Fire suppression system design tool.

(54) Title: TOOL FOR THE DESIGN OF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.

(54) Tltle: FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM DESIGN TOOL.

(57) Summary

The display 156 also includes a list 157 of nozzles that are available for the selected vent cover. In addition, various data entry areas (158) are displayed that allow the user to capture the desired dimensions of the vent cover, such as length, depth, and height. In addition, the presented data entry area allows the user to select the elevation of the ventilation cover above the ground. A window (159) is available for the user to write their comments regarding the ventilation cover or the design of the kitchen in general. After areas 158 and 160 have been filled, display 146 highlights only the nozzles presented in list 157 that are approved for use with the selected vent cover with the captured dimensions. At this stage one of the nozzles is selected by clicking on the corresponding circle adjacent to the nozzle. Once a nozzle type is selected, the minimum number of nozzles and flows required by manufacturers or state or local statutes is displayed in the window (156).

(57) Abstract

The screen (156) also includes a llst (157) of nozzles that are available for the selected ventllatlon hood. Furthermore. several data entry areas (158) are displayed that allow the user to input descred dlmenslons of the ventilation hood, such as the length, depth and height. In addition, a data entry area presented that allows the user to choose the elevation of the ventilation hood above the floor. A wlndow (159) ¡available for the user to type ¡n comments regardlng the ventilation hood or the kitchen design ¡n general. After the areas (158) and (160) have been fllled in, the screen (146) highlights only those nozzles present in list 157 that are. approved for use with the selected ventilation hood with the dimensions entered. At this stage one of the highlighted nozzles is chosen by clicking on the corresponding circle adjacent to the nozzle. Once a type of nozzle is chosen the minimum number of nozzles and flows required by manufacturers or State or local ordinance ¡s displayed ¡n wlndow (156).

TOOL FOR THE DESIGN OF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and procedures that aid in the design and / or allow the procedure to involve the construction of a fire extinguishing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that kitchens in commercial establishments, such as restaurants and hotels, are subject to local and state regulations and laws that have an impact on the overall design of kitchens. For example, local and state regulations generally require a sufficient fire extinguishing system placed in a commercial kitchen before the kitchen can operate.

In the past, the procedure for designing and building a commercial kitchen has generally been inefficient and time consuming. For example, the procedure usually involves initially measuring the dimensions of the room where the kitchen is to be installed. After the measurements are completed, they will be sent off-site to a designer who will design the kitchen space in accordance with the requirements of the local and / or state authorities authorized to

Ref .: 195347 regulate the design of a commercial kitchen. The design procedure would be done manually by a draftsman either through drawings on paper or using the CAD program. After the design is complete, it is sent to a supplier who will provide an estimate of the materials needed to build the kitchen according to the design. The materials will then be sorted based on the materials estimate. Passing the design across multiple entities usually results in significant delays in the design procedure.

Another inefficiency in the above design procedure was that local and / or state authorities may require that the kitchen plan be submitted for approval before construction can begin. Since the approval procedure usually takes a long time, plans are usually submitted at an early stage in the development procedure. The submitted plans are generally rejected for not being in an appropriate format. Even when plans are approved, kitchen staff are generally not consulted prior to plans being submitted, and thus may require design changes that would require submission of a new set of plans to regulatory authorities. .

