Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to fire suppression systems and methods, and more particularly to fire suppression systems and methods for fighting fires on helicopter landing pads.

Conventional fire protection systems for extinguishing fires on the surface of helicopter landing pads ("helipads") having a solid floor include fire suppression nozzles that are positioned on the perimeter of the area to be protected in order not to be an obstruction. <CIT> ("the '<NUM> patent") shows a fire protection system that protects aircraft parked on a solid floor of a hanger. In the '<NUM> patent, the nozzles are grate nozzles that are installed in trenches. When grate nozzles are used to protect aircraft on helipads, the nozzles are typically installed in trenches that run along the perimeter of the area to be protected on the helipad. In these systems, a plurality of nozzles are used so as to ensure that the fire suppression fluid (e.g., water, foam, or some other fire suppressant fluid) covers the top surface of the area where the aircraft are parked. Thus, such an arrangement can be inefficient with respect to the number of nozzles, the amount of fire suppression fluid needed to protect the helipad area, and/or the time required to cover the floor or helipad area. Consequently, there is a need for a fire suppressant system that can quickly and efficiently deliver fire suppression fluids to a helipad deck area. Similar nozzle assembly are known from <CIT> for example.

In addition, conventional nozzles typically spray film forming foam solutions on the fire such as, for example, an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) solution, a film forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP) solution, an alcohol resistant concentrate (ARC) solution, a fluoroprotein foam (FP) solution, or some other film forming foam solution. The solutions are typically <NUM>% to <NUM>% water with the remaining percentage being the concentrate. Traditionally, many such film forming foam solutions contained C8-based fluorinated surfactants. However, the use of C8-based fluorinated surfactants in firefighting foams has been dramatically reduced, either voluntarily or by government regulations. This is because C8-based fluorinated surfactants can degrade into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as, for example, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are considered to be persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). Currently, many fire protection systems employ C6-based film forming foam solutions in the composition because a C6-based solution does not degrade into a PFSA and is not considered to be a PBT.

However, fire suppression systems that use conventional nozzles may not be able to use many types and/or grades of C6-based film forming foam solutions and/or synthetic liquid concentrates (e.g., fluorine free solutions) and still be compliant with the drain time and foam expansion value criteria of the Foam Quality Tests section of the UL <NUM> standard for a Type III nozzle and a foam concentrate, as published in "<NPL> (hereinafter "UL standard") and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and with the drain time and foam expansion ratio criteria of the Low Expansion Foam Concentrate Extinguishing Performance section in the FM <NUM> standard for a foam concentrate, as published in "<NPL> (hereinafter "FM standard") and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Consequently, there is also a need for a fire suppression nozzle that can spray a variety of film forming foam solutions, including C6-based solutions and/or synthetic solutions (e.g., as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard).

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fire suppression nozzle that is configured to effectively spray a fire suppression agent onto a fire suppression target area of a surface area, such as, for example, a surface of an aircraft landing and/or storage area (hereinafter referred to as a "deck" or "deck area"). The fire suppression target area is an area of the deck that is designated as needing fire protection. The fire suppression target area can be the entirety of the deck area or only a portion of the deck area. Preferably, the deck is the deck of a helipad. As used herein, "agent" is a chemical-based fluid. For example, an agent can be a fire suppression fluid such as, for example, an AFFF solution, a FFFP solution, an ARC solution, a FP solution, or some other chemical-based fluid. As used herein, "effectively spray a fire suppression agent" means spraying the fire suppression agent onto the target area while conforming to the foam quality and performance tests of the UL standard and/or the FM standard. Preferably, the fire suppression agent can be a C6-based solution having a foam concentrate in a range of <NUM> % to <NUM>%. Because foam concentrates are made available in discrete concentration values (e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc.) by the manufacturers, those skilled in the art understand that a foam concentrate in a range of <NUM> % to <NUM>% means the foam concentrate value can be any one of the discrete concentration values such as, for example, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>% (or other values in between). In some exemplary embodiments, the fire suppression agent can be a synthetic solution as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard.

The present disclosure is directed to a fire suppression nozzle that discharges fire suppression fluid such as, for example, water, a fire suppression agent, or some other fire suppression fluid. That is, some exemplary embodiments of the nozzle are not limited to effectively spraying a fire suppression agent and can spray other types of fire suppression fluids, including nozzles that spray the other types of fluids while conforming to an UL standard and/or a FM standard. The fire suppression nozzle includes a body portion defining a passage extending through the body portion along a longitudinal axis of the body portion. The passage includes an inlet for receiving fire suppression fluid from a fire suppression fluid source. Preferably, the fire suppression solution is a C6-based solution having a concentrate in a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

The fire suppression agent can be a synthetic solution as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard. The passage also includes an outlet for discharging the fire suppression fluid onto a deck area such as, for example, the deck area of a helipad. The nozzle includes a deflector portion configured to spray the fire suppression solution exiting the nozzle in a radial pattern (also referred to herein as "radial spray pattern"), which can be, for example, a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, or some other spray pattern. Preferably, the fire suppression solution exits the nozzle in a generally lateral direction. That is, a trajectory of the fire suppression solution has a low discharge angle with respect to the surface of the deck (e.g., less than a <NUM>-deg. For example, the maximum height of the spray can be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and, more preferably, less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In some embodiments, the deflector portion includes a deflector flange having a plurality of projecting members for supporting the deflector flange above the body portion at a predetermined height. The predetermined height is in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch). The projecting members preferably have a pair of arcuate sidewalls that converge to a point in a radially inner end and a radially outer end of the projecting members. In some embodiments, the deflector portion includes a web portion for coupling to the body portion. Preferably, the web portion has a plurality of vanes extending radially therefrom at spaced locations.

In some embodiments, a portion of the body portion at the inlet of the passage includes one or more aeration holes extending therethrough. Preferably, the inlet of the passage is defined by a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the passage includes a radially extending flange at the outlet. In some embodiments, a restrictor plate is disposed at the inlet of the passage. Preferably, the restrictor plate has an aperture extending therethrough and a size of the aperture corresponds to a desired K factor of the nozzle.

