Patent Publication Number: US-11045675-B2

Title: Belleville seal for valve seat having a tear drop laminar flow feature

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/782,788 filed Dec. 20, 2018 and 62/625,842 filed Feb. 2, 2018, and the contents of each application identified in this paragraph are incorporated into the present application by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fire protection and more particularly to valves and seal assemblies for use in fire-protection systems. 
     Fire sprinkler system installation and operation are subject to nationally recognized codes. 
     As is pointed out in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0199803, dry sprinklers are used in areas that are or may be exposed to freezing conditions, such as in freezers, unheated internal areas, walkways, etc. In typical dry-pipe systems, supply conduits run in a space where the water in the supply conduit is not subject to freezing. A dry sprinkler, which is “dry” because it does not contain water until the sprinkler system has been triggered, is attached to the supply conduit and extends into a space where the water would otherwise be subject to freezing. 
     As U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0199803 further points out, the typical construction of a dry sprinkler comprises a tube (“drop”) with a pipe connector at the inlet end of the tube (for connecting the inlet end to the supply pipe network of the fire suppression system), a seal member at the inlet end to prevent water from entering the tube prior to activation such as in the case of a fire, and a mechanism to maintain the seal at the inlet end until the sprinkler is activated. Typically, a nozzle with an outlet and a deflector is attached to the opposite, outlet end of the tube. Also, the tube is sometimes vented to the atmosphere to allow drainage of any condensation that may form in the tube. Such dry sprinklers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,431. As shown generally in that patent, the actuating mechanism can include a rod or other similar rigid structure that extends through the tube between the nozzle end and the inlet end to maintain a seal at the inlet end. The actuating mechanism further may include a thermally responsive element that supports the rod or the like at the nozzle end and thereby supports the seal at the inlet end. Alternatively, the tube is also sealed at the nozzle end of the tube, and the rod is supported at the nozzle end by the seal member which is itself supported by the thermally responsive support element. In such arrangements, the space in the tube between the two seal members can be pressurized with a gas, such as dry air or nitrogen, or filled with a liquid such as an antifreeze solution. When an elevated temperature is experienced, the thermally responsive support element fails, thereby allowing the rod to move releasing the inlet end seal (and also any outlet seal at the nozzle end of the tube) to allow water from the supply conduit to flow into and through the tube to the nozzle. 
     Various fire-protection systems including thermal trigger assemblies for remote mechanical actuation of another fire-protection component, as described in the related applications listed herein, are known. Such fire-protection systems generally include one or more valves for controlling the flow of water or other fire-suppression liquid (collectively referenced as “water” herein). The present application discloses valves for use in such fire-protection systems or with a dry sprinkler as described above, or to be incorporated into a dry sprinkler. The present application also discloses a fire-protection system comprising such a valve or dry sprinkler. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fire-protection system for delivering a fire-control fluid. The fire-protection system comprises a valve having a body with an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passageway connecting the inlet with the outlet. A seal member is supportable across the passageway to close the passageway. The seal member is supported across the passageway in a sealing position in a pre-activation condition of the valve. The seal member is movable from the sealing position to a fluid-flow position in an activated condition of the valve. The seal member comprises a support body having a longitudinal axis, a seat, a leading surface facing in an upstream direction from the seat, and a trailing surface located in a downstream direction from the seat and contoured radially inwardly in the downstream direction. A Belleville washer is mounted on the seat of the support body. 