Another problem with the aforementioned design procedure was that this did not lead to uniformity in the design of commercial kitchens. For example, a hotel chain may have a commercial kitchen in each of its establishments. In the past, each kitchen may have been designed independently of the other. If kitchens are desired to have substantially the same dimensions and components, there was no common design for a kitchen. Consequently, each kitchen was designed from scratch without reference to past designs. In this way, time and effort was wasted in redesigning each kitchen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a tool for designing the fire extinguishing system and includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory includes a design program having a database. A visual screen is in communication with the processor, where the processor and the design program join forces in such a way that the fire extinguishing component is described on the visual screen and a plurality of devices to be used with the fire extinguishing component described on the visual screen. An input device in communication with the processor, wherein the input device is selected from one of a plurality of appliances displayed on the visual screen and a relative position between the fire extinguishing component and that of the plurality of appliances.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a tool for the design of the fire extinguishing system having a processor and a memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory includes a design program that has a database. A visual screen is in communication with the processor, where the processor and the design program join forces in such a way that the fire extinguishing component is displayed on the visual screen and the positions of one or more nozzles are calculated to be used with the fire extinguishing component and the one or more nozzles are displayed on the visual screen with the fire extinguishing component taking into account the calculated positions.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a tool for the design of the fire extinguishing system that includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory includes a design program that has a database. A visual screen is in communication with the processor, where the processor and the design program join forces such that one or more components of the fire extinguishing system is displayed on the visual screen, wherein the processor formats one or more deployed components of the fire extinguishing system to be able to print in a form acceptable to most state and local regulatory authorities authorized to regulate the installation of the fire extinguishing system.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for designing a fire extinguishing system that includes displaying a fire extinguishing component on a visual display and displaying a plurality of apparatus to be used with the fire extinguishing system in the visual screen. The method further includes selecting one of a plurality of appliances displayed on the visual screen and selecting a relative position between the fire extinguishing component and one of the plurality of appliances.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of designing a fire extinguishing system that includes displaying a fire extinguishing component on a visual display, calculating the positions of one or more nozzles to be used with the fire extinguishing component, and display the one or more nozzles on the visual screen with the fire extinguishing component taking into account the calculated positions.

A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of designing a fire extinguishing system that includes displaying one or more components of the fire extinguishing system on a visual display, wherein the one or more deployed components of the fire extinguishing system is They are formatted to be able to print in a form acceptable to most state and local regulatory authorities authorized to regulate the installation of the fire extinguishing system.

A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system design tool that includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory has a design program that has a database. A visual screen in communication with the processor, where the processor and the design program join forces in such a way that the fire extinguishing component is displayed on a visual screen; and a fire protection zone is defined on the visual display, the fire protection zone represents an area that is protected by a fire extinguishing system associated with the fire extinguishing component.

An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system design tool that includes a processor and memory in communication with the processor, wherein the memory has a design program that has a database. A visual display in communication with the processor, where the processor and design program combine effort such that the fire extinguishing component is displayed on the visual display and one or more appliances to be used with the fire extinguishing component are unfold on the visual screen. A warning signal is generated if one or more of the appliances do not meet a predetermined criteria associated with the fire extinguishing component.

One or more aspects of the present invention provide the advantage of reducing the time and costs involved in the design and construction of a system that requires a fire extinguishing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1A schematically shows a first embodiment of a tool for the design of the fire extinguishing system according to the present invention;

Figure IB schematically shows a second embodiment of a tool for the design of the fire extinguishing system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a project launch screen that can be displayed through the tools for the design of fire extinguishing systems of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 3 schematically shows a modality of a screen of the new project that can be used through the tools for the design of fire extinguishing systems of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 4 schematically shows an embodiment of a summary screen that can be used by the tools for the design of the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 5 schematically shows an embodiment of a system component display that can be used by the tool for designing the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B;

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>6 sample</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 5</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="7">Various types / styles of covers shown</td><td>t</td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>Ί sample</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 6</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="2">is selected</td><td colspan="2">a cover;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>8 shows</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 7</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="3">the dimensions of the</td><td colspan="2">cover it</td><td colspan="3">captured in</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">display of</td><td colspan="4">component of the system and it</td><td colspan="4">highlight several</td>

<td colspan="2">types / styles</td><td colspan="2">nozzles;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>9 sample</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 8</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="2">is selected</td><td colspan="2">a mouthpiece;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>10 sample</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 9</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="2">is selected</td><td colspan="2">a cover and</td><td colspan="2">a mouthpiece;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>11 shows</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 5</td>

