Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
T'~iS iS a division of Application Serial No. 423,436,
filed March 11, 1983.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONTROL OF SMOKE
AND FIRE IN BUILDINGS
Backyround of the Invention
Field of the Invention. My invention relates to
methods and apparatus for the control of smoke and fire
in buildings.
Description of the Prior Art. The term "prior art"
_
as used herein or in any statement made by or for applicant
means ~y that any document or thing referred to as prior
art bears, directly or inferentially, a date ~hich is
earlier than the effective fi.ling date hereof.
Smoke control systems for buildings are known in the
art, and are disclosed, for example, in at least some of the
patents listed hereinbelow.
The following United States patents were adduced by a
preliminary patentability search, and thus it is believed
that each of them contains information which might be con-
sidered to be material to the examination of this application.
No representation or admissions are made by the citation cf
these patents:
3,734,114; 3,350,996; 3,739,707; 3,741,101; 3,786,739;
3,800,687; 3,818,816; 3,821,923; 3,884,133; 3,912,223;
3,951,051; 3,955,323; 3,981,317; 4,033,246; 4,047,475;
4,059,253; 4,080,978; 4,243,175.
However, none of the smoke or smoke and fire control
methods or apparatus of the prior art appear to achieve the
degree of control of the smoke and fire produced by building
fires which is desired by fire safety systems designers and
fire safety authorities.
Summary of the In~ention
Accordingly, it is an o~ject of my invention to provide
methods and apparatus for exhausting smoke and hot gases from
buildings during fires and thus improving access and visibility
for fire fighting efforts, which methods and apparatus function
more efficiently than do those of -the prior art.
It is another object of my invention to provide methods
and apparatus for exhausting smoke and hot gases from buildings
during fires, and thus to allow enough time for persons to eva-
cuate the premises without harm, and further allow fire fighting
efforts to proceed rapidly because less time is required to lo-
cate the seat of the fire, which methods and apparatus function
more efficiently than do those of the prior art.
It is yet another object of my invention to provide ap-
paratus for e~hausting smoke and hot gases from buildings during
fires, which apparatus is less complex and costly and more easily
maintained without the employment of highly specialized and ex-
pensive maintenance labour than is the case with the methods and
apparatus of the prior act.
It is a further object of my invention to provide methods
and apparatus for increasing the operating efficiency of
building fire control sprinkler systems.
It is yet a further object of my invention to provide
smoke or smoke and fire control systems which are adapted for
wide application, i.e., in residences as well as commercial
buildings.
It is an additional object of my invention to provide
smoke or smoke and fire control systems which can be readily
installed in many existing buildings without the retrofitting
of duct systems.
~0 -2-
Other objects of my invention will in par-t be obvious
and will in part appear hereinafter.
My invention, accordingly, comprises the several steps
and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect
to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying features
of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements
of parts, which are adapted to effect such steps, all as
exemplified in the following disclosure, and the scope of
the present invention will be indicated in the appended claims.
In accordance with a principal feature of the presen-t
invention, smoke and fire control systems are provided which
comprise smoke control valve means, smoke responsive means
for opening said valve means in response to the presence of
smoke in the vicinity of said valve means, and heat responsive
means for closing said valve means in response to heat in the
vicinity of said valve means.
In accordance with another principal feature of my in-
vention, such smoke and fire control systems further comprise
means for initiating the operation of smoke extracting means
for extracting smoke from the vicinity of said valve means
when smoke is present in the vicinity of said valve means.
In accordance with yet another principal feature of
my invention, smoke and fire control systems for buildings
comprise smoke exhaust control valves which also function as
curtain boards.
In accordance with an additional principal feature of
my invention, smoke and fire control systems for buildings
comprise valve means which normally close smoke exhaust duct
openings, and which drop downward to unblock said openings
and at the same time function as curtain boards in response
to the occurrence of smoke in the vicinity of a particular
one of said openings.
~3--
In accordance with a yet further feature of my invention,
a smoke and fire con-trol valve for controlling the passage of
smoke through a smoke exhaust duct opening comprises first and
second valve means for selectively opening or closing said open-
ing.
In accordance with another feature of my invention, one
of said valve means is controlled by the presence of smoke ln
the vicinity of said opening, and the other one of said valve
means is controlled by the temperature of the smoke and hot gases
passing throuyh said opening.
In accordance with another feature of my invention, the
lower one of the said two vaIve means is so constructed and
arranged as to serve as a curtain board when it is not blocking
said opening.
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of
my invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a sectional view in elevation of a small
residence equipped with a smoke control system of my invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 are elevational views in section of a
smoke control valve embodying my invention in two different
states of operation;
Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view in elevation of a
small residence equipped with a smoke control system of my
invention;
Fig. 5 is a pictorial view of a smoke control valve of
my invention which is substantially identical to the smoke con-
trol valv~ shown in Figs. 2 and 3;
_ ~ _
Figs. 6 and 7 show in elevational cross-section t~Jo
commercial buildings ceiling cons-tructions which are particularly
adapted to the incorporation of a smoke control system of my in-
vention;
Fig. 8 shows a type of ceiling construction which re-
quires tha~ the smoke control valve of Figs. 2 and 3 be modified
for adaptation thereto;
Fig. 9 shows an alternative smoke control valve structure
embodying my invention;
Fig. 10 shows a smoke control valve system of my inven-
tion in a hotel or the like in which the smoke control valves are
of the type shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a schematic representation, in part only, of
a smoke control system embodying my invention.
