Patent ID: 12212126

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Now referring to the drawings inFIGS.1-40, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen inFIG.1, and other drawings where components are configured for operative engagement with the cabling11herein, to provide one or a plurality of wires and at least one fluid conduit, in the same cable11surrounded by a sheath24or cover. As noted, the cable11herein is employable with other systems where the parallel and concurrent positioning of both a fluid conduit26and electric wires28along the entire path of the same cable11would be beneficial.

As shown inFIG.1, when the cable11, such as inFIG.3orFIGS.8-17herein, is employed to provide a combination electric wiring system and fluid passage for a fire suppressant system, the cable11is operatively engageable with other components in the system such as a junction box12or gang box or terminal box component, which is meant as any electrical box or the like used to join wires, engage sockets, lighting, sub circuits or for other purposes for such electrical boxes. The junction box12may be configured to house both electric connections therein such as to or between other wires28, and/or an electric socket16, and/or a fire suppressant component or chamber18, or other fire suppression fluid or gas emitter.

The cable11, when employed in a fire suppressing electrical system10, is deployable in a variety of configurations, such as with one or more gang boxes or junction boxes12, shown inFIGS.1and2and5, for example. Such a junction box12, surrounds and secures the electrical connections between two or more of the wires28which enter or exit through one or more apertures defining openings14.

Such junction boxes12are known by other names (e.g., connectors) and surround connections mid circuit and are also used for sockets, light fixtures, and a wide variety of connections. However, this description should not be limiting as junction box12should be considered to be any housing where cables are joined, divided, connected to an electric device, or for other purposes. Although the openings14shown herein in the system10consist of circular apertures formed in the junction box12, alternative constructions can optionally include specific male or female connectors for easy disassembly and access.

As an example, the junction boxes12may be configured to engage with conventional sockets16or switches17of electric fixtures, and/or wire28connections with wire nuts, terminal blocks, and other conventionally employed electrical components and junctions to configure the system for engagement of components to the electrical power within. As best illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the junction box12may include at least one contact member100, a chamber102, and a connector housing104. The connector housing104may have a connector face106configured to absorb impact. The connector face106may also be referred to herein as an impact absorbing means.

To inhibit the spread of electrical fires, in the system herein, junctions between conduits and wiring in the electrical system such as at any type of junction box12, may also include a suppressant chamber18. The suppressant chamber18is configured to receive and hold a supply of fire suppressant or retardant such as Halon gas from the fluid conduit26which communicates with a central supply under pressure. The suppressant chamber18holds such fire suppressant or retardant within an internal cavity defined by the walls forming the suppressant chamber18. The suppressant chambers18may be configured to hold a local supply of retardant therein, should the fluid conduit26supplying the system fail, thus maintaining a local sealed supply of retardant or suppressant in each chamber18if the fluid conduit26is compromised. This can be done using valves on the inlet29and an outlet29of the suppressant chamber18. Or the suppressant chamber18may be provided a fluid supply from the fluid conduit26which is communicated from a reservoir of suppressant.

The system10is configured such that any damage to the junction box12or its contents, through excess heat or fire, such as caused by electrical short or over-heated wiring28, will melt and cause a rupture of all or portions of the suppressant chamber18. Upon the formation of a heat induced rupture, the retardant or suppressant within or supplied to the suppressant chamber18, is communicated to the fire or overheating area. As shown, the fluid conduit26, can supply each suppressant chamber18and junction box12, with a continuous pressurized supply of retardant or fire suppressant which will continue to extinguish or prevent a fire from getting larger. As noted, all, or at least portions of the fluid conduit26itself, can be formed of material adapted to melt and rupture at a threshold temperature, and communicate the fire suppressant to adjacent areas anywhere the cable may be located in a wiring system, such as in-between junction boxes12and fixtures and a circuit breaker buss.

In one preferred mode of the system10, all or portions of the suppressant chamber18can be composed of material, such as HDPE, pfa, nylon or similar polymeric material with a wall thickness which is calculated to melt and or otherwise open when exposed to a temperature over a determined safe level or when exposed to fire. This will cause a continuous dispensing of fire retardant or suppressant to extinguish the fire, or prevent one, by preventing oxygen from reaching the heat source. With regard to the wall thickness, it can calculate to fail, due to the internal pressure within the suppressant chamber18, when heated to a point the wall will distend and fail.

