Venting air from sprinkler systems sounds simple until you need it done reliably. US10391344B2 takes this challenge head-on.
Assigned to AGF Manufacturing, this patent covers a purge and vent valve assembly for wet pipe networks. Its components work together to remove trapped air, ensuring fire sprinkler systems operate efficiently and safely when activated.
While this patent is currently part of a litigation between AGF Manufacturing and Core & Main LP, our focus is on the technology itself.
With the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool, we investigate similar patents in air release valves and fluid control systems. GPS helps identify patents that share structural or functional similarities with US10391344B2.
If you are exploring fluid system designs or air venting mechanisms, this GPS-based analysis provides a detailed look into the patent’s technical core and possible overlaps with similar patents.
Understanding Patent US10391344B2
US10391344B2 discloses a compact purge and vent valve assembly for wet pipe fire suppression systems, similar in concept to other patented purge-vent designs. It removes residual air during filling operations and enables moisture detection. The design emphasizes corrosion prevention, system longevity, and ease of installation.
Source: Google Patents
Its Four Key Features Are
#1. Integrated valve housing: A cylindrical valve body contains all key components, including inlet and outlet valves, a strainer, and an angled vent port.
#2. Angled air release port: A vertically extending port connects to an air release valve, venting trapped air in the system.
#3. Moisture detection assembly: A condensate chamber with sensors or floats collects and monitors internal moisture buildup.
#4. Float relief valve: Enables air escape while sealing off moisture automatically when water enters the chamber.
This design targets common issues in sprinkler networks, such as trapped air and moisture accumulation. It aims to simplify maintenance and improve system safety.
Similar Patents As US10391344B2
To explore the innovation landscape surrounding US10391344B2, we ran the patent through the Global Patent Search tool. This surfaced related patents that share technical similarities in purge valve design, gas venting mechanisms, and integrated air release assemblies.
Below, we highlight four of these references that reflect comparable ideas in managing trapped air, minimizing corrosion, and optimizing valve integration in fire sprinkler systems.
#1. CN110475994B
This Chinese patent, CN110475994B, published in September 2022, discloses a valve assembly designed to remove trapped air from fire sprinkler systems during fluid fill operations. It integrates purging, venting, and filtration within a single compact structure to minimize corrosion and improve system reliability.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Compact purge and vent assembly – Combines a purge valve, filter, and air release port within one housing to reduce system size and simplify maintenance.
- Vertical angled port with air scoop – Uses a downward-extending scoop to collect air bubbles and direct them to the air release valve.
- Enlarged separation chamber – Creates a pressure drop zone that helps isolate and trap air for efficient discharge.
- Unitary valve construction – All key components are integrated into one forged brass structure, reducing manufacturing and installation complexity.
How It Connects To US10391344B2
- Both patents use vertically oriented angled ports with internal scoops to guide air toward a release valve.
- Each design features a cylindrical valve body integrating purge, vent, and filtration functions.
- Both prioritize corrosion prevention by efficiently removing trapped air during fill operations.
- Each promotes a compact footprint suitable for retrofitting or space-constrained installations.
Why This Matters
This reference highlights the growing trend toward compact, integrated solutions for air management in wet pipe systems. It shows how venting design directly impacts system durability, installation ease, and long-term performance.
#2. US2015300521A1
This U.S. patent application, US2015300521A1, published in October 2015, discloses an automatic water discharge device for use with pneumatic systems. It introduces a moisture-responsive system that uses a detection mechanism and an electromagnetic valve to discharge accumulated water.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Moisture detection mechanism – Automatically identifies moisture in air passing through a chamber, triggering drainage without manual intervention.
- Electromagnetic valve activation – Uses a solenoid-controlled valve to drain water precisely when triggered by moisture detection.
- Bottom air discharge hole – Provides a dedicated path for water removal to protect system performance and maintain efficiency.
- Contamination control – Blocks impurities from re-entering the system, enhancing long-term durability of pneumatic components.
How It Connects To US10391344B2
- Both designs prioritize moisture removal to preserve internal system performance.
- Each uses a dedicated chamber to collect and manage water accumulation.
- Both enable automated or passive water discharge without disrupting overall system operation.
- Each emphasizes reducing system corrosion and maintaining long-term function.
