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Abstract

A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber. An adjustment mechanism is provided for adjusting an internal volume of the accumulation chamber to thereby adjust an amount of time required for a gas admitted to the accumulation chamber to exceed the threshold pressure. The apparatus may be used in a fire suppression system to impart a time delay between detection of a fire hazard and release of a fire suppressant.

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First Claim