit
the screw threads 280 of the manifold 151 of the riser unit 150
(shown in FIG. 2). Preferably, when the flow switch 165 is installed
on the riser manifold 151 screw threads 280, the flow switch 165
mates and secures to mounting face 282 of mounting flange 289 with a
compression fit, as illustrated in FIG. 8. An O-ring 288 set in a
groove 293 at the face 290 of the flow meter flange 292 forms a seal
as it is compressed against the flange face 282 of the mounting
flange 279. When mounting the flow switch 165 (shown in FIG. 8), the
sensing paddle 294 is inserted into the internal bore recess 284 of
the mounting flange 279 with the sensing paddle 290 oriented
perpendicular to the axis of the manifold 151. The threaded port 278
is then installed onto the female connection screw nut 286 and
attached at the flange face 282 of the mounting flange 279, which
firmly sandwiches the O-ring seal 288 between the mounting flange
279 and the face 290 of the flow meter flange 292, thus retaining
the sensing paddle 294 and providing a seal. This arrangement
embodies herein a such flange connection comprising: a flange;
wherein such flange comprises external threads structured and
arranged to match internal threads of a flow meter connection
element; and wherein an outer face of such flange comprises a flat
surface structured and arranged for sealing against a face of the
flow meter connection element.
FIG. 9 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the riser
unit 300. With particular reference to FIG. 9, the riser unit 300 is
a component of a water sprinkler system for a residential fire
protection system similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1. The riser
unit 300 includes components with capabilities for monitoring
delivery of water to the sprinklers, monitoring water pressure,
providing system over-pressure relief, and testing and draining the
water sprinkler system. Riser unit 300 incorporates a riser manifold
unitary means preferably embodied by the one-piece manifold 301 to
assist in making connections to the above-mentioned components as
well as water system connections, all as hereinafter described.
Manifold 301 is similar in construction to manifold 151 (see FIG. 1)
except as noted below with respect to the ports. Manifold 301
incorporates similar support means (for assisting attachment of the
riser manifold unitary means to the structure) embodied by two
pedestals 152 for stabilizing of the riser unit 301 by attachment of
the riser unit 301 to a convenient location of the residence's
structure. The riser unit 300 connects the residence's water piping
to the sprinkler system by two connections onto manifold 301 as
previously described with respect to FIG. 1 with respect to riser
150. Manifold 301 includes pipe thread attachment locations (on its
side facing direction B, as shown in FIG. 9) for system components
as illustrated: flow switch means embodied by flow switch 165; test,
drain and relief valve means embodied by test, drain and relief
valve 304; pressure gauge means embodied by pressure gauge 168.
With particular reference to FIG. 9, the riser unit 300 includes
means for conveniently grouping, connecting and securely mounting
various components of a fire prevention water sprinkler system; and
it embodies herein a riser wherein such multiple ports comprises two
such ports in the following order in a direction from such first end
of such first longitudinal pipe to such second end of such first
longitudinal pipe: a first such port structured and arranged to
attach to at least one sprinkler system component having at least a
flow-switch capability for monitoring delivery of the water flow to
sprinklers of the sprinkler system; a second such port structured
and arranged to attach to at least two sprinkler system components
each having at least one of the following capabilities: a
test-and-drain-valve capability for testing and draining the
sprinkler system, a relief-valve capability for providing
over-pressure relief for the sprinkler system, a pressure-gauge
capability for monitoring water pressure in the sprinkler system.
And it further embodies an arrangement where |