Fig. 12 is a pictorial representation in vertical section
of a two-element smoke and fire control valve embodying my inven-
tion;
Fig. 12a is a partial view of the two-element smoke and
fire control valve of Fig. 12, taken on line 12a-12a;
Fig. 13 is a pictorial representation of a corridor ceil-
ing installation of a plurality of two-element smoke and fire
control valves of my invetnion and the sprinkler heads with which
they coact in accordance with the principles of my invention; and
Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the control cir-
c~it of the two-element smoke and fire control valve of my inven-
tion sho~n in Fig. 12.
-5-
Detailed Descri~tion of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
As will hereinafter become apparent to those having or-
dinary skill in the fire protection engineering ar-t, the follow-
ing detailed description comprises two principal parts, viz.,
(1) a detailed description of certain methods, apparata, and
systems embodying my invention which are sometimes referred to
herein as "smoke control" methods, apparata, and systems, and
~2) a detailed description of certain methods, apparata, and
systems embodying my invention which are sometimes referred to
herein as "fire control" nethods, apparata, and systems.
As will be made apparent hereinafter, smoke control
methods, apparata, and systems embodying my invention have a
relatively broad field of application, ranging from small
residences to large hotels, office buildings, warehouses, and
factories; whereas fire control methods, apparata, and systems
embodying my invention, which comprise conventional automatic
sprinkler methods, apparata, and systems, have a relatively
limited field of application, i.e., large buildings, such as
hotels, office buildings, warehouses, factories, and the like,
wherein the provision of automatic sprinXler systems is economi-
cally justified or legally required.
Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown in cross-section
a small residence 10 which is provided with a smoke control
system embodying my invention.
As seen in Fig. 1, residence 10 comprises a lower floor
12, an upper floor 14, and an attic or crawl space 16. A smoke
control device 20 embodying my invention is installed in a verti-
cal partition 22 located between upper floor 14 and attic or crawl
space 16, directly above a staircase 24. Smoke control device 20
is shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and will be described in detail herein-
after in connection with those figures.
--6--
~ ~J~
Returning to Fig. 1, there is shown a smoke detector
housing 26 containing a smoke de-tector of well-known type, such
as a photoelectxic type smoke detector or an ionization type
smoke detector. Smoke detec-tor housing 26 and the smoke detector
it contains are both parts of smoke detector device 20.
As also seen in Fig. 1, attic or crawl space 16 is pro-
vided with a-t least one ventilator 28, which is a shielded opening
communicating directly between attic 16 and the free space outside
residence 10.
As also seen in Fig. 1, smoke control device 20 comprises
a pair of louvers 30,32 by means of which an air and smoke open-
ing 34 deîined by the frame of smoke control device 20 and extend-
ing between upper floor 1~ and attic 16 can selectively be opened
or closed.
As explained hereinbelow in connection with Figs. 2 and
3, louvers 30, 32, which are normally closed, are provided with
spring means by which they are resiliently biased toward their
open position, and arefurt~.er provided with solenoid operated
latching means whereby they are normally latched in their closed
position, but can be released to assume their open position when
the latch operating solenoid means is m~-~lentarily energized in
response to a signal produced by the smoke detector contained in
housing 26. This smoke detector produces a solenoid energizing
signal whenever it is excited by a quantity of smoke in its im-
mediate vicinity in excess of a predetermlned quantity.
It is to be particularly noted that in accordance withprinciples of my invention the smoke detector in housing 26 may
be made less sensitive than the common household smoke detectors,
or provided with signal integrating means which prevent the oc-
currence of the solenoid energizing signal unless excessive smokehas been detected for a predetermined interval, or both.
--7--
6~
As explained in de~il hereinafter in connection with
Fig. 2 and 3, smoke control device 20 further comprises heat
responsive means whereby louvers 30, 32 are released to assume
their closed position under the influence of gravity whenever the
temperature of the air and smoke passing through opening 34 ex-
ceeds a predetermined value.
In view of the above, then, it will be seen by those hav-
ing ordinary skill in the art that the method of operation of the
smoke control device 20 of my invention can be described as follows.
1. Smoke 36 from a fire in residence 10, e.g., a fire
in sofa 38, rises in the known manner and reac~es the smoke detec-
tor in housing 26.
2. The smoke detector in housing 26 energizes a re-
lease mechanism, allowing the springs associated with louvers 30,
32 to move louvers 30, 32 to their open position.
3. The smoke detector in housing 26 also energizes an
exhaust fan 40 (not shown in Fig. 1) associated with ventilator
28, and thus smoke 36 is withdrawn from the living spaces of
residence 10 through opening 34, giving the occupants time to de-
part safely and take steps to extinguish the fire in sofa 38 with-
out danger of asphyxiation.
4. If the fire in sofa 38 is not extinguished, but
rather grows in intensity, the temperature of the air and smoke
passing through opening 34 actuates said heat responsive means,
and thus louvers 30, 32 are released to return to their closed
position under the influence of gravity, eliminating the draft
created by exhaust fan 40 which otherwise would continue to ex-
acerbate the fire which originated in sofa 38.
5~ In the particular embodiment of my invention in-
stalled in residence 10 said heat responsive means also ser~esto de-energize exhaust fan 40. By way o~ example only, a snap-
action switch 42 (Figs. 2 and 3) may be operated by louver 32
--8--
i L~
to alternately energize and de-energize exhaust fan 40.
Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, the construction and
operation of smoke control device 20 will be explained in detail.
Fig. 2 shows smoke control device 20 in its "louvers
closed" state; and Fig. 3 shows smoke control device 20 in its
"louvers open" state.
