Abstract:
A dry sidewall sprinkler and system and methods of installation provide extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. The preferred sprinkler and systems provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007).

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM &amp; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application is a Divisional application Ser. No. 12/105,480, filed Apr. 18, 2008 which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/912,643, filed on Apr. 18, 2007 each of the applications above is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) promulgates standards relating to fire protection such as, for example, NFPA Standard 13 (2007) (hereinafter “NFPA-13 (2007)”), portions of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference thereto and attached hereto accordingly. For example Chapter 8, of NFPA-13 (2007), which is incorporated herein in its entirety is applicable to sidewall spray sprinklers. For example, Section 8.4.2 of NFPA-13 (2007) provides that sidewall sprinklers shall only be installed as follows: (i) light hazard occupancies with smooth, horizontal or sloped flat ceilings, and (2) ordinary hazard occupancies with smooth, flat ceilings where specifically listed for such use. Section 8.9 of NFPA-13 (2007) provides that for extended coverage sidewall sprinklers the maximum allowable protection coverage area for ordinary hazard is 400 square feet. 
     NFPA-13 (2007) specifically defines Ordinary Hazard Occupancies in Chapter 5 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Section 5.3.1 defines an Ordinary Hazard—Group 1 occupancies as being where combustibility is low, the quantity of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed eight feet and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected. Section 5.3.2 defines an Ordinary Hazard—Group 2 occupancies as being where combustibility and quantity of combustibles is moderate to high, stockpiles of combustibles with moderate rates of heat release do not exceed twelve feet and stockpiles of combustibles with high rates of heat release do not exceed eight feet. Each of Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 provide that dedicated and miscellaneous storage shall be protected in accordance with applicable sections of Chapters 12 and 13 of NFPA-13 (2007), each of which are incorporated by reference. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiments disclosed herein are believed to be the first dry sidewall sprinkler and dry sprinkler installations that provides extended coverage for ordinary hazard commodities. Moreover, the preferred systems and methods provide for sidewall ordinary hazard fire protection beneath a sloped or horizontal overhang extending from a structure by at least ten feet preferably proximate to a garage or loading dock in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007). 
     An advantage of the preferred sprinkler assembly and installation is that it permits the design of a sprinkler system that provides protection to an area that is subject to freezing temperatures by keeping the wet type portions of the system in a controlled environment and protected from freezing temperatures. In the preferred sprinkler system, the wet type portion of the sprinkler system is disposed in an environment that maintains a temperature above the freezing temperature of water. The dry type portion of the sprinkler system, including the preferred sprinkler assembly, extends from the wet type portion of the system through a barrier or wall and into an area that is subject to freezing temperatures. More preferably, the wet type system is disposed internal to a building having a controlled temperature and the dry type portion extends from the wet type and through a wall of the building into an area with an uncontrolled temperature or a temperature that is below the freezing temperature of water, such as into a freezer or out to an external environment to the building. Most preferably, the wet type portion is disposed internal to a building and the dry type portion extends through an exterior wall of the building to an area outside of the building, such as to an area adjacent to an external loading dock to the building. 
     Another advantage of the sprinkler assembly is that it permits a sprinkler system design that provides protection to an area that is subject to freezing temperatures without the need for a second dry type system. The sprinkler assembly connects directly to the wet type portion of the system without the need for a secondary dry type system in the area subject to the freezing temperatures. 
     Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a horizontal sidewall, dry type sprinkler assembly and system. The preferred sprinkler includes a tubular casing having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the dry tube for connection to a wet system having a liquid supply. The casing defines a dry passageway along a longitudinal axis when the sprinkler is unactuated and further provides communication of liquid between the proximal and the distal end when the sprinkler is actuated. The preferred sprinkler further includes a sprinkler body coupled to the distal end of the tube. The body includes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal of the frame. The frame defines an outlet in communication with the passageway for discharge of the liquid. Distal of the outlet is a deflector coupled to the frame arms for distribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet. A sealing assembly is disposed within the passageway to control liquid flow from the supply to the frame outlet. The sealing assembly preferably includes a seat member disposed in the outlet having a proximal surface disposed within the passageway for engaging the liquid upon activation of the sprinkler. The proximal surface defining at least a portion oblique to the longitudinal axis and a portion transverse to the longitudinal axis. The preferred sprinkler further preferably provides extended coverage for ordinary hazard occupancies. 