In some embodiments, the deflector portion includes a flange portion having a channel (e.g., a V-shaped channel or a U-shaped channel) in a lower surface of the flange portion and an O-ring seal disposed in the channel between the body portion and the deflector portion to restrict the spray pattern to less than <NUM> degrees.

The present disclosure is also directed to a nozzle assembly that includes a spray-type fire suppression nozzle (e.g., a nozzle as discussed above and in further detail below), and nozzle frame, and a nozzle enclosure. Preferably, the fire suppression nozzle is installed in the nozzle frame, which has a through-passage for receiving the nozzle. Preferably, the nozzle frame includes one or more drainage holes that circumscribe the through-passage of the nozzle frame. The drainage holes help prevent debris from collecting in or near the exit passageways of the spray-type fire suppression nozzle. In addition, the drain holes can be a source of air for aeration of the fire suppression fluid. The nozzle enclosure can collect the fluids such as, for example, water and oil, that drain from the deck area through the drainage holes. Preferably, when the nozzle assembly is installed in the deck, the top surface of the nozzle assembly is flush with the deck area.

The present disclosure is also directed to a fire suppression system for an aircraft deck area, which can be, for example, the surface of an aircraft runway, a hanger floor, a hangar deck and/or a flight deck on an aircraft carrier, a helipad platform, or some other landing and/or storage area surface. Preferably, the fire suppression system is for the deck area on a helipad. The fire suppression system can include one or more spray-type fire suppression nozzles located in an interior portion of the helipad for delivering a fire suppressant fluid to a fire suppression target area on a surface of the deck. The fire suppression system can deliver a fire suppressant fluid such as, for example, water, a fire suppression agent, or another type of fire suppression fluid, to the deck via one or more of the spray-type nozzles. Preferably, the flow from the spray-type nozzles discharges in a radial pattern extending generally in a lateral direction so that the fire suppressant fluid is sprayed under the main body of the aircraft (e.g., helicopter) to minimize contact with the aircraft (e.g., helicopter). In some embodiments, the fire suppressant system includes a nozzle assembly which is capable of supporting heavy loads such as, for example, the weight of a helicopter, and still maintain operation to protect the fire suppression target area.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fire suppression nozzle assemblies and systems for the deck area of a helipad. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure deliver sufficient fire suppression fluid to the deck area to totally flood the deck area while distributing the fire suppression fluid to the area in a manner to minimize contact with the aircraft stored or positioned in the deck area. In addition, the fire suppression nozzle assembly, including the fire suppression nozzle, the nozzle frame and/or nozzle grating, can resist heavy loads such as the weight from an aircraft wheel, a wheel of a fire fighting vehicle, or other heavy load, and can maintain operation on at least a limited basis even with the wheel of the vehicle parked on top of the nozzle assembly so long as the nozzle outlet is not blocked. In this manner, the fire suppression nozzle assemblies and systems of the present disclosure can operate without obstruction from the vehicles in the vicinity of the deck area including those that are positioned over the nozzle assembly.

While exemplary embodiments are described in the context of protecting the deck area of a helipad, those skilled in the art will understand that the present technology can be applicable to the protection of other types of surfaces such as, for example, surface of an aircraft runway, a loading bay (e.g., a truck loading bay), an automobile garage or other storage area, a hanger floor, a hangar deck and/or a flight deck on an aircraft carrier, some other aircraft landing/storage area and/or some other vehicle storage area. Preferably, the fire suppression nozzle is configured to effectively spray a fire suppression fluid onto a fire suppression target area, which can be the entirety of the deck area of the aircraft or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system includes one or more spray-type fire suppression nozzles that are installed in an interior portion of the surface of the fire suppression target area. Preferably, the fire suppression agent can be a C6-based solution having a concentrate in a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>%. In some exemplary embodiments, the fire suppression agent can be a synthetic solution as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a fire suppression system protects an aircraft deck area that is part of a helipad. The helipad <NUM> can be protected by a fire suppression system <NUM> that can include a water storage tank <NUM> (or another source of water) and a pump <NUM> for transferring the water to the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM>. Preferably, the deck area of the helipad <NUM> is solid and impervious. That is, the helipad deck is not a grated-type surface that allows water and/or foam to drain rapidly. The fire suppression system <NUM> can also include a concentrate storage tank <NUM> for storing a fire suppressing foam concentrate such as, for example, a C6-based concentrate, a synthetic concentrate (e.g., as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard) or another type of fire suppressing foam concentrate. The concentrate storage tank <NUM> can be, for example, a bladder-type tank such that pressure on the bladder from an external source will force the foam concentrate out the discharge of the tank. Of course, other types of discharge tanks can also be used. An inline proportioning device <NUM> can be disposed in the discharge line of the pump <NUM> between the pump <NUM> and the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM>. The proportioning device <NUM> receives the fire suppression concentrate from the concentrate storage tank <NUM> and introduces a controlled flow of the foam concentrate into the water flow from the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, a concentrate control valve <NUM> can be disposed in the line between the concentrate storage tank <NUM> and the proportioning device <NUM> to regulate the concentrate going to the proportioning device <NUM>.

When fire suppression system <NUM> is activated (e.g., due to a fire on the deck area <NUM>, an oil or fuel leak on the deck area <NUM>, or some other reason), the pump <NUM> is turned on to transfer water to the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM>. A portion of the water from the pump <NUM> can be diverted to the concentrate storage tank <NUM> to pressurize the tank and force the foam concentrate into the piping network. Of course, other methods such as, for example, a pump for the concentrate, a pressured concentrate storage tank, and/or another method to transfer the concentrate to the proportioning device <NUM> can be used. The control valve <NUM> can help regulate the concentrate flow from the concentrate storage tank <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pressure from the discharge of the pump <NUM> can be used to provide proportional control of the control valve <NUM>. For example, as seen in <FIG>, the control valve <NUM> can be set up such that the foam concentrate flow is a function of the discharge pressure from pump <NUM>.