In these figures, the vertical partition in which smoke
control device 20 is mounted is designated by the reference number-
al 22.
The principal body portion of smoke control device 20
is an open frame 44 which defines the abovesaid smoke opening 34.
Frame 44 is fixedly mounted in a close-fitting opening 46 cut in
partition 22 for that purpose, and is preferably air-tightly seal-
ed in opening 46 by means well-known to those having ordinary
skill in the fire protection engineering art.
Louvers 30, 32 are pivotably mounted on pivot rods 48,
50 respectively. Pivot rods 48, 50 are themselves fixedly mount-
ed in suitable corresponding pairs of bores in the side walls of
frame 44. Thus, louver 30 is pivotable about the axis of pivot
rod 48, which itself is immovable with respect to frame 44;
and louver 32 is pivotable about the axis of pivot rod 50, which
itself is immovable with respect to frame 44.
As may be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the axis of pivot rod
48 is located well above the center of gravity of louver 30, and
thus louver 30 has a natural tendency to assume its closed
position unless acted upon by external forces other than gravity.
Similarly, louver 32 has a natural tendency to assume its closed
position unless acted upon by external forces other than gravity.
A latching hook 52 is fixedly mounted upon louver 30 so
,as to be immovable with respect to iouver 30; and a latching
hook 54 is fixedly mounted upon louver 32 so as to be immovable
with respect to louver 32.
3;~
~ vertical side member 56 of a latching yoke 58 is
mounted upon the rear face of one side member of frame 44 by means
of slicle bracke-ts 60 and 62. Similarly, a second vertical side
member 64 (not shown) of latching yoke 58 is mounted upon the
other side member o, frame 44 by means of slide brackets 66 and 68
(not shown). The side members 56 and 64 of latching yoke 58 are
rigidly interconnected by means of two latching bars 70, 72.
Thus, it will be seen that latching yoke 58 -takes the
form of a rigid fr~me, consisting principally of side members 56
and 64 and latching bars 70 and 7~, which are rigidlv affixed to
side members 56 and 64.
As will also be evident to those having ordinary s~ill
in the art, informed by the present disclosure, latching yoke 58
is vertically slidable with respect to frame 44, but mounted at
a fixed distance therefrom, by means of slide brackets 60, 62, 66,
and 68.
Further, the upper ends of side members 56 and 64 are
interconnected by means of a straight structural member 74, to
which is attached a coil spring 76.. The upper end of coil spring
76 is affixed to a bracket 78 which is itself affixed to the upper
transverse member of frame 44. Thus, latching yoke 58 is
spring-biased toward its uppermost position, which may be deter-
mined by a suitable stop (not shown).
As also seen in Figs. 2 and 3, a solenoid 80 is affixed
to the lower transverse member of frame 44. The upper end of the
plunger 82 of solenoid 80 is affixed to latching bar 72, prefer-
ably centrally thereof.
As will now be apparent to thcse havingordinary skill in
the art, informed by the present disclosure, whenever solenoid
80 is energized by its energizing connections 84 latching yoke 58
is drawn downwardly against the urging of spring 76 at least
far enough so that latching bars 70 and 72 clear the lower ends
--10--
of the hook portions 52', 54' of their respective associated latch-
ing hooks 52 and 54.
As also seen in Figs 2 and 3, louver 30 is resiliently
biased toward its open position by a coil spring 86; and louver
32 is resiliently biased toward its open position by a coil spring 88.
In accordance with the principles of my invention, ener-
gizing current for solenoid 80 is provided by a smoke detector
circuit 90 contained within smoke detector housing 26 whenever the
concentration of s~oke in housing 26 exceeds a predetermined value.
Smoke detector circuits suitable for use as smoke detector 90
are well-known to those having ordinary skill in the fire pro-
tection engineering art, and will be provided by the same without
the exercise of invention. In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3,
housing 26 contains a suitable battery (not shown) by means of
which energy for operating smoke detector circuit 90 and solenoid
80 is provided. It is to be understood, however, that in alter-
native embodiments of my invention smoke detector circuit 90, and
thus solenoid 80, will preferably be power-line operated, since it
is well-known to those having ordinary skillin the art that van-
dals are sometimes prone to steal the operating power supplyingbatteries even of safety devices upon which the preservation of
human lives may depend.
Returning to Figs. 2 and 3, it will be seen that a
bracket 92 affixed to one side member of frame 44 has journalled
upon it a pair of pulleys 94, 16. Bracket 92 also includes an
ear 98 to which are affixed respective ends of two fusible links
100, 102. Links 100, 102 are fabricated from Wood's metal or
other suitable materials, so configured and compounded as to melt
at the smoke and air temperature at which it is desired that
louvers 30 and 32 automatically close. The ends of fusible links
100, 102 opposite ear 98 are respectively connected to the ends
of coil springs 86 and 88 remote from louvers 30, 32 by means of
cable segments 104 and 106. The other ends of coil springs 86
and 88 are connected respectively to louvers 30, 32 by means of
suitable ears 108, 110.
Also seen in Figs. 2 and 3 is the snap-action switch
42 by means of which the abovesaid exhaust fan 40 is energized
(when louvers 30, 32 are open), and de-energized (when louvers 30,
32 are closed.)
As will now be apparent to those having ordinary skill
10 in the art, informed by the present disclosure, the smoke control
device 20 of the particular embodiment of my invention shown in
Figs. 1 through 3 operates as follows.
Smoke control device 20 is normally closed, as shown in
Fig. 2.