Why This Matters
This reference highlights an alternative approach to moisture management using active electronic control. It demonstrates how automated water removal is relevant not only in pneumatic systems but also in broader fluid control applications, including fire suppression.
#3. US6308731B1
This U.S. patent, US6308731B1, published in October 2001, discloses a vent valve designed to manage airflow within expansion vent piping without direct exposure to ambient air. It also includes a built-in system for collecting condensation to prevent internal freezing and leakage.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Dual-seat valve design – Utilizes inner and outer annular valve seats to stabilize a floating valve body that responds to pressure changes.
- Water collecting groove with inclined path – Channels condensed moisture away from the valve chamber to prevent freezing and blockage.
- Communicating flow path – Formed along the axial direction of the valve to facilitate efficient drainage of dew drops.
- Integrated insulating components – Prevent condensation and freezing by shielding external surfaces with an insulating member.
How It Connects To US10391344B2
- Both systems are designed to handle air or gas release from a pressurized fluid network.
- Each features a chamber that collects and manages moisture to reduce corrosion or freezing.
- Both aim to protect internal valve performance during fluctuating pressure conditions.
- Each includes a flow-guiding structure to direct fluid or air efficiently during operation.
Why This Matters
This reference highlights the role of passive air management and moisture mitigation in valve design. It shows how even non-fire protection systems adopt similar techniques to address condensation, freezing, and air displacement challenges.
#4. JP2014015954A
This Japanese patent, JP2014015954A, published in January 2014, describes an exhaust valve designed to release small volumes of trapped air from water pipes and fire hydrants. It includes features for preventing backflow and maintaining performance under negative pressure conditions, even when submerged.
Source: GPS
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- Air reservoir with float valve – Uses a compact float valve and air chamber to release accumulated air without allowing water backflow.
- Elevated air discharge structure – A protruding passageway prevents water intrusion by directing airflow away from submerged points.
- Backflow prevention via air volume control – Relies on pressure differentials and air storage to stop reverse flow during vacuum states.
- Compact, low-part design – Simplified internal structure reduces part count and enables integration into small or space-constrained hydrants.
How It Connects To US10391344B2
- Both devices are designed to release trapped air from water systems while avoiding re-entry of fluid.
- Each uses internal air reservoirs to manage pressure and control flow direction.
- Both emphasize backflow prevention in low-pressure or submerged environments.
- Each prioritizes compactness and maintenance-free operation through smart mechanical design.
Why This Matters
This reference shows how backflow prevention and controlled air discharge are critical in small-scale hydrant and pipe systems. It reinforces the role of air valve engineering in safeguarding water networks from contamination and structural stress.
How to Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential when exploring valve assemblies, venting systems, or moisture control technologies in fire suppression networks. The Global Patent Search tool simplifies this process by revealing inventions that address similar challenges in air removal, corrosion prevention, and compact system design.
1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by entering a patent number like US10391344B2 into the GPS tool. The platform transforms it into a targeted search, which can be refined with technical terms such as “air release valve,” “moisture detection,” or “wet pipe network.”
Source: GPS
2. Explore conceptual snippets: Instead of comparing each feature line-by-line, GPS now provides curated snippets from related patents. These highlight how other designs solve similar problems, like integrating purge valves or preventing internal corrosion.
3. Identify related inventions: The tool surfaces patents that offer innovations in air scoops, separation chambers, and automatic moisture drainage, giving a broader view of how venting systems are evolving across applications.
4. Compare systems, not legal claims: GPS is among the best AI-powered patent search tools, helping researchers surface relevant innovations without manual claim-by-claim analysis. It emphasizes conceptual design strategies. This helps you spot functional overlaps and design improvements in valve integration, airflow control, and maintenance reduction.
5. Accelerate cross-industry insights: Whether you are working in fire safety systems, plumbing infrastructure, or industrial fluid handling, GPS helps uncover cross-domain solutions that might otherwise go unnoticed, especially in areas like automated venting and compact valve design.
With Global Patent Search, users move beyond scattered patent records and gain a cohesive view of how innovations are shaping smarter, safer fire suppression technologies. From sprinkler venting systems to advanced electropolishing patents, GPS provides a connected view of innovation across fluid control and surface treatment domains.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
