Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SUPPLY VALVE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION WATER
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
This is a division of our co-pending Canadian Patent
Application No. 2,049,024, dated March 8, 1990.
The present invention relates generally to valves and
more particularly relates to valve arrangements for use in
supplying water to fire suppression systems and for use in
testing and draining fire suppression water sprinkler systems.
The present invention also relates generally to flow switches
and more particularly
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relates to flow switches used in connection with fire
suppression water sprinkler systems.
In a typical fire suppression water sprinkler
system as installed in many buildings, an array of
individual fire sprinklers is supplied with water
through~a main conduit and various branch conduits. The
individual fire sprinklers are generally provided with
a member that melts when the ambient temperature
reaches a predetermined level indicative of a fire. The
melting of the member opens a fire sprinkler to spray
water in order to suppress the fire. The individual
fire sprinklers are provided with meltable members so
that the spray of water will hopefully be limited to
the xegion of the building where the fire is present.
In this way, the extent of water damage may be
minimized.
After a fire, and especially during maintenance
and renovation, it may become necessary to replace one
or more of the individual water sprinklers. At such
times it is desirable to be able to drain the system of
water conduits, so that..the removal of one or more of
the individual water sprinklers (after the supply of
water to the main conduit has been turned off) will not
result in a flow of water through the fitting for the
water sprinkler. Accordingly, it is conventional in the
art to provide a valve which when opened will drain the
water conduits of the system downstream of the main
conduit.
Such fire suppression systems also oftentimes have
a switch or sensor that detects the f low of water in
the conduits to indicate that even only one of the
individual water sprinklers has opened. Since the flow
of water in the conduits generally means that a fire is
present in the building, the switch or sensor typically
triggers a fire alarm or sends an appropriate signal
directly to a fire department. Therefore, many fire
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
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codes require, and it is otherwise desirable, that the
switch or sensor which detects the flow of water in the
conduits be periodically tested. Accordingly, it has
also become conventional in the art to provide a valve
which enables the system to be tested by permitting a
flow of water corresponding to the flow through only
one individual water sprinkler that has been opened.
In addition, it is desirable (and sometimes
required by the applicable fire code) to be able to
visually observe the flow of water from the testing
valve. Since the testing valve (and oftentimes the.
drainage valve) is frequently connected directly to a
drain pipe, it is conventional to provide a sight glass
downstream of the testing valve (and sometimes
downstream of the drainage valve). It is, of course,
possible to alternatively place a sight glass upstream
of the testing valve. Also, since it is typically
desirable to determine the pressure of the water
upstream of the testing valve, prior to and during a
test operation, it is conventional to provide a fitting
or port to receive a pxessure gauge upstream of the
testing valve.
The use of a separate supply valve andla separate
testing and drainage valve results in significant, time
and expense during installation which can be. obviated
by the present invention.
Likewise, the use of a separate flow sensor
typically downstream of the supply valve (especially
together with a separate testing and drainage valve) in
a fire suppression water sprinkler system results in
significant time and expense during installation which
can be minimized by the present invention. Moreover, to
provide a flow sensor generally in a conduit results in
additional time and expense due to the expense of an
appropriate fitting and the need to install the fitting
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in the conduit which can be minimized by the present invention.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a supply valve and arrangement for a fire
suppression water sprinkler system which overcomes the
disadvantages of the prior art.
In accordance with an aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a valve, comprising: a housing
defining an interior chamber having an inlet and at least one
outlet, a valve member provided within said interior chamber,
the valve member having at least one passageway through the
valve member, means for selectively moving said valve member
within said interior chamber whereby communication between said
inlet and said at least one outlet may be prevented, means for
sensing a flow through said interior chamber of said housing,
said means for sensing a flow including a sensing member which
extends from said housing to within said valve member,
coaxially with a turning axis of said valve member, and means
for removing said sensing member from within said valve member
while said valve member is preventing communication between
said inlet and said at least one outlet, wherein said at least
one outlet includes a first outlet and a second outlet, and
wherein said means for sensing is arranged to sense a flow
through either the first outlet or through the second outlet
and to provide a signal to indicate said flow through either
the first outlet or through the second outlet.
The valve is for use in an arrangement for supplying
water to a fire suppression water sprinkler system and for
testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system,
which arrangement is relatively simple and easy to install and
use and which is relatively inexpensive.
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The valve can be used as a supply valve which permits
a fire suppression water sprinkler system to be tested and
drained. It provides a supply valve which has two outlets and
which provides two different flow rates of fluid through one of
the outlets of the valve. The arrangement permits an easy
observation of the flow of water through the valve.
The supply valve for a fire suppression water
sprinkler system includes a flow sensor to indicate a flow of
water through the valve.
The valve can be used to provide a valve and flow
switch arrangement which is relatively inexpensive to build and
to install.
The supply valve and arrangement described herein
comprises a main conduit which
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supplies water to a plurality of water sprinklers. The
supply valve has a housing which defines an interior
chamber with an inlet and at least two outlets. A
supply valve member provided within the interior
chamber has a turning axis and at least first, second,
and third ports arranged about the periphery of the
supply valve member. At least one of the first, second,
and third ports has a size which is different than the
other two ports. A moving member selectively moves the
valve member within the interior chamber, whereby
communication between, the inlet and each of the two
outlets of the valve may be changed.
In a preferred embodiment of the ~ present
invention, the inlet of the valve may be connected to
a first outlet to supply water at a first preselected
flow rate to a plurality of sprinkler heads with the
second outlet being closed. The inlet of the valve may
also be selectively connected to the second outlet
through the first port which has a size different than
the second and third ports to test the systea by
providing a flow through. the second outlet at a second
preselected flow rata smaller than the first. The inlet
may also be closed with the two outlets of the supply
valve being in communication with one another to drain
the fire suppression system.
In this way, the supply valve may be sequentially
fully opened through a first outlet to supply the
plurality of sprinkler heads at a first preselected
flow rate, opened through a second outlet at a second
preselected flow rate to test the system and then the
inlet may be closed and the two outlets placed in
communication with one another to drain the system.
In another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a supply value has a housing which defines
an interior chamber with an inlet and at least two
outlets. A supply valve member provided within the
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interior chamber has a turning axis and at least first,
second, and third ports arranged about the periphery of
the supply valve member. At least the first port has a
size which is different than the second and third
ports. A moving member selectively moves the valve
member within the interior chamber, whereby
communication between the inlet and each of the two
outlets of the supply valve may be changed.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the
inlet of the supply valve may be connected to a first
outlet at a first, fully open, preselected flow rate.
The inlet of the supply valve may also be selectively
connected to the second outlet through the first port
which has a size different than the second and third
ports to supply the second outlet at a second
preselected flow rate smaller than the first
preselected flow rate. Both the inlet and the first
outlet may also be closed to prevent communication
between the inlet and either of the two outlets and
between the first and second outlets.
In this way, the supply valve may be sequentially
fully opened through a first outlet at a first
preselected flow rate, opened through a second outlet
at a second preselected flow rata to test the system
and then the inlet may be closed and first outlet may
be closed.
In another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a supply valve has a housing which defines
an interior chamber with an inlet and at least two
outlets. A supply valve member provided within the
interior chamber has a turning axis and at least first,
second,.and third ports arranged about the periphery of
the supply valve member. At least the first port has a
size which is different than the second and third
ports. A moving member selectively moves the valve
member within the interior chamber, whereby
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
communication between the inlet and each of the two
outlets of the supply valve may be changed.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the
inlet of the supply valve may be connected to a first
outlet at a first, fully open, preselected flow rate.
The inlet of the supply valve may also be selectively
connected to the second outlet through the first port
which has a size different than the second and third
ports to supply the second outlet at a second
preselected flow rate smaller than the first
preselected flow. rate. Both the first outlet and the
second outlet may be closed to prevent communication
between the inlet and either of the two outlets.
.In this way, the supply valve may be closed, may
be fully opened through the first outlet at a first
preselected flow rate, and opened through a second
outlet at a second preselected flow rate to test the
system.
Additionally, in any of these embodiments, as
desired, a sight glass housing may be provided, either
as a unitary portion of the valve housing or as a
separate element:, which preferably presents two sight
glasses at a substantially 90 degree angle to one
another so as to simplify the task of determining
whether water is f lowing through the second outlet past
the sight glass housing. For example, by providing two
sight glasses, light is permitted to enter one of the
glasses at an angle to the line of vision through the
other sight glass so as to illuminate the interior of
the sight glass housing.
Where appropriate or where required by regulation,
the supply valve and arrangement according to the
present invention may preferably be provided with a
slowly closing actuator so that tha valve member may
not be moved fro' a closed position to an open position
in less than a predetermined number of seconds. In
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
.8.
addition, a tamper switch indicator may be provided for
the supply valve and arrangement, as desired or as
required.
The supply valve and arrangement according to the
present invention may also include an integral flow
switch. In the embodiments where the turning axis of
the valve actuator does not pass through the inlet or
through either of the outlets of the valve, the flow
switch is preferably provided generally opposite to and
aligned with the axis of the valve actuator.