When smoke detector circuit 90 experiences a level of
smoke concentration in excess of said predetermined value, sole-
noid 80 is energi zed, and thus latching yoke 58 is drawn downward-
ly against the urging of spring 76.
When latching bars 70 and 72 are deflected below the
20 lower ends of latching hook portions 52', 54', louvers 30, 32
under the urging of coil springs 86, 88, respectively, spring to
their open positions, thus permitting smoke 36 to enter attic 16
through opening 34.
At the same time, the closing of switch 42, occasioned
25 by the opening of louver 32, energized said exhaust fan 40, which
results in the reduction of the air pressure in attic 16. It
follows that the smoke 36 produced by the fire in sofa 38 is drawn
into attic 16 though opening 34, rather than being allowed to
collect in residence 10 and thus make both egress from residence
30 10 and attempts to suppress the fire in sofa 38 hazardous, due to
the danger of smoke inhalation and asphyxiation.
~12--
It w 11 also now be aDparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art that if the fire which started in sofa 38 is
not rapidly e~inguished, but rather grows in intensity, the tem-
perature of -the smoke and air passing through opening 34 will rise
until it reaches said predetermined value, at which time fusible
links 100, 102, will melt, and louvers 30, 32 will return to their
closed positions, cutting off the draft which would otherwise tend
to exacerbate the fire which originated in sofa 38. At the same
time, upon the return of louver 32 to its closed position, switch
42 is opened, and thus e~haust fan 40 in de-energized.
It is to be particularly noted that smoke control methods
apparatus, and systems of my invention are not limited to -the
particular smoke control device and system 20 described herein-
above, nor to the method of operation thereof which is-described
hereinabove.
For example, the ambient pressure in attic 16 may be
reduced by exhaust fan 40 (Fig. 4) which is powered by line cur-
rent supplied via conductors 112, 114, which themselves are con-
nected to the output terminals of a relay 116, which is connected
to power line conductors 118, 120, and controlled by smoke detec-
tor circuit gO via control conductors 122, 124.
Alternatively, it may be sufficient in some systems em-
bodying my invention to rely upon naturally occurring air circu-
lation to reduce the ambient pressure in attic 16, and thus with-
draw smoke 36 from residence 10.
Further, the louvers of the smoke control device or de-
vices of certain embodiments of my invention may be increased in
number ~bove two, and may be driven by suitable servo motor means,
rather than solenoid operated.
-13-
Yet fur~her, the louvers of the smoke detector or de-
tec-tors of certain embodiments of my invention may be servomotor
driven to their closed positions under the control of a suitable
bimetal switch or the like, whereby the necessity for replacing
fusible links after each operation of the smoke control device is
elimiated.
In each embodiment of the smoke control devices and
systems of my invention, however, there is provided smoke control
valve means, smo~e responsive means for opening said va]ve means
in response to the presence of smoke in the vicinity of said
valve means, and heat responsive means for closing said valve
means in response to heat in the vicinity of said valve means
which exceeds a predetermined value.
It is further to be understood that the smoke control
devices and systems of my invention are not limited to use in
small residences, and indeed not limited to use inresidences.
For example, a smoke con ~^ol valve 126 (Fig. 5), gen-
erally resembling ~moke control valve 20 but of more rùgged con-
struction, may be, within the scope of my invention, used in the
roofs of warehouses or other industrial buildings (Fig. 6), or
in the ceilings of corridors of hotels and the like (Fig. 7).
The style of roofs or corridor ceilings shown in Figs. 6 and 7 are
to be understood to constitute particular features of my invention,
since while embodying my invention they at the same time provide
segmentation of the roof or ceiling area in the manner of well-
known curtain boards.
It is further to be understood that my invention is not
limited to use in the particular types of roof or ceiling contruc-
tion shown in Figs. 6 and 7, nor to the particular types of smoke
control device structure adapted for use in the vertical position.
Rather, it is within the scope of those havingordinary skill in
the art to provide alternative louver drive means for operating
-14-
6~
the louvers of embodiments of my smoke control device invention
which can be mounted in a pitched roof 128 (Fig. 8).
It will, of course, be apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art that when smoke control devices of my
invention are employed in -the ceilings of ho-tel corridors and the
like they must communicate with above-ceiling smoke exhaust ducts.
The provision of such above-ceiling smoke exhaust ducts in both
old and new building constructions is within -the scope of those
having ordinary skil] in the building design art, informed by the
present disclosure.
~eferring now to Fig. 9, there is shown an alternative
form of smoke control device 130 embodying my invention in which
the vanes 132 which together close the central air and smoke open-
ing 133 are collectively driven between their open position (solid
lines) and their closed position (dashed lines) by a servo motor
134, which is itself maintained in said central opening by means
of a spider 136. As will be seen by those having ordinary skill
in the art, informed by the present disclosure, servo motor 134
(through suitable gearing, not shown) rotates a lead screw 138
with which is engaged a nut 140. The inner ends of the vanes 132
are all engaged with nut 140 in such manner as to be opened and
closed as nut 140 advances or retreats along lead screw 138.
Smoke control device 130 also comprises a smoke detector 142 and
a temperature detector 144 which are interconnected with servo
motor 134 for the opening and closing of vanes 132 in accordance
with principles of my invention explained hereinabove in connection
with the smoke control device of Figs. 2 and 3.