The fire system piping transfers the fire suppressing fluid, which can be a solution of foam concentrate and water, from the proportioning device <NUM> to the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> installed in the helipad <NUM>. The fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> discharges the fire suppression fluid in a predetermined spray pattern to cover all or part of the deck area <NUM>. The predetermined spray pattern can be a radial spray pattern in a range that is greater than <NUM> deg. and up to <NUM> deg. For example, the radial spray pattern can be a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, or some other radial spray pattern value. In some embodiments, the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> has a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern extending outward in a generally laterally direction from the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> to cover a fire suppression target area that (see dotted line in <FIG>). An outer radius of the fire suppression area can correspond to, depending on the K-factor and the inlet pressure, a radius in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet), more preferably, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet), and even more preferably, about <NUM> (<NUM> feet).

In some embodiments, the fire suppression fluid from the nozzle hits the deck prior to the outer radius of the coverage area, but then spreads to the outer radius of the coverage area. For example, if the coverage area corresponds to a radius of <NUM> (<NUM> feet), the fire suppression fluid from the nozzle could hit the deck at an outer radius in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet) and then spread along the deck to cover the area corresponding to a radius of <NUM> (<NUM> feet).

Preferably, a trajectory of the fire suppression solution has a low discharge angle with respect to the surface of the deck (e.g., less than <NUM>-deg. Because the spray pattern in a generally lateral direction, exemplary embodiments of the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> can be used to protect decks such as, for example, helipad platforms, where the fire suppression fluid is generally sprayed under the aircraft (e.g., helicopters). For example, in some embodiments, the maximum height h (see <FIG>) of the spray can be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and, more preferably, less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, as seen in <FIG>, the helipad <NUM> includes an outer boundary <NUM> that defines the deck area <NUM> for use by one or more helicopters as a landing and/or storage area. The deck area <NUM> can be constructed of impervious material capable of withstanding the load of the helicopters landing on the helipad <NUM>. For example, the deck area of the helipad <NUM> can be made of concrete, a metal plates (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or another metal or alloy), or another type of impervious material capable of withstanding the load of the helicopter. As used herein, "impervious material" means material that resists a rapid absorption and/or drainage of water and/or foam solution through the material but can include material that absorbs some water and/or foam solution. The surface of the deck area <NUM> is generally flat to minimize the pooling of any fuel and/or oil that may leak on to the surface. The deck area <NUM> can include one or more drainage points and/or areas on, for example, the perimeter of the deck area to drain liquids such as water, oil, and/or fuel. Preferably, trenches <NUM> can be installed along the premier of the boundary <NUM>. In some embodiments, the deck area <NUM> can be gently sloped or tilted toward the drainage points (e.g., trenches <NUM>) to facilitate the draining of any liquid on the surface of the deck area <NUM>.

In many conventional systems, helipads are protected using fire suppression nozzles (e.g., monitors) that are located on the perimeter of the deck area of the helipad. This is, in part, due to regulations that require that the deck area be free of obstacles and nothing in the "field of vision" or the "line of sight" of the pilot above the deck. However, with a perimeter configuration, at least four fire suppression nozzles will be needed (e.g., four <NUM> deg. nozzles at the corners and/or four <NUM> deg. nozzles on the sides of the deck area <NUM>). In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the helipad deck (and other aircraft decks) can be protected using a reduced number of fire suppression nozzles.

For example, as seen in <FIG>, the spray-type fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> can be disposed in an interior portion of the deck <NUM> and can be configured to cover the deck <NUM> with a fire suppression fluid such as, for example, water, a fire suppression agent, or another fire suppression fluid, when the fire suppression system is activated. In some embodiments, the fire suppression fluid is a fire suppression agent, e.g., a C6-based agent such as, for example, an AFFF solution, a FFFP solution, an ARC solution, a FP solution, or another C6-based solution and/or a synthetic solution as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard. In some embodiments, the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> discharges the fire suppression fluid in a <NUM>-deg. pattern to cover an area of the helipad deck that is to be protected. The area to be protected is hereinafter referred to as the "fire suppression target area. " As seen in <FIG>, a spray-type fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> can be configured to discharge the fire suppression fluid in a <NUM>-deg. pattern to cover a fire suppression target area 140a defined by the dotted line 145a. In this case, the fire suppression target area 140a represents a fire suppression target area that is less than the area of the deck <NUM>. That is, as seen in <FIG>, the corners of the deck <NUM> may not receive the fire suppression fluid.

However, if the entire deck area needs to be protected and the dimensions of deck <NUM> permit it, a single fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> can be configured to cover the entirety of the deck <NUM>. For example, as seen in <FIG>, the nozzle assembly <NUM> can be configured to cover the fire suppression target area 140b, which is defined by line 145b. The fire suppression target area 140b covers the entire surface area of deck <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example as seen in <FIG>, the helipad <NUM> is protected by a single fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> located at a geometric center of the deck area <NUM> to within a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be a distance that does not substantially affect the coverage area for fire suppression fluid on the deck <NUM>. By locating the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> near the geometric center, embodiments of the present disclosure can cover the deck area <NUM> faster and more efficiently with the fire suppression fluid such as, for example, water, C6-based solution, a synthetic solution as defined in the UL Standard and/or the FM Standard, or another fire suppression fluid, than conventional systems that use perimeter protection.