<td>when</td><td>they go</td><td colspan="2">to select the</td><td colspan="2">types / styles</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">ducts;</td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>12 shows</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 11</td>

<td>when</td><td colspan="2">is selected</td><td colspan="2">the duct;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>13 shows</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 4,</td>

<td>when</td><td>they go</td><td colspan="2">to select the</td><td colspan="2">types / styles</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">appliances;</td><td></td>

<td></td><td>The</td><td>Figure</td><td>14 shows</td><td>the</td><td>screen</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td> 13</td>

when the dimensions of the selected apparatus are selected;

Figure 15 shows the screen of the. Figure 14 when an apparatus is selected;

Figure 16 schematically shows an embodiment of a system designer information screen that can be used by the tools for designing the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 17 schematically shows an embodiment of a project information screen that can be used by the tools for the design of the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 18 schematically shows a modality of a permit information screen, plans, test that can be used by the tools for the design of the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 19 schematically shows one embodiment of a labor display for installing the system that can be used by the design tools for the fire fighting system of Figures 1A-1B;

Figure 20 schematically shows one embodiment of a pipe and conduit information display that can be used by the tools for designing the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B; and

Figure 21 schematically shows a modality of a materials billing and plans screen that can be used by the tools for the design of the fire extinguishing system of Figures 1A-1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure IA schematically shows an embodiment of a tool for designing fire extinguishing system 100 that includes a design system 102 having a processor, such as a microprocessor 104, in communication with a memory 106 as well as with other components (not shown) present within chassis 107 of the computer hardware system. Memory 106 stores the design program that includes a database, the content of which will be explained later. The data is captured into the microprocessor 104 through an input device 108. Examples of possible input devices 108 are a keyboard, microphone, touch screen, or mouse that are part of a computer hardware system. , such as a laptop 109. It is also possible to have the laptop 109 directly connected to the design system 102 through a wired connection. In another alternative, design system 102 is incorporated into the hardware system of the computer itself. A visual display 110 and a printer 112 may be electrically connected or part of the computer hardware system.

In an alternative modality, the design system

102 it is located in a location external to the site and laptop 109 is connected to design system 102 via Internet 113 as shown in Figure IB. In this scenario, the data is captured through the input device 108 that is connected to the laptop 109. The data is then sent from the laptop 109 over the Internet in a well-known manner to an off-site computer that is contains design 102 system. In this way, the ability to have design system 102 in a different location than laptop 109 allows flexibility in conducting the design procedure.

In general, once the data is captured in the microprocessor 104, the design program and the microprocessor join forces with each other in order to obtain the data and carry out various functions that are aimed at the design and construction of the structures, such as as commercial kitchens, which require fire extinguishing systems. A sample of the functions carried out is described here below with respect to the various screens shown in Figures 2-21.

With the aforementioned descriptions for possible structures for the fire extinguishing system design tool 100 in mind, the operation of the fire extinguishing system design tool 100 will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, once the Fire Extinguisher System Design Tool 100 is activated, a project 114 launch screen instantly appears on visual display screen 110. Screen 114 includes a table 116 that lists the design projects that have been previously started or completed by a user of the Fire Extinguisher System Design Tool 100. The listed projects are identified by number, project, name, and the date the projects were last modified through the design tool for the fire extinguishing system 100. A numbered project can be obtained for review or alteration by clicking on the project through input device 108.

If the user wants to start a new project, then the new project area 118 is pressed resulting in the new project screen 120 displayed on visual screen 110. Screen 120 includes a project number area 122 and a name area. Project 124. The user captures a unique number in area 122 and the project name in area 124 that unambiguously identifies a particular design project. As shown in Figure 3, screen 120 contains table 116 from screen 114 and includes the project number information and the project name captured in areas 122 and 124.