That is to say, when vanes 132 are in their closed
position smoke detector 142 responds to smoke exceeding a pre-
determined minimum in its vicinity by providing a signal to
an intermediate circuit (not shown) which then causes servo motor
134 to so rotate lead screw 138 as to drive vanes 132 from their
closed position to their open position; and when vanes 132 are in
theix open position and temperature detector 144 senses a tempera-
ture in excess of a predetermined limit, e.g., 135F., then
temperature detector 144 provides a signal to said intermediate
circuit, which then causes servo motor 134 to rotate lead screw
138 in the opposite direction, and thus to drive vanes 132 to
their closed position.
-16-
g
The provision of said intermediate circuit and related
means for thus controlling the opening and closing of vanes 132
in response to signals from smoke detector 142 and temperature
detector 144, including limit setting switch means for limiting
the travel of vanes 132 toward their extremes of motion, is with-
in the scope of those havingordinary skill in the art, informed
by the present disclosure. ~
Referring now to Fig. 10, there is shown a portion of
a multi-story '~uilding equipped with a smoke control system
embodying my invention and comprising smoke control devices of
the type shown in Fig. 9.
As seen in Fig. 10, building 150 is two-story building
comprising alower corridor 152 and an upper corridor 154. The
ceiling 156 or corridor 152 s provided with a plurality of the
smoke control devices of Fig. 9, 160, 162, 164, and the ceiling
158 of corridor 154 is provided with a plurality of the smoke
control devices of Fig. 9, 166, 168, 170.
Each of the smoke control devices 160, 162, 164, communi-
cates directly with the interior of a horizontal duct 172, and
each of the smoke control devices 160, 168, 170 communicates
directly with the interior of a horizontal duct 174. Duct 172
is located between the ceiling 156 of Corridor 152 and the floor
176 of corridor 154. Duct 174 is located between the ceiling
158 of corridor 154 and the roof 178 of building 150.
Ducts 172 and 174 are interconnected by means of a
vertical duct 180 which itself passes through roof 178 and is
joined to an exhaust fan 182 which is mounted on roof 178.
Thus, it will be seen by those having ordinary skill in
the art, informed by the present disclosure, that every smoke
control device 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 184, 186, etc.,.
mountedin the ceilings of the corridors of building 150 is in
direct communication with a duct system which terminates at
-17-
exhaust fan 182 and can be contlnuous~y exhausted by the opera-
tion of exhaust fan 182.
In the manner taught hereinabove, each smoke control
device comprises a smoke detector (e.g., 166', 168,) and a
temperature detector (now shown) by means of which the vanes there-
of are opened or closed inaccordance with the above-stated
principles of my invention.
As further indicated in Fig. 10, the operation of
exhaust fan 182 is controlled by a control unit 190.
Control unit 190 is interconnected with all of the smoke
control devices 16~, 162, etc., by means o~ signal conductors 192,
194, etc., and thus is provided with a smoke signal whenever one
or more of the smoke control devices is open.
By way of example only, such a smoke signal may be pro-
vided by the closed position limit setting switch of one of the
smoke control devices, which grounds its associated signal con-
ductor when and only when its associated vanes are displaced from
their closed position.
Whenever control unit 190 receives a smoke signal from
one of the smoke control devices it closes a relay which provides
driving power to exhaust fan 182, and thus the smoke which brought
about the production of the smoke signal is withdrawn from the
vicinity of the smoke control device from which the smoke signal
originated.
Further, in accordance with the principles of my inven-
tion as embodied in thesystem of Fig. 10, the opened smoke con-
trol device which brought about the smoke signal which caused
control device 190 to activate exhaust fan 182 will be closed in
response to a signal from its temperature detector if its temp-
erature detector senses a temperature of greater than, say,135 F.
in its immediate vicinity. When this smoke control device is thus
closed, and assuming that no others are open, its associated signal
-18-
~Z~l6~
conductor will he disconnected from ground, and thus con-trol unit
190 will be caused to deactivate or shut down exhaust fan 182,
so that this smoke control device does not exacerbate the fire
which produces the smoke which caused it to open.
It ls to be understood that while the smoke control
system of Fig. 9 utili ed ducts which were originally incorporated
in building 150, or were retrofitted to building 150, my invention
also embraces systems in which existing sub-floor spaces are util-
ized as the smoke removal ducts of the system, without the pro-
vision of ducts specially dedicated to the purpose. As will be
understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, however,
other smoke control systems embracing my invention may use exist-
ing sub-floor spaces for the horizontal ducts, which sub-floor
spaces are interconnected with the roof-mounted exhaust fan by
means of a vertical duct or duct system which is specially pro-
- vided for the purpose.
Referring now to Fig. 11, there is shown a smoke control
system embodying my invention in which an existing heating, ven-
tilating, and air-conditioning system is used as the smoke ex-
haust duct portion of the smoke control system. In Fig. 11 the
existing heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system is
referred to by the reference numeral 200.
As seen in Fig. 11, heating, ventilating, and air-con-
ditioning system 200 comprises a horizontal duct 202 and a vertical
duct 204.
It is to be particularly understood in connection with
this embodiment of my invention that exhaust fan 206 which serves
to exhaust ducts 202 and 204 is not the exhaust fan of the heat-
ing, ventilating, and air-conditioning system.
--19--
It is further to be understo~d tha-t exhaust fan 206 is
provided with an elec-trically operated louver or louvers 212 by
means of which theregress of air from exhaust fan 206 can be
blocked. The function of louver or louvers 212 is to prevent
exhaust fan 206 from interfering with the operation of the heat-
ing, ventilating, and air-conditioning system when there is no fire
in the building.
As seen in Fig. 11, any one of the intermediate circuits
or control circuits 214, 216, etc., of the smoke control devices
208, 210, etc., can cause the electrical louver operating means
218 to open the louvers 212. The intermediate circuits 214, 216,
etc., function to open louvers 212 whenever one of their associa-
ted smoke control units is open, i.e., its vanes are in their
open position.