     Briefly stated, another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fire-protection system for delivering a fire-control fluid. The fire-protection system comprises a valve having a body with a fluid aperture having an aperture axis, and a fluid-flow axis parallel to a direction of flow of fluid through the fluid aperture. A seal member is supportable to close the fluid aperture. The seal member has a blocking position and orientation, and the seal member prevents a fluid flow through the aperture in a pre-activation condition of the fire-protection system when in the blocking position and orientation. The seal member is movable from the blocking position and orientation to a fluid-flow position and orientation in an activated condition of the fire-protection system. The seal member comprises a Belleville washer having a washer axis. The support body comprises a leading portion oriented in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow when the seal member is in the fluid-flow position and orientation, and a trailing portion oriented in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow when the seal member is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. A transverse surface supports the Belleville washer, with the washer axis aligned with the aperture axis in the blocking position and orientation, and with the washer axis at an angle to the fluid-flow axis when the seal member is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. The support body is streamlined with respect to the direction of fluid flow when the seal member is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of fire-protection system including a thermal trigger assembly configured for remote mechanical actuation of another fire-protection system component in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a fire-protection system including a valve, an activation component, and a sprinkler head, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fire-protection system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged and partially exploded side perspective view of fire-protection system of  FIG. 2 , including the valve component and a portion of the activation component; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the fire-protection system of  FIG. 2 , including the sprinkler head and a portion of the activation component; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial elevational cross-sectional view of the components of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial side perspective cross-sectional view of the valve component and the activation component of  FIG. 2 , shown in the pre-activation condition and sealing position; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial side perspective cross-sectional view of the valve component and the proximal base of  FIG. 7 , shown in the activated condition; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged partial elevational cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of activation component of the device of  FIG. 2 , shown in the activated condition; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial side perspective view of a bracket and a portion of the activation component of  FIG. 2  secured to a conduit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  an enlarged partial elevational cross-sectional view of a valve component in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in the pre-activation condition and sealing position; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged elevational cross-sectional view of a seal member of the valve component of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged elevational cross-sectional view of a dry sprinkler according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, mounted through a portion of a structure, shown in a pre-activation condition; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged elevational cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , shown in an activated condition; and 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged partial side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , shown in an orientation consistent with the activated condition. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” “back,” and “rear” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component being discussed, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. “Proximal” and “distal” refer to directions generally toward and away from, respectively, the fire-protection system component being triggered by the thermal trigger assembly or bulb, unless the context indicates otherwise. “Including” (and similar terms) should be read, as is customary, to mean “including but not limited to.” “Upstream” refers to a direction from which fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to a direction to which fluid flows, in an activated condition. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
     The valves and fire-protection devices (including dry sprinklers) disclosed herein may be used advantageously as part of systems including activation components and/or thermal trigger assemblies previously disclosed, including devices disclosed by the Applicant. For context, one such previously disclosed system is described, and the incorporation of a new valve into the previously disclosed system is described, before describing the new valves in detail. The preferred invention is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/790,321 filed Oct. 23, 2017 (Pub. No. US 2018-0043198 A1); Ser. No. 15/648,861 filed Jul. 13, 2017 (Pub. No. US 2017-0340911 A1); Ser. No. 15/623,048 filed Jun. 14, 2017 (Pub. No. US 2018-0361182 A1); and Ser. No. 15/222,770 filed Jul. 28, 2016 (U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,763); the contents of each application identified in this paragraph are incorporated into the present application by reference in their entirety. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the preferred disclosed fire-protection system, a thermal trigger assembly  10  is configured for remote mechanical actuation of another fire-protection system component  16 , which in the preferred invention preferably is a valve as described below. The thermal trigger assembly  10  comprises an activation component  12  and a flexible connector  14  configured to allow the activation component  12  to remotely mechanically actuate the other fire-protection system component  16 , which in some preferred embodiments (discussed below) is a valve, either of a new type presently disclosed herein, or as previously disclosed, for discharging water into one or more sprinklers. The other fire-protection system component  16  also may comprise a switch or a relay having a throw, a magnet (such as a Reed switch or relay), or an equivalent that can be mechanically moved, or another type of fire-protection system device actuatable by a mechanical input. As described in more detail below, the activation component  12  and the flexible connector  14  are not necessarily distributed in space in the same manner as they are depicted in the block diagram of  FIG. 1 . 
     In another preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 through 8 , a fire-protection system in the form of a dry sprinkler device includes a thermal trigger assembly configured for remote mechanical configuration of another fire-protection system component, which in  FIGS. 2-4, 7 , and  8  takes the form of a valve  20  according to the preferred invention. As noted above, the valve  20  may be controlled by any suitable trigger assembly, including the trigger assemblies disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/623,048, published as Pub. No. US 2018-0361182 A1 (as discussed herein), or the trigger assemblies discussed in any of the other U.S. patents or patent applications incorporated by reference in the present application. 
