Patent ID: 7559376

Claim:
A dry sprinkler comprising: a structure defining a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet, the structure having a rated K-factor defining an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the inlet of the passageway in pounds per square inch gauge; a fluid deflecting structure proximate the outlet at a first distance in an unactuated mode and a second distance in an actuated mode, the first and second distances being equal; and a diverter assembly disposed in the structure, the diverter assembly including: a sealing member having first and second metallic surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis between an inner and outer circumference, the first metallic surface having an orthogonal projection with respect to the longitudinal axis to define a first cross-sectional area about the longitudinal axis; a shield having a first surface disposed about the longitudinal axis, the first surface coupled to a base having a second surface confronting the first metallic surface to define a gap therebetween, the second surface having a second cross-sectional area disposed generally orthogonal about the longitudinal axis, the second cross-sectional area being less than the first cross-sectional area; and a mounting portion having a third face disposed generally orthogonally about the longitudinal axis to define a third cross-sectional area, the third cross-sectional area having a magnitude less than the first cross-section area; and a locator disposed in the passageway of the structure and fixed to the diverter assembly.