Thus, it will be seen by those having ordinary skill in
the art, informe~ by the present disclosure, that louvers 212
function to prevent the leakage of heated or cooled air from the
heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system via exhaust fan
206 when there is no fire in the equipped building.
When, however, there is a fire in the equipped building,
and one of the smoke control devices is open, e.g., smoke control
device 208 in Fig. 11, then the associated intermediate circuit
or control circuit 214 causes louver operating device 218 to open
louvers 212, and exhaust fan 206 can be energized to withdraw
smoke from the ducting system 202, 204, etc.
As will also be understood by those havingordinary
skill inthe art, exhaust fan 206 can be conveniently located im-
mediately ad~acent the exhaust fan of the heating, ventilating,
and air-conditioning system,so that they can share substantially
all of a corresponding vertical duct 204.
-20-
~21~16~
Referring now to Fig. 12, there is shown a two-element
smoke control device 220 which is part of a fire control system
embodying my invention.
In accordance with a particular feature of my invention,
smoke control device 220 comprises two valving elements 222, and
224.
As seen in Fig. 12, valving element 222 is a single flap
or trap door which serves to tightly close an opening 226 in the
ceiling 228 of the corridor 229 in which smoke control device 220
is employed.
In accordance with another feature of my invention, open-
ing 220 and valving element 222 both extend substantially com-
pletely across from one wall 230 to the opposite wall 232 of corri-
dor 229.
For clarity of illustration, smoke control device 220
and corridor 229 are partially shown in Fig. 13. In Fig. 13,
however, valving element 222 is shown in its open position, i.e.,
in the position in which it does not serve to block opening 226.
As further seen in Fig. 13, valving element 222, when
in its open position, serves as a curtain board, i.e., serves to
prevent the travel of smoke and hot gases along the ceiling of
corridor 229. For this reason, valving element 222 will some-
times be called the "curtain board" herein. It is to be under-
stood that this function of valving element 222 is a particular
feature of my invention.
Returning now to Fig. 12, it will be seen that curtain
board 222 is attached along one of its edges to the movable part
of a hinge 234 which extends from wall 230 to wall 232. The
fixed part of hinge 234 is affixed to the frame of smoke control
device 220.
-21-
As also seen in Fig. 12, the edge of curtain board 222
opposite hinge 234 is supported by a latching member 236. Latch-
ing member 236 is affixed to one end of the armature 238 of sole-
noid 240, so that latching member 236 can be withdrawn, and cur-
tain board 222 allowed to drop to its open position, as seen in
Fig. 13, when solenoid 240 is energized. As also seen in Figs.
12 and 13, solenoid 240 is mounted in a tray 242 which depends
from ceiling 228.
As also seen in Fig. 12, latching member 236 passes
through and isguided by a close-fitting opening in a wall of
tray 242. Further, a compression spring 244 is affixed to the
end of solenoid 240 opposite latching member 236, and the opposite
end of compression spring 24~ is affixed to a stationary abutment
member 246, which is itself affixed to the bottom of tray 242.
Solenoid 240 itself is slidably mounted on the bottom of tray
242. Yet further, a stop 248 is also affixed to the bottom of
tray 242, and is so located as to limit the travel of solenoid
240 away from stationary abutment member 246 under the urging of
compression spring 244.
Thus, it will be seen thatwhenever curtain board 222
is in its open or dropped position (Fig. 13) it can be returned
to its normal or closed position (Fig. 12) by manually deflecting
and raising its outer (non-hinged) side until it engages with
and is supported by latching member 236.
Returning now to Fig. 12, it will be seen that valving
element 224 comprises a set of louvers 250 which are pivotably
mounted in a frame 252.
Frame 252, to which curtain board 222 is also affixed
by hinge 234, is the principal body member of smoke control device
220. Frame 252 comprises two transverse members 254 and 256, the
adjacent ends of which are interconnected, res~ectively, by two
longitudinal members 258, 260 (now shown), thus forming a rectangu-
-22-
~21~69
lar frame. When mounted in ceiling 228 behind opening 226, as
shown, the transverse members 254, 256 of frame 252 extend sub-
stantially from wall 230 to wall 232, while longitudinal member
258 is parallel to and substantially in contact with the outer
face of wall 230, and longitudinal member 260 is parallel to and
substantially in contact wi~h the outer face of wall 232.
Frame 252 is fixed in position directly behind ceiling
opening 226, preferably in such manner that curtain board 222 is
flush with and appears to be a part of ceiling 228. Many ways of
thus mounting frame 252 will occur to those having ordinary skill
inthe art without the exercise of invention, depending upon the
construction of the ceiling in which frame 252 is to be mounted.
As seen in Fig. 12, each louver 250 comprises an elonga-
ted pocket containing a pivot rod 262. Each pivot rod 2`62 is
fixedly mounted in frame 252 having a first end received in a
socket in frame wall 258 and a second, opposite end received in
a socket in frame wall 260. Thus, each louver 260 is mounted in
frame 252 for pivoting about the axis of its pivot rod 262, be-
tween an open position (solid lines in Fig. 12) and a closed
position (dashed lines in Fig. 12~.
As also seen in Fig. 12, each louver 250 is provided
with a counterweight 264 affixed to it along its lower edge.
Thus, each counterweight 264 biases its associated louver 250
toward its open position.
Further, the adjacent pairs of louvers 250 are pivotably
interconnected by means of rigid links 266, 268, 270, and thus
all of the louvers 250 travel between their open and closed
positions in unison.
