Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for dry pipe sprinkler system

Abstract

Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for maintaining the integrity or pressurization of a dry pipe sprinkler system by preventing damage to auxiliary drains from freezing temperatures are taught. An insulated, heated housing, which may be thermostatically controlled provides a controlled environment about an auxiliary drain, insulated and with a heater. An alarm may be used as well to provide warning if said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate and embodiments may be retrofit about an existing auxiliary drain or be provided with an auxiliary drain for installation upon a dry pipe sprinkler system.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
 an auxiliary drain, further comprising an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe, wherein a first valve controls fluid passage from said input pipe into said condensate collection area, and a second valve controls fluid passage from said condensate collection area into said drain pipe;   an insulated housing with door for providing a heat controlled environment wherein said auxiliary drain is at least partially located within said housing, and said condensation collection area is located within said housing;   a heater for providing heat to said housing; and,   an alarm for providing warning when said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a weather resistant insulated housing. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a locking door. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said heating element is thermostatically controlled. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising an anti trip device. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising an exterior temperature readout for providing interior temperature. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising an alarm to provide a warning if the interior temperature falls below a predetermined level. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  where said alarm is centrally controlled. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 7  where said alarm is centrally controlled. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 1  further comprising a test device for providing assurance of proper operation of said alarm. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
 an insulated housing with door for providing a heat controlled environment for an auxiliary drain, with an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe, wherein said auxiliary drain is at least partially located within said housing, and said condensation collection area is located within said housing;   a heater for providing heat to said housing; and,   an alarm for providing warning when said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.   
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a weather resistant insulated housing. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a locking door. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  wherein said heating element is thermostatically controlled. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  further comprising an alarm for warning against excessive water conditions. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  further comprising an exterior temperature readout for providing interior temperature. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  further comprising an alarm for warning if the interior temperature falls below a predetermined level. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  where said alarm is centrally controlled. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as in  claim 17  where said alarm is centrally controlled. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as in  claim 11  further comprising a test device for providing assurance of proper operation of said alarm. 
     
     
         21 . A method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
 providing an auxiliary drain, further comprising an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe, wherein a first valve controls fluid passage from said input pipe into said condensate collection area, and a second valve controls fluid passage from said condensate collection area into said drain pipe;   providing an insulated housing with door for providing a heat controlled environment wherein said auxiliary drain is at least partially located within said housing, and said condensation collection area is located within said housing;   providing heat to said housing; and,   providing warning when said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.   
     
     
         22 . A method as in  claim 21  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a weather resistant insulated housing. 
     
     
         23 . A method as in  claim 21  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a locking door. 
     
     
         24 . A method as in  claim 21  further comprising thermostatically controlling the provision of heat to said housing. 
     
     
         25 . A method as in  claim 21  further comprising providing warning if the interior temperature falls below a predetermined level. 
     
     
         26 . A method as in  claim 21  further comprising centrally controlling said alarm. 
     
     
         27 . A method as in  claim 21  further comprising providing assurance of proper operation of said alarm. 
     
     
         28 . A method for maintaining the integrity of a dry pipe sprinkler system, comprising:
 providing an insulated housing with door for providing a heat controlled environment for providing an auxiliary drain, further comprising an input pipe, a condensate collection area, and a drain pipe wherein said auxiliary drain is at least partially located within said housing, and said condensation collection area is located within said housing;   providing heat to said housing; and,   providing warning when said auxiliary drain retains a predetermined amount of condensate.   
     
     
         29 . A method as in  claim 28  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a weather resistant insulated housing. 
     
     
         30 . A method as in  claim 28  wherein said insulated housing further comprises a locking door. 
     
     
         31 . A method as in  claim 28  further comprising thermostatically controlling the provision of heat to said housing. 
     
     
         32 . A method as in  claim 28  further comprising providing warning if the interior temperature falls below a predetermined level. 
     
     
         33 . A method as in  claim 28  further comprising centrally controlling said alarm. 
     
     
         34 . A method as in  claim 28  further comprising providing assurance of proper operation of said alarm.