     In the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 2-8 and 12 , the thermal trigger assembly comprises an activation component  50  including a proximal base  60  having a body  61 , proximal end  62 , and a distal end  64  with respect to the valve  20 . In some embodiments, a nut  63  at the distal end  64  of the body  61  has a notched fitting  63   a  for attaching a flexible connector  120  (described below), and the nut engages the threads  64   a  on the body  61 . A proximal movable member  70  is movable with respect to the proximal base  60 . A bias member, best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , is shown as a coil spring  80 . A “bias member” as discussed herein could alternatively take the form of other devices capable of supplying a restorative force in response to a displacement—for example, an air spring or a leaf spring. The bias member (the coil spring  80 ) is located with respect to the proximal base  60  to bias the proximal movable member  70  from a pre-activation position, shown in  FIG. 7 , to an activated position, shown in  FIG. 8 , with respect to the proximal base  60 . 
     The activated position is located proximally of the pre-activation position, so that a movement of the proximal movable member  70  from the pre-activation condition to the activated position with respect to the proximal base  60  is a movement generally proximally—that is, toward the other fire-protection component, the valve  20  (upwardly when viewing  FIG. 8 ). Note that in the pre-activation position, shown in  FIG. 7 , there is a gap between the proximal end  71  of the proximal moveable member and the latch  32 . In the activated position, shown in  FIG. 8 , the proximal end  71  of the proximal moveable member  70  is in contact with the latch  32 . In some preferred embodiments, the proximal end  70   a  of the proximal moveable member  70  makes a forcible impact with a portion of the other fire protection component—for example, the latch  32  of the valve  20 . 
     The thermal trigger assembly also comprises a distal base  90 , a distal movable member in the form of a pull  100 , and a thermally responsive element  110 , which in some embodiments is an alcohol-filled glass bulb, is retained by the distal base  90  until a predetermined thermodynamic condition occurs or is reached. Alternatively, in certain embodiments the distal movable member could take the form of an end portion of the flexible connector  120 . 
     The thermally responsive element  110  is configured to lose structural integrity under the predetermined thermodynamic condition and thereby allow the distal movable member  100  to move from a pre-activation position to an activated position located generally proximally (that is, toward the valve  20 ) with respect to the distal base  90 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the distal base  90  comprises a body  92  with a proximal end  94 , a distal end  96 , and an extension  98  (lying within the dashed box in  FIG. 6 ) extending distally from the distal end  96 , with the extension  98  including one or more arms  99  supporting the thermally responsive element  110 . The distal base  90  also includes a fulcrum  97  supported by the distal base  90 , which is also supported in the preferred embodiment by the extension  98 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-8 , the thermal trigger assembly also comprises the flexible connector  120  having a proximal end  122  and a distal end  124 , the proximal end  122  being connected to the proximal movable member  70 , and the distal end  124  being connected to the distal movable member  100 . The connections between the flexible connector  120  and other components may be direct or maybe indirect, with intervening connecting components disposed between the flexible connector  120  and, for example, the proximal movable member  70 . The thermally responsive element  110  retaining the distal movable member, the pull  100 , in the pre-activation position with respect to the distal base  90  also retains the proximal movable member  70  in the pre-activation position with respect to the proximal base  60 . Upon the loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element  110 , a biasing force from the bias member (the coil spring  80 ) causes a movement of the proximal movable member  70  from the pre-activation position of the proximal movable member  70  ( FIG. 7 ) to the activated position of the proximal movable member  70  ( FIG. 8 ). 