Once the identification described above is completed, an indication will appear requesting that the user activate the new system button 126. Activation of the button 126 results in the summary screen 128 appearing on the visual screen 110. As shown in Figure 4, summary screen 128 lists the various system components that are associated with the fire extinguishing device, such as a vent cover, which is selected to be used in the kitchen design. For example, summary screen 128 lists appliances (window 130), fuse connections (window 132), manual drive stations, and associated angle pulleys (window 134), detection lines, and associated angle pulleys ( window 136), the wire rope (window 138), cover seals (window 140) and switches (window 142) associated with the cover. The content of summary screen 128 is updated as the various components of the system are selected by the user.

In order to add system components to the kitchen project corresponding to summary screen 128, button 144 new appliance design is activated. A system component screen 146 is then displayed on visual screen 110. As shown in Figure 5, the system component screen 146 displays various icons 148, 150, 152 representing various system components to be used in the kitchen design. For example, the icons can represent ventilation covers (icon 148), ducts (icon 150) and appliances (icon 152) to be used in the design. When no component of the system has been previously selected, it is desirable to select a ventilation cover before selecting any other component of the system since the type of ventilation cover selected controls / limits the possible selections for the other components of the system. In the case of appliance selection, state and local statutes require that appliances be located entirely under a vent cover so selection of the number and size of fixtures will be limited by the type and size of vent cover selected. If the vent cover is selected first, then the appliances can be selected through the Fire Extinguisher System Design Tool 100 to fit under the cover. However, if appliances are selected first, there is no guarantee that a suitable ventilation cover is available to cover all selected appliances. In this case, the fixtures will need to be re-selected. In order to avoid the delay that would result from such re-selection, the present invention prefers that the selection of the vent cover be made before all other components of the system. Of course, tool 100 allows selection of ducts and / or appliances prior to selection of vent cover.

Once icon 148 is selected, various types / styles of vent covers 154 are displayed on the system component display 146. For example, low profile, single filter group coil, bucket, attached single filter group coil, Group V center island and inverted group V center island ventilation covers can be deployed as shown in Figure 6. The user selects a type / style of ventilation cover by clicking on the corresponding cover shown on screen 146. At this stage, a perspective and schematic view of the selected ventilation cover is shown in window 156 as shown in the Fiqura 7. Screen 156 also includes a list 157 of the nozzles that are available for the selected vent cover. In addition, various data entry areas 158 are displayed that allow the user to capture the desired dimensions of the vent cover, such as length, depth, and height. Furthermore, the data entry area 160 can be presented in such a way that it allows the user to select the elevation of the ventilation cover above the floor. A window 159 is available for the user to write comments regarding the ventilation cover or the design of the kitchen in general.

After areas 158 and 160 have been filled, screen 146 highlights only the nozzles present in list 157 that are approved for use with the selected vent cover with the captured dimensions as shown in Figure 8. At this stage one of the highlighted nozzles is selected by clicking on the corresponding circle adjacent to the nozzle. Once the nozzle type is selected the minimum number of nozzles and the flows required by the manufacturers or the state or local decrees are displayed in window 156 as shown in Figure 9 (see area in circles (161). The flow value is assigned to each nozzle and tank and is related to the amount of agent that passes through a nozzle and how many flow points are stored in each tank. Note that the flow capacity of each nozzle is used to determine the number of tanks needed to cover a certain group of risks. Also, the location of the nozzle relative to a reference point, such as a hazard, and the target point of the nozzle are displayed in window 162. Note that the location and target points for the nozzles as displayed in window 162 are stored in memory 106 and reflect values ​​that optimize fire extinguishing for each hazard (i.e. fryer, griddle, grill) selected for design. of the kitchen as determined through the UL standard tests for each risk selected for the kitchen design. Assuming the cover model, cover and nozzle dimensions, and the nozzle and flow specifications displayed in window 156 are correct, then the add 164 button is activated such that the displayed information is stored for the kitchen design. Activation of the add button 164 results in a formed window that is similar to window 168 in Figure 9 and that displays a schematic figure of the selected vent cover and with the selected dimensions.