If the dimensions of deck <NUM> are such that a single fire suppression nozzle <NUM> cannot provide a spray pattern to cover the fire suppression target area, then additional fire suppression nozzles assemblies can be disposed in the interior portion of the deck <NUM>. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate exemplary two and four fire suppression nozzle assembly arrangements for larger helipad platforms <NUM>' and <NUM>", respectively. To the extent additional coverage is still needed, other fire suppression nozzle assembly configurations such as, for example, nozzle assemblies having a <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, <NUM>-deg. spray pattern, and/or another spray pattern can be added for protection (e.g., in the corners and/or other areas of deck <NUM>) either in the interior portion and/or perimeter of the deck <NUM>. In addition to one or more nozzle assemblies <NUM>, one or more grate-type nozzle assemblies can be installed in trenches <NUM> as appropriate to protect the deck <NUM>. Of course, depending on the shape, size, installation (e.g., roof top, oil rig, or another location), and/or other criteria concerning the helipad, those skilled in the art understand that in addition to an interior placement of a nozzle assembly (e.g., a <NUM>-deg. , <NUM>-deg. , <NUM>-deg. , or other nozzle configuration), any combination of additional nozzle assemblies <NUM> and/or grate-type nozzle assemblies (including, e.g., <NUM>-deg. nozzles, <NUM>-deg. nozzles, <NUM>-deg. nozzles, and/or other nozzle configurations) can be installed in the interior portion and/or perimeter of the deck <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the nozzle assembly <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly <NUM> but having another embodiment of a nozzle frame. <FIG> illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a nozzle frame that receives a fire suppression nozzle. As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle frames illustrated in the respective figures are different. For example, the nozzle frame in <FIG> can be the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and the nozzle frame illustrated in 2B can be the nozzle frame illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary nozzle frame <NUM> that receives a fire suppression nozzle. The nozzle frame <NUM> is configured such that the top portion of the nozzle frame <NUM> has width that is less than the bottom portion of the nozzle frame <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary nozzle frame <NUM>' that receives a fire suppression nozzle. In contrast to the nozzle frame <NUM>, the nozzle frame <NUM>' is configured such that the bottom portion of the nozzle frame <NUM> has width that is less than the top portion of the nozzle frame <NUM>. In embodiments where the nozzle frames are cast, the difference in the top and bottom widths in the nozzle frames <NUM> and <NUM>' can be accomplished by having an appropriate casting angle, such as, for example, <NUM> degrees. Of course, for the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the casting angle of the nozzle frame <NUM> is opposite that of nozzle frame <NUM>'.

As seen in <FIG>, the nozzle assembly <NUM> includes a spray-type nozzle <NUM>, a nozzle frame <NUM> or a nozzle frame <NUM>', and a nozzle enclosure <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the width of the top portion of nozzle frame <NUM> is preferably less than the width of the inside of the top portion <NUM> of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> such that a perimeter spacing <NUM> exists between the nozzle frame <NUM> and the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the perimeter spacing <NUM> can be required (e.g., to account for expansion and/or contraction due to, for example, temperature). The cross-sectional view in <FIG> is of a nozzle assembly <NUM> that includes a nozzle frame <NUM>'. In contrast to the embodiment of <FIG>, as seen in <FIG>, the width of the top portion of the nozzle frame <NUM>' is preferably approximately the same as the width of the inside of the top portion <NUM> of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> such that no perimeter spacing exists between the nozzle frame <NUM>' and the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. "No perimeter spacing" means that, while there can be some gaps between the nozzle frame <NUM>' and the nozzle enclosure <NUM>, the majority of the top of the nozzle frame <NUM>' is in contact with the top of the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. The absence of spacing can minimize dirt or other contaminants from entering the nozzle assembly <NUM>, provide more ascetic appeal, and/or minimize walking/tripping hazards.

The nozzle frame <NUM> or <NUM>' includes a through-passage <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) for receiving the nozzle <NUM>. For brevity and clarity, the description of the nozzle frame below will be given with respect to nozzle frame <NUM> and <FIG>, but those skilled in the art will understand that the description will also be relevant to nozzle frame <NUM>' and <FIG>. Preferably, the nozzle frame <NUM> includes one or more drain holes <NUM> for draining any water runoff or other liquids from the deck <NUM> of helipad <NUM>. Preferably, a plurality of drain holes <NUM> are disposed around the through-passage <NUM>, and more preferably, disposed around the through-passage <NUM> such that the drain holes <NUM> circumscribe the outer perimeter of the nozzle <NUM> when installed in the nozzle frame <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the nozzle frame <NUM> includes a recessed portion <NUM> defined by a lip <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> is preferably disposed in a central portion of the nozzle frame <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the recessed portion can be offset from the center of the nozzle frame <NUM>. The recessed portion <NUM> includes an annular tapered support surface <NUM> (<FIG>) on which the body flange <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> rests (<FIG>). The bottom surface of body flange <NUM> is preferably angled to match tapered surface <NUM> so that there is uniform support for body flange <NUM> by nozzle frame <NUM>.

A depth of the recessed portion <NUM> is such that, when the nozzle <NUM> is installed, the top surface of the nozzle <NUM> is generally flush with the top surface of the nozzle frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). Preferably, the through-passage <NUM> and the drain holes <NUM> are disposed in the recessed portion <NUM> such that the lip <NUM> circumscribes the drain holes <NUM>. The drain holes <NUM> help keep the outlet of the nozzle <NUM> from getting blocked or obstructed by draining dirt and/or other particles before they enter the nozzle <NUM>. In addition, for some embodiments, the drain holes <NUM> can be a source of the air passing through air holes or apertures <NUM> (<FIG>) during the aeration of the fire suppression fluid (discussed below). Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle frame <NUM> is rectangular, and more preferably square, for example, as viewed from the top. However, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle frame <NUM> is not limiting and the nozzle frame <NUM> can have other cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, a circular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or some other appropriate polygonal shape, for example, as viewed from the top.

In some embodiments, as seen in the cross-sectional view in <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> can be secured to the nozzle frame <NUM> using, for example, a spring clip <NUM> and screws <NUM> or by some other known means. Preferably, the nozzle frame <NUM> can be anchored to the deck <NUM> of the helipad <NUM> using, for example, screws <NUM> or some other type of mounting device. Preferably, the nozzle frame <NUM> is anchored in a recessed portion of the deck <NUM> such that the top surfaces of the nozzle frame <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> are flush with the surface of the deck <NUM>. The nozzle frame <NUM> can be made of any appropriate material such as, for example, a metal (e.g., ductile iron, aluminum, stainless steel), a ceramic, a composite material, or a combination thereof.