     The flexible connector  120  includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing  126  with a proximal housing end  128  configured to be stationarily connected with respect to the proximal base  60  and a distal housing end  130  configured to be stationarily connected with respect to the distal base  90 . The flexible outer cable housing  126  may include at least one joint  126   a  joining two or more portions thereof. The flexible connector  120  also includes a flexible inner member  132  located inside the flexible hollow outer cable housing  126  for movement within the flexible outer cable housing  126  and having a proximal inner member end  134  ( FIG. 7 ) and a distal inner member end  136  ( FIG. 6 ), the proximal inner member end  134  being stationarily connected with the proximal movable member  70 , and the distal inner member end  136  being stationarily connected with the distal movable member, which in the exemplary embodiment is the pull  100 . The distal movable member may, as an alternative to the pull  100 , include other bodies engaged with the flexible connector  120 , the other bodies having any convenient shape. More generally, the proximal inner member end  134  is configured for a mechanical connection with the latch  32  for removing the support provided by the latch  32  from the seal member  28 , thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway  40  of the valve  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a platform  150  is engaged with the fulcrum  97 , the distal movable member  100 , and the thermally responsive element  110  such that the distal movable member  100  and the thermally responsive element  110  restrain the platform  150  on the fulcrum  97 . Although the platform  150  is illustrated as a relatively flat plate, generally a platform  150  according to the preferred embodiment can take any shape that is supportable on the fulcrum  97  and that accommodates the necessary engagement of the thermally responsive element  110  and the distal movable member  100 . 
     Upon the loss of structural integrity of the thermally responsive element  110  (due to the occurrence of a thermodynamic condition), the platform  150  pivots about the fulcrum  97  as a result of force from the bias member (the coil spring  80 ) transmitted by the flexible connector  120 , allowing the distal movable member  100  to move to the activated position with respect to the distal base  90 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the distal movable member  100  takes the form of a pull  100  attached to the distal inner member end  136  of the flexible connector  120 , and the platform  150  has a notch  152  for engaging the pull  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4, 7 and 8 , the valve  20  of the present invention has a body  22  with an inlet  25  located at an inlet end  24 , at least one outlet  27  located at an outlet end  26 , and a fluid passageway  40  between the inlet  25  and the outlet  27 . The inlet end  24  has screw threads  24   a  for attachment to a fluid source. The body  22  includes a removable cover  23  ( FIG. 4 ) attached by screws  23   a  (one is shown). The removable cover  23  has a threaded opening  23   b  for attaching the proximal base  60  at the proximal end  62  via threads  62   a . In an alternative embodiment, the valve  20  may have additional outlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the fluid passageway  40 . A seal member  28 , which is shown alone in  FIG. 12  and is further described below, is supportable across the passageway  40  to close the passageway  40  by a lever  30 , which is pivotally mounted by means of a lever pivot  30   a  located on a cross-member  36 . The seal member  28  is supported across the passageway in a sealing position in a pre-activation condition of the valve  20 . The seal member  28  is movable from the sealing position to a fluid-flow position in the activated condition of the valve  20 . 
     The lever  30  is retained in a sealing position to hold the seal member  28  in place as shown in  FIG. 7  to prevent fluid from flowing into and through the valve  20  through the inlet  25  by a latch  32  engaged with the lever  30 . The movable member  70  is configured to engage the latch  32  for pivotal movement of the latch  32  counter-clockwise (as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) about the pivot  32   a  with respect to the lever  30  by a movement of the proximal movable member  70  in the proximal direction in the activation position of  FIG. 8 . The latch  32  is supported by a latch pivot  32   a  located on the cross-member  36 . A latch bias member, here a latch spring  32   b  acting in compression, retains the latch  32  in position supporting the lever  30  when in the pre-activation condition position of  FIG. 7 . Optionally an adjustment screw  34  ( FIG. 8 ) threadedly engages the lever  30  and a shaft portion  28   a  of the seal member  28  to support the seal member  28 , with the combination providing a mechanism to adjust the sealing engagement of the seal member  28  with the inlet  25 . More generally, the proximal inner member end  134  ( FIG. 7 ) of the flexible connector  120  is configured for engagement with the latch  32 , either through direct contact or acting through intervening components (such as the proximal movable member  70 ), for removing the support provided by the latch  32  from the seal member  28  so that the seal member  28  moves (under pressure provided by the water) away from the inlet  25  of the valve  20 , thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the fluid passageway  40  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the proximal movable member  70  in the activated position is sealingly engaged with the proximal base  60  by the seal  170 . Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 9 , the seal  170  is omitted, and the proximal movable member  70  comprises a weephole  72  permitting fluid communication between a proximal portion  66  of the body  61  of the proximal base  60  with respect to the proximal movable member  70 , and a distal portion  68  of the body  61  of the proximal base  60  with respect to the proximal movable member  70 . Referring again to  FIGS. 2-8 , it is advantageous for the proximal movable member  70  to sealingly engage the proximal base  60  where the activation component  50  is used to control the valve  20  for permitting water flow to a sprinkler head  180 , which remains closed until a second thermally responsive element  182  of the sprinkler head  180  (see  FIG. 2 ) loses structural integrity under a predetermined thermodynamic condition. The sprinkler head  180  may include any of the wide variety of sprinkler heads currently common in the art, or any other type of water-discharge device for delivering water or other fluid onto a fire, and may include both open sprinkler heads and sprinkler heads containing plugs or other mechanisms for blocking and permitting fluid flow. This combination of components creates a system in which water flows through the sprinkler head  180  only if both the thermally responsive element  110  of the distal base  90  and the thermally responsive element, depicted as a fusible member  182 , of the sprinkler head  180  are both activated. If the thermally responsive element  110  alone loses structural integrity, the valve  20  is opened, but water cannot flow through the sprinkler head  180 ; moreover, the sealing engagement of the proximal movable member  70  with the proximal base  60  prevents or minimizes water flow through the proximal base  60 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the weephole passage  72  of the proximal movable member  70  permits a small amount of water to flow through the proximal base  60  so that the triggering of the valve  20  alone, without the triggering of the sprinkler head  180 , is more easily detected because water leaks through the weephole passage  72 , eventually leaking from the activation component  50 , with water becoming detectable in the vicinity of the distal base  90 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a bracket  270  according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention supports the distal base  90  on a conduit  280 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , the other fire component  20  referenced in the discussion of  FIG. 1  may take the form of a valve  220 , which is similar in many respects to the valve  20  of the above-described preferred embodiment. The valve  220  has a body  222  with an inlet  225 , an outlet  227 , and a fluid passageway  240  between the inlet  225  and the outlet  227 . In the alternative embodiment, the valve  220  may have additional outlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the fluid passageway  240 . A seal member  228  is supported across the passageway  240  to close the passageway  240  by a pivotally mounted lever  230 , wherein the lever  230  is retained in a sealing position by a frangible support in the form of a glass bulb  244  engaged with the lever  230  until a movement of the flexible connector, the proximal inner member end  134  of the flexible connector being shown in  FIG. 11 , causes a collapse of the glass bulb  244 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the proximal inner member end  134  causes the collapse by transmitting a force to break the glass bulb  244 , and the proximal movable member takes the form of the proximal inner member end  134  of the flexible connector. The lever  230  is pivotally supported on the cross-member  236  by a lever pivot  230   a  located on a cross-member  236 . Optionally an adjustment screw  234  threadedly engages the lever  230  and a shaft portion  228   a  of the seal member  228 , which in turn supports the seal member  228 , with the combination providing a mechanism to adjust the engagement of the seal member  228  with the inlet  225  for providing a tight seal. More generally, the proximal inner member end  134  of the flexible connector  120  is configured for engagement, either through direct contact or with intervening components, with the glass bulb  244  or other frangible support for removing the support from the seal member  228 , thereby permitting water to flow through the passageway  240 . 
     In another alternative preferred embodiment (not shown), the flexible inner member  132  may be run, with or without a flexible outer cable housing  126  similar to the above-described preferred embodiment, through the conduit  280  rather than outside of the conduit as shown in  FIGS. 2-8 , with the distal base  90  in the alternative embodiment located in or near the location occupied by the sprinkler head  180  in  FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 . A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/782,788 filed Dec. 20, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference as noted above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-8 and 12 , the valve  20  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-8 and 12  includes the seal member  28 , the details of which are best viewed in  FIG. 12 . As previously mentioned, the seal member  28  is supportable across the passageway  40  to close the passageway  40 . The seal member  28  is supported across the passageway  40  in a sealing position in a pre-activation condition ( FIG. 7 ) of the valve  20 , wherein the seal member is movable from the sealing position to a fluid-flow position in an activated condition of the valve (compare  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The seal member  28  comprises a support body  28   e  having a longitudinal axis  28   b  and a shaft  28   a  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  28   b . The seal member  28  also comprises an upstream portion  28   c  and a downstream portion  28   d . The seal member  28  preferably further comprises a flexible seal body, here a Belleville washer  28   f , mounted to the support body  28   e  on a seat  28   i . The Belleville washer  28   f  is preferably formed from an alloy of nickel, preferably with a Teflon or comparable coating. The remainder of the seal member  28  is preferably formed from metal, typically brass. A leading surface  28   g  of the support body  28   e  faces in an upstream direction from the seat  28   i , and a trailing surface  28   k  is located in a downstream direction from the seat  28   i  and extends generally transversely to the longitudinal axis  28   b.    