Shown inFIGS.2and4and5, the junction box12is adapted to operatively engage with the fluid conduit26either through a conduit opening20, or by communication of the entire cable11through an opening14. Each suppressant chamber18is configured for a sealed engagement with the fluid conduit26running through the cable11herein, to provide the suppressant chamber18with a fluid or gas suppressant supply. The opening14may also be referred to herein as a first port of the junction box12. The conduit opening20may also be referred to herein as a second port of the junction box12.

For such engagement for example, the suppressant chamber18can be configured with one or a plurality of flanges19with axial passages into the interior cavity of the suppressant chamber18, which act as inputs or outputs for fluid to continue the communication of the suppressant through the chamber18to subsequent chambers18along a fluid circuit with connections therebetween by the fluid conduit26running through the axial passage23of the sheath24of the cable11along with the wires28. The axial passages may alternatively be referred to herein as a second port of the junction box12.

Preferably, the junction box12should include a suppressant window22for visual inspection to confirm a local supply of retardant or suppressant is present within the suppressant chamber18which is viewable through the window22.

One or a plurality of flow and/or pressure sensors31may be placed in communication with suppressant axial passage23running through the fluid conduit26such as inFIG.7. For example, sensors31such as pressure supply meters, flow sensors, or pressure sensors, shown inFIG.7and/or other electronic sensors which may discern a pressure drop in a fluid conduit26circuit, can be operatively engaged with each fluid circuit which parallels an electric circuit running through a cable11.

The sensor data can either be displayed proximal to the system10, through an external light or screen, or routed to a central safety video display panel, for efficient and simultaneous monitoring and diagnosis of all systems10, or in a particularly preferred mode, such as shown inFIG.7for example, a signal from the sensors31will be communicated in a wired or wireless fashion to a circuit breaker33powering the same wire or wires28running through a cable11with a fluid conduit26. The signal will cause the circuit breaker33to open, and switch off electric power to the wires28in the cable11of the circuit where suppressant is being dispensed and which has caused the sensor31to generate a signal. Remote display panels, if displaying a sensor signal generation, should contain means to uniquely identify the location and circuit of the sensor31generating it. Such a signal could be generated by a weight sensor31to allow the system to monitor the weights of the fire suppressant tanks and should the weights fall below a certain threshold, it can shut that circuit down as well.

Depicted inFIG.3is one example of the cable11herein, showing the sheath24forming an axial passageway23which provides a pathway for one or more wires28, and at least one adjacent running fluid conduits26, as shown, although a plurality of fluid conduits26can be included in a cable11.

Formation of the cable11with wires28and a fluid conduit26running in an axial passageway23defined by the surrounding sheath24, allows for easy instillation of the cable11in a fashion much like conventional conduit routed electrical systems, thereby allowing concurrent positioning of both wires28and a fluid conduit26throughout the system.

As shown inFIGS.3,10, and15, the sheath24may include an array of aligned apertures32which allow for easier trimming during installation. Further, these apertures32provide vents to communicate fire suppressant from the fluid conduit26if a fire or heat melts the fluid conduit26to a rupture in between junction boxes12. The fluid conduit26, as noted, should be made of any non-reactive, durable material such as polymeric material, nylon, PVC or fiberglass, or most preferably HDPE or PFA, which has a melting point which will cause a rupture the fluid conduit26at an appropriate temperature above the operating temperature of the wires28, to extinguish or retard a fire if needed. The flexible sheath24would also preferably be formed of a similar material to that of the fluid conduit26, such that it will not melt or rupture in areas where the fluid conduit26is also adapted to operate which may be hot.

Shown inFIGS.4and4ais a mode of the junction box12which is depicted with the suppressant chamber18, configured to engage and provide a removable cover for the internal cavity of box12. Such would work well at junctions between main and sub circuits of the electrical system.