     The preferred sprinkler has an actuated and an unactuated state controlled by a thermally responsive device. The thermally responsive device is preferably a thermally sensitive bulb that supports a preferred sealing assembly to control the discharge of fire fighting liquid from the sprinkler. In the unactuated state, the bulb is supported against the preferred seat member. In response to a fire of a sufficient heat release, the thermally sensitive bulb shatters to actuate the sprinkler. Accordingly, a preferred method is provided for operating an actuated dry sidewall sprinkler having a sprinkler body defining a sprinkler axis and including a frame defining an outlet and having a pair of distally extending frame arms that converge toward the axis to define a frame window. The sprinkler includes a seat member disposed in the outlet having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and the method preferably includes locating the seat member of the actuated sprinkler in the frame window, engaging the pair of frame arms with two points along the periphery of the distal surface of the seat member to define a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, and rotating the seat member about the pivot axis with fluid discharge from the outlet to eject the seat member from the window. 
     Another preferred embodiment provides a fire protection system installation for fire protection of an ordinary hazard beneath a sloped ceiling adjacent a vertical back wall in which the ceiling has a slope defined by a maximum rise of four inches per one foot of run. The system preferably includes a liquid supply and at least one sidewall sprinkler installed along the backwall beneath the ceiling. The sprinkler preferably includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the dry tube for connection to a liquid supply. The tube preferably defines a dry passageway along a longitudinal sprinkler axis when the sprinkler is unactuated and further provides communication of the liquid between the proximal and the distal end when the sprinkler is actuated. 
     A sprinkler body is coupled to the distal end of the tube. The body preferably includes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal of the frame. The frame defines an outlet in communication with the passageway for discharge of the liquid when the sprinkler is actuated. A deflector coupled to the frame arms and distally spaced from the outlet for distribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet, the deflector includes a canopy portion radially spaced from the sprinkler axis, the sprinkler being installed such that the canopy portion is substantially parallel to the sloped ceiling so as to define a space therebetween of about six to twelve inches (6 in.-12 in.). In the installation, the liquid is supplied to the inlet of the at least one sprinkler at a minimum pressure such that upon activation of the at least one sprinkler, a minimum flow rate of the liquid ranging from about 38 GPM to about 64 GPM and a length of throw of liquid deflected off the deflector of about 16 FT to about 20 FT are provided. 
     Another preferred embodiment provides a method of fire protection for an ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling and a backwall. The method includes mounting at least one sidewall sprinkler having an actuated and an unactuated state and a deflector in a horizontal orientation along the backwall of the occupancy such that deflect defines a deflector-to-ceiling spacing of about 6 in. to about 12 in. The preferred method includes coupling an inlet of the sprinkler to a liquid supply such that there is a dry passageway ranging in length from about 4 inches to about 48 inches between the inlet and the deflector when the sprinkler is unactuated and further providing fluid communication between the inlet and the deflector when the sprinkler is actuated. Even further the preferred method includes providing a coverage area ranging from about 256 square feet to about 320 square feet. 
     Another preferred embodiment of dry sidewall horizontal sprinkler is provided having an actuated and an actuated state. The sprinkler includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the dry tube is for connection to a liquid supply, and the tube defines a dry passageway along a longitudinal sprinkler axis when the sprinkler is unactuated and provides communication of the liquid between the proximal and the distal ends when the sprinkler is actuated. A sprinkler body is coupled to the distal end of the tube. The body includes a frame and a pair of frame arms extending distal of the frame. The frame defines an outlet in communication with the passageway for discharge of the liquid when the sprinkler is actuated. A deflector is coupled to the frame arms and distally spaced from the outlet for distribution of the liquid discharged from the outlet. The deflector includes a canopy portion radially spaced from the sprinkler axis. The deflector providing an extended coverage protection area at a density of 0.15 GPM per square foot to 0.20 GPM per square foot for an ordinary hazard occupancy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a preferred installation of a sidewall sprinkler. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a another preferred installation. 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall sprinkler of  FIG. 1  along line IIIA-IIIA. 
