Patent GB-458429-A (GB)
Title: Improved means for stoppering and opening fluid containers or vessels
IPC: A62C13/00
Filed: 1935-06-20
Abstract: 458,429. Fire - extinguishing; fluidcontainers. GRAVINER MANUFACTURING CO., Ltd., First Avenue House, High Holborn, London, and SALMOND, H. M., Briarwood, Fareham, Hampshire. June 20, 1935, No. 17724. [Class 47 (ii)] [See also Group XXVIII] Means for closing, and facilitating the opening of, the outlets of fluid containers such as fireextinguishers or of pressure fluid systems such as sprinkler heads, consists of a closed tubular member fitted in the outlet and provided with a weakened end portion and with a flange against which pressure can be exerted, so as to shear off the said end portion and open the outlet. As shown, Fig. 1, an extinguisher 2 is supported in a bracket 3 with its outlet in association with a junction box 5 connected by one or more pipes 6 to spraying points, about the engine of an aircraft, for example. In the neck of the extinguisher is secured, as by brazing, a cupshaped member 7 having, at its closed end, a stem with a flange 8, the flange and closed end together defining a groove 9. An explosive element 10 is housed in the groove 9 and consists of gunpowder and an igniting coil 15, Fig. 2, enclosed in a rubber sleeve 14 which is vulcanized to the insulation of electric leads 11. When the element 10 is in position, the leads 11 are connected to spring contacts 12 carried by the flange 8 and adapted to engage jack plugs 13 carried by the box 5 and connected in circuit with a battery 60 and inertia-operated, thermal, and manual switches 62, 63, 61. A fuse 131 is provided in the circuit for cutting out the batterv 60 in the event of a short-circuit. The element 10 is held in place by a non-rotating ring 17 and a screwed sleeve 19 which, when the extinguisher is in position, engages a rubber washer 20 held in the box 5. A flange 22 on the sleeve 19 engages the upper edge of the box 5 to facilitate withdrawal of the extinguisher therefrom for hand use. When a switch 61-63 is closed, the element 10 is exploded, shearing off the flange 8 and closed end of the member 7, and opening a substantial outlet from the extinguisher. For hand use, the member 7 is provided with a bored projection 24 closed by a frangible pip 25 protected bv a sliding sleeve 27. When hand use is desired, the sleeve 27 is pulled outwardly, and provides leverage for breaking off the pip. The extinguisher has a charging socket 200 closed by a plug 201 and a soldered or sweated disc 202. In modification, Fig. 3, the neck of the container 2 is fitted with a plug 30, the bore of which is closed by a soldered or brazed disc 33 with a reinforced edge 33<a> beneath which is arranged an element 34. The latter may be explosive or may be combustible, in which case its combustion softens the solder securing the disc 33, so that the latter is forced off by the combustion gases of the element 34 acting against the edge 33<a>. The element 34 is ignited by electric leads 35, and hand operation is effected by a plunger 37. In another modification, the container has a neck formed with a thin wall and a flange, beneath which the explosive element is arranged. In another modification, cams arranged in the groove 9 and adapted to engage the flange 8 are operated by a lever controlled by hand or automatically. In a sprinkler head, Fig. 7, the water pipe 70 is closed by a member 71 provided with the flange 75 and groove 9, the explosive element 10 being arranged in the groove 9 and a yoke 73 with spreader 74 being carried by the member 71 and enclosing the element 10. The latter may be fired by a distant electric control circuit 76 or by direct ignition of a fuze 77. In a modification, the member 71 is closed by a soldered disc having an extended edge above the element 10. A non-conducting layer is provided inside the member 71. In another sprinkler head, Fig. 9, the flange 75 carries a casing 83 in which a hammer 80 normally is held inoperative, against a spring 81, by an adjustable bimetallic strip 79. When the latter is expanded by direct heat, the hammer is released and explodes a percussion cap 82 associated with the element 10. The latter is enclosed by a sleeve 86.