Patent attributes
An automatic dry fire protection sprinkler assembly and method of operation. The sprinkler assembly includes an elongate tubular outer housing having a fluid discharge end with an outlet opening, an internal channel and a contact surface proximate the outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is coupled to the housing at a preferably fixed distance from the outlet opening. An internal fluid control assembly includes an ejectable member that is ejected out the outlet opening and displaced out of the fluid flow path between the housing and the fluid deflection member. Upon sprinkler actuation, the fluid control assembly engages the internal channel to axially guide the fluid control assembly and prevent rotation of the fluid control assembly about the sprinkler axis. A surface contact between the ejectable member and the internal shelf causes the ejectable member to pivot clear of the sprinkler housing and the fluid deflection member.