The nozzle assembly <NUM> includes a nozzle enclosure <NUM> (see <FIG>). The nozzle enclosure <NUM> provides an enclosure for collecting the fluids drained from the deck area <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the nozzle enclosure <NUM> acts as a housing for the nozzle <NUM> and the nozzle frame <NUM>, which can serve as the lid to the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. Preferably, the nozzle enclosure <NUM> includes a top portion <NUM> and bottom portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> is preferably configured to receive and support the nozzle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top portion <NUM> has an outer perimeter that is greater than the bottom portion <NUM>. Preferably, the transition from the top portion <NUM> to the bottom portion <NUM> of nozzle enclosure <NUM> forms a lip portion <NUM> that is configured to support the nozzle frame <NUM>. Preferably, the nozzle frame <NUM> is secured to the nozzle enclosure <NUM> using the screws <NUM> which then extend into the deck <NUM> to secure the entire nozzle assembly. Of course, other types of mounting devices can be used to secure the nozzle frame <NUM> to the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. In addition, while <FIG> shown a fastening configuration (e.g., screws <NUM>) that secures both the nozzle frame <NUM> to the nozzle enclosure <NUM> and the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the deck <NUM>, the means to secure the nozzle frame <NUM> to the nozzle enclosure <NUM> can be different from the means to mount the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the deck <NUM>. For example, screws, bolts and/or other fasteners can be used to secure the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the nozzle frame <NUM> while other types of mounting devices (e.g., screws, bolts and/or other fasteners) are used to mount the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the deck <NUM>. The direction of the securing means is not limiting. For example, while <FIG> shows a configuration in which the screws are inserted from the top, the fastening devices (e.g., screws, bolts and/or other fasteners) can be inserted from the bottom (e.g., bottom of lip <NUM>), from the sides, or any combination of top, bottom and side. For example, as seen in <FIG>, nozzle frame <NUM>' can be attached to nozzle enclosure <NUM> using bolts <NUM> that extends through slots or holes <NUM> (see <FIG>) in nozzle frame <NUM>'. In some embodiments, nuts <NUM> are threaded onto the bolts <NUM> after insertions into the slots or holes <NUM> to secure the nozzle frame <NUM>' to the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. Such a configuration permits the nozzle frame without having to remove the nozzle enclosure from the deck <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bolts <NUM> can be permanently attached to the nozzle enclosure <NUM> by welding (or by using other attachment means) the bolts <NUM> to, for example, the bottom of the lip <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example where the nozzle enclosure can be removed from the deck <NUM>, the slots or holes <NUM> can be threaded and the bolts <NUM> can be threaded to the slots or holes <NUM>. Although nozzle frame <NUM>' is shown in <FIG>, nozzle frame <NUM> can also be attached to nozzle enclosure <NUM> by employing similar methods as discussed above using bolts <NUM>.

In addition, while <FIG> shows a configuration in which the screws <NUM> inserted from the top are used to secure the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the deck <NUM>, other methods can be used such as tab extensions from the sides of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> can help secure the nozzle enclosure <NUM> when embedded in concrete, for example. For example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment where one or more tab extensions <NUM> extend from the top portion <NUM> of nozzle enclosure <NUM>. Preferably, one or more tab extensions <NUM> extend from each corner of the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. Once embedded in concentrate the tab extensions <NUM> can aid in securing the nozzle enclosure <NUM> to the deck <NUM>.

Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> is rectangular, and more preferably square, for example, as viewed from the top. However, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> is not limiting and the nozzle enclosure <NUM> can have other cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, a circular shape, a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, or some other appropriate polygonal shape. The cross-sectional shape of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> preferably conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle frame <NUM>. For example, if the nozzle frame <NUM> has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape of the top portion <NUM> of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> can be rectangular. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the nozzle frame <NUM> and nozzle enclosure <NUM> do not match. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion <NUM> of the nozzle enclosure <NUM>, for example, as viewed from the bottom, is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the top portion <NUM>, for example, as viewed from the top. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion <NUM> of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> is not the same as the cross-sectional shape of the top portion <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the top portion <NUM> can be a rectangle and the cross-sectional shape of the bottom portion <NUM> can be circular, e.g., the bottom portion <NUM> can be a cylinder shape.

The nozzle enclosure <NUM> can also enclose an extension pipe <NUM> connected to the nozzle <NUM> via coupling <NUM>. The extension pipe <NUM> can extend through the bottom of the nozzle enclosure <NUM> for connection to the piping that supplies the fire suppression fluid. Preferably, the nozzle enclosure <NUM> includes a seal <NUM> to seal the exit point of the extension pipe <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be made of a material that ensures fluids do not leak from the nozzle enclosure <NUM> at the point the extension pipe <NUM> exits the nozzle enclosure <NUM>. For example, the seal <NUM> can be made of a resilient material such as, for example, rubber. Preferably, the nozzle enclosure <NUM> can include a drain fitting <NUM> for automatically and/or manually draining fluids collected in the nozzle enclosure <NUM>.

The nozzle frame <NUM> can be made of any appropriate material such as, for example a metal (e.g., ductile iron, aluminum, stainless steel), a ceramic, a composite material, or a combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the nozzle frame <NUM> can be fixedly attached to the deck <NUM> (e.g., embedded in concrete for concrete decks, welded/bolted for metal decks, or some other appropriate fastening method).