         FIG. 3B  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of  FIG. 3A  along line IIIB-IIIB. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are elevation, cross-sectional and plan views of a sprinkler frame for use in the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  is a cross-sectional and plan view of a bulb seat for use in the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are elevation, side and plan views of a deflector for use in the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  are alternate installations of the sprinkler of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Shown in  FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a preferred sprinkler installation for providing fire protection to an occupancy. More specifically, shown is a preferred sidewall sprinkler  10  installed such that its sprinkler axis IIIA-IIIA is oblique to and more preferably horizontally over an occupancy which the sprinkler  10  protects. The preferred sprinkler installation preferably provides extended coverage ordinary hazard (ECOH) fire protection from a horizontal sidewall sprinkler. In particular, the sprinkler  10  is preferably for use in ordinary hazard occupancies with non-combustible unobstructed construction and with a ceiling slope not exceeding two inches of rise per one foot of run. Moreover, the preferred sprinkler  10  and its installation provides fire protection to an area that is subject to freezing temperatures by providing a dry sprinkler assembly sufficient to protect the wet or liquid supply piping to which it is coupled from freezing. 
     Generally the sprinkler  10  has a dry sprinkler assembly that includes an inlet at its proximal end  12  and an outlet at its distal end  14 . In the installation of the sprinkler  10 , the inlet is coupled to a liquid or wet fire fighting source such as, for example, a water supply or branch pipe  16 . The proximal end  12  of the sprinkler  10  is preferably threadedly engaged with a fitting  13  of the wet supply pipe  16  located in an above-freezing environment  5 . In particular, the proximal end  12  can include 1 inch to 1½ inch (1-1½ in.) NPT or other pipe thread and more preferably one inch NPT (1 in. NPT). The distal end  14  of the sprinkler  10  extends from or is mounted to a mounting surface or backwall  17  at a distance L 2  such that the outlet is located within and/or above the occupancy  7  being protected which may be subject to freezing conditions. The preferred sprinkler  10  and its dry assembly prevent liquid from standing stagnant in the distal end  14  of the sprinkler  10  thereby avoiding freezing of the liquid supply in either the sprinkler  10  or the water supply  16  by conduction. 
     More specifically, the sprinkler  10  axially spaces the distal end  14  from the proximal end  12  to define an axial distance therebetween to minimize the conduction of heat from the proximal end to the distal end to prevent freezing of the liquid supply. Moreover, the sprinkler  10  has two states: (i) an unactuated state and (ii) an actuated state that controls fluid communication or flow of the liquid between the inlet and the outlet of the sprinkler  10 . The sprinkler  10  is preferably configured with a sealing assembly that in the unactuated state prevents liquid from entering the inlet of the sprinkler  10  and in the actuated state allows for the liquid to enter the inlet and flow to the outlet for discharge from the sprinkler  10 . Accordingly, the combination of the spacing between the proximal and distal ends  12 ,  14  with the fluid control at the inlet facilitates the use of the sprinkler  10  in occupancies subject to freezing conditions with a direct inlet connection to a liquid or wet piping supply. 
     The preferred sprinkler  10  further includes a deflector  18  at its distal end. When the sprinkler is in its actuated state and appropriately installed in accordance with applicable sections of NFPA-13 (2007) such that the deflector is located at a distance H, six to twelve inches below the ceiling (6 in.-12 in.), liquid enters the inlet of the sprinkler  10  is discharged from the outlet and impacts the deflector  18  and is distributed over the protection area at a sufficient density for a preferred coverage area to effectively address a fire in the occupancy  7 . Where the sprinkler is installed as a sidewall sprinkler for miscellaneous storage, the sprinkler is preferably installed so as to define a clearance space of at least thirty-six inches between the top of the deflector  18  and any miscellaneous storage  19 . The sprinkler  10  and its deflector  18  are configured to define preferably extended coverage areas for ordinary hazard occupancy installations. Accordingly, the preferred sprinkler  10  and its installation provide a coverage area greater than the standard one hundred square feet of coverage area. Preferably, the sprinkler  10  and its installation provide protection for coverage areas ranging from about 256 square feet up to about 320 square feet. More preferably, the coverage area provided by the preferred sprinkler  10  and its installation are 256 square feet, 288 square feet and 320 square feet. 
