Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC

David L Royse

Richard L Ulrich

Timothy Decker

Donald Bruce LaRue

William A Hagen

Robert E Hopmann

Bruce LaRue

Donald Bruce Larue

Systems and methods for the remote testing of a paddle-type flow detector, such as are common in fire protection systems. Specifically, the systems and methods provide for mechanical movement of the vane to test activation of the flow detector under a flow condition, and which measure the amount of time the vane takes to return to the ready position to verify the presence of a paddle on the vane.

Systems and methods for remote testing of a flow switch

A single-piece manifold comprising a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a main conduit adapted for fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet is disclosed. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and first and second check valves positioned across the main conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough until the sprinkler system is activated. The single-piece manifold has a reduced pressure arrangement comprising a valve member that vents water that may build up between the first and second check valves in order to prevent the back flow of contaminated water from the sprinkler system to the water supply.

Single-piece manifold with reduced pressure arrangement

A universal valve switch for signaling the operative state of a valve assembly is disclosed that is attached to the body of the valve assembly using a bracketing arrangement. The valve switch comprises a housing defining a chamber and an aperture formed through the housing that communicates with the chamber. The valve switch may include a contact arrangement having a spring-loaded plunger that is extendable through the aperture with the plunger being operatively associated with the contact arrangement for selectively transmitting a signal to a remote panel whenever the lever is rotated out of contact with the plunger. In other embodiments, the contact arrangement may be replaced with various types of sensor assembly.

Universal valve switch

A single-piece manifold for use with a residential or other building sprinkler system is disclosed which comprises a body having an inlet in communication with a water supply and an outlet that communicates with a sprinkler system having a conduit adapted for fluid flow formed between the inlet and the outlet. The body includes a main valve that provides a means of manually shutting off communication with the water supply and a combination pressure relief and test valve for draining and testing the sprinkler system. A pair of check valves are positioned across the conduit for preventing fluid flow therethrough when the sprinkler system is inactive with a space being defined between the first and second check valves for communication with a vent passageway. The vent passageway communicates with atmosphere and prevents false alarms due to water surges in the supply line.

Single-piece manifold

A valve monitoring switch is operated by an adjustable length rod whose end senses the position of a valve, for example, a water supply valve. The rod, enclosed by an assembly-mounting nipple, is so pivot-mounted as to be capable of movement in a planar arc, whose plane is substantially coincident with or parallel to the component of valve movement as between its open and closed positions. When the rod is pivoted through a small arc of movement, against the bias of conventional electrical switches, they signal the valve position or its change. To effect installation without damage to the switch assembly, an angularly adjustable mounting socket for the nipple is provided; also, the rod length is adjustable, so that during installation it may be retracted alongside the electrical switch assembly; and after installation may be extended to and fixed in a position in which it will sense the state of the valve.

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Wildwood, MO, United States of America

David L Royse