In another preferred embodiment of. the present
invention; a valve. of general applivation-:is'.-provided
with an integral flow switch. Preferably, the valve
includes a ball valve member with a valve actuator
which does not pass through an inlet or an outlet of
the valve housing. In such an arrangement, the flow
switch is provided within the central cavity of the
ball valve member and is positioned generally opposite
to the valve actuator and aligned with the valve
actuator or handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIT1~GS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in greater detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein like members bear
like reference numerals and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front view of an arrangement for
supplying, testing, and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system according to the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a pictorial view of a supply valve
according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a pictorial view of a valve member of
the valve of Fig. 10;
Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of another valve
member suitable for use in the valve of Fig. 10;
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Fig. 5 is a front view of the supply valve of Fig.
2;
Fig. 6 is rear view of the supply valve of Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the supply valve of
Fig. 2;'
Fig. 8 is a top view of the supply valve-of Fig.
2;
Fig. 9 is an end view of the valve of Fig. 2;
Fig. 10 is a view through the line 10-10 of Fig.
9i
Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of another
supply valve according to the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a front view in partial cross-section
of the supply valve of Fig. il;
Fig. 13 is a side view in partial cross-section of
the supply valve of Fig. 11;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a valve and
flow switch according to the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the flow switch in
the valve of Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a three way
ball valve and flow switch according to the present
invention;
Fig. 17 is a schematic view of the flow switch in
the valve of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the three way
valve of Fig. 16 with the flow directed to another
outlet of the valve;
Fig. 19 is a schematic view of the flow switch in
the valve of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 2 in
the "open" configuration;
Fig. 21 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
20 in the "open" configuration;
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Fig. 22 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 2 in
the "test" configuration;
Fig. 23 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
22 in the "test" configuration;
Fig. 24 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 2 in
the "drain & off" configuration;
Fig. 25 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
24 in the "drain & off" configuration;
Fig. 26 is a front view of another arrangement for
supplying, testing, and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler .system according to the present
invention;
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the supply
valve of Fig. 26;
Fig. 28 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 27 in
the "open" configuration;
Fig. 29 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
28 in the "open" configuration;
Fig. 30 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 27 in
the "test" configuration;
Fig. 31 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
30 in the "test" configuration;
Fig. 32 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 27 in
the "off" configuration;
Fig. 33 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
32 in the "off" configuration;
Fig. 34 is a front view of another arrangement for
supplying, testing, and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system according to the present
invention;
Fig. 35 is an exploded view in partial cross-
section of the supply valve of Fig. 34;
Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the ball
valve member of Fig. 35;
Fig. 37 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 34 in
the "open" configuration;
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Fig. 38 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
37 in the "open" configuration;
Fig. 39 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 34 in
the "test" configuration;
Fig: 40 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
39 in the "test" configuration;
Fig. 41 is a front view of the valve of Fig: 34 in
the "drain & off" configuration;
Fig. 42 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
41 in the "drain & off" configuration;
Fig. 43 is a pictorial view of another valve
according to the present invention; .
Fig. 44 is a view of awother arrangement for
supplying, testing, and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system according to the present
invention;
Fig. 45 is a side view of the valve of Fig. 44;
Fig. 46 is a side view in partial cross-section of
the valve of Fig. 44;
Fig. 47 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 44;
Fig. 48 is a pictorial view of the valve member of
the valve of Fig. 46;
Fig. 49 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 43 in
the "off" configuration;
Fig. 50 is a side schematic view of the valve of
Fig. 49 in the "off" configuration;
Fig. 51 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 43 in
the "test" configuration;
Fig. 52 is a schematic view of the valve of Fig.
51 in the "test" configuration;
Fig. 53 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 34 in
the "supply" configuration;
Fig. 54 is a side schematic view of the valve of
Fig. 53 in the "supply" configuration;
Fig. 55 is an exploded view in partial cross-
section of the valve of Fig. 43;
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Fig. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the ball
valve member of Fig. 55;
Fig. 57 is a front view of another arrangement for
supplying, testing and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system according to the present
invention;
Fig. 58 is a front view of the supply valve of
Fig. 57;
Fig. 59 is a right side view of the supply valve
of Fig. 58;
. Fig. 60 is a bottom view of the supply valve of
Fig. 58;
Fig. 61 is a top view of the supply valve of Fig.
58; .
Fig. 62 is a rear view of the supply valve of Fig.
58;
Fig. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the supply
valve of Fig. 57;
Fig. 64 is a view through the line 64-64 of Fig.
62;
Fig. 65 is a cross-sectional view of a second
preferred embodiment of the valve member for the supply
valve of Fig. 58;
Fig. 66 is an exploded view of the supply valve of
Fig. 58;
Fig. 67 is a front view of the supply valve of
Fig. 57 with the valve member in the open position;
Fig. 68 is a schematic view of the supply valve of
Fig. 67 in partial cross-section;
Fig. 69 is a front view of the supply valve of
Fig. 57 with the valve member in the test position;
Fig. 70 is a schematic view of the supply valve of
Fig. 69 in partial cross-section;
Fig. 71 is a front view of the supply valve of
Fig. 57 with the valve member in the off & drain
position;
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Fig. 72 is a schematic view of the supply valve of
Fig. 71 in partial cross-section;
Fig. 73 is an end view of the valve of Fig. 5
provided with a pressure relief valve;
Fig. 74 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 34
provided with a pressure relief valve;
Fig. 75 is a front view oE: the valve of Fig. 43
provided with a pressure relief valve; and
Fig. 76 is a front view of the valve of Fig. 57
provided with a pressure relief valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBOD MENTS
With reference to Fig. 1, an arrangement for
supplying,- testing and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system includes a main conduit 30 for
supplying water. The conduit 30 supplies a branch
conduit 32 by way of a Tee fitting 34. A supply valve
36, according to the present invention, is provided for
the branch conduit 32 with the supply valve 36 operable
to permit or to interrupt the flow of water through the
branch conduit 32.
The supply valve 36 has an i~n~:et 66 which is
connected to the branch conduit 32 and a first outlet
64 which is connected to a plurality of individual
water sprinklers (not shown) through a piping
arrangement including a conduit 33. The supply valve 36
also has a second outlet 68 which may be connected to
a drain. The supply valve 36 is preferably provided at
a location which is physically lower than the piping
arrangement and the plurality of individual water
sprinklers downstream of the supply valve 36 which are
supplied with water by the branch conduit 32. In this
way, the entire water sprinkler system downstream of
the supply valve 36 may be drained as desired through
the second outlet 68 of the supply valve 36.
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As is conventional in the art, the individual fire
sprinklers (not shown) are provided with a member that
melts when the ambient temperature reaches a predeter-
mined level indicative of a fire. Upon melting, the
member opens the fire sprinkler to spray water to
suppress the fire.
When it is desired to replace one or more of the
individual water sprinklers, the valve 36 is closed and
the water sprinkler system is preferably drained
through the second outlet 68 of the supply valve 36, so
that the removal of one or more of the individual.water
sprinklers will not result in a flow of water through
the fitting for the water sprinkler.
The inlet 66 of the supply valve 36 is threaded
onto a section of pipe in the branch conduit 32.
Likewise, the first outlet 64 is threaded onto a
section of pipe in the arrangement of individual water
sprinklers downstream of the supply valve 36. Other
arrangements, such as bolted flanges or grooved end
couplings for connecting the inlet of the supply valve
36 to the branch conduit 32 and for connecting the
first outlet 64 to the arrangement of individual water
sprinklers will be readily obvious to one skilled in
the art.
The second outlet 68 of the supply valve 36 is
provided with a pair of integral sight glasses 52 which
are threadably received at two openings that are
separated from each other by an angle of about 90
degrees. Alternatively, the sight glasses may be
omitted or may be provided in a separate housing which
is provided downstream of the second outlet 68 of the
supply valve 36.
As shown in Fig. 1, it is preferred that the sight
glasses 52 be offset 45 degrees to either side of a
plane passing through a longitudinal axis of the valve
36 and the second outlet 68. However, it is understood
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
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that the primary considerations in determining the
orientation of the sight glasses are the relationship
between the housing and any obstructions, such as
walls, that may interfere with a user's access to the
sight glasses, and the ease of visibility of a flow
through the sight glasses in any given orientation.
By employing the preferred sight glass
arrangement, the visual observation of flow through the
valve 36 is enhanced. For example, a light may be
directed into one of the sight glasses furthest from
the person checking the .flow condition so~ as to
illuminate the inside of the sight glass housing thus
permitting the person to easily see the flow condition
therein, typically by the passage of air bubbles
through the sight glass housing.
The second outlet 68 of the-supply valve 36 may be
connected directly to a drain (not shown). Alterna-
tively, the second outlet 68 of the supply valve 36 may
be left unconnected. In this way, the flow of water
through the second outlet 68 of the supply valve 36
would be visually observed without the use of a sight
glass. If, however, no visual inspection of the flow of
water is necessary, the second outlet of the supply
valve 36 may be connected directly to drain.