-23-
~916~
As also seen in Fig. 12, a latching member 262 is pro-
vided for latching coordinatedlouvers 250 in their closed posi-
tion. Latching member 272 and its operating assembly are con-
structed and arranged in substantially the same way as latching
member 236 and its operating assembly 238, 240, 244, 246, 248;
the operating assembly of latching member 272 being mounted on a
shelf 276 which isaffixed to frame wall 254, and an opening for
latching member 272 being provided in that frame wall. Thus, it
will be seen that latching member 272 can be suhstantially com-
pletely withdrawn from said opening by solenoid 274, so that
louvers 250 are allowed to drop under the urging of their res-
pective counterweights 264, and that solenoid 274 is movably
mounted on shelf 276. Solenoid 274 is resiliently urged against
stop 282 by compression spring 278, the opposite end of which
from solenoid 274 is affixed to a stationary member 280, which
like stop 282 is affixed to shelf 276.
Thus, it will be seen that whenever louvers 250 are
drawn into their closed position by cable 284, as hereinafter
explained, and solenoid 274 is not energized, they will be re-
tained in that position until solenoid 274 is energized.
It should be noted at this point that, in accordancewith the principles of my invention, the open top face of frame
252 is either affixed to the edges of a corresponding opening in
an exhaust duct (not shown in Fig. 12) or is open to a space above
ceiling 228 which acts as part of an exhaust duct.
As seen in Fig. 12, cable 284 is affixed to the top edge
of the rightmost louver 250 in Fig. 12, and thence passes through
an opening in frame wall 256 and over a pulley 286 which it is
self pivotably mounted on the outside face of frame wall 256.
-24-
6~
As seen in Fig. 12a, cable 284 then passes beneath a
pulley 288, which is itself pivotably affixed to a shelf 290 ex-
tending outwardly from frame wall 256, just above ceiling 228.
One end of cable 284 is affixed to one end of the armature 292
of a solenoid 294. Solenoid 294 is affixed to shelf 290. Thus,
it will be seen that when the louvers 250 are in their open posi-
tion they can be raised to their closed position by the energiza-
tion of solenoid 294. As explained above, the louvers 250 are
locked in their closed position by latching member 272 whenever they
are raised to their closed position, provided, of course,
that solenoid 274 is not energized at that time.
Returning to Fig. 12, it will be seen that smoke control
device 220 further comprises a switch, affixed to frame wall 254
in such manner as to be actuated whenever louvers 250 are inltheir
closed position, and otherwise unactuated. The function of switch
296 will be explained hereinafter.
Smoke control device 220 further comprises a control
unit 298, mounted in tray 242.
Control unit 298 comprises a smoke detector 299 of well-
known type, which is exposed to the air immediately adjacent open-
ing 226 by way of a screened opening 300 in a service plate 302,
which is itself secured in an opening in the bottom of tray 242.
Smoke control device 220 also comprises a temperature
detector 304, which is mounted on frame wall 254, where it is
exposed to smoke and hot gases which pass through frame 252 during
the operation of smoke control device 220. Temperature de-
tector 304 is interconnected with a control circuit 305 in con-
trol unit 298 by way of a cable 306 (Fig. 12).
16~
Temperature detector 304 is constructed and arranged to
supply control circuit 305 with a first temperature signal value
whenever the temperature of the air, etc., in frame 252 is less
than a predetermined ternperature level, e.g., 135 F., and to
supply control circuit 305 with a second temperature signal value
whenever the temperature of the air, etc., in frame 252 is greater
than said predetermined temperature level.
Smoke detector 299 is constructed and arranged to supply
control circuit 305 with a first smoke signal value whenever the
air outside screened opening 300 is substantially free of smoke,
and to supply control circuit 305 with a second smoke signal value
whenever the air outside screened opening 300 contains more smoke
than a predetermined amount, which predetermined amount is sub-
stantially equal to the predetermined amount set in common smoke
detectors of well-known type.
Control circuit 305 is also interconnected with sole-
noids 240, 274, and 294, which it serves to energize at appropriate
times determined in accordance with the then-existing values of
said smoke signal and said temperature signal.
In the preferred embodiment of Figs. 12, 12a, and 13,
control circuit 305 is supplied with power by way of a connection
to an existing alternating current power line, and includes a
rectifier for providing direct current with which to operate the
solenoids.
In other embodiments of the fire control system of my
invention the control circuit may include a trickle-charged battery
to provide solenoid operating power when the line power is lost.
Further/ in other embodiments of my invention, the sole-
noids may be replaced by compressed air cylinders or the like
which are operated from an accumulator which is itself charged
by a small compressor powered by alternating voltage power from
-26-
;4
an existing power line.
The provision of all such arrangements for providing
power for operating valving elements 222 and 224 is within the
scope of those having ordinary skill in the art, without the
exercise of invention, as is the provision of suitable circuits
to be used as control circuit 305.
Switch 296 is considered to be a part of control circuit
305, as is curtain board switch 307.
Before considering the operating cycle of smoke control
device 220, the fire control system 308 of which several such
devices are a part will be considered in detail. It is to be par-
ticularly understood that such fire control systems and their
method of operation constitute principal features of my invention.
Referring now to Fig. 13, there is shown a part only of
fire control system 308.
Fire control system 308 comprises smoke control device
220 and several other substantially identical smoke control de-
vices 310, 312, etc., all similarly mounted in the ceiling 228
of a building corridor 229. In genera], fire control system 308
will further include many more smoke control devices substantially
identical to smoke control device 220, all similarly mounted
in the ceilings of a number of related building corridors.
