Patent ID: 8887822

Claim:
A flexible dry sprinkler comprising: a flexible tube having a first end and a second end; an inlet attached to the first end of the flexible tube, the inlet defining an inlet orifice operatively sealed by an inlet seal assembly; an outlet attached to the second end of the flexible tube, the outlet defining an outlet orifice operatively sealed by an outlet seal assembly; and a flexible linkage extending between the inlet and the outlet through the flexible tube, the flexible linkage constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly responsive to axial translation of the flexible linkage from a first position to a second position, wherein the flexible linkage is supported by the outlet seal assembly in the first position and wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to axially translate toward the outlet when the outlet seal assembly is released, wherein the inlet includes a release unit constructed to operatively release the inlet seal assembly, wherein the flexible linkage is constructed to operate the release unit when the flexible linkage translates from the first position to the second position, wherein the outlet seal assembly includes a thermally responsive element and an outlet seal supported by the thermally responsive element, and wherein in a case where the thermally responsive element is in a responsive state, the outlet seal is released, wherein the inlet seal assembly is released in response to the flexible linkage translating in an outlet direction a predetermined distance to operate the inlet release mechanism, and wherein the release unit releases the inlet seal assembly responsive to translation of an inlet end of the linkage greater than a first stroke distance, and wherein the inlet seal assembly is released when an outlet end of the linkage translates a second stroke distance that is larger than the first stroke distance.