The supply valve 36 may be provided with a
pressure gauge (not shown) by way of a pressure port
58. The pressure gauge is provided adjacent the first
outlet for the supply valve and senses the pressure in
the supply valve 36 at the first outlet of the valve.
If the pressure gauge 56 is omitted, a plug 60 is
threadably received by the pressure port 58 or a
pressure relief valve may be provided.
With reference now to Fig. 2, the housing 62 of
the supply valve 36 according to the present invention
has three threaded openings 64, 66 and 68 which are
coplanar. The openings 64 and 66 are colinear and the
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opening 68 is arranged perpendicularly with respect to
the other two openings 64, 66. When in use as in the
arrangement of Fig. 1, the middle opening 68 is the
outlet to drain and the opening 64 is the outlet to the
arrangement of sprinklers. The opening 66 is connected
to the supply conduit as described above.
A valve actuator mechanism 82 is provided to
permit manual operation of the valve. A flow switch
mechanism 38 is provided generally opposite to the
valve actuator mechanism as described more fully below.
With reference to Fig. 5, the valve actuator
mechanism 82 includes an indicator 108 which-has three
positions denoted by the legends "open", "test", and
"drain & off".
With reference to Fig. il, the valve actuator
arrangement 82 includes a shaft 110 with a worm gear to
drive a turn wheel 112. The turn wheel 112 is provided
on a valve actuator member 114 which when rotated moves
a valve member 84 within the housing 62 of the supply
valve 36.
The valve actuator arrangement is conventional and
is typically found in connection with butterfly valves.
Local regulations typically require that the valve
member in a supply valve for a fire protection water
sprinkler system be unable to move between a closed
position and a fully open position in less than a
preselected period of time. A suitable, conventional
gear operator and valve actuator provides the required
time delay in valve member movement so as to prevent
the supply valve from being suddenly opened or closed.
Such a sudden opening or closing of the supply valve
can result in a harmful shock to the water supply
system.
The indicator 108 is arranged to move with the
valve actuator 114. The indicator 108 points to the
appropriate legend to show the orientation of the valve
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62957-298D
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member within the housing. If desired, the gear
operator may also be provided with an electric tamper
switch 116 which can indicate the orientation of the
valve member to a remote location (as by the electrical
wires 118) and may also sound an alarm to indicate that
the supply valve has been closed or is in other than a
full open position.
Suitable, conventional apparatus for moving the
valve member and for electrically indicating the
to orientation of the valve member is provided by the
Milwaukee~Valve Company, Inc.. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
in connection with a Butterball "slow-close"'butterfly
valve. Other suitable, conventional arrangements for
the valve actuator and for the tamper switch may be
utilized as will be readily apparent to one skilled in
the art. For example, the tamper switch function may be
provided by a microswitch provided in the gearbox of
the actuator.
In order to comply with local ordinance, it may be
2o necessary to provide a flag or other indication of the
configuration of the valve. Such indicators are conven
tional and may be provided as desired.
Integral with the supply valve 36 is provided a
water flow switch 38. With reference to Fig. 11, the
water flow switch 38 includes a paddle 120 or other
member (not shown) which extends into the interior
chamber of the housing 62 of the supply valve 36. The
paddle 120 includes a shaft 122 which is received
within a threaded opening 124 in the housing 62. The
3o threaded opening 124 in the housing 62 preferably is
provided coaxially with a turning axis of the valve
member 84 of the supply valve. In this way, the paddle
120 may be deflected by a flow of water from the inlet
66 through either the first outlet 64 or through the
second outlet 68.
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Deflection of the paddle 120 closes a switch in a
suitable, conventional manner to provide a signal by
way of a pair of electrical wires (see Fig. 15j.
Deflection of the paddle to indicate flow through the
inlet may be used to trigger a fire alarm or to alert
a fire department.
In the preferred embodiment, the paddle of the
flow sensor is provided centrally within the valve
member 82. In this way, a single flow sensor may be
used to indicate a flow of water through the first
outlet (i.e., in the event of a fire) and may also.
indicate a flow of water through the second outlet as
in a test operation. In this way, the need for the
sight glasses may be obviated unless required by local
ordinance.
The paddle is inserted into the central portion of
the ball valve member 82 by curling the paddle into a
tube and inserting the tube through the threaded
opening 124. The paddle then uncurls when properly
positioned in the central portion of the ball valve
member. The paddle 120..may be configured so as to
substantially cover the entire passageway through the
ball valve member, as shown in Fig. 13: Preferably,
however, and as may be necessary to comply with local
ordinances, the paddle may be configured with as little
cross-sectional area as possible so as to minimize the
potential obstruction of the passageway yet still
provide a reliable indication of flow through the
passageway (when only a single water sprinkler has
opened). For example, the physical size of the paddle
may be substantially smaller than the cross-sectional
diameter of the inlet. In addition, the paddle may be
oriented at an angle (other than perpendicular)
relative to the direction of flow from the inlet. In
such an arrangement, the effective cross-sectional area
of the paddle will be reduced. A suitable, conventional
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
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flow switch is provided by Grinnell Corporation as
model VSR-D.
With reference now to Fig. 10, the valve member or
ball member 84 is received within the interior chamber
of the housing 62 of the supply valve 36. The housing
62 is configured so as to receive the ball member 84
through the opening 64 which is connected to the
arrangement of water sprinklers. A first annular seal
is provided adjacent to the ball member 84 at the inlet
66 of the valve. The first annular seal° 130 preferably
has an annular lip about an inner surface of the seal.
to sealingly conform to the spherical shape of the ball
member 84.
A seat 132 is provided adjacent to the ball member
84 at the first outlet 64. The seat 132 is relatively
rigid in comparison with a seal and a resilient member
such as a spring may be provided between the seat and
a threaded ball member retainer 134 to snugly urge the
ball member against the first seal when the assembly
has been completed. In this way, leakage is prevented
or minimized through the..valve 36 when in the "drain &
off" configuration. Because of the configuration of the
valve arrangement, even if the valve should leak
slightly when in the "drain & off" configuration, the
water from the inlet would be directed to the drain
through the outlet 68 and would not pass through the
arrangement of sprinkler heads downstream of the supply
valve.
The retainer 134 and one or more of the threaded
openings 64, 66, 68 are provided with a hexagonal
peripheral surface so as to facilitate assembly and
disassembly of the supply valve 36.
An annular seal 136 is also provided adjacent to
the ball member at the second outlet 68. The seal 136
preferably has an annular lip provided about an inner
surface of the seal to sealingly conform to the
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-20-
spherical shape of the ball member 84. The seal 136 is
arranged so as to seal the ball member with respect to
the second outlet when the valve is in the "open"
configuration.
Other suitable, conventional housing arrangements
may be utilized as desired. For example, a three piece
casting which is bolted together during assembly may be
economically worthwhile for certain size valves
according to the present invention. Such a three piece
valve housing may also facilitate servicing and repair
of the valve, as needed. .
The ball member 84 is provided with a slot 98 (see
Fig. 3) which is adapted to receive a~lowermost.tab 100
of the valve actuator or stem 114. The stem is inserted
into the valve housing 62 through an opening 103 which
is perpendicular to the openings 64, 66, 68. The stem
114 is rotated by the gear operator 82. Suitable
packing may be provided for the stem 114 as desired.
With reference to Fig. 10, the ball member 84 is
provided with a first port 140 having a cross-sectional
area corresponding to the opening provided by one of
the individual sprinklers in the fire suppression water
sprinkler system. The first port 140 communicates with
the second and third ports 144, 146 provided in the
ball member 84. The second and third ports 144, 146
have a cross-sectional area which is relatively large
in comparison with the first port 140 so that the
second and third ports can quickly supply water to the
arrangement of sprinklers in the event of a fire. In
the embodiment of Fig. 10, the first, second and third
ports are coplanar so that rotation of the ball member
about an axis perpendicular to all three ports can
selectively ring the ports into (and out of)
communication with the inlet and two outlets of the
supply valve.
If desired, the slot 98 provided in the ball
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-21-
member 84 extends into the ball member in a direction
perpendicular to the directions in which the central
axes of each of the openings 140, 144, 146 extend. The
ball member 84 may then be provided with a slot which
is tapered along the surface of the ball member to
present~a shape which is non-symmetrical about a center
line extending through the ball member im a direction
parallel to the central axes of the first and third
ports. This slot (not shown) is matable with a
lowermost tab of the stem 114 so that the ball member
. and stem may only engage each other when the slot and
tab 100 are aligned. This construction ensures that the
ball member ports are properly oriented with respect to
the openings in the supply-valve.
While the preferred embodiments as described in
the present application include a spherical shaped
valve which is of solid construction except for the
various passageways, the valve member may have a
relatively thin wall construction (see Fig. 4) which
may be cast or machined as appropriate. In such a thin
walled construction, tha valve ports would have the
same configuration' as the peripheral configuration of
the ports provided in an otherwise solid ball valve
member. In addition, the present invention may be
adaptable to other suitable, conventional valve
configurations.
with reference now to Fig. 10, the ball valve
member 84 according to the present invention includes
first, second and third ports 140, 144, and 146. The
ports may be provided in the solid ball member in any
suitable, conventional manner such as by drilling. The
genera~.ly solid ball member 84 is completely
interchangeable with the thin-walled ball member 84~ of
Fig. 4 and only differs in its internal construction.