InFIG.5there is shown a gang box or junction box12configured for engagement of electric switches17. This mode of the junction box12is engaged with a suppressant chamber18with connections29on both ends, for the fluid conduit26for a throughput of suppressant supplied by the fluid conduit26through the chamber18and on to a subsequent chamber18. Windows22in the faceplate allow for viewing of the contents of the suppressant chamber18.

InFIG.6there is depicted an example of the system10herein using the cable11for positioning of both electrical circuits of the wire28and fire suppressant circuits of the fluid conduits26running to remote positions from a main electrical connection buss and retardant supply buss. As illustrated inFIG.6, the system10may include an adapter charger110for the interconnection of the cable11to the main electrical connection buss and the retardant supply buss.

Shown inFIG.7, as noted above, shows the system where various circuits of the fluid conduit26of each cable11connect to a pressurized suppressant supply in a fluid buss. The fluid buss also allows for communication under pressure of one or both of a dye61or scent63to the fluid supply. The dye may be fluorescent or colorized otherwise easy to see and the scent should be one which is easily sensed by humans. Such will allow for easier maintenance of the system wherein small leaks can be determined by dye61on surfaces adjacent leaks, and even hidden leaks which cannot be seen can be detected by the scent63which would permeate surrounding areas.

The wires28for each respective cable11connect to one of the breakers33of an electric buss35portion as shown in the example of a combination electric and fluid buss shown inFIG.7. Gauges39and/or sensors31are engaged to suppressant circuits of each fluid conduit26and will sense the current pressurization level in each such circuit formed by a fluid conduit26in a cable11. The fluid conduit26and wires28of each cable11are routed through the axial passageway23of the sheath24with the wires28therein, thereby providing parallel and concurrent communication of electrical power and fluid such as fire suppression along the entire route of each individual circuit of the electrical system.

As noted,FIG.8shows the cable11herein having a fluid conduit26and a plurality of wires28, both positioned in axial passage23of a surrounding flexible sheath24holding the components of the cable11adjacent. In the mode ofFIG.8, the material forming the sidewall of the fluid conduit26, is engaged with the plurality of wires28during extrusion of the fluid conduit26. Thus, the fluid conduit26and plurality of wires28running through the material forming it, are a unitary structure of wires28and fluid conduit26.

InFIG.9is shown the cable11or cabling herein configured with a fluid conduit26and wires28running through the axial passage23of the surround flexible sheath24. The cable11so formed, can be wound into rolls or spools which can be unwound and installed in a conventional fashion thereby encouraging widespread use.

FIG.10depicts the cable11herein in another mode with a plurality of three electric wires28and at least one fluid conduit26running axially through the surrounding sheath24. The wall of the sheath24includes aligned and sequentially positioned apertures32which as noted allow for easier cutting of the cable11as well as provide vents for passage of fire suppressant from the interior of the sheath24.

FIG.11shows the cable11of the system herein wherein the plurality of wires carried in the sheath24axial passage is four, and a single fluid conduit26runs parallel thereto.

FIGS.12and13show a mode of the cable11wherein electric wires28are positioned during extrusion within the material forming the fluid conduit26, and form the fluid conduit26and wires28in a unitary structure.

FIG.14shows that the cable11or cabling with a plurality of electric wires28as well as one or more communications cables28awhich run within the axial passage of the surrounding sheath24along with the fluid conduit26. As with all other modes of the formed cable11, it can be wound on large reels and dispensed during installation.

FIG.15shows the cable11ofFIG.14having the sequentially positioned apertures32formed in the sheath24providing the axial passage for the fluid conduit26and wires28.

InFIG.16is shown the cable11or cabling herein having an armored sheath24surrounding the axial passage carrying at least one fluid conduit26and one or the shown plurality of wires28for electric current.

FIG.17depicts the cable11or cabling herein, wherein the electric wires28are carried in the sidewall forming the fluid conduit26herein. As shown, the wires28may be pressed into channels formed in the exterior of the sheath24surrounding the fluid conduit26.

FIG.18shows differing connectors131for sealed engagement between ends of the fluid conduits26, allowing a number thereof to be fluidly engaged.