     The coverage areas of the sprinkler  10  is defined by the distance at which the deflector  18  can distribute the liquid discharged from the outlet of the sprinkler  10 . Preferably, the deflector  18  can distribute water from the outlet in the axial direction of the sprinkler so as to define a throw length of the sprinkler  10  of up to about twenty feet (20 ft.), and further radially distribute the discharged water over a span of about sixteen feet measured at the backwall laterally about the sprinkler axis. Accordingly, for a 256 square foot coverage area, the sprinkler  10  defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throw length of about sixteen feet (16 ft×16 ft); for a 288 square foot coverage area, the sprinkler  10  defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throw length of about eighteen feet (16 ft×18 ft); and for a 320 square foot coverage area, the sprinkler  10  defines a span of about sixteen feet and a throw length of about twenty feet (16 ft×20 ft). 
     The preferred coverage areas can further define a minimum lateral spacing between similarly configured sidewall sprinklers  10  located along a common backwall. Preferably, the sprinkler  10  and its coverage area preferably define a minimum lateral spacing from sprinkler axis-to-sprinkler axis of about eight feet. 
     The performance of the sprinkler  10  is further preferably defined by the flow rate of the water discharged from the sprinkler  10 . More specifically, a preferred flow rate ensures that the sprinkler  10  provides a sufficient water distribution density to a given preferred coverage area in accordance with any applicable fire protection standard, such as, for example, Section 13.2.2 of NFPA 13 (2007). According to the Section 13.2.2., in the protection of Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage, each of the coverage areas for the preferred sprinkler  10  require a water distribution density of about 0.15 gallons per minute per square foot (0.15 GPM/SQ. FT). Section 13.2.2. of NFPA-13 (2007) provides that in the protection of Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage, each of the coverage areas for the preferred sprinkler  10  require a water distribution density of about 0.20 gallons per minute per square foot (0.20 GPM/SQ. FT). 
     Accordingly, in order for the sprinkler  10  to satisfy the distribution density of 0.15 GPM/SQ. FT. for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage, the sprinkler  10  and its installation are preferably configured to provide water discharge from the outlet at a minimum flow rate ranging from about thirty-eight gallons per minute (38 GPM) to about forty-eight gallons per minute (48 GPM). More specifically, where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage having a coverage area of 256 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 38 GPM. Where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage having a coverage area of 288 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 43 GPM. Where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 1 storage having a coverage area of 320 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 48 GPM. 
     In order for the sprinkler  10  to satisfy the distribution density of 0.20 GPM/SQ. FT. for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage, the sprinkler  10  and its installation are preferably configured to provide water discharge from the outlet at a minimum flow rate ranging from about fifty-one gallons per minute (51 GPM) to about sixty-four gallons per minute (64 GPM). More specifically, where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coverage area of 256 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 51 GPM. Where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coverage area of 288 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 58 GPM. Where the sprinkler  10  is installed for Ordinary Hazard Group 2 storage having a coverage area of 320 square feet, the sprinkler  10  is configured to discharge water from the outlet at a minimum flow rate of about 64 GPM. 
     Providing the sprinkler  10  with the requisite discharge flow rate is preferably a function of the sprinkler structure and the pressure of the liquid supplied to the sprinkler. More specifically, the sprinkler  10  defines a preferred discharge coefficient or K-factor K of greater than 5.8 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 , such as for example about 8 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 , more preferably ranging from about 10.2 GPM/(psi) 1/2  to about 11.2 GPM/(psi) 1/2  and is even more preferably about 11.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 . The flow rate Q from a sprinkler is substantially a function of the discharge coefficient and the supply pressure P as defined by the formula: Q=K*(P) 1/2 . 
     Accordingly, for the sprinkler  10  with a preferred nominal K-factor of 11.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 , the following minimum pressures indicated blow in Table 1 provide for the corresponding preferred minimum flow rates to the preferred sprinkler coverage areas so as to satisfy the distribution density requirements of NFPA 13 (2007). 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Discharge Density 
                   