As discussed above, the fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> can include a nozzle <NUM>, which is described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a top view of the nozzle <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-section view of the nozzle <NUM> that does not intersect radially extending web <NUM>. <FIG> is side view of the body portion <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the body portion <NUM> that intersects radially extending web <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can be made of any appropriate material such as, for example, a metal (aluminum, stainless steel), a plastic, a ceramic, a composite material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> is made of stainless steel. As seen in <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and a deflector portion <NUM> that can be supported on the body <NUM>. A diameter of the nozzle <NUM> at the deflector portion can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and, preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

A height of the nozzle from the inlet to the top of the deflector portion can be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and, preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches). When installed in the nozzle frame <NUM>, the top surface of deflector portion <NUM> lies generally flush with the surface of the deck <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> defines a passage <NUM> extending in a longitudinal direction of the nozzle <NUM>. The passage <NUM> an inlet opening <NUM> at an end of the passage <NUM> and an outlet opening <NUM> at an opposite end of the passage <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> preferably includes a coupling portion <NUM> that is configured to couple to a pipe such as, for example, extension pipe <NUM> or supply pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>). The coupling portion <NUM> can be configured to couple to any standard pipe size such as, for example, a <NUM> (<NUM>-inch) pipe. Coupling portion <NUM> can be coupled to extension pipe <NUM> or supply pipe <NUM> using, for example, a threaded or grooved fitting (e.g., coupling <NUM>). The body portion <NUM> can include a central support <NUM> that can be anchored within the passage <NUM> by one or more radially extending webs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the central support <NUM> and/or the radially extending webs <NUM> are integral to the body portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the central support <NUM> and/or the radially extending webs <NUM> are separate components that are attached (fixedly or detachably) to the body portion <NUM>.

Body portion <NUM> preferably includes a body flange <NUM> whose inner surface preferably defines the outlet opening <NUM> of passage <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outer part of body flange <NUM> is configured to support the nozzle <NUM> when installed in, for example, the through-passage <NUM> of the nozzle frame <NUM>.

Deflector portion <NUM> preferably includes a deflector flange <NUM> which is spaced from outlet opening <NUM> by a predetermined distance, when the nozzle <NUM> is assembled. As explained below, the predetermined distance is based on the height of projecting members <NUM>. Deflector portion <NUM> can be substantially solid except for a central mounting opening <NUM> and is, therefore, substantially impervious and can provide a solid deflecting surface for the fire suppression fluid. To further deflect and, moreover, direct the fire suppression fluid, deflector portion <NUM> includes one or more projecting members <NUM> which extend from lower surface 52a of deflector flange <NUM>. When the nozzle <NUM> is assembled, the projecting members <NUM> preferably rest on upper surface 48a of body flange <NUM>. Preferably, the lower surface 56a, upper surface 48a, and the projecting members <NUM> define one or more radial passageways <NUM> through which the fire suppression fluid flows to form a radial spray pattern and exits the nozzle <NUM> is a generally lateral direction. The pattern can be a radial spray pattern in a range that is greater than <NUM> deg. and up to <NUM> deg. For example, the radial spray pattern can <NUM> deg. , <NUM> deg. , <NUM> deg. , or some other value. By resting on body flange <NUM>, projecting members <NUM> provide uniform support to deflector <NUM>. Preferably, the height of the projecting members <NUM> are in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM> inch).

In some embodiments, the height of the projecting members <NUM> is <NUM> (<NUM> inch) or greater, which allows for smaller particles in the fire suppression fluid to pass through the nozzle <NUM> without plugging the nozzle <NUM>. In addition, having projecting members <NUM> that are <NUM> (<NUM> inch) or greater allows for the filter screen (not shown) in the fire suppression fluid supply system to be <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>-inch) mesh or greater. A bigger mesh size means less maintenance and greater reliability for the fire suppression system.

Deflector portion <NUM> is preferably detachably coupled to the body portion <NUM>. For example, deflector portion <NUM> can be coupled to the central support <NUM> of body portion <NUM> by using threaded fastener <NUM> (or some other type of fastener). The threaded fastener <NUM> preferably extends through central opening <NUM> of web portion <NUM> to threadedly engage central opening 46a of central support <NUM>. Preferably, web portion <NUM> is shaped to minimize pressure or head loss (e.g., due to friction) of the fire suppression fluid exiting from outlet opening <NUM>. Preferably, a resilient washer material <NUM> may be placed between the web portion <NUM> and central support <NUM> to prevent rotation of deflector <NUM> due to, for example, human contact, vibration, torque loads that may be caused by vehicles, or some other factor that could loosen the deflector portion <NUM> from the body portion <NUM>. However, the resilient washer material <NUM> preferably breaks free to permit rotation to prevent damage to nozzle <NUM> in the event that the nozzle <NUM> is subject to heavy torque loads caused by, for example, turning or accelerating vehicles.

In the illustrated embodiment, central support <NUM> is preferably centrally located in body <NUM> and/or in passage <NUM>. The central support <NUM> is preferably supported in passage <NUM> by one or more radial arms <NUM>. For example, the illustrated embodiment, the central support <NUM> is supported by six radial arms <NUM>. Those skilled in the art understand, however, that the number of radial arms may be modified and can be greater or less than six. Radial arms <NUM> extend from central support <NUM> to an inner surface 34a of body wall 34b of the body portion <NUM> (<FIG>). Central support <NUM> is preferably shaped to minimize pressure or head loss (e.g., due to friction) of the fire suppression fluid flowing through passage <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the central support <NUM> and the radial arms <NUM> are configured to introduce some turbulence in the flow of the fire suppression fluid so as to facilitate aeration of the fire suppression fluid via air holes or apertures <NUM> (discussed below).

The inlet end <NUM> of the inner surface 34a of the body wall 34b is provided with a shoulder <NUM> and a recessed groove <NUM>. A restrictor plate <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> is disposed against the shoulder <NUM> and is retained in place by a clip <NUM> received in the recessed groove <NUM>. The size of the aperture <NUM> is selected based on the desired or required K-factor for the fire suppression nozzle <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> also provides a venturi effect in the passage <NUM> that aids in aerating the fire suppression fluid.