InFIG.19is depicted a sliced view showing an interior passage of a fluid conduit26in a sealed engagement with a fluid connector such as any of those inFIG.18.

InFIGS.20-21are depicted exemplars of a sub panel junction box12of an electric system, which is adapted for engagement with both the wires28, and the fluid conduit26of the cable11herein, to provide electric power to the buss and fire suppressant to the fluid dispenser. The suppressant chamber18in the mode shown, has multiple inlet and outlet flanges19to allow the flow of suppressant to flow into and through the chamber18downline to the rest of the circuit.

FIG.22shows the cable11herein with the contained wires28and fluid conduit26of the cable11, in operative engagement with a junction box12, and fluid dispenser18engaged with a fluid dispensing sprayer38adapted to direct a downward flow of suppressant when activated by heat above a predetermined level. Such would be employed for example on a ceiling of a room to be protected.

Shown inFIG.23is a depiction of the cable11herein, installed in a structure and providing both wiring28and a fluid conduit26which may be operatively engaged with a junction box12hosting a socket16, to provide fire suppressive material through the fluid conduit26to the depicted junction box12and a subsequent junction box12or other point serviced by the cable11extending therefrom.

An example of an installation of the system is shown inFIG.24where the cable11provides the path for fire suppressive fluid for both socket connectors as well as overhead dispensers or sprayers38of fire suppressant, such as in a server room. The cable11may be any derivation of cable11shown and described herein as may the junction boxes12and other components.

FIG.25depicts a mode of the cable11for the system herein configured with romex type wires28running the axial passageway23of the sheath24surrounding the components of the cable11. The fluid conduit26having an axial passage25for retardant communication therethrough is shown running adjacent the wires11formed into the romex with all running through the axial passageway23of the sheath24which is shown with apertures32therein.

The cable11herein as noted may be configured to form the axial passage25therein or position the fluid conduit26having an axial passage25therein which runs axially through the cable11. This is shown inFIGS.26A-26Cwhich depict versions of the cable11employable herein wherein the wires28running within the axial passageway23within the sheath24are extruded or molded into in polymeric insulation material extruded to define sidewalls surrounding an axial cavity27. This axial cavity27itself may be employed for the axial passage25in substitute of a fluid conduit26, or as shown inFIG.26Cthe fluid conduit26can run axially through the axial cavity27.

Another mode of the cable11employable with the system herein is shown inFIGS.27A-27B. As shown, some or all of the electric wires28may be engaged in a spiral wound or encircling winding engagement with the exterior of the polymeric material forming a fluid conduit26. This spiral winding has been found in experimentation to provide excellent phase separation to cancel out flux and minimize electric noise generation. The fluid conduit26so formed is provides the axial passage25for retardant communication through the system as needed. The wires28in this spiral winding or encircling engagement with the sidewall of the polymeric material forming the fluid conduit26may be co-molded therein or as shown, may be frictionally or adhesively engaged within slots42formed to wind around the exterior circumference of the fluid conduit26. The sheath24with apertures therein would surround the wire-encircled fluid conduit26in same fashion as in other modes shown herein.

Shown inFIG.28is a mode of the junction box12which is configured to surround an electric connection such as a switch or depicted socket16within the cavity13surrounded by sidewall of the junction box12. In this configuration, a chamber18for holding a local supply of retardant fluid therein, is slidably engageable into the cavity13formed in the junction box12. As shown the chamber18has at least one connection29as an inlet for retardant into the chamber18and preferably has two connections29to allow a pressurized flow of retardant into, through, and out of the chamber18. A window22formed into the socket or switch cover allows for both a viewing of the chamber18for visual confirmation of the presence of retardant therein, and for disbursement of fire retardant from the suppression chamber18and into non concealed areas such as interior room space areas surrounding the junction box12, should temperatures in that surrounding area, reach the melting point of the material forming the chamber18within the area communicating through the window22.