                 Minimum 
               
               
                 Coverage Area 
                 Requirement 
                 Minimum Flow 
                 Pressure 
               
               
                 (Square Feet) 
                 (GPM/SQ. FT) 
                 Rate (GPM) 
                 (PSI) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 256 
                 0.15 
                 38 
                 11.5 
               
               
                 256 
                 0.20 
                 51 
                 20.7 
               
               
                 288 
                 0.15 
                 43 
                 14.7 
               
               
                 288 
                 0.20 
                 58 
                 26.8 
               
               
                 320 
                 0.15 
                 48 
                 18.4 
               
               
                 320 
                 0.20 
                 64 
                 32.7 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The sprinkler  10  can further be used in another preferred installation. Shown schematically in  FIG. 2  is the sprinkler  10  installed along a backwall  17  beneath a sloped ceiling  20  having a maximum roof slope α defined by a four inch rise per one foot run or about an eighteen degree (18°) slope. Such an occupancy configuration is used, for example, in loading docks. The sprinkler  10  is coupled to a wet water supply pipe (not shown) in a manner as described above and installed in accordance with installation requirements of Section 8.9 of NFPA-13 (2007). The sprinkler  10  can further be installed using the deflector-to-ceiling distances H and minimum water pressure parameters described above to provide for fire protection with the coverage areas and distribution densities described above. Accordingly, the preferred sprinkler  10  with its dry assembly can provide fire protection to the loading areas with sloped ceilings or overhangs that are subject to freezing temperatures. 
     Shown in  FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler  10 , the dry sprinkler assembly preferably includes a tubular outer casing  30  extending along the sprinkler axis A-A having the proximal end  12  for locating the inlet  32  and the distal end  14  for locating the outlet  34 . The casing  30  is substantially a substantially tubular member defining the passageway  36  for conveying the liquid between the inlet  32  and the outlet  34  of the sprinkler  10 . 
     Preferably disposed about the proximal end  12  of the casing  30  is an inlet member  40  to further define the inlet  32 . The inlet member  32  is substantially cylindrical member preferably having an internal thread end at its distal end for threaded engagement about the proximal end  12  of the casing  30 . The outer surface of the inlet member  40  is also preferably threaded for threaded engagement with the fitting  13  of the supply pipe  16 . The proximal end of the inlet member  40  has an opening centrally aligned along the sprinkler axis A-A to define fluid communication between the liquid supply  16 , the passageway  36  and the outlet  34 . 
     Disposed and secured at the distal end  14  of the casing  30  is a sprinkler body or frame  38 . At its proximal end, the sprinkler frame  38  is preferably externally threaded for threaded engagement with an internal distal portion of the casing  30 . The outer surface further preferably radially broadens toward its distal end to define a shoulder for engagement with the distal edge of the casing  30 . The frame  38  has an inlet at its proximal end in fluid communication with the fluid passageway  36  and an opening at its distal end to define the outlet  34  of the sprinkler  10  from which water/liquid discharges to impact the deflector  18 . 
     Further referring to  FIGS. 3A ,  4 A and  4 B, the sprinkler frame  38  includes a pair of frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  diametrically disposed about the frame axis B-B. The frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  extend distally of the outlet  34  and preferably converge about the sprinkler axis A-A to define a boss  39  to engage and distally locate the deflector  18  relative to the remainder of the sprinkler  10 . More preferably, the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  extend linearly in the distal direction from the distal surface of the frame  38  and then converge so that each arm defines a radius of curvature. The frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  further define a sprinkler window  38   d  through which water passes to wet the area below the installed sprinkler  10  and further wet the backwall  17 . The sprinkler frame  38  includes an interior surface defining a passageway  38   c  between the inlet of the frame  38  and the outlet  34 . The passageway  38   c  is dimensioned to receive a tubular element which defines at least in-part the preferred K-Factor of 10.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 -11.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2  and more preferably 11.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2 . Shown in the plan view of  FIG. 4C , is a plan view of the sprinkler frame  38 . At least a portion of the peripheral surface of the sprinkler  38  defining a polygonal geometry  41  for engagement with an installation tool. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3A , disposed within the passageway  36  of sprinkler  10  is a sealing assembly  42  aligned along the axis A-A for controlling the unactuated and the actuated states of the sprinkler  10 . The sealing assembly  42  includes a plug assembly for sealing the inlet  32  of the sprinkler in the unactuated state. The plug assembly includes a plug  44   b  having a gasketed spring seal  44   a  disposed about the plug  44   b . The plug  44   a  is pivotally connected to a yoke  46  which is configured to axially slide within the casing to displace the plug assembly from inlet  32  to permit fluid to enter the passageway  36 . The yoke  46  is biased axially in the distal direction by a spring element  48  disposed within the inlet member  40 . 
     Resisting the spring bias so as to locate the yoke  46  and the plug assembly in the sealed position within the inlet  32 , the sealing assembly  42  further preferably includes an elongate water or other fire fighting liquid tube  50  disposed within the passageway of the casing  30  and having an interior passageway in fluid communication with the passageway  36  of the casing and a proximal end engaged with and in axial support of the yoke  46 . Disposed within the distal end of the water tube  50  is an insert member  52 . The insert member  52  defines an outer shoulder for engaging the distal edge of the water tube  50  to limit the axial travel of the insert in the proximal direction of the water tube  50 . The insert member  52  further defines an interior shoulder for engagement with the proximal end of a guide tube  54 . The guide tube  54  extends distally along the passageway  36  and terminates within the passageway of the sprinkler frame  38  to engage a bulb seat  56 . 
     The bulb seat  56  is disposed within the outlet  34 . Shown more specifically in  FIG. 3B , the distal surface of the bulb seat  56  includes an axially aligned receptacle for receipt of a thermally sensitive device to thermally trigger actuation and operation of the sprinkler  10 . Preferably the thermally sensitive device is a glass bulb  58  preferably rated to one of 155° F. and 200° F. The bulb  58  is compressively secured to the seat  56  by a compression screw  60  threadedly disposed within a central bore formed in the boss  39 . The bulb  60  resists the spring bias of the spring member  46  to secure the plug assembly  44   a ,  44   b  within the inlet  32  of the proximal end  12  of the sprinkler  10  and further secure the bulb seat  56  within the outlet  34  of the distal end  14  of the sprinkler  10 . The use of the thermally responsive bulb  58  provides for a preferred configuration of actuating the sprinkler  10  by eliminating the need for an ejector spring or other mechanical linkage to open the outlet  34 . 
     In operation of the sprinkler  10  installed in a manner as described above, a fire heats the liquid in the bulb  58  so as to shatter the bulb  58  and actuate the sprinkler  10 . With the bulb  58  displaced, the spring member biases and displaces the yoke  46 , water tube  30 , insert member  52  and guide tube  54  in the distal direction so as to axially displace the plug assembly  44   a ,  44   b  from the inlet  32  and the bulb seat  56  from the outlet  34 . With the plug assembly  44   a ,  44   b  displaced from the inlet, liquid enters the passageway  36  to fill the casing  30  and the water tube  50  to engage the proximal surface of the bulb seat  50 . Water or other fire fighting liquid engaging the proximal surface of the bulb seat  56  pushes the bulb seat from the distal end of the guide tube  54  for water or other liquid discharge from the outlet  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , shown are a cross-section and plan view of the bulb seat  56  which is preferably machined from brass. The bulb seat  56  preferably defines a total axial length X 1  of about 0.5 inches and more preferably 0.52 inches. The bulb seat  56  further preferably includes a proximal portion for insertion in the passageway of the sprinkler frame  38  and a broader distal portion to define a shoulder for engagement with a distal surface of the sprinkler frame  38 . A step transition is preferably formed between the broader distal portion and the narrower proximal portion. The bulb seat  56  preferably defines a maximum peripheral diameter D 1  of about 0.8 inches in the broader distal portion, and a maximum peripheral diameter D 2  of about 0.7 inches in the proximal portion at the point of the step transition. The proximal portion further preferably includes an angled surface  56   a  that initiates from its periphery and extends obliquely toward the bulb seat axis C-C. The angled surface  56   a  preferably initiates along the periphery at a distance of X 2  about 0.26 inches from the distal end surface of the bulb seat  56 , and the broader distal portion extends proximally from the distal end surface for a preferred distance X 3  of about 0.23 inches. Accordingly, the angled surface  56   a  preferably initiates at about the mid-point of the total axial length X 1  of the bulb seat. The angled surface  56   a  continues to the proximal end surface  56   b  of the bulb seat  56  so as to preferably define an angle θ of about twenty-nine degrees (29°) relative to a line transverse to the axis C-C. More preferably, angled surface  56   a  crosses the seat axis C-C. At the point where the angled surface  56   a  terminates at the proximal end, the proximal end surface  56   b  radially extends to the periphery of the proximal portion of the seat  56  transverse to the axis C-C. Accordingly, the proximal portion of the bulb seat  56  tapers transverse to its axis such that the bulb seat  56  has more mass to one side of the seat axis C-C than the other side of the axis such that the center of mass of the bulb seat  56  is radially offset from the seat axis C-C. 
