Fire extinguishing system having a discharge valve and a distribution valve actuated by a pneumatic actuator

A fire protection system comprising:

• a storage container means defining a discharge opening and filled under pressure with an extinguishing agent;
• discharge valve means closing said discharge opening and including a pneumatic release means for opening said discharge valve means to release said extinguishing agent in response to an application of fluid pressure;
• a distribution manifold connected to said discharge valve means;
• a plurality of distribution valves each having an inlet connected to said manifold, each of said distribution valves comprising a valve closure movable between a closed position that seals said inlet from an outlet and an open position that permits fluid flow therebetween, pneumatic actuator means for moving said valve closure to said open position in response to an application of fluid pressure, and fluid pressure transfer means for transmitting said fluid pressure from said actuator means to said release means in response to movement of said valve closure to said open position;
• and
• a plurality of discharge nozzle means each connected to said outlet of a different one of said distribution valves and located in a different zone to be protected.