In some embodiments, one or more air holes or apertures <NUM> are provided in the body wall 34b of the body portion <NUM>. Preferably, the number of air holes or apertures <NUM> is in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM>. Due to the venturi effect in the passage <NUM>, the air from outside the nozzle <NUM> flows through the air holes or apertures <NUM> to aerate the fire suppression agent. The aeration of the fire suppression agent facilitates the foam formation when the fire suppression agent is discharged onto the fire suppression target area <NUM>. Preferably, the inner surface 34a of the body wall 34b is cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the diameter of each of the air holes or apertures <NUM> is <NUM> (<NUM> inch) +/- <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

Preferably, the total cross-sectional area of the air holes or apertures <NUM> is in a range of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> ( <NUM> in<NUM> to <NUM> in<NUM>), and preferably <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> in<NUM>). While exemplary embodiments of the present technology are illustrated with the body portion <NUM> having aperture <NUM>, other exemplary embodiments of the present technology do not include aperture <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate bottom and side views, respectively, of deflector portion <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, projecting members <NUM> are aligned along lines extending radially outward from the center of deflector portion <NUM> and rest upon central support <NUM> when assembled. Projecting members <NUM> are preferably spaced to provide multiple spray jets close together, with each spray jet providing a high velocity foam or water solution that causes multiple droplets sizes and effects the adjacent spray tooth. Projecting members <NUM> preferably include a pair of arcuate side surfaces 56a that converge to a point 56b, 56c at a radially inner end and a radially outer end of the projecting member <NUM>. Each projecting member <NUM> includes a planar bearing surface <NUM> for resting on body flange <NUM> and the arcuate side surfaces 56a define passageways <NUM> therebetween. The arcuate side surfaces 56a of the projecting members <NUM> produce a venturi effect in the passageway <NUM> between each projecting member <NUM>, which pulls the fire suppression pattern together to form a uniform distribution, e.g., a solid pattern (e.g., no gaps). The venturi effect from the projecting members <NUM> also creates multiple fire suppression fluid droplet sizes and velocities, which creates a uniform distribution of the water or foam solution. Preferably, projecting members <NUM> are fixed (e.g., by casting) to a lower surface 52a of flange <NUM> (see <FIG>).

Nozzles <NUM> are sized for application to a protected area using a "K" factor which is dependent on the inlet supply pressure to each nozzle and the size of the aperture <NUM> in the restrictor plate. The flow rate is determined by the available pressure to each nozzle using an industry standard formula. Flow in l/min = "K" (SI units) x (pressure (Bar))<NUM>/<NUM> (Flow in GPM = "K" (US customary units) x (Pressure (PSI))<NUM>/<NUM>). The flow rate of nozzle <NUM> is designed to provide an application density of at least a <NUM>/min per <NUM><NUM> (<NUM> GPM per square-foot) over an area of coverage.

From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art understand that nozzle <NUM> has no moving parts. In addition, because deflector <NUM> is supported by projecting members <NUM> and center support <NUM> of body portion <NUM>, those skilled in the art understand that deflector <NUM> has uniform support at its outer edge which results in deflector <NUM> being able to accept heavy vertical weight. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> can withstand up to <NUM> bar (<NUM> psi) on the top of the nozzle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, inner surface 52a of deflector flange <NUM> is angled to radially direct the flow of the fire suppressant in a manner to maintain a maximum lateral trajectory and, further, to minimize the height of the spray from the deck area. Preferably, a trajectory of the fire suppression fluid has a low discharge angle with respect to the surface of the deck (e.g., less than <NUM>-deg. In some embodiments, the maximum height h (see <FIG>) of the spray can be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) and, more preferably, less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In some embodiments, inner surface 52a of flange <NUM> is angled in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees from horizontal (as used herein horizontal refers to the upper or top surface of deflector portion <NUM>), more preferably approximately <NUM> degrees from horizontal so that the spray has a lateral coverage distance of approximately <NUM> to <NUM>(<NUM> feet to <NUM> feet). For example, typical "K" factors covered by nozzle <NUM> can allow to reach a range from <NUM> (<NUM> feet diameter for <NUM>-degree pattern to <NUM> (<NUM> feet diameter for a <NUM>-degree pattern. Preferably, the desired "K" factor is constant over a range of inlet pressures from about <NUM> bar to <NUM> bar (<NUM> psi to <NUM> psi).

The web portion <NUM> on the deflector portion <NUM> preferably includes one or more vanes <NUM> extending radially outward therefrom. As shown in <FIG>, preferably, eight vanes <NUM> are evenly spaced at <NUM>-degree intervals around the web portion <NUM>. However, the number of vanes and the spacing between the vanes can vary from the illustrated embodiments. The vanes <NUM> are pointed in the inner and outer directions to facilitate the flow of the fire suppression fluid and minimize pressure or head loss.

In some exemplary embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> can be installed in a floor grating covering a trench, if desired. For example, as seen in <FIG>, floor fire suppressant system <NUM> includes a grate-type fire suppression nozzle assembly <NUM> that is configured for positioning in a trench <NUM> of a deck area, which can be, for example, a helipad deck area. The nozzle assembly <NUM> includes a spray-type nozzle <NUM> and a nozzle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, as sown in <FIG>, the nozzle assembly <NUM> includes a nozzle grate <NUM> that is adjacent to and integral to the nozzle frame <NUM> such that the nozzle frame <NUM> and nozzle grate <NUM> are one integral unit. In some embodiments, the nozzle frame <NUM> can be attached to and/or installed adjacent to grate <NUM>, which can be conventional floor grating.

As best seen in <FIG>, trench <NUM> extends below floor surface <NUM> and includes shelves or support surfaces <NUM> for supporting thereon floor grating <NUM> and/or nozzle grate 24and nozzle frame <NUM> (<FIG>). In some embodiments, grating <NUM> may be of conventional design with a plurality of drain openings <NUM> extending therethrough to permit fire suppressant run off and debris to drain from the floor area. Nozzle frame <NUM> is designed to support a nozzle <NUM> of the present disclosure in a manner similar to nozzle frame <NUM>, but nozzle frame <NUM> is configured for installation in trenches. That is, while nozzle frame <NUM> can be installed in decks that may or may not have trenches, other embodiments of the nozzle frame such as, for example, nozzle frame <NUM> (in combination with nozzle grate <NUM> and/or grating <NUM> are configured to facilitate installation in decks that have trenches. Preferably, nozzle grating <NUM> can support a nozzle <NUM> of the present disclosure in a manner to permit nozzle <NUM> to deliver fire suppression fluid to the fire suppression target area unhampered by aircraft, equipment or other potential obstructions, as described above. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a fire suppression fluid supply pipe <NUM> is connected to the nozzle <NUM> by a grooved coupler <NUM>, although other types of connections can be used. The supply pipe <NUM> can be connected to the fire suppression system <NUM> discussed above to supply the fire suppression fluid.