In addition, the nozzle locations (see arrow) and target points (different color) are shown. Clicking on the ventilation cover shown in the window results in an elongated view of the ventilation cover shown in Figure 10. Pressing on the ventilation cover shown in Figure 10 results in the display of a similar screen. to that shown in Figure 8 where window 168 contains the selected vent cover.

Additional vent covers can be selected at this time. This is done by clicking on the icon 148 and selecting a vent cover and associated nozzle in the same way as previously described with respect to Figures 6-10. Assuming the deck model, deck dimensions, and flow and nozzle specifications displayed in window 156 are correct, then the add button 164 is activated such that the displayed information is stored for the kitchen layout. . Activation of the add 164 button results in a window shape that is similar to window 168 in Figure 9, and that displays a schematic drawing of all the ventilation covers that have been selected and with the dimensions selected. The last selected vent cover is placed adjacent and to the right of the previously selected vent cover. In this way, it begins to form

<td>the kitchen plan. Once</td><td>have been</td><td colspan="2">selected</td><td>all</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">ventilation covers, the</td><td>user</td><td>active</td><td>a</td><td>button</td>

<td>amplify 163 (see</td><td>Figure 9)</td><td colspan="2">resulting in</td><td colspan="2">a sight</td>

<td>elongated schematic</td><td>of the</td><td>covers</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">ventilation</td>

selected to be shown by Figure 10. At this stage, the user clicks on the icon 150 in such a way that carrying out the selection of the ducts that are going to join the previously selected ventilation covers can be done. Once icon 150 is activated, various duct types / styles 166 are shown on the display of system component 146. For example, square and round ducts can be deployed as shown in Figure 11. In addition, the schematic drawing of the selected vent cover is shown in window 168. The user selects a type / style of duct clicked on the corresponding duct shown on screen 146 of the

Figure 11. A screen (not shown) similar to the one shown in Figure 7 appears at this point. The screen includes a list of nozzles that are available for the conduit.

<td>selected</td><td>The various</td><td>areas</td><td>of</td><td>entry</td><td>data is</td>

<td>unfold</td><td>in such a way</td><td>than</td><td>the</td><td>user</td><td>catch the</td>

<td>dimensions</td><td colspan="2">desired conduit,</td><td>such</td><td>as the</td><td>depth and</td>

The width. In addition, a data entry area may be presented that allows the user to select the distance from an edge of the vent cover (or a previously selected duct center) to the duct center. A window is also available for the user to write their comments regarding the conduit or data design 100.

After the data entry areas have been filled, the display highlights only the nozzles present in the previously mentioned list of nozzles that are approved for use with the selected conduit. At this stage one of the highlighted nozzles is selected in a manner similar to the selection of the nozzle for the vent cover mentioned above. Once the nozzle type is selected, the minimum number of nozzles and the flows required to protect the selected risk (s) are displayed. In addition, the location of the nozzles (arrow) is displayed relative to the reference point, such as the center of the duct opening, and a target point. Note that the nozzle and target point locations as displayed on the screen are stored in memory 106. As previously mentioned, the stored values ​​reflect the values ​​that optimize fire extinguishing for each selected hazard as determined by conducting UL standard tests for each selected hazard. Assuming the duct model, duct dimensions, nozzle and flow specifications are correct, then an add button is activated such that the displayed information is stored for the kitchen design. Activation of the add 164 button results in the formation of a window that is similar to window 168 in Figure 9 and that automatically displays a schematic figure of the vent cover (s) and duct ( s) selected and with the selected dimensions. The figure also shows the location of the detectors (inverted U in the figure) and the nozzles (arrows). In the case of detectors, their locations are in accordance with the standards of the National Association of

Fire Protection (NFPA) which states that a detector will be located above each individual device, or if a device is below the duct detector, the detector will act as the detector for both the duct and the the appliance under the duct. The schematic figure shows the duct attached to the vent cover to take into account the previously selected dimensions and placement of the duct. Additional ducts can be added in a manner similar to that described with respect to the vent cover selection procedure previously described with respect to Figures 6-10. Note that the ducts are added from left to right as can be seen on the screen.