     In addition to defining the impact location with the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b , the diameter D 1  of the distal surface of the bulb seat further preferably defines the dimensions of the various surfaces  56   a ,  56   b ,  56   c , D 2  of the bulb seat  56 . In view of the dimensions provided above, the diameters of the proximal and distal portions define a ratio D 2 :D 1  of about 0.88:1. The ratio of the overall seat length to maximum diameter X 1 :D 1  is preferably about 0.63:1. The ratio of the angled surface initiating distance to maximum diameter X 2 :D 1  is preferably about 0.33:1, and the ratio of the distal portion axial length to maximum diameter X 3 :D 1  is preferably about 0.29:1. 
     When the bulb seat  56  is installed at the distal end of the insert tube  54  within the sprinkler  10 , a preferred water passageway geometry  36  is defined. Specifically, the angled surface  56   a  allows water/liquid that has entered passageway  36  to engage the proximal surface  56   a ,  56   b  of the bulb seat in an uneven manner. The uneven engagement of the water against the bulb seat  56  facilitates removal or ejection of the bulb seat  56  from the distal end of the insert tube to clear the passageway for the flowing water to impact the deflector  18 . The impact of the water discharge further drives the bulb seat  56  into the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  so as to impact the frame arms at two points  38   e ,  38   f  with two points  56   e ,  56   f  along the bulb seat peripheral edge  56   d  formed by the intersection of the distal and peripheral surface of the distal portion. The distal and peripheral surfaces of the distal portion of the bulb seat  56  preferably intersect one another perpendicularly so as to define a substantially linear edge  56   d . Alternatively, the edge  56   d  may be defined by a chamfered surface between the distal and peripheral surfaces of the distal portion of the bulb seat  56 . Preferably, the distal portion of the bulb seat  56  and the sprinkler frame window  38   d  are dimensioned such that the point of contact  38   e ,  38   f  is intermediate the outlet  34  and the boss  39 . The two points of engagement of the peripheral edge  56   e ,  56   f  and the frame arms  38   e ,  38   f  together define a pivot axis D-D about which the bulb seat  56  can pivot out of the frame window  38   d . The two contact points  56   e ,  56   f  of the bulb seat  56  can be diametrically opposed as seen for example, in  FIG. 3A  or they may define a shorter chord length therebetween provided they are sufficiently far apart to intersect the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  intermediate the outlet  34  and the boss  39  and form the pivot axis D-D. Given the preferred design of the bulb seat  56  described above, the center of mass of the bulb seat  56  is offset from the plane defined by the pivot axis D-D and the sprinkler axis A-A such that the impact of the water discharge on the proximal surfaces  56   a ,  56   b  of the bulb seat rotate the bulb seat about the axis D-D out of the sprinkler frame window  38   d . Accordingly, the configuration of the bulb seat  56  in combination with the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  utilizes the discharging water or other fluid to clear the sprinkler frame window  38   d  and thus eliminates the need for a spring or other mechanical linkage to clear the bulb seat from the window  38   d  and discharge path. 
     With the sprinkler  10  installed in its horizontal sidewall configuration, as seen for example in  FIG. 3B , the bulb seat  56  is preferably installed and oriented so that the angled surface  56   a  is substantially located above the sprinkler axis A-A. Moreover, the angled surface  56   a  is preferably oriented such that the centerline VA-VA bisecting the surface  56  is centrally disposed between the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b . To facilitate the proper orientation of the bulb seat  56  and its angled surface  56   a , the distal portion of the bulb seat  56  preferably includes an axially extending notch or groove  56   c , shown for example in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  along the peripheral surface of the distal portion, preferably along the axial length X 3  of the distal portion, and further preferably axially aligned with the centerline VA-VA of the angled surface  56   a . Moreover, the groove  56   b  is preferably located along the portion of the periphery of the bulb seat  56   b  diametrically opposed to where the angled surface  56   a  peripherally initiates. The bulb seat  56  is properly oriented in the sprinkler frame  38  by aligning the groove  56   b  with a reference point on the sprinkler frame  38 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 4C  is a plan view of the sprinkler frame  38 . The reference