     The leading surface  28   g  may be sloped to form a leading-surface angle  28   h , preferably of about forty-five to eighty-five degrees with the longitudinal axis  28   b . In certain preferred embodiments, the centermost portion of the profile, as shown nearest the longitudinal axis  28   b , may be flat or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  28   b , with the outer portion of the profile being sloped as shown. The leading surface  28   g  may include other contours, such as stepped or curved contours or combinations of contours. The trailing surface  28   k  is preferably tapered from a first diameter  28   m  to a smaller second diameter  28   n  at or near the upper portion  28   p  of the shaft portion  28   a . The trailing surface  28   k  is preferably contoured radially inwardly in the downstream direction and may be sloped in a downstream direction about five to forty-five degrees from perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  28   b . The trailing surface  28   k  shown in  FIG. 12  is a preferably straight taper forming a frustoconical trailing portion or surface  28   k ; alternatively, the trailing surface  28   k  may include a multiple stepped trailing portion  28   q  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 12 ), a curved trailing portion such as a parabolic or a parabola-like curved trailing portion  28   r  or  28   r ′ (shown in phantom in  FIG. 12 ). Note that the trailing surface  28   k  may include a combination of the multiply stepped trailing portion  28   q  and another profile—for example, a parabolic or parabola-like portion such as  28   r.    
     With either a frustoconical or other contoured taper, the support body  28   e  has a streamlined teardrop shape to promote water flow. The streamlined shape of the support body  28   e  may promote laminar water flow through the passageway  40  ( FIG. 7-8 ). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-8 , the dry sprinkler device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises a conduit  280  in fluid communication with one of the at least one outlet  27  of the valve  20 . The dry sprinkler device further comprises a water distribution device in the form of the sprinkler head  180  in fluid communication with the conduit  280 , wherein the sprinkler head  180  comprises an inlet  184  and an outlet sealed with an outlet plug  186  retained in a sealing position by a second thermally responsive element, which in the illustrated embodiment is a fusible member  182 , but which may take the form of an alcohol-filled bulb, or any suitable form of thermally responsive element. The second thermally responsive element is configured to lose structural integrity under the occurrence of the predetermined thermodynamic condition and thereby allow a fluid to flow from the inlet  184  and through the outlet of the sprinkler head  180 . Note that the predetermined thermodynamic condition selected for failure of the second thermally responsive element may be, but need not be, a different predetermined thermodynamic condition from the condition selected for the thermally responsive element  110  of the distal base  90 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in a presently preferred embodiment, a dry sprinkler device comprises a reducer  290  and a bracket  292  having an outer surface  294 , wherein the bracket  292  is attached to the reducer  290 . The attachment of the bracket  292  to the reducer  290  may optionally include the formation of the bracket  290  integrally with the reducer  290 . In a preferred embodiment a weephole passage  296  is located proximally of the sealing member (the outlet plug  186 ) of the sprinkler head  180 , wherein the weephole passage  296  being in fluid communication with the conduit  280  and the outer surface  294  of the bracket  292 , which outer surface  294  is a portion of the outer surface of the dry sprinkler device. Referring to  FIGS. 2-8 , the weephole passage  296  of the bracket  290  permits a small amount of water to flow through the bracket  290  so that the triggering of the valve  20  alone, without the triggering of the sprinkler head  180 , is more easily detected because water leaks through the weephole passage  296  onto the outer surface  294  of the bracket  292 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-15 , another embodiment of a fire-protection system for delivering a fire-control fluid comprises a valve  320  having a body  322  with a fluid aperture  325  having an aperture axis  325   a  and a fluid-flow axis  321  generally parallel to a direction of flow of fluid through the fluid aperture  325 ; here the fluid-flow axis “parallel to” the direction of flow of fluid encompasses an axis generally in the direction of flow of fluid, including in the same direction as the flow of fluid. An inlet end  324  of the valve  320  has threads  324   a  for connecting the valve  320  to piping  350 . A seal member  328  is supportable to close the fluid aperture  325 . The seal member  328  has a blocking position and orientation, as shown in  FIG. 13 , in which the seal member  328  prevents a fluid flow through the aperture  