Once all the ducts have been selected, the user activates an amplify button that results in an elongated schematic view of the selected vents and the ducts to be shown by Figure 12. At this stage, the user clicks on the icon 152 in such a way that the selection of the devices to be placed below the ventilation cover (s) can be carried out. previously selected. Once icon 152 is activated, various appliance types / styles 170 are displayed on the system component display 146. For example, a griddle, deep fryer, grill, range, salamander grill, a vertical rack, chain rack, inclined skillet / frying pan for simmering as shown in Figure 13.

The user selects a type / style of apparatus through input device 108 by clicking on the corresponding apparatus shown on screen 146 in Figure 13. A schematic figure of the selected apparatus is then shown in window 156 as shown in Figure 14. Window 156 includes a number of windows 172 that allow the user to insert through input device 108 the desired dimensions for the selected apparatus. For example, the overall height, width, appliance depth, and depth of the cooktop and width to be selected when applicable. Note that the overall height of the fixtures can be set to a constant value, such as 36 inches. The overall height can be adjusted as well. In addition, the position of the left side of the appliance (from the perspective of the appliance) with respect to the left side of the vent cover (s) (when no previous appliances have been selected) or the previously selected appliance can be selected by filling window 178 as shown in Figure 14. If window 178 does not fill, then the left side of the fixture will be positioned to be 1) flush with the left side of the vent cover (s) (when no previous fixtures have been selected) or 2) recessed against the right side of the previously selected device.

It should be noted that in the case of ventilation covers that allow groups of devices to be attached, such as the group V cover previously mentioned. The user designs a group of the appliances in the manner described above. To design the other group of devices, a button to see the other side is activated to exchange the view of the screen. At this point, another group of appliances is added in the same way as described above.

In addition to the various dimensions, a nozzle for the selected apparatus can be selected from a list of available nozzles 174, where those in bold are available for selection. Window 176 provides the information where the selected nozzle is positioned relative to the selected apparatus. Note that the locations for the nozzles as described in window 176 are stored in memory 106 and are determined in the same manner as previously described with respect to the selected nozzles for the vent cover. Assuming that the appliance model, appliance dimensions, and nozzle and flow specifications are correct, then the add button is activated such that the displayed information is stored for the kitchen design. Activation of the add 164 button results in the formation of a window that is similar to window 168 in Figure 9 and that automatically displays a schematic figure of the vent cover (s), the duct (s) ) and the apparatus (es) reflecting the previously selected relative dimensions and positions of the various components. Again, the location of the detectors and nozzles is indicated by an inverted U and arrows, respectively.

Once the user defines the fire extinguishing system to be used, the user can easily modify the configuration of the devices by selecting the option of the overlapping protection button (partially shown in Figure 12). Activating the button causes a shaded area to appear in the figure. The shaded area defines a fire protection zone that is protected by the selected fire extinguishing system. If the user wishes to change previously selected fixtures for the fire extinguishing system, the user selects fixtures such that they are encompassed by the shaded area. The

<td>appliances that</td><td>not</td><td>fit inside</td><td>of the</td><td>area</td><td>not</td><td>will be</td>

<td>protected by</td><td>the</td><td>fire extinguisher system</td><td>fire</td><td>and not</td><td colspan="2">they must be</td>

<td>selected.</td><td colspan="3">Note that the location</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>nozzle</td>

also shown when using the overlap protection option. The shaded area generated when overlapping protection is selected is based on assigning a certain depth and width of coverage for each nozzle. The nozzles are positioned to be 12 inches apart from each other such that the test is conducted where the nozzle discharge spray from each nozzle overlaps the nearest nozzle UL to ensure that appliances at the end of areas are protected.