InFIG.29is shown a junction box12of the system herein which has the fluid chamber18engaged to form an upper portion and top sidewall of the junction box12wherein electrical connections such as to a socket16are positioned within the cavity13of the junction box12defined by the sidewalls of the junction box12. As noted above, by junction box12wherever used herein, is meant any housing employed in an eclectic wiring system wherein electric connections are made between wires28carrying electric current be those connects by wire nuts, crimping, electric receptacles such as a socket16or switch, or any other conventional electric connection positioned within the cavity13of the junction box12.

As shown inFIG.29, in this mode of a junction box12, with the suppressant chamber18forming one sidewall of the cavity13, heat within the cavity13sufficient to melt the wall of the suppressant chamber18, formed as part of the junction box12and in communication with the cavity13, will cause fire retardant to flood the cavity13. Further, a projecting portion37of the suppression chamber18formed as part of the junction box, projects therefrom in a position to project into and through the window22. This positions the projecting portion37of the suppression chamber18within the window22. Thus the projecting portions37can be made to project through and forward of the window22in the cover and into surrounding open room spaces where electrified content items may connect to junction box.

InFIGS.30-30Aare depicted front and rear views of an especially preferred mode of a junction box12of the system herein. The junction box12is shown with transparent sidewalls15. As can be seen, the sidewalls15defining the cavity13of the junction box12have connected passages21within some or all of the sidewalls15which define the cavity13of the junction box12. Connections29for provision of fire retardant communicate with the passages21on one sidewall to communicate the fire retardant into the passage21of at least one sidewall, and preferably with passages21in other sidewalls15surrounding the cavity13such that fire retardant will flow into and through all of the passages21where positioned in sidewalls15of a junction box12.

This mode of the system herein configures portions of the junction box12itself to form the suppression chamber18in a unitary structure. In operation, should the electric connection within a cavity13of a junction box12overheat, at least one of the surfaces of the sidewall15defining the suppressant chamber within the junction box12and facing the cavity13, will melt and cause a communication of fire retardant from a passage21in that sidewall15into the cavity13. Alternatively, portions of common walls between the sidewall15and the cavity13may be fully or partially formed of material adapted to melt at the temperature slightly higher or lower than that of the insulation on the wires and melt when temperature inside the cavity13exceeds the melting temperature of the26conduit.

Further shown inFIG.30is a projecting portion37of the suppression chamber formed by the junction box12itself. This projecting portion37inFIG.30is sized to project into or through the windows22in the cover plate which is shown covered by a hood43. Should the projecting portion encounter a temperature high enough to melt, fire retardant from the suppression chamber, formed within the junction box12walls and communicating to the projecting portion37, will be directed downward by the hood43.

InFIG.31is shown a junction box12of the system herein similar in operation to that ofFIG.30, where internal passages21at least one and preferably a plurality of the sidewalls15surrounding the interior cavity13of the junction box12, are in operative communication with the axial passage25of the operatively engaged fluid conduit26. In this fashion, fire retardant from the axial passage25communicates under pressure into one or more connected passages25formed within the sidewalls15surrounding the interior cavity13forming the suppression chamber18within the walls of the junction box12which surround the interior cavity13and any electric connection therein. As inFIG.30the suppressant chamber18, is thus at least partly within the walls of the junction box12itself which are adapted to melt at the noted temperature levels herein.

Additionally shown inFIG.31are the series of pointed projections49formed into the surfaces of the sidewall15. Should resistive heat or fire develop within or adjacent the junction box12sufficient to melt the sidewall15, the pointed projections49will cause a directional flow of fire suppressant gas or fluid therethrough as they individually melt. These projections49can be positioned within the interior cavity13and/or on the exterior surfaces of the junction box12whereby fire retardant can be projected to areas adjacent the junction box12. These triangular projections49allow for the charged suppression space to be closer to connection points or energized components as so desired.

InFIG.32is depicted a junction box12of the system herein wherein the internal cavity13of the junction box12is accessible through a first side opening44by removal of a conventional cover plate46. Covering the second side opening50opposite the first side opening44is a suppression chamber18adapted to engage with the second side opening50and enclose the electric connections within a closed internal cavity13.