325  in a pre-activation condition of the fire-protection system. The seal member  328  is movable from the blocking position and orientation shown in  FIG. 13  to a fluid-flow position and orientation, as shown in  FIG. 14  in an activated condition of the fire-protection system. The movement from the blocking position and orientation shown in  FIG. 13  to the fluid-flow position and orientation shown in  FIG. 14  preferably occurs through an axial movement of the seal member  328  in combination with a rotation of a support body  328   a , as described further below. When the seal member  328  moves downstream from the sealing position and orientation of  FIG. 13  to a fluid-flow position, a clearance is created between a support body  328   a  and the aperture  325 ; the clearance provides a support body  328   a  space in which to rotate to the fluid-flow orientation, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the valve  320  is integrated into a sprinkler  360  including the valve  320 , a conduit  370  in fluid communication with the valve  320  and having an outlet  327 , and a sprinkler head  380 . The sprinkler  360  is shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  mounted through a ceiling  500  and supported in part by an optional frame  510 . In the pre-activation condition ( FIG. 13 ), the sprinkler head  380  includes a thermally responsive element, which in the illustrated embodiment is an alcohol-filled glass bulb  382  supported on curved bulb platform  380   a . The thermally responsive element, which may be the bulb  382  but may also take the form of a fusible link or other suitable element known in the art, is configured to lose structural integrity under the occurrence of a predetermined thermodynamic condition. A portion of the thermally responsive element, in this example an upper end  382   a  of the bulb  382 , supports a plug  390 , with an inner sleeve  392  therein, in the outlet  327 . 
     The plug  390  and inner sleeve  392   a  preferably may not form a water-tight seal in the outlet  327  under the pre-activation condition shown in  FIG. 13 . In the absence of a water-tight seal in the outlet  327 , when the valve  320  is triggered or fails and begins to allow water or other fluid to flow through the aperture  325  toward the sprinkler head  380  without the sprinkler head  380  itself being triggered through fracture of the bulb  382 , the leakage of water through the plug  390  and/or the sleeve  392  gives an indication, on the exterior of the sprinkler  360 , that fluid is passing through the valve  320 . The plug  390  supports a longitudinal base in the form of a tubular base  394 , which has a lower tubular portion  394   a  and an upper supporting portion including first and second upper arms  394   b  and  394   c . Referring to  FIG. 13 , a transverse support member in the form of a support pin  394   d  extends transversely to the longitudinal base—in the present embodiment, across the tubular base  394  between the first and second upper arms  394   b ,  394   c . The transverse support member may be secured in any suitable manner—for example, where the transverse support member is the support pin  394   d , through an interference fit between the support pin  394   d  and two axially aligned mounting holes  394   e ,  394   e ′ in the first and second upper arms  394   b ,  394   c . The longitudinal member in the form of the tubular base  394  extends upstream from the plug  390 , such that in the pre-activation condition, the seal member  328  may be aligned in the blocking position and orientation, as shown in  FIG. 13 , to close the fluid aperture  325  and prevent a fluid flow through the aperture  325 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in the activated condition, the predetermined thermodynamic condition has been reached, and the bulb  382  has fractured, removing the support from the plug  390  and the inner sleeve  392 , which as a result have fallen from the inlet  327 . As a result, the support for the tubular base  394  has been removed, and the tubular base  394  has moved axially downstream, thus moving the upper arms  394   b ,  394   c , the support pin  394   d , and ultimately the seal member  328  downstream from the sealing position to the fluid-flow position; this movement in turn allows clearance for the support body  328   a  to pivot into the fluid-flow position. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 13-15 , the seal member  328  is pivotably mounted via a body-mounting hole  328   b  upon the support pin  394   d , and a biasing member is preferably configured for rotating the support body  328   a  to rotate the support body to the fluid-flow position—that is, to orient a leading portion  328   c  of the support body  328   a  in the upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow and the trailing portion  328   d  in the downstream direction with respect to fluid flow. As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the support body  328   a  does not necessarily reach the theoretically perfect orientation; instead, the support body  328   a  preferably may rotate to align sufficiently with the fluid