Additional appliances may be added in a manner similar to that described with respect to the vent cover and duct selection procedures previously described with respect to Figures 6-11. In order to determine which appliances are available for placement below the selected vent cover (s), the user needs to know how much space is left below the vent cover (s) in view of any of the previously selected device (s). In particular, the ΝΕΡΑ standards state that all appliances must fit under the vent cover and be placed 6 inches (15.24cm) inside from each edge of the cover. The design program monitors selected appliances in a way that conforms to NFPA standards. In particular, the design program compares the width of the fixture and determines whether or not the width meets the requirements of the aforementioned 6-inch (15.24cm) rule. If the user selects a device that does not have a width that complies with the 6-inch (15.24cm) rule, then a yellow warning triangle will appear on the screen stating that the device has exceeded acceptable dimensions. The design program also monitors the length of each appliance as measured along the longitudinal direction of the vent cover. The design program compares the cumulative longitudinal extension used by appliances, when all selected gaps between appliances are taken into account, with the 6-inch (15.24cm) ruler as applied to the left and right side edges of each deck ventilation selected. If the cumulative longitudinal extension does not comply with the 6-inch (15.24cm) rule, then the previously mentioned warning triangle will appear and warn the user to review their selection of appliances in order to adapt them to this rule.

In summary, the design program is designated for designs that are in accordance with current NFPA standards.

It should be noted that the user can select devices not shown on the screen by activating the icon 180. This activation results in a window appearing where the user captures the time and specific model of a desired device. The dimensions of the apparatus and its relative spacing from the vent cover or previously selected apparatus can also be selected in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to Figure 14.

At any time during the selection procedure for the cover, duct or appliance, a summary of the selected components for a particular cover of a kitchen project can be displayed by clicking on the system review icon 182. After clicking on icon 182 a summary screen 128, such as the one shown in Figure 4, is displayed on visual screen 110. Summary area 128 shows all components selected to date with respect to a particular deck. Note that when the hood, ducts, and appliances are selected, they give rise to summary screen 128 which will cause an indication to be displayed asking what type of appliance (electric or gas or other) is to be selected, the number of Fuse connections for particular temperature thresholds such as 165 ° F (73.8 ° C), 212 ° F (100 ° C), 250 ° F (65.5 ° C), 360 ° F (182.2 ° C), 450 ° F (232.2 ° C) and 500 ° F (260 ° C). Such fuse connections are fixed temperature heat detection devices that send a signal to the control unit to activate the fire extinguishing system once the threshold temperature is reached. Other components of the fire extinguishing system, such as gas valves and cover seals, are captured by the user. A complete list of components to be captured was previously mentioned with respect to the explanation in Figure 4. Once all the desired items have been captured, the corresponding cover system is complete and the selection procedure described above can be repeated for another cover to be used in the kitchen.

After all kitchen components have been selected and saved, the user will be prompted to fill in a number of information screens that refer to project identification, contact persons, time division in the project, the blueprint permit information, pipe and conduit information and blueprints and billing information for materials.

For example, information regarding the project and corresponding contact information can be stored by clicking on area 184 of the system designer information that is present on any of the screens shown in Figures 3-15. A project screen 186 is then displayed on visual screen 110 as shown in Figure 16. The user then fills in the various information regarding the system designer by filling in the various windows displayed on the project screen 186. This information can be saved according to the default designer and will automatically appear in future designs. The project name is automatically populated with the project name captured on screen 120 in Figure 3. Access to the project screen can be obtained at any time by the user by clicking on the information area of ​​the system designer 184.