The solid ball member weighs more and may therefore be
more costly to manufacture. However, the solid ball may
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-22-
be manufactured more readily, at least in relatively
small quantities.
Other valve arrangements are also within the scope
of the claims. For example, a plug valve (not shown)
wherein the valve member comprises a truncated cone may
be modified in accordance with the present invention by
providing first, second and third ports in the valve
member in the manner disclosed above.
In the ball valve member 84 of Fig. 10, the second
port 144 has a cross-sectional diameter which
corresponds to the cross-sectional diameter of the
conduit 32 and the inlet opening 66. The third port l~la6~
has a cross-sectional opening which is at least as
large. as the second port 144 in order to permit a fully
opened flow of water through the valve when in the
"open" configuration. In the preferred embodiment,
however, the third opening 146 is substantially larger
than the second opening 144.
As shown in Fig. 10, the third opening 146
preferably extends to the "12 o'clock" position in the
valve member when the. valve is in the "open"
configuration.' The first port 140- is provided at
approximately the "5 o~clock" position and is arranged
so as to be located between the seat 132 and the second
seal 136 when the valve is in the "open" configuration.
In this way the outlet 68 remains sealed when the valve
is in the "open" configuration. In order to permit the
outlet 68 to be sealed in such a configuration, the
second outlet 68 has been made substantially smaller
than the inlet 66 and the first outlet 64. Since the
second outlet 68 only provides the test and drain
functions, the reduced size of the second outlet in
comparison with the inlet and the first outlet does not
present any difficulty. Moreover, industry standards
indicate that the drain piping need only have a
cross-sectional dimension which is about one-half the
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-23-
cross-sectional dimension of the supply piping.
With reference now to Fig. 20, the supply valve 36
has the indicator 108 in the "open" position. The ball
member is positioned by the gear operator so that a
solid portion of the spherical outer surface of the
ball member is oriented toward the second outlet 68 of
the supply valve. With reference to Fig.. 21, the second.
port 144 is positioned adjacent the inlet 66 of the
supgly valve with the third port 146 positioned
adjacent the first outlet 64. Accordingly, water is
permitted to flow through the inlet 66 to the first
outlet 64 at the first preselected flow rate (the fully
open f low rate ) . Water is not permitted to f low through-
the ball member from the inlet of the- valve to the
second outlet 68.
A flow of water through the first outlet will
deflect the paddle of the flow sensor which Will in
turn cause the flow sensor to provide a signal to
indicate the flow through the first outlet. After the
system has been fully supplied with water and is in a
static configuration, the flow of water from the inlet
to the first outlet will indicate that at least one of
the sprinklers has opened, typically as a result of a
f ire .
With reference now to Fig. 22, the gear operator
has been moved and the indicator now points to the
"test" position. With reference to Fig. 23, the ball
member 82 has been rotated clockwise sufficiently to
permit the first port 140 of the ball member to provide
communication between. the inlet 66 and the second
outlet 68. Water is therefore free to flow through the
second port 144 through the relatively small opening of
the first port and then through the outlet of the
valve. At this time communication (albeit somewhat
restricted) is still provided between the inlet and the
first opening 64. This communication permits the
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-24-
pressure in the system to be sensed by the pressure
gauge, if provided, at the first outlet during a test
operation. A flow of water through the second outlet
during the test operation will deflect the paddle of
the flow sensor which will in turn cause the flow
sensor to provide a signal to indicate the f low through
the second outlet.
With reference now to Fig. 24, the gear operator
has again been moved to rotate the ball member further
in a clockwise direction. The indicator now points to
the "drain" legend. With reference to Fig. _25, a
clockwise rotation of the ball member 84 has presented
a portion of the third port 146 adjacent the first
outlet of the valve and has also presented a portion of
the third port 146 adjacent the second outlet of the
supply valve. A solid portion of the- ball member is
provided adjacent the inlet 66 of the supply valve to
interrupt the supply of water. Water is then free to
flow through the second and third ports from the first
outlet to the second outlet of the valve.
With ref8rence now to Fig. 26 another arrangement
for supplying, testing, and draining a suppression
water sprinkler system includes a supply 'valve 36'
having a modified ball valve member 84'. The supply
valve and arrangement of Fig. 26 is otherwise identical
to that of Fig. 1.
With reference to Fig. 27, the ball valve member
84~ is provided with first, second, and third ports
140, 144; and 146 about a periphery of the ball
valve member. The second port 144 has a cross-
sectional diameter which corresponds to the
cross-sectional diameter of the conduit 32 and the
inlet opening 66. The second port extends over an angle
of about 60 degrees, i.e., from 240 degrees to 300
degrees when the valve is oriented in the "open"
configuration. The third port 146 has a cross
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-25-
sectional opening which is at least as large as the
second port 144' in order to permit a fully opened flow
of water through the valve when in the "open"
configuration. In the embodiment of Fig. 27, however,
the third opening 146' is somewhat smaller than the
third opening 146 of the embodiment of Fig. 10.
As shown in Fig. 27, the third opening 146'
preferably extends from about 27.5 degrees to about 120
degrees when the valve is in the "open" configuration.
The first port 140' is provided at approximately the "5
o'clock" position and is arranged so as to be located
between the seat 132 and the second seal 136 when the
valve is in the "open" configuration. In this .way the
outlet 68 remains sealed when the valve is in the
"open" configuration.
In order to permit the outlet 68 to be sealed in
such a configuration, the second outlet 68 has been
made substantially smaller than the inlet 66 and the
first outlet 64 and is also offset in the downstream
direction. The first port 140' preferably extends from
about 125 degrees to about 140 degrees when the valve
is in the "open" configuration. The second outlet for
the valve preferably has its most upstream edge located
at about 18?.5 degrees.
With reference now to Fig. 28, the supply valve
36' has the indicator 108 in the "open" position. The
ball member is positioned by the gear operator so that
a solid portion of the spherical outer surface of the
ball member is oriented toward the second outlet 68 of
the supply valve. With reference to Fig. 29, the second
port 144' is positioned adjacent the inlet 66 of the
supply valve with the third port 146' positioned
adjacent the first outlet 64. Accordingly, water is
permitted to flow through the inlet 66 to the first
outlet 64 at the first preselected flow rate (the fully
open flow rate). Water is not permitted to flow
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-26-
through the ball member from the inlet of the valve to
the second outlet 68.
A flow of water through the first outlet will
deflect the paddle of the flow sensor which will in
turn cause the flow sensor to provide a signal to
indicate the flow through the first outlet. After the
system has been fully supplied with water and is in a
static configuration, the flow of water from the inlet
to the first outlet will indicate that at least one of
the sprinklers has opened, typically as a result of a
f ire .
With reference now to Fig. 30, the gear operator
has been moved and the indicator now points to the
"test" position. With reference to Fig. 31, the ball
member 84' has been rotated clockwise sufficiently to
permit the first port 140' of the ball member to
provide communication between the inlet 66 and the
second outlet 68. Water is therefore free to flow
through the second port 144' through the relatively
small opening of the first port and then through the
outlet of the valve. At this time communication (albeit
somewhat restricted) is still provided between the
inlet and the first opening 64. This communication
permits the pressure in the system to be sensed by the
pressure gauge, if provided, at the first outlet during
a test operation. A flow of water through the second
outlet during the test operation will deflect the
paddle of the flow sensor which will in turn cause the
flow sensor to provide a signal to indicate the flow
through the second outlet.
With reference now to Fig. 32, the gear operator
has again been moved to rotate the ball member further
in a clockwise direction. The indicator now points to
an "off" legend rather than to a "drain" legend. This
is because one of the purposes and advantages of the
embodiment of Figs. 26-33 is the ability to shut off
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-27-
both the inlet of the valve and the first outlet of the
valve when desired.
With reference to Fig. 33, a clockwise rotation of
the ball member 84' has presented a solid portion of
the ball member 84' adjacent to the inlet 66 of the
valve ahd has also presented a solid portion of the
ball member 84' adjacent to the first outlet 64 of the
valve. Therefore, the second outlet 68 has been
isolated from both the inlet and from the first outlet.
Accordingly, the flow switch 38 may be removed from the
valve and. repaired or replaced as desired without
requiring the system of water sprinklers to be drained.
In order to drain the system of water sprinklers,
it may be possible to move the actuator slightly so as
to position the valve member to provide limited
communication between the first and second outlets
(through the third port 146') while still blocking
communication between the inlet and the outlets.
However, such an arrangement may provide a relatively
slow drainage of the system.
If desired, the supply valve according to the
present invention could be configured so that the inlet
is oriented toward the right rather than toward the
left. In addition, it may be desirable to orient the
supply valve with the inlet directed upwardly or
downwardly. The modifications to the supply valve so as
to accommodate these changes in orientation are
believed to be readily apparent in view of the
specification and drawings herein.