point is preferably configured as an elongated ridge  57  located along the distal surface of the frame  38  that defines the discharge opening of the sprinkler frame passageway  38   c . The ridge  57  runs perpendicular to and bisects the plane or window  38   d  that is defined by the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b . In the installation of the bulb seat  56  in the frame  38 , the groove  56   b  of the seat  56  is aligned within seven degrees of the ridge  57 . Moreover, the groove  56   b  is preferably located to the one side of the plane defined by the frame arms  38   a ,  38   b  opposite the top of the deflector  18  so as to dispose a substantial portion of the angled surface  56   a  above the sprinkler axis A-A and a substantial mass of the bulb seat  56  below the sprinkler axis A-A as shown, for example, in  FIG. 3B . 
     The deflector  18  of the preferred sprinkler  10 , as seen in  FIG. 3B , preferably includes a face portion  18   a , a canopy portion  18   b  and a pair of arms  18   c  supporting the canopy portion  18   b  off the canopy face portion  18   a . Shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  is the deflector  18  in greater detail. The deflector  18  is preferably cut from a single blank of sheet metal and bent to form. Accordingly, the face portion  18   a , canopy portion  18   b  and arms  18   c  together define a deflector window  18   d  through which water can pass. The deflector face portion  18   a  preferably includes a centralized bore  18   e  for engagement about the boss  39  of the sprinkler frame  38 . Accordingly, when mounted to the sprinkler frame  38 , the face portion  18   a  of the sprinkler frame  38  is substantially perpendicular to the sprinkler axis A-A. Radially disposed about the central bore  18   e  are a plurality of slots  18   f  defining tines  18   g  therebetween along the bottom portion of the face  18   a . Additional tines  18   g  can be formed along the top of the face portion  18   a . The slots  18   f  preferably vary in width along their direction of formation. The deflector arms  18   c  are preferably located at the lateral ends of the deflector  18 . The arms  18   c  are preferably arcuate to locate the canopy portion  18   b  spaced from and above the face portion  18   a . Accordingly, the canopy portion  18   b  forms the top of the deflector  18  disposed above the sprinkler axis A-A in each of the horizontal installations shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  7 A and  7 B. Where  FIG. 1  shows a dry sprinkler installation without an escutcheon,  FIG. 7A  shows a dry sprinkler with a flush escutcheon  70 , and  FIG. 7B  shows a dry sprinkler with a deep escutcheon  70 ′. Preferably, the canopy portion  18   b  is a planar member, as seen for example in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , defining an angle γ of about three degrees and more preferably 2.5 degrees (2.5°) relative to a line parallel to the deflector axis D-D or no more than eighty-eight degrees (88°) relative to a plane perpendicular to the deflector axis D-D. 
     As noted above, the preferred K-factor of 10.2-11.2 GPM/(PSI) 1/2  of the sprinkler  10  is partially defined by the sprinkler frame passageway and outlet. The preferred sprinkler is further preferably defined by the length of the casing  30  and the internal sealing assembly  40 . More specifically, a K-factor length is preferably defined by a function of the length L 1  between mounting surface  17  and the face of the fitting  13  in the supply pipe  16 . Shown in Table 2 below is the relation between the mounting surface-to-fitting L 1 , the preferred mounting configuration, a K-Factor Length determination, and the preferred K-factors. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Mounting Configuration &amp; K- 
                 K-Factor Length 
                 K-Factor 
               
               
                 Factor Length Determination 
                 (inches) 
                 (GPM/(PSI )1/2 ) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                  2.5-14.75 
                 11.2 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                   15-18.75 
                 10.9 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 19-23 
                 10.8 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 23.25-26.75 
                 10.7 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 27.25-31.25 
                 10.6 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                  31.5-35.25 
                 10.5 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 35.5-39.5 
                 10.4 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 39.75-43.5  
                 10.3 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in 
               
               
                 w/o Escutcheon 
                 43.75-48   
                 10.2 
               
               
                 L 1  − 2 in. 
               
               
                 Flush Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + ½ in. 
               
               
                 Deep Escutcheon 
               
               
                 L 1  + 3.25 in. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain preferred embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as described herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.