Once the information is captured on screen 186, the user clicks on the next button 188 on the project screen 186 resulting in a project information screen 190 displayed on the visual screen 110 as shown in Figure 17. The user then fills in the various information regarding the location of the kitchen with the fire extinguisher system to be installed. In addition, the user fills in the address where the accounts for the project will be sent. Access to screen 190 can be obtained at any time by the user by clicking on the project information area 192. Access to the previous project screen 186 can be obtained by clicking on the previous button

194.

Once the information is captured on screen 190, the user presses the next button 188, which results in a permit, plan, and evidence information screen 196 displayed on the visual screen

110 as shown in Figure 18. The user then fills in various information regarding costs to: 1) fill out the required permits for the project (fees and labor), 2) prepare the required plans for the project (fees and labor), and 3) various tests, such as pumping and discharge tests, required for the project (fees, labor when applicable and cost of parts). The total cost is automatically presented on screen 196. Access to screen 196 can be obtained at any time by the user by clicking on the information area of ​​permits, plans, tests 198. Access to the previous project information screen 190 can be obtained by clicking on the previous button 194.

Once the information is captured on screen 196, the user presses the next button 188 resulting in the labor screen to install the system 200 shown on visual screen 110 as shown in Figure 19. The user then fills in various information regarding projected labor costs to complete the project separately in hours spent on the move and negotiating mechanical and electrical tasks regarding the project or capturing a fixed cost. The total cost of labor is automatically displayed on screen 200. Access to screen

200 it can be obtained at any time by the user by clicking on the labor area to install system 202. Access to the permit, plans and tests information screen 196 can be obtained by clicking on the previous button 194.

Once the information is captured on screen 200, the user clicks on the next button

188, resulting in a pipeline and conduit information screen 204 which is shown on visual screen 110 as shown in Figure 20. The user then fills in various information regarding the projected costs for the pipes and conduits to be installed and the costs of removing the old kitchen system. Once these costs are captured, the user then captures their comments for the various project costs, including, permits, drawings, testing, labor to install the system, and pipe and conduit costs. The costs determined for screens 196 and 200 are automatically presented on screen 204 along with the calculated comments for permits / plans, labor and piping. Dealer discounts and manufacturer feedback are also captured. Access to screen 204 can be obtained at any time by the user by clicking on the other costs and margins area 206. Access to the labor screen to install 200 preview can be obtained by pressing on the previous button 194.

Capturing the information requested by the screens in Figures 2-20 allows the user to easily start the documentation and billing process for a particular project. This is accomplished by clicking on the blueprints and billing of materials button 202 shown on visual screen 110. The screen contains four sectors. The first sector 212 shows a schematic representation of the R-102 system hardware (tanks, mechanical release, and regulated actuators) and associated components, such as gas valves and manual-drive stations to be used in kitchen design. The second sector 214 shows a schematic representation of a schematic plan of the covers, of the selected ducts and apparatus together with the selected nozzles and flow. Sector 214 also includes a summary of the flow that includes the selected components (cover, conduit, and apparatus) their dimensions, their associated selected nozzles, their flows, and notes regarding the placement of each component. The third sector 216 shows a material count for the selected materials on screen 128 of Figure 4 to thereby install the fire extinguishing system associated with the selected vent cover, duct (s) and apparatus (es). The fourth sector shows the notes for the various planes of sectors 212 and 214.

Selecting the print button 220 results in all the planes / sheets associated with sectors 212, 214, 216 and 218 to be printed. The printed plans will be in a form that will be either acceptable or easily adaptable to comply with the vast majority of state and local regulatory agencies authorized to regulate the installation of the fire extinguishing system. For example, plans are easily tailored to accommodate various requirements, such as margin size, color, paper size (i.e. 11 x 17 plans), particular views of the layout. Regarding location information for the design, installer ID, details, fire system and test dates can be added as well.

The invention may be embodied in other ways than those specifically described herein without departing from its spirit or essential features. The disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is commensurate with the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to put the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.