flow in the conduit  370  to reduce turbulence in the flow and provide greater flow through the sprinkler head  380 . The biasing member may take the form of a torsion spring  330  as shown in  FIGS. 13-15  or alternatively may include a coil spring, an air spring, an elastic member, or other devices known in the art to be capable to providing any needed biasing force. The torsion spring  330  has a first leg  330   a  (shown in phantom in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) engaging an interior portion (not shown) of the support body  328   a  and a second leg  330   b  extending from the support body  328   a  and engaging the tubular base  394  to provide a biasing force and/or torque between the support body  328   a  and the tubular base  394 . The torsion spring  330  may not be needed if the location of the body-mounting hole  328   b  is such that the fluid flow itself stabilizes the support body  328   a  in the desired orientation. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 13-15 , the seal member  328  comprises a Belleville washer  328   f  having a washer axis  328   s . The seal member  328  further comprises the support body  328   a  supporting the Belleville washer  328   f . The support body  328   a  has a leading portion  328   c  oriented in an upstream direction with respect to the fluid flow when the seal member  328  is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. A trailing portion  328   d  is oriented in a downstream direction with respect to the fluid flow when the seal member  328  is in the fluid-flow position and orientation; this generally may occur where the body-mounting hole  328   b  is relatively close (compared to the length of the support body  328   a ) to the leading point  328   e —for example, within about the first fifty percent (50%), and preferably within the first twenty-five percent (25%), of the length of the support body as measured parallel to the fluid-flow axis when the support body  328   a  is in the fluid-flow orientation, as shown in  FIG. 14 . A transverse surface  328   t  supports the Belleville washer  328   f . Note that in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the support body  328   a  is not circumferentially uniform, with the transverse surface  328   t  flatter or having a greater radius of curvature than, for example, the opposite surface of the support body  328   a . The transverse surface  328   t  is oriented so that the washer axis  328   s  is aligned with the aperture axis  325   a  in the blocking position and orientation, as shown in  FIG. 13 , where aperture axis  325   a  and the washer axis  328   s  are substantially coaxial. The transverse surface  328   t  is preferably aligned so that the washer axis  328   s  is aligned at an angle to the fluid-flow axis  321 , and preferably an angle greater than 60 degrees, when the seal member  328  is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. The support body  328   a  is streamlined with respect to the direction of fluid flow when the seal member  328  is in the fluid-flow position and orientation. In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 14 , when the leading portion  328   c  is oriented upstream with respect to the fluid flow, a forward surface  328   g  of the support body  328   a  is contoured radially outwardly in the downstream direction from a leading point  328   e  to a point of maximum cross-section of the support body  328   a , and a rearward surface of the support body  328   a  is contoured radially inwardly from the point of maximum cross-section  328   h  to a trailing point  328   k  of the support body  328   a.    
     Returning to  FIGS. 2-8 , in certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, movement of the proximal movable member  70  is caused by the bias member (the coil spring  80 ), which is located at the proximal end  122  of the flexible connector  120 , near the valve  20  or another fire system component  16 . This may result in more reliable operation than a configuration in which a bias member is located at the distal end  124  of the flexible connector  120  and must overcome any deformation of the flexible connector  120  in order to generate sufficient movement to actuate the valve  20  or other fire system component  16 . 
     The ability to displace the activation component of fusible member  82  from the sprinkler head  180  or other device being controlled permits the advantageous location of the activation component of fusible member at an optimal location for fire identification and response, and permits placement of the connected sprinkler(s) at optimal location(s) for water distribution and/or coverage. 
     Another possible use of the preferred devices of the present invention is the provision of fire-protection in attics of wood construction and other combustible concealed areas without or with obstructions. 
     Since in certain preferred embodiments the valve components of the present invention can be mechanically tripped, they can be further configured or accessorized to be separately remotely tripped, automatically or on demand. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.