As depicted, a side surface52facing the internal cavity13, has fluid connections29adapted to engage the fluid conduits26in the circuit to communicate fire retardant through the chamber18. Also shown, formed into the side surface52, are recesses54adapted to hold electrical connections between two wires28such as wire nuts56secured over time. Further depicted are metal conduits51showing that the system herein can route the cable surrounded by the sheath24through metal conduits51in a commercial setting requiring such. Additionally depicted is a polymeric diaphragm53which fills an aperture in the cover plate46. This diaphragm53may be formed of a polymeric or other material adapted to melt at the appropriate temperature noted herein, to allow disbursement of fire retardant through the opening. The diaphragm also can be configured to have a burst pressure less that the enclosure to protect the enclosure structural integrity should over pressurization of the circuit occur thereby preventing the enclosure from structural failure from suppressant over-pressurization release.

InFIG.33, is depicted a junction box12in a conventional fashion having sidewalls15which surround the internal cavity13and where punch-out portions of the sidewalls15are shown providing one or a plurality of openings for passage of wires into and out of the internal cavity13. Additionally depicted is an insertable track41routing winds of a fluid tube58which may be a continuation of, or be engaged at both ends to, the fluid conduit26to communicate fire retardant into and through the length of the fluid tube58. The fluid tube58may be pre-positioned or slid into a removable engagement with the junction box12and internal cavity through, an elongated slot60in one sidewall. Of course the track41may also engage a portion of the fluid conduit26from the cable11which would be engaged thereon in the circuitous route. The assembled mode of the junction box12ofFIG.33is shown inFIG.34wherein the track41has been operatively engaged within the slot60.

Shown inFIG.34Ais a junction box12configured with one or a plurality of openings for passage of wires into the cavity13and through the junction box12similar to FIG.33. Also shown is the slot60configured for insertion of the track41to hold a fluid tube in a circuitous path thereby forming the suppression chamber from windings of the fluid conduit26in a similar fashion to that ofFIG.33. Such might work well in retrofitting an older electrical system.

The engagement of the track41within the slot60is shown inFIG.34B. As depicted, the suppression chamber is formed by a winding of fluid conduit26on the track41which has been inserted operatively into the slot60.

Shown inFIGS.35and36depict a mode of the system herein which is a closed system. As shown, the cable herein defines an extension cord62adapted for connection to a first or wall socket16which is operatively engaged in the cavity13of a remotely positionable housing or junction box12. This mode of the system herein is self contained and has a fluid conduit26communicating therethrough between a second socket16shown as plug receptacle64and an internally housed reservoir66of pressurized fire retardant within the housing. In this mode of the system, should the extension cord62overheat, the resulting communication of fire retardant to the overheating point on the extension cord62will extinguish any flame. While not shown, the apertures32can be formed in the flexible sheath of the cable forming the extension cord62.

A similar self contained mode of the system herein is shown inFIG.37. As depicted a housing68is configured for positioning of larger electric components within the interior cavities13of the formed housing68which is defined by the surrounding sidewalls15. Shown in a transparent rendition the sidewalls15form an internal cavity having a reservoir66of fire retardant therein. The reservoir66connects through the fluid conduit26to the extension cord62to a remote plug receptacle64. This mode of the system would work well where the larger electronic component is for example used in a recreational vehicle or boat or other portable configuration, to guard against fire from resistive heating or sparking in wiring or overheating of the electronic component located proximate to the portable housing68.

Shown inFIG.38,FIG.38depicts a junction box12which is operatively connected to a fluid conduit26which supplies suppressant fluid to passages21, such as in FIG.30A, to the junction box12. Shown, formed into the sidewall15of the junction box12, are differing configurations of nozzles70. These nozzles70are positioned on one or a plurality of the sidewalls15of the junction box12and can be configured for a targeted stream of suppressant in a directional flow78(FIG.39) therefrom.

As shown, one projecting nozzle70A has a narrowing configuration wherein the distal end72thereof, forms to a point which is narrower than a base74of the projecting nozzle70A. The nozzle sidewall or sidewalls84thus angle from the base74toward the distal end72. The distal end72can be formed to melt or burst when heated and supplied with pressurized fluid, and to disburse suppressant fluid therefrom in a narrow spread thereof or a singular stream thereof. Where used herein, nozzle sidewall84is intended to mean a single nozzle sidewall84which, for example, may have a tube-like or a conical shape, or may have intersecting angled portions forming the sidewall84which define the shape and size of the nozzle70.