If desired, it may be possible to provide the stem
114 as a "blow-out proof stem" which is inserted into
the opening of the valve housing through the first
outlet 64. The opening of the valve housing to receive
the stem is preferably configured so as to have an
interior shoulder which receives a corresponding flange
of the stem. In this way, in the event that the threads
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-28-
which retain the gear actuator on the valve housing
should fail, the stem would not be propelled outwardly
by reason of the water pressure acting on the stem.
With reference now to Fig. 14, a conventional ball
valve 150 includes a housing 152 which has an interior
chamber 154 which receives a ball valve member 156. As
shown in Fig. 14, the left side of the ball valve 150
is an inlet for the valve and threadably receives a
pipe 158. The pipe 158 serves to retain the ball valve
member 156 in the interior chamber 154 by urging an
annular seat 160 against the ball. valve member. The.
ball valve member 156 in turn is urged against an
annular seal 162 which abuts a shoulder in the interior
chamber of the valve housing. The right side of the
valve 150 provides an outlet for the valve and
threadably receives a pipe 164.
If desired, a separate ball valve retainer (see,
for example, the member 166 in Fig. 27) could be
provided to retain the ball valve member in the
interior chamber of the valve housing.
The ball valve member has a passageway 168 which
passes completely through the ball valve member in
order to provide communication between the inlet and
the outlet of the valve. The ball valve member is
connected to a suitable, conventional valve actuator
such as a valve stem (see the valve stem 114 of Fig.
11) and an actuating lever or other mechanism (such as
a lever or the shaft 110 of Fig. 11) which enables the
ball valve member to be rotated about a central axis of
the ball valve member. In this way, the ball valve
member may be rotated so as to provide full
communication between the inlet and the outlet, to
completely block communication between the inlet and
the outlet and to provide communication at a restricted
or limited extent between the inlet and the outlet.
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-29-
To this extent, the ball valve 150 of Fig. 14 is
conventional and is intended to represent not only
suitable, conventional ball valves but also tapered
plug valves and cylindrical valves and any other valves
having the general configuration of a housing, an
interior- chamber and a valve member which is arranged
for rotational movement about a central axis of the
valve member with a passageway (passing through the
central axis) being provided in the valve member.
According to the present invention, a flow switch
may be provided in the valve 150 with the flow switch
including a paddle 120 which is connected to .a shaft
122. The paddle 120 and the shaft~122 are inserted
through an opening 170 which is provided along the
central axis of the valve member 156 and colinear with
the stem or valve actuator of the valve member. In this
way, the valve member is free to rotate about the
paddle 120 and the shaft 122 of the flow switch.
The opening 170 may be slightly larger than the
diameter of the shaft so that the paddle 120 may be
wrapped about the shaft during insertion of the paddle
120 and the shaft 122 into the valve housing. The
paddle will then unroll after passing beyond the wall
of the valve housing and preferably substantially fills
the passageway through the valve member. If desired,
however, the paddle may be oriented at an angle other
than perpendicular to the direction of flow or may be
of substantially smaller size than the cross-sectional
diameter of the passageway through the valve member so
as not to unduly restrict the f low through the valve
member.
With reference to Fig. 15, the shaft 122 is
configured to pivot about an intermediate portion of
the shaft in response to a flow through the valve
member. The shaft carries a first electrical contact
which is provided closely adjacent to but spaced away
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-30-
from a second electrical contact. When the flow has
deflected the paddle and the shaft sufficiently, the
first and the second contacts close to complete an
electrical circuit which supplies a signal such as an
alarm. In this way, the flow sw~tch may indicate the
presence of flow through the valve member either at the
location of the valve or at a remote location.
With -reference to Fig. 16, a conventional three
way ball valve 180 includes a housing 182 which has an
interior chamber 184 which receives a bail valve member
186. As shown in Fig. 1-f, the valve housing has three
openings. Two of the openings 188,'190 are colinear
wi~th~ one another and the third opening 192 is
perpendicular with respect to the first and second
openings 188, 190. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 16,
the third opening 192 is an inlet for the valve and
threadably receives a pipe 194 . The first and second
openings 188, 190 provide first and second outlets for
the vale 180 with the second opening i88 receiving a
threaded pipe 196 and the third opening receiving a
threaded pipe 198. The pipe 198 serves to retain the
ball valve member 186 in the interior chamber 184 by
urging an annular seal 200 against the ball valve
member. The ball valve member 186 in turn is urged
against an annular seal-202 which abuts a shoulder in
the interior chamber of the valve housing.
In the three way ball valve of Fig. 16, the ball
valve member is provided with seals 200, 202 on either
side of the ball valve member and adjacent to the first
and second outlets of the valve. In this way, the flow
from the inlet may be selectively directed to either
the first outlet or to the second outlet and
communication between the inlet and the other outlet
will be interrupted. Other suitable, conventional flow
configurations for a three way ball valve may be
utilized as desired depending upon the particular
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-31-
purpose for which the valve is being utilized.-
If desired, a separate ball valve retainer (see,
for example, the member 166 in Fig. 27) could be
provided to retain the ball valve member in the
interior chamber of the valve housing instead of the
pipe 198.
The ball valve member has a passageway 204 which
is preferably L-shaped and which passes completely
through the ball valve member in order to provide
communication between the inlet and the outlet of the
valve. The ball valve member is connected to a
suitable, conventional valve actuator such as a valve
stem (see the valve stem 1~1~4 of Fig. 11) and an
actuating lever or other mechanism (such as a lever or
the shaft 110 of Fig. 11) which enables the ball valve
member to be rotated about a central axis of the ball
valve member. In this way, the ball valve member may be
rotated so as to provide full communication between the
inlet and -the first outlet or to provide full
communicatictnrbetween the inlet and the second outlet.
To this extent, the three way ball valve 180 of
Fig. f6 is conventional and is intended to represent
not only suitable, conventional three way ball valves
but also three way tapered plug valves and three way
cylindrical valves and any other valves having the
general configuration of a housing, an interior chamber
end a valve member which is arranged for rotational
movement about a central axis of the valve member with
a passageway (passing through the central axis) being
provided in the valve member.
According to the present invention, a flow switch
may be provided in the valve 150 in the same manner as
described above in connection with the embodiment of
Fig. 14 with the flow switch including a paddle 120
which is connected to a shaft 122. The paddle 120 and
the shaft 122 are inserted through an opening 170 which
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-32-
is provided along the central axis of the valve. member
156 and colinear with the stem or valve actuator of the
valve member. In this way, the valve member is free to
rotate about the paddle 120 and the shaft 122 of the
flow switch.
With reference to Fig. 18, the shaft 122 is -
configured to pivot both to the left and to the right
about an intermediate portion of the shaft in response
to a flow through the valve member. The shaft carries
a first electrical contact which is provided closely
adjacent to but spaced away from second and -third
electrical contacts. When the flow through the first
outlet 188 has deflected the paddle and the shaft
sufficiently to the right, the first and the second
contacts close to complete an electrical circuit which
supplies a signal such as an alarm. When the flow
through the second outlet 190 has deflected the paddle
and the shaft sufficiently to the left, the first and
the third contacts close to complete an electrical
circuit~~which supplies a signal such as an alarm.
Preferably, the second and third contacts are arranged
so that a first predetermined signal is provided when
the~firstwcontabt closes with the second contact and a
second (different) predetermined signal is provided
when the first cont~actvcloses with the third contact.
In this way, the flow switch may indicate the
presence of flow through the first outlet and indepen-
dently indicatc the presence of f low through the second
outlet of ~ the valve member either at the location of
the valve or at a remote location.
With reference now to Fig. 34, another-arrangement
for testing and draining a fire suppression water
sprinkler system is disclosed wherein a supply valve
242 is provided in communication with a branch conduit
32 of a main conduit 30. The valve 242 has an inlet 264
which is threaded onto a nipple 46 which is in turn
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-33-
threaded into the Tee fitting 40. Other arrangements
for connecting the inlet of the valve to the branch
conduit 32 will be readily obvious to one skilled in
the art. An outlet 268 of the valve 242 is connected to
the fitting 269 having a pair of sight glasses 271
threadably received at two couplings of the fitting
which are separated from each other by an angle of
about 90 degrees.
Another outlet 266 of the valve 242 is connected
to wn arrangement of fire suppression water sprinklers
243. - ~ -
With reference now to Fig. 35, the valve 242
according to the present invention includes a housing
262 having the three openings 264, 266 and 268 which
are coplanar. The openings 264 and 268 are colinear and
the opening 266 is arranged perpendicularly with
respect to the other openings 264, 268.
A stop plate 272 is mounted on the valve housing
as by a pair of screws 274 which are threadably
received by a mounting bracket 276 provided in the
valve :housing: The stop plate includes first and second
shoulders 275, 280 which limit the movement of a
control lever 282. The control lever is permitted by
the stop plate to travel between "open", "test" and
"drain & off" positions.
With reference now to Fig. 36, the valve 242
includes a ball member 284 which is received within an
interior--chamber of the housing. The-valve housing is
configured so as to receive the ball member 284_ through
the first opening 264. The ball member 284 is carried
by a first annular seal 286 and by a second annular
seal 286' both of which have an inner surface 288 that
conforms to the spherical shape of the ball member 284.