As seen in <FIG>, nozzle grating <NUM> includes a through-passage (similar to through-passage <NUM>) for accepting the nozzle <NUM>. The through-passage includes an annular tapered support surface on which body flange <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> can rest. When installed in the through-passage of the nozzle grating <NUM>, the body flange <NUM> supports the nozzle <NUM>. Body flange <NUM> is preferably angled to match tapered surface of the through-passage so that there is uniform support for body flange <NUM> by nozzle grating <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will understand that operation of the nozzle <NUM> when installed in the nozzle grating <NUM> is similar to operation of the nozzle <NUM> in nozzle assembly <NUM> discussed above. Accordingly, for brevity, operation of the nozzle <NUM> in the grating <NUM> will not be further discussed.

Nozzle <NUM> in the above exemplary embodiments provides a <NUM>-deg. radial spray pattern. However, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can have fire suppression nozzles that have a radial spray pattern that is less than <NUM> degrees. For example, <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of the fire suppression nozzle that has a <NUM>-deg. radial spray pattern. <FIG> is a top view of the nozzle <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can be used to spray fire suppression fluid in, for example, a corner of the deck <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the body portion <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> is the same as the body portion <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, for brevity, a detailed description of the body portion <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> is omitted. As seen in <FIG>, the deflector portion <NUM> of nozzle <NUM> is different from that of deflector <NUM> of nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of deflector portion <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of deflector portion <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view of deflector portion <NUM> and <FIG> illustrates a side view of deflector portion <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the deflector portion <NUM> is configured to direct a fire suppression fluid in a generally <NUM>° pattern. The deflector portion <NUM> includes a channel <NUM>, which can be, for example, V-shaped, U-shaped, a rectangular groove, or some other shape that facilitates insertion of a resilient sealing member that is made of, for example, rubber or some other resilient and/or elastic material. The channel <NUM> receives the resilient sealing member <NUM>, which can be, for example, an O-ring that has been split. When the nozzle <NUM> is assembled, the resilient sealing member <NUM> is disposed and pressed between a segment of the deflector portion <NUM> and the body flange <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> to seal the segment. The channel <NUM> and resilient sealing member <NUM> extend circumferentially around approximately <NUM> degrees of the deflector portion <NUM> with respect to a central axis of the defector portion <NUM> to provide a <NUM>-deg. radial spray pattern between the ends thereof. The deflector portion <NUM> can include one or more projecting members <NUM> extending from the deflector flange <NUM>. The deflector portion <NUM> can also include a web portion <NUM> and one or more vanes <NUM> extending from the web portion <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two projecting members <NUM> and three vanes <NUM> are shown. Of course, number and spacing of the projecting members <NUM> and/or vanes <NUM> are not limiting each can be more or less than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the functions and configurations of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> are similar to the functions and configurations of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> discussed above with respect to nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, for brevity, a detailed description of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> is omitted.

<FIG> are directed to an embodiment of the fire suppression nozzle that has a <NUM>-deg. radial spray pattern. <FIG> illustrates a top view of the nozzle <NUM>. The body portion of the nozzle <NUM> is the same as the body portion <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, for brevity, a detailed description of the body portion of the nozzle <NUM> is omitted. With respect to the deflector portion, <FIG> illustrates a front view of the deflector portion <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the deflector portion <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the deflector portion <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> can be used to spray fire suppression fluid in, for example, a side of the deck <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the deflector portion <NUM> is configured to direct a fire suppression fluid in a generally <NUM>° pattern. The deflector portion <NUM> includes a channel <NUM>, which can be, for example, V-shaped, U-shaped, a rectangular groove, or some other shape that facilitates insertion of a resilient sealing member that is made of, for example, rubber or some other resilient and/or elastic material. The channel <NUM> receives the resilient sealing member <NUM>, which can be, for example, an O-ring that has been split. When the nozzle <NUM> is assembled, the resilient sealing member <NUM> is disposed and pressed between a segment of the deflector portion <NUM> and the body flange of the body portion of the nozzle <NUM> to seal the segment. The channel <NUM> and resilient sealing member <NUM> extend circumferentially around approximately <NUM> degrees of the deflector portion <NUM> with respect to a central axis of the defector portion <NUM> to provide a <NUM>-deg. radial spray pattern between the ends thereof. The deflector portion <NUM> can include one or more projecting members <NUM> extending from the deflector flange <NUM>. The deflector portion <NUM> can also include a web portion <NUM> and one or more vanes <NUM> extending from the web portion <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, five projecting members <NUM> and five vanes <NUM> are shown. Of course, number and spacing of the projecting members <NUM> and/or vanes <NUM> are not limiting each can be more or less than that shown in the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the functions and configurations of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> are similar to the functions and configurations of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> discussed above with respect to nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, for brevity, a detailed description of projecting members <NUM>, web portion <NUM>, and vanes <NUM> is omitted.

Claim 1:
A fire suppression nozzle assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a spray-type nozzle (<NUM>) for spraying a fire suppression agent, the spray-type nozzle including,
a body portion (<NUM>) defining a passage (<NUM>) extending longitudinally through the body portion for conveying the fire suppression agent, and
a deflector portion (<NUM>) coupled to the body portion and configured to spray the fire suppression agent onto a fire suppression target area using a radial spray pattern;
a nozzle frame (<NUM>) for mounting the spray-type nozzle (<NUM>), the nozzle frame having a through-passage (<NUM>) for receiving the nozzle;
characterized in that
the nozzle assembly further comprises a nozzle enclosure (<NUM>) configured to enclose the nozzle frame and the nozzle and configured for installation in a surface (<NUM>) made of an impervious material.