A cartridge monitoring assembly for detecting a weight of a cartridge, a fire suppression system for incorporating the same, and a method of detecting a weight of a cartridge installed within a fire suppression system are provided. The cartridge monitoring assembly includes a support bracket for securing a cartridge containing a pressurized gas to the cartridge monitoring assembly, and at least one weight sensor for detecting the weight of the cartridge. The cartridge monitoring assembly enables the comparison of the weight of a cartridge installed within the fire suppression system with a previously calculated full weight value to determine a weight variance of the cartridge installed within the fire suppression system.

An activation system includes a housing and a pulley mounted to the housing. The pulley is rotatable about an axis. An activation member is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the pulley to selectively couple to the pulley. When the activation member and the pulley are coupled, rotation of the pulley about the axis is restricted. A first tension member is operably coupled to the activation member and a first tension of the first tension member maintains the activation member in engagement with the pulley. At least one second tension member is wrapped about at least one of the pulley and the activation member and has a second tension acting on the at least one of the pulley and the activation member.

Disclosed herein is a system and process for monitoring and controlling fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens. Repeatedly various components of the fire suppression systems are tested for faults. When a fault is detected in a particular component, the fault is communicated through a communications module associated with the commercial kitchen via the internet to one or more remote servers. Upon receiving information indicating a particular fault, the one or more remote servers acts to alert interested parties of the default.

A method of suppressing a kitchen fire includes detecting a fire and identifying a location of the fire with a tracking system, aiming a nozzle at the location, and releasing an agent through the nozzle at the location.

Embodiments described herein are directed to methods and apparatuses for remotely managing electrical and gas devices. In one scenario, a computer system performs a method for remotely managing electrical devices. The method may include determining that an electrical device has changed state, notifying at least one user that the electrical device has changed state, and either receiving an indication from the user that the electrical device is to be turned off, and turning the electrical device off, or receiving an indication from the user that the electrical device is to be turned on, and turning the electrical device on.

Systems and methods for remote monitoring of mechanical fire suppression systems are provided. For example, some embodiments generally provide for a smart fire suppression system with integrated sensors and communication technology to monitor the current state of the fire suppression system and notify various monitoring platforms, service providers, equipment manufacturers and/or others of the current state. In some embodiments, various sensors (e.g., micro switches) can be used to detect and report the status of the cartridge, activation status of the system, and/or the status of the detection line. Additional sensors and actuators may be also be included within the smart fire suppression system to allow monitoring of different states (e.g., temperature) and control the appliance and/or building utilities.

An actuation mechanism for use in a fire suppression system includes a housing and a plunger operably coupled to and movable relative to the housing. A tension member is operably coupled to the plunger and applies a tension to the plunger in a first direction. A force generating component is operably coupled to the plunger. A stopper is movably coupled to the housing and is operable in combination with the force generating component to apply a force on the plunger in a second direction.

A gas burner assembly and a method of operating the same are provided. The gas burner assembly includes a gas burner and a fuel regulating device for providing a flow of fuel to the gas burner to heat a cooking utensil. The method is a closed loop cooking method that includes monitoring the temperature of the cooking utensil and adjusting the power output of the burner accordingly to drive the utensil temperature to a target cooking temperature or profile. However, the burner power is limited to a maximum fuel flow rate, e.g., to ensure safe operation and to prevent the flames from the gas burner from engulfing the sides of the cooking utensil.

An automatic stovetop fire suppressor providing a gradual release of a fire suppressing agent in a desired distribution pattern and method of gradual and spatial agent release are provided herein. A plastic cone shaped lid seals on the bottom of a can and forms a closed container. The closed container is filled with a fire suppressing agent. An initiator charge breaks a designed breaking point of a reduced horizontal cross sectional area when fuse activated. The bottom lid drops down exposing a radial opening. Fire suppressing agent flows out of the radial opening, suppressing a stovetop fire with minimal or no splashing of cooking oil. An initiator housing is affixed to a top wall of the can and serves as the welding point for securing the plastic lid. A travel limiting member attached to the bottom lid catches on a shoulder of the initiator housing to limit the radial opening height.

An apparatus is disclosed for extinguishing a stovetop fire over a stovetop having a first burner, the apparatus including a container detachably mountable to a microwave positioned above the stove top. A supply of fire suppressant material is retained within the container. A heat responsive actuator is disposed on the container. When the container is mounted to the microwave over the first burner, and the fire actuates the heat responsive actuator, at least a portion of the supply of fire suppressant material falls from the container toward the first burner.