The seal 286' is provided adjacent to the inlet of the
valve (i.e., the opening 264) since the valve of Fig.
35 is arranged to close the inlet 264 with respect to
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-34-
both of the outlets 266, 268.
The seals 286, 286' also have a peripheral surface
290 which is snugly urged into the interior chamber of
the housing 262 by the ball member 284 when the
assembly has been completed and which is forced against
the interior chamber of the housing 262 by the pressure
exerted on the seals 286, 286' by the ball member 284.
In addition, each of the seals 286, 286' has an outer
surface 292. The seal 286 which is positioned in the
interior chamber of the housing ahead of the ball
member- abuts ~a shoulder (not shown) of the interior
housing. The seal 286' which is positioned in the
interior chamber behind the ball member 284 during
assembly is retained in position by a threaded retainer
270.
The ball member 284 is provided with a slot 298
which is adapted to receive a lowermost tab 300 of a
stem~~302.'The stem is inserted into the valve housing
262 through a 'threaded opening 3'03 which is
perpendicular to the openings 264 and 268 and colinear
with the axis of the opening 266. The stem is provided
with an annular bearing 304 and is sealed by a packing
306. A threaded retainer 308 maintains the stem in
secure engagement with the slot of the ball member 284.
Iv a more-preferred embodiment, the stem 302 is a
"blow-out proof stem" which is inserted into the
opening 303 through the first opening 264. The opening
303 is'preferably-~bnfigured so as to have an interior
shoulder which receives a corresponding flange of the
stem 302. In this way, in the event that the threaded
retainer 308 should fail, the stem would not be
propelled outwardly by reason of the water pressure
acting on the stem. If desired or if required by
ordinance, the stem may be actuated by an arrangement
such as disclosed in connection with the supply valve
of Fig. 1.
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-35-
The stop plate 272 is then mounted on the housing
by way of the screws 274. The control lever 282 is then
mounted on the stem 302 by a nut 310. The control lever
282 has a depending tab 312 which selectively abuts the
stops 278, 280 of the stop plate 272 to limit movement
of the control lever. In this way, movement of the ball
member 284 is likewise limited to movement between the
"open", "test" and "drain & off" positions.
In Fig. 36, the ball member 284 is provided with
a first port 324 having a cross-sectional area
corresponding to the opening provided by one of the
individual sprinklers in the fire suppression water
sprinkler system. The first port 324 communicates with
second, third and fourth ports 326, 327, 328 provided
in the ball member 284. The second, third, and fourth
ports 326, 327, 328 have a cross-sectional area which
3s relatively large in comparison with the first port
324 so that the second, third, and fourth ports can
fully supply and quickly drain the water sprinkler
system: The first, third, and fourth ports are coplanar
with the second port 326 being perpendicular to the
other three ports. Alternatively, the fourth port 328
may be considered to be perpendicular to the other
three coplanar parts.
-In the present embodiment, the second port 326 is
always in communication with the first outlet 266 of
the valve.'
If desired, the ball member 284 may be provided
with a slot (not shown) which is tapered along the
surface of the ball member to present a shape which is
non-symmetrical about the turning axis of the ball
member 284. This slot 298 is matable with the lowermost
tab 300 of the stem 302 so that the ball member and
stem may only engage each other when the slot 298 and
tab 300 are aligned. This construction ensures that the
ball member ports are properly oriented with respect to
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-36-
the openings in the valve 242 as discussed above.
With reference now to Fig. 37, the valve 242 of
Fig. 34 (with the sight glass housing not shown) has
the control lever 282 in the "open" position. With
reference to Fig. 38, the second port 326 is positioned
adjacent the second opening 266 and the third port 328
is positioned adjacent the first opening 264 (the inlet
for the valve) . The other outlet 268 of the valve is
closed by the solid portion of the ball valve member
284 which is positioned adjacent the seal 288.
Accordingly, water is not permitted to f low through the
ball member from the inlet of the valve to the second
outlet 26B but a fully open communication is provided
between the inlet of the. valve and the first outlet
266.
With reference now to Fig. 39, the control lever
has been rotated counterclockwise through 90 degrees to
the "test" position. With reference to Fig. 40, a
counterclockwise -rotation of the ball member 284
through 90 degrees has presented the first port 324
adjacent the second outlet 268 of the valve. Water is
therefore ,free to flow through the relatively large
port 326 of the ball valve through the relatively small
opening of. the first port 324 and then through the
second outlet 268 of the valve to test the valve.
simultaneously, communication is also provided between
the inlet and the first outlet 266 by the ports 327 and
326.
With reference now to Fig. 41, the control lever
has been rotated counterclockwise through an additional
90 degrees to the "drain & off" position. With
reference to Fig. 42, a counterclockwise rotation of
the ball member 284 through an additional 90 degrees
has presented the third port 328 adjacent the outlet of
the valve. Water is then free to flow through the
second and fourth ports from the first outlet 266 to
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-37-
the second outlet 268 to drain the valve.
Simultaneously, a solid portion of the ball valve
member is provided adjacent the seal 286 to close the
inlet of the valve with respect to the first and the
second outlets.
The valve 242 of Fig. 34 may be oriented as
desired so that the first outlet of the valve is
directed in whatever direction is most convenient.
Typically, the valve is oriented with the inlet
provided at the bottom of the valve with the first
outlet. extending upwardly. Therefore,, although the-
valve 242 is.shown in Fig. 37 to be oriented as a
"left-handed" valve, it is to be understood that the
valve 242 may be made oriented in whatever manner is
desired. If necessary, the stop plate and the
orientation of the handle 282 may be readily
reconfigured as appropriate for the orientation of the
valve.
With reference ,now to Fig. 43 another supply valve
348 according to the present invention is provided with
an inlet 350 and., a first outlet 352. A second outlet
354 is provided with the inlet and the first and second
outlets being oriented at 90 degrees with respect to
one another.
The valve_~~8 may be provided with a pressure port
356 and a_pressure gauge 358 as desired. If a pressure
gauge is not required, the pressure port may be closed
by a suitable plug, not shown. A valve actuator 360 is
provided opposite to the inlet 350 of the valve. A stop
plate is provided in connection with the actuator in
order to limit movement of the actuator as appropriate.
With reference now ,to Fig. 44, the inlet 350 of
the valve 348 is connected to a source of water through
a conduit 32. The first outlet of the valve is
connected to an arrangement of fire suppression water
sprinklers 364.
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-38-
The valve 348 includes a valve housing 366 having
an interior chamber which receives a ball valve member
368 (see Fig. 46). The actuator 360 for the ball valve
member is identical to the actuator 282 described in
connection with the supply valve of Fig. 35.
With reference to Fig. 47, the second outlet 354
of the valve member may be provided with a sight glass
arrangement such as has been described in connection
with the valve of Fig. 35. The second outlet 354 may be
connected directly to a drain (not shown) or may be
left unconnected. If not directly connected to a drain,
the need for a sight glass arrangement is, significantly
reduced or may b~ completely eliminated.
The ball valve member 368 (see Fig. 48 and Fig.
56) includes a first port 370 having a cross-sectional
diameter corresponding to the opening provided by a
single fire suppression water sprinkler when open. The
ball valve member 368 also includes second and third
ports 372, 374 which each have a cross-sectional
diameter relatively large in comparison with the cross
sectional diameter..,of the first port 370.
With. reference now to Fig. 55, the ball valve
member 3b8 is received within an interior chamber of
the housing of the valve. The valve housing is
configured .so as to receive the ball member 368 through
an opening 376 provided opposite and colinear with the
first outlet:352. The ball member 368 is carried by an
annular seal 386 and by an annular seat 386 ~ both of
which have an inner surface 388 that conforms to the
spherical shape of the ball member 368. The seal 386 is
provided adjacent to the first outlet of the valve
(i.e., the opening 352) since the valve of Fig. 43 is
arranged to close the inlet 350 with respect to the
first outlet 352.
The seat 386 may preferably be comprised of two
portions which are separated from one another by a gap
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-39-
of a few degrees. In this way communication between the
inlet 350 and the opening 376 is maintained regardless
of the orientation of the ball valve member and the
pressure may be reliably sensed at the port 356.
Alternatively, the pressure may be sensed upstream of
the ball valve member.
The valve 348 is also configured to seal the inlet
with respect to the second outlet 354. Accordingly, the
passageway through the second outlet is of a reduced
diameter and an annular seal 390 is provided adjacent
-the second outlet 354 (see also Fig. 52). The
passageway through the second outlet and the seal 390
are of a reduced d~:ameter so as not to interfere with
the seal and seat 386, 386.
With reference now to Fig. 49, the valve of the
present embodiment is initially in the "off" configura-
tion. With reference to Fig. 50, the second port 372 is
in communication with the inlet 350 of the valve and
the first ~outiet is. sealed by a solid portion of the
ball valve member positioned adjacent to the first
outlet 352. Likewise, the second outlet 354 is sealed
by a solid portion-of the ball valve member positioned
adjacent to the second outlet of the valve.
