Patent attributes
A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a structure, a fluid deflecting structure, a locator, a metallic annulus and a shield. The structure defines a passageway extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The structure has a rated K-factor defining an expected flow of fluid in gallons per minute from the outlet divided by the square root of the pressure of the flow of fluid fed into the inlet of the passageway in pounds per square inch gauge. The fluid deflecting structure is proximate the outlet. The locator is movable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. The locator supports the metallic annulus. The metallic annulus includes first and second metallic surfaces spaced apart along the longitudinal axis between an inner and outer circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis. The shield has a first face exposed to the inlet and a second face confronting the first metallic surface to define a gap there between. Various methods are also described.