A fluid opening76, as shown inFIG.39, would thus be formed at the distal end72of the projecting nozzle70A, by a melting of a plug positioned in the fluid opening76, or a melting of the distal end72of the projecting nozzle70A. Fluid would disburse during a fire, or overheating of the area surrounding the junction box12, and the directional flow78of suppressant fluid as inFIG.39, would flow therefrom.

By directional flow78, as used herein, is meant a fluid flow focused by the configuration of the nozzle70to be emitted as a straight line, a fanned spread either in a single plane or radial pattern emission, or any other pattern of fluid emission which can be formed by nozzle70sidewalls84. Further, while nozzles70are shown as projecting nozzles70A, and recessed nozzles70B, or dome shaped nozzles70C, herein, such is for convenience and any nozzle70which can be positioned on or in a sidewall15of a junction box12, to emit a focused or shaped fluid stream therefrom, is considered within the scope of this invention.

Also depicted inFIG.38nozzles70formed as recessed nozzles70B which have a nozzle opening80which is wider than a nozzle inlet82which recessed into the sidewall15. In this mode, the inlet82end of the recessed nozzle70B is formed to melt or burst first when heated and allow fluid suppressant to flow from the inlet82end, to the wider nozzle opening80. The fluid direction is focused to emit in a fanned or radial pattern or highly disbursed fluid by angled nozzle sidewalls84. Changing the number and angle of the angled sidewalls84allows for a changing of the pattern of fluid in the directional flow78of suppressant.

Additionally shown inFIG.38are dome shaped or domed nozzles70C. The domed nozzles70C can be formed as depressions into the sidewall15or a projecting domes from the sidewall15. The dome wall86defining the domed nozzles70C can be formed of a material which melts before the material forming the junction box12and sidewall15of the same material in a thinner layer such that it will melt before the junction box12and sidewall13. This mode of nozzle70can be employed to project a high volume of suppressant from the junction box12depending on the diameter or area forming the dome wall86of the domed nozzles70C.

As noted, shown inFIG.39are exemplars of some of the nozzles70which can be formed to emit a narrow, pointed, or wide flood of suppressant fluid therefrom in the desired directional flow78. As also noted, the depictions inFIGS.38-40of the nozzles70should be in no way considered limiting.

As shown inFIG.40, the nozzles70in all modes thereof, can be formed in nozzle panels88. While depicted with projecting nozzles70A, the nozzle panel88can be formed with any of the nozzle configurations herein, or which are shaped to emit the desired shape and volume of fluid in the directional flow78of choice. While shown as a single nozzle panel88, kits including a plurality of such nozzle panels88can be included in the system herein, wherein the user can choose the nozzle panel88having the desired configuration of nozzle70to emit a desired directional flow78of suppressant fluid therefrom in the desired pattern and volume determined by the shape or configuration of the nozzle70.

As shown inFIG.40, the chosen nozzle panel88from the kit or plurality thereof, which has the desired nozzles70thereon, can be placed in a sealed engagement with the sidewall15of the junction box12which will have sidewall openings90in fluid communication with the suppressant communicated to the junction box12by the fluid conduit26.

A panel seal92forms a sealed engagement of the junction box12sidewall15with the nozzle panel88chosen for such engagement. A panel connector is employed to hold the nozzle panel88in a sealed connection to the junction box12. Such may be any panel connector configured to hold the nozzle panel88in the sealed connection to the sidewall15of the junction box12, such as slots94into which opposing sides of the nozzle panel88engage. The depicted slots94should be considered in no way limiting as to the panel connector employed to hold a nozzle panel88chosen to the sealed engagement with the junction box12. Any panel connector, such as snaps, pins, adhesive, or mating connectors positioned on the junction box12and on the nozzle panel88, or other mating connectors as would occur to those skilled in the art, may be used.

As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.