Accordingly, water is not permitted to f low through the
ball member from.the inlet of the valve to either the
first outlet or .the second outlet.
With reference now to Fig. 51, the control lever
has been ~rotated~ counterclockwise through 90 degrees to
the "test" position= With reference to Fig, 52, a
counterclockwise rotation of the ball member 368
through 90 degrees has presented the first port 370
adjacent the second outlet 354 of the valve. Water is
therefore free to flow through the relatively large
port 372 of the ball valve through the relatively small
opening of the first port 324 and then through the
second outlet 354 of the valve to test the valve.
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-40-
Simultaneously, communication remains blocked between
the inlet and the first outlet 266 by the solid portion
of the ball valve member which is positioned adjacent
to the first outlet. When the testing of the valve has
been completed, the handle is rotated in the reverse
direction to return the valve to the "off"
configuration of Fig. 49.
With reference now to Fig. 53, the control lever
has been rotated clockwise (from the "off" position)
through 90 degrees to the "supply" position. With
reference to Fig. 54, a clockwise rotation of the ball
member 368 through 90 degrees has presented the third
port 374 adjacent the first outlet of the valve. Water
is then free to flow through the second and third ports
from the inlet to the first outlet 352 to supply the
water sprinklers with water. Simultaneously, a solid
portion of the ball valve member is provided adjacent
the seal 390 to maintain the second outlet in a closed
configuration. Therefore, in the "supply"
configuration, the inlet is in communication with the
f'~~st outlet but is not in communication with the
second outlet:
The-valve of Fig. 43 has utility where the supply
of water ~to an arrangement of fire suppression water
sprinklers -is to be prevented until the-event of a
fire. For example, it is-conventional in naval ships to
have--an arrangement of fire suppression sprinklers
which do notwhave a meltable member to maintain the
sprir~)clers 3n a closed configuration until- a fire
should occur. Instead, the sprinklers are "open" and
the supply of water under pressure to the arrangement
of water sprinklers is interrupted until necessary, as
in the event of a f ire .
Therefore, in the valve and arrangement of Fig.
44, the valve would normally be in the "off"
configuration. In the event of a fire, the handle would
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-41-
be rotated to the "supply" position to establish
communication between the inlet and the arrangement of
water sprinklers. When the fire has been extinguished,
the handle would be returned to the "off" position.
When it is necessary to test the fire suppression
system, the handle is moved to the "test" position and
the testing procedure is carried out in the suitable,
conventional manner. At the conclusion of the test, the
handle is returned to the "off" position. Especially if
the valve of Fig. 43 is used in a naval system, it is
unnecessary to provide the sight glass arrangement
downstream of the second outlet. This is because the
second outlet may ~be -directed overboard and the f low of
water may be readily observed. Likewise, the need for
a pressure gauge in the valve of Fig. 43 for use in a
naval system is unlikely.
The valve 348 of Fig. 43 may be oriented as
desired so that the first outlet of the valve is
directed in whatever direction is most convenient.
~'ypicaily,~ the valve is to be oriented with the inlet
provided horizontally and with the first outlet
extending upwardly. Therefore, although the valve 348
is shown in Fig. 43 to be oriented with the first
outlet extending downwardly, it is to be understood
that the valve 348 may be made to be oriented in
whatever manner is desired. If necessary, the stop
plate and the orientation of the handle 360 may be
readily reconfigured as appropriate for the orientation
of the valve.
With reference now to Fig. 57, another arrangement
for supplying, testing and draining a fire suppression
water sprinkler system includes a main conduit 30 for
supplying water. The conduit 30 supplies a branch
conduit 32 by way of a Tee fitting 34. A supply valve
536, according to the present invention, is provided
for the branch conduit 32 with the supply valve 536
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-42-
operable to permit or to interrupt the flow of water
through the branch conduit 32.
Integral with the supply valve 536 is provided a
water flow switch 538 (see Fig. 62). With reference to
Fig. 64, the water flow switch 538 includes a paddle
501 or other member (not shown) which extends into an
interior chamber of the housing 562 of the supply valve
536. The paddle 501 preferably has a first portion 502
and a second -portion 503 which are -.joined to one
another along a shaft 504. The shaft is received within
a threaded housing 505 which is in turn received within
a.threaded opening 506 in the housing 562. The threaded
opening 506 in the housing 562 preferably is provided
coaxially~with a turning axis of a valve member 584 of
the supply valve. In this way, the first portion 502 of
the paddle 50i may be deflected by a flow of water
through the .first :outlet 564 and the second portion 503
of the paddle may be deflected by a flow of water
through the second outlet 568. The flow sensor includes
a contact suitable, conventional contact arrangement
such as is disclosed in connection.with Figs. 15, 17,
and 19 and the f low sensor is arranged to provide an
electrical signal by way of electrical wires 507. Even
though the valve has two outlets, it may be appropriate
to provide.a signal or an alarm whenever there is a
flow~of water through the valve. Therefore, it may only
be necessary to have two wires ~to provide the
electrical ignai .from the flow .sensor.. ~ Deflection of
the shaft to < indicate f low through the first outlet may
be used to trigger a fire alarm ar to alert a fire
department.
In the preferred embodiment, the paddle of the
flow sensor is provided centrally within the valve
member 582. In this way, a single flow sensor may be
used to indicate a flow of water through the first
outlet (i.e., in the event of a fire) and may also
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-43-
indicate a flow of water through the second outlet as
in a test operation. In this way, the need for the
sight glasses may be obviated unless required by local
ordinance.
The supply valve has an inlet 566 which is
connected to the branch conduit 32 and a first outlet
564 which is connected to a plurality of individual
water sprinklers (not shown). The supply valve 536 also
has a second outlet 568 which may be connected to a
drain. The supply valve 536 is preferably provided at
a location which is~physically lower than the portion
of the branch conduit 32 downstream of the supply valve
536 and also.. physically lower than all of the
individual water sprinklers and the associated system
of supply conduits which are supplied with water by the
branch conduit 32. In this way, the entire water
sprinkler system downstream of the supply valve 536 may
be drained as desired through the second outlet 568 of
the supply valve 536.
When it is desired to replace one or more of the
individual water sprinklers, the valve 536 is closed
and the water .sprinkler system is preferably drained
through the second outlet 568 of the supply valve 536,
so that the removal of one or more of the individual
water. sprinklers ~ will not result in a flow of water
through the fitting for the water sprinkler.
The inlet 566 of the supply valve 536 is threaded
onto a section of pipe in the branch conduit 32.
Likewise, the first.outlet 564 is threaded- onto a
section of pipe in the arrangement of individual water
sprinklers downstream of the supply valve 536. Other
arrangements for connecting the inlet of the supply
valve 536 to the branch conduit 32 and for connecting
the first outlet 564 to the arrangement of individual
water sprinklers will be readily obvious to one skilled
in the art.
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-44-
The second outlet 568 of the supply valve.536 may
be connected directly to a drain (not shown). Alterna-
tively, the second outlet 568 of the supply valve 536
may be left unconnected. In this way, the flow of water
through the second outlet 568 of the supply valve 568
would be visually observed without the use of a sight
glass. If, however, no visual inspection of the flow of
water is necessary, the second outlet of the supply
valve 568 may be connected directly to drain.
The supply valve 568 is provided with a pressure
gauge.556 by way of a pressure port 558. The pressure
gauge is provided adjacent the first outlet for the
supply valve and senses the pressure in the supply
valve 536 at the first outlet of the valve. If the
pressure gauge 556 is omitted, a plug 560 is threadably
received by the.pressure port 58 (see Fig. 63).
With reference now to Fig. 63, the housing 562 of
the supply valve 536 according to the present invention
has three threaded openings 564, 566 and 568 which are
coplanar. The.,first opening 564 and the third opening
568 are colinear with one another and the second
opening 566 is.perp~~dicular to the first and the third
openings. When in use as in the arrangement of Fig. 57,
tie middle opening 566 is the inlet of the supply valve
and the first opening 564 is the outlet to the
arrangement of sprinklers. The third opening 568 is
typically connected to a drain as discussed above.
A valve actuator 582 includes a threaded shaft and
turn wheel which are rotated to move a valve member 584
(see Fig. il and Fig. 12) within the housing 562 of the
supply valve 536. The valve actuator is connected to
the valve member 584 by way of a gear operator such as
is typically found in connection with butterfly valves.
Local regulations typically require that the valve
member in a supply valve for a fire protection water
sprinkler system be unable to move between a closed
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
62957-298D
-45-
position and a fully open position in less .than a
preselected period of time. A suitable, conventional
gear operator and valve actuator provides the required
time delay in valve member movement so as to prevent
the supply valve from being suddenly opened or closed.
Such a sudden opening or closing of the supply valve
can result in a harmful shock to the water supply
system.
The gear operator is also provided with an indica-
l o for 508 which moves with the valve member 582.. The gear .
operator housing 509 includes three legends, namely,
"open", ",test"-,~.~nd "off & drain". The indicator 508
points to the appropriate ::~~.egend to show the
or.ientation~af the valve member within the.housing. If
15 desired, the gear :operator may also be provided with an
electric switch which can indicate the orientation of
the valve member to a remote location (as by the
electrical wires 509). and . may also sound an alarm to
indicate :that the supply .valve has been closed.