Returning to Fig. 13, it will be seen that a convention-
al sprinkler head is mounted between smoke control devices 220
and 310. In general, a conventional sprinkler head 314, 316,
318, 320, etc., will be mounted between each pair of smoke con-
trol devices throughout the fire control system. (It is to be
understood that the proportions of parts and the distances there-
between as shown in Fig. 13 are not necessarily equal to those
found in any actual installation of a fire control system of myinvention, since the proportions, etc., of Fig. 13 are distorted
for purposes of illustration and ready comprehension.)
-27-
9~
Given the arranyement of fire control systern parts just
described, let it be assumed that a fire 322 has just started in
corridor 229.
The smoke eminating fire 322 operates smoke control de-
vices220 and 310, causing curtain boards 220 and 324 to drop
into their operative positions, and further causing the exhaust
fan at the outlet of the associated duct system to be energized,
whereby the smoke from fire 322 is exhausted from corridor 229,
since louvers 250, and the corresponding louvers in all of the
other smoke control devices of the fire control system, are nor-
mally in their open position.
As fire 322 grows in intensity, if it does, the increas-
ed temperature of the air and other gases passing through smoke
control device 310 causes the louvers of its upper valvin~ ele-
ment to be closed and thus the build-up of hot air and gases con-
fined between curtain boards 222 and 324 rapidly rises in tem-
perature to the point at which the heat sensitive element of
sprinkler head 314 fuses, and sprinkler head 314 functions to
suppress fire 322. The melting point of the heat sensitive ele-
ment of sprinkler head 314 is much sooner reached than would bethe case if curtain boards 222 and 324 were not present.
Further, in accordance with another feature of my inven-
tion, the cooling of the air and other gases trapped below the
closed louvers of smoke control device 310 causes these louvers
to reopen, whereupon the remaining smoke in corridor 229 is ex-
hausted through the duct system, the pressure in which is reduced
by the operation of the associated exhuast fan. ~The exhaust
fan is arranged to operate when and only when the louvers of at
least one smoke control device of the system are open.)
-28-
L64
Referring now to Fig. 14, the opera-tion of the control
circuit 305 of sm~ke control device 220 will now be described in
detail.
As there seen, control circuit 305 comprises three prin-
cipal branches, 326, 328, 330, and an exhaust fan control connec-
tion 332. Each of these branches is connected between the posi-
tive and negative teminals of the rectified direct current power
supply referred to hereinabove.
Branch 326 comprises the curtain board unlatching sole-
noid240, a pair of terminals 334, 336 of curtain board switch
307 which are closed if an only if the curtain board is in its
closed position, and a pair of terminals 342, 344 of a smoke de-
tector relay 338 which is so operated by smoke detector 229 and
associated circuitry as to be closed if the amount of smoke de-
tected exceeds the abovesaid predetermined amount of smoke, and
otherwise open, all connected in series.
Branch 328 comprises the louver closing solenoid 294,
a pair of terminals 346, 348 of louver switch 296 which are closed
unless the louvers 250 are closed, and a pair of teminals 350,
352 of a temperature detector relay 340 which isso operated by
temperature detector 304 and associated circuitry as ~o be closed
if the temperature detected exceeds 135 F., and otherwise open,
all connected in series.
Branch 330 comprises the louver unlatching solenoid 274,
a pair of te~inals 354, 356 of louver switch 296 which are open
unless the louvers 250 are closed, and a pair of teminals 358,
360 of a temperature detector relay 340 which are closed if the
temperature detected is less than 135F., and otherwise open,
all connected in series.
-29-
As will now be evident to those haviny ordinary skill in
the art, informed by the present disclousre, control circuit 305
operates as follows:
When excess smoke is detected by smoke detector 299 and
curtain board 22 is closed, branch circuit 326 is completed and
solenoid 240 is energized, permitting curtain board 222 to drop
into its operative position, and thus opening smoke control de-
vice 220 to its associated exhaust duct, since louvers 250 are
normally open. When curtain board 222 drops the terminals 362,
364, of switch 307 are closed, thus causin~ the exhaust fan assoc-
ciated with the exhaust duct system to operate.
When temperature detector 304 senses air or gas tempera-
ture in excess of 135 F. and louvers 250 are open, branch cir-
cuit 328 is completed and solenoid 294 is energized, causing
louvers 250 to be closed. As soon as louvers 250 are closed the
terminals 346 and 348 of switch 296 are opened (disconnected),
thus protecting solenoid 294 from over current.
When the fire which caused the temperature rise resulting
in the closing of the louvers 250 is suppressed by the associated
sprinkler system, and the air and other gases near temperature
detector 304 have cooled below 135 F., the contacts 358, 360 of
temperature detector relay 340 connected in branch circuit 330
are closed (interconnected), branch circuit 330 is completed, and
solenoid 274 is energized, releasing louvers 250 to re-open in
response to the urging of their counterweights.
As part of the clean-up process after the fire which
resulted in the operation of smoke control device 220, as just
described, curtain board 220 will be manually raised to its closed
position, and automatically latched there by latching member 236,
thus actuating switch 307 and resetting smoke control de~ice 220
for a repetition of the same operating cycle whenever necessary.
-30-
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above,
among those made apparent from the preceding description, are
efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in
the above constructions and the methods carried out thereby
without departing from the scope of my invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description shown in
the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only,
and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims
are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features
of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope
of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said
to fall therebetween.
The Claims
What is claimed is:
3~