2o Suitable, conventional apparatus for moving the valve
member and:for electrically indicating the orientation
of the valve member is provided by the Milwaukee Valve
Company, Ina. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in connection
with a Butterball~'"slow~close" butterfly valve.
25 With reference now to Fig. 63, the supply valve
536 includes the calve member or. ball member 584 which
is received within the inte~ior.chamber of the housing
562, of the .supply.-valve. In the valve 536 of the
preferr.~d.embodiment, the housing is configured so as
3o to receive the ball member 84 through the middle
opening 566. :The.ball member 584 is carried by an
annular seat 586 and an annular seal 586 which have an
inner surface 588 that conforms to the spherical shape
of the ball member 584.
35 The seat and the seal are provided on either side
of the ball valve member and a threaded retainer 587
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-46-
which forms the inlet 566 for the supply valve
releasably maintains the ball member and associated
seat and seal within the interior chamber of the
housing. The retainer and one or more of the threaded
openings 564, 566, 568 are provided with a hexagonal
peripheral surface so as to facilitate assembly and
disassembly of the supply valve 536.
With reference to Fig. 63, the second outlet is
also provided with a seal 586~~ which is used to seal
the second outlet when the valve is in the "open"
configuration. In the ~"open" configuration,
communication is provided between the inlet and the
first outlet but communication is blocked between the
second outlet and both the inlet and the first outlet.
The seal 586~~ may be of a reduced diameter and is
received on a shoulder of the second outlet so as not
to interfere with the seat 586 and the seal 568.
Alternatively, the seat 586, the seal 586' and the seal
586~~ may be made as an integral member which is
provided about the ball valve prior to insertion
through the inlet opening 566. It is only necessary
that the second outlet be substantially closed when the
valve is in the "open" and in the "off & drain"
configurations since any leakage through the second
outlet will be directed away to the drain.
In addition, the ball and valve housing may be
configured in an oversize manner so that sufficient
space is provided for the separate seals 586 and 586'
In such an arrangement, the size of the second and
third ports on the periphery of the ball valve member
will have the same actual size but since the ball
member itself is oversized, the spacing between the
first, second and third ports on the periphery of the
ball valve member will be increased. With the increased
spacing between the ports, separate seals can be
readily accommodated at the inlet and at the second
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-47-
outlet to provide a reliable sealing arrangement
although the overall cost of the valve will be
increased due to the oversized housing and oversized
ball valve member. In such an oversized arrangement,
the rate of flow though the valve from the inlet to the
first outlet, from the inlet to the second outlet and
from the first outlet to the second outlet in the
"supply", "test", and "off & drain" configurations is
determined based upon the size of the supply conduit,
the arrangement of water sprinklers downstream of the
first outlet and by the size of 'the sprinklers
themselves.
With reference again to Fig 64, the ball member
584 is provided ~wi~'h a - slot 598 which is adapted to
receive a lowermost tab 600 of a stem 602. The stem is
inserted into the valve housing 562 through an opening
603 which is perpendicular to the openings 564, 566,
568. The stem 60~ is rotated'by the gear operator 509.
The housing 511'for the"gear operator is releasably
mounted on the supply valve housing by a plurality of
screws~512 which page'through the housing ~f the gear
operator snd whYch are in turn recefved by the supply
valve housing. 'Suitable packing may' be provided for the
stem 602~as desired:
'- With 'reference ''to 'Fig: 64, tie b~'-11 member 584 is
provided with a first port 624 having a cross-sectional
area corresponding to the opening provided by one of
the individual spriiik'Yers in the fire supp~ess~ion water
sprinkler system. The first port 624 communicates with
the second and third ports 626, 628 provided in the
ball member 584. The second and third ports 626, 628
have a cross-sectional area which is relatively large
in comparison with the first port 624 so that the
second and third ports can quickly supply water to the
arrangement of sprinklers in the event of a fire.
While the preferred embodiments as described in
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-48-
the present application include a spherical shaped
valve member having a relatively thin wall construction
which may be cast or machined as appropriate, the
present invention may be adaptable to other suitable,
conventional valve configurations. For example, with
reference to Fig. 65, a solid ball valve member 584'
according to the present invention includes first,
second and third ports 624, 6'26, and 628. The ports may
be provided in the solid ball member in any suitable,
conventional manner as by drilling. The solid ball
member 584' is 'completely interchani~eable with the
thin-walled ball member of Fig. 64 arid bnly differs in
its 'internal construction. The s~'dlid ball member weighs
more and may therefore be more costly to manufacture.
However, the solid ball may be manufactured more
readily, at least in relatively small quantities.
Other valve arrangements are also within the scope
of the claims. For example, a plug valve (not shown)
therein the valve member comprises a truncated cone may
be modified in accordance with the present invention by
providing first; second and third 'ports in ~ 'the valve
member in the manner disclosed above.
With reference"'now to Fig: 67, the supply valve
5~6 has the indicator 508 in the "open" position. The
k3all iaember is positioned by the gear operator so that
a solid portion of the spherical outer surface of the
ball member is oriented toward the second dutlet'568 of
the supply va3~Ye"With reference to Fig.w 68,-the third
port 628 is positioned adjacent the inlet 566 of the
supply valve with the second port 626 positioned
adjacent the first outlet 564. A solid portion of the
ball member is positioned adjacent the second outlet
568. Accordingly, water is permitted to flow through
the inlet 566 to the first outlet 564 at the first
preselected flow rate (the fully open flow rate) . Water
is not permitted to flow through the ball member from
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-49-
the inlet of the valve to the second outlet 568.
A flow of water through the first outlet will
provide a torque about the shaft of the flow sensor
which will in turn cause the flow sensor to provide a
signal to indicate the flow through the first outlet.
After the system has been fully supplied with water and
is in a static configuration, the flow of water from
the inlet to the first outlet will indicate that at
least one of the sprinklers has opened, typically as a
result of a fire.-
With reference now to Fig. ~69, the gearv operator
has been moved and- the indicator now points to the
"test" position. With reference to Fig. 70, the ball
member 582 has been rotated clockwise sufficiently to
permit the first port 624 of the ball member to provide
communication between the inlet 566 and the second
outlet 568. Water is therefore free to flow through the
relatively ~smaTl ~~peri~ng of the first port through the
second'po~t and then through the outlet of the valve.
At this time communisation (albeit somewhat restricted)
i's stillprovided '-between the inlet and the first
opening 564. This communication permits the pressure in
the system ~t6' ~ be s' ~en~ed by the pressure gauge, if
provided, at the first outlet during a test operation.
A flow of--~$ter through the second outlet during the
test operation will provide a torque about the shaft of
the f low Bengor ~ W Hich wi 11 in turn ' cause the f low
sen~dr to ~i~ovide" a signal to indicate the"flow through
the second 'outlet'.'
With reference now to Fig. 71, the gear operator
hee again been moved to rotate the ball member further
in a clockwise direction. The indicator now points to
the "off & drain" legend. With reference to Fig. 72, a
clockwise rotation of the ball member 584 has presented
the first port 624 and a portion of the second port 626
adjacent the second outlet of the supply valve. A solid
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-50-
portion of the ball member is provided adjacent the
inlet 566 of the supply valve to interrupt the supply
of water. Water is then free to flow through the second
and third ports from the inlet to the outlet of the
valve.
With reference now to Fig. 73, the supply valve of
Figs 1 is provided with a pressure relief valve 602 of
suitable, conventional design. The pressure relief
valve may be provided in the port provided for the flow
switch in the embodiment of Fig. 2. If the flow switch
is desired to be~provided in the valve as described
above, the preseuze wrelief valve nay be provided
elsewhere -so as to be in =communication with the
interior of the valve housing: Preferably, the pressure
relief valve includes suitable piping so -as to direct
any flow through the pressure relief valve to the drain
of the second outlet.
Similarly, vith~reference to Figs. 74, 75, and 76
a~pressu~e relief~valve 602 may be provided for each of
thesupply valves of Figs. 34,43, and 57. The pressure
~elief° valves are provided so as to communircate with an
interior of -the valve housings and preferably are
arrang8d ~so a~s~~ to direst any flow through the pressure
relief valves to the second outlet ofWhe valves.
- While the wariaus valves and arrangements
acc~ording~tn the~present invention have been~described
with reference to a fire suppression water sprinkler
system, it is expected that the various valves and
arrangements maybe of general utility in systems other
than water sprinkler systems. Accordingly, the
principles, °~referred embodiments and modes of
operation of~the present invention have been described
in the foregoing specification. Hawever, the invention
which is intended to be protected is not to be
construed as limited to the particular embodiments
disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein
CA 02352030 2001-07-10
-51-
are to be regarded as illustrative rather than
restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by
others without departing from the spirit of the present
invention and it is expressly intended that all such
variations and changes which fall within the spirit and
scope of the present invention as defined in the
claims, be embraced thereby.
