Improvements in Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 22nd May, 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems.
1, JAMES YATE JOHNSON, of 115 St. Vincent Street Glasgow, Chartered Patent
Agent, (a communication from abroad by The Fire Extinguisher Manufacturing
Company, a corporation organised under the laws of the State of New York, doing
business at New York, New York, and at Chicago, Illinois,) do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-.
The object of the present invention is to produce a system of fire extinguishing
apparatus which will meet the double requisite of quickness of initial application,
together with endurance of discharge, whereby the violence of the initial application,
which will be generally sufficient to suppress the conflagration, will be aided in case
of its insufficiency, by a practically unlimited assistance through, and by virtue of, a
secondary supply of extinguishing fluid.
It is a well-known fact and is conceded among insurance men that a sufficiency
of initial pressure upon the extinguishing fluid operating and discharging through
sprinklers will, in most cases, secure the necessary result, and it is one of the objects
of this present invention to utilize this fact and in connection with it to arrange a
further or secondary supply in case the initial supply is insufficient to discharge its
functions and secure the desired result..
To this end, the invention consists, broadly, in providing a chemical fire extinguisher
which in the present case shall be known as the primary source of the fire
extinguishing fluid and which is set in operation by the means hereinafter shown and
described, and in uniting therewith a secondary supply which may communicate with
a supply tank, the city main, or any other source, and which in the present case will
be referred to as the secondary source or supply, the parts being so connected and
constructed as that when the chemical apparatus is set in operation, the chemical
action will cause the discharge of the extinguishing fluid through the pipe system and
will be followed, as will be described, by the discharge of the secondary supply, or in
the failure of the discharge of the primary supply, the secondary supply will operate
immediately and independently. One and the same means are employed for bringing
both supplies into action either successively, simultaneously, or independently.
The object and the value of such an apparatus is apparent; not only will the
propulsive effect of the fluids which reside in the chemical apparatus immediately
attach and become operative, but the secondary supply will also be immediately
available and will automatically follow the primary supply of fluid and failing the
efficacy, as from some accidental cause, of the primary supply the secondary supply
will instantly supplant it and flow through the discharging pipes, as will be
explained.
To these ends there is introduced into the pipe systems employed to distribute the
extinguishing fluid throughout the area which they are intended to cover, a certain
amount of air or gas which may be maintained at a pressure varying with the
exigencies of the situation and depending upon the water column hereinafter
referred to, that is to be controlled; this pressure may vary from five pounds upward.
It will be referred to herein as the compressible fluid, or the fluid under pressure.
Upon the pipes for distributing the extinguishing fluid are arranged sprinklers of
improved shape and which form a part of this invention..

page_text: The pressure of air in the distributing pipe maintains the column of liquid under
a movable float, which, when the said pressure is removed, as by burning out of the
fuse and the opening of the vent or valve of the sprinkler, releases the liquid
permitting the float to drop and this, through intermediate devices, throws the machine
into action and the same mechanism can be employed to ring an alarm, or blow a
whistle, or both.
The initial step in the active operation of the fire extinguishing apparatus in the
present case consists in the starting and liberation of the primary supply of
extinguishing fluid, to wit, the fluids contained in the chemical apparatus.
In connection with this chemical apparatus and the setting in operation of the
chemical extinguishing fluid, namely the primary supply, the secondary supply may
flow from the city water main or from a tank under pressure or upon a roof,
immediately, or as soon as the back pressure in the chemical apparatus permits,
into the chemical apparatus and therethrough into the same set of distributing
pipes.
Referring to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification,
Figure is a view in elevation of one embodiment of the system, certain parts of
the apparatus being shown in section.
Figure 2 is an end elevation of the cylinder and its tripping and rotating
mechanism.
Figure 3 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of the sprinkler-head.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid-seal-device...
In these drawings, 1 represents a cylinder or other suitable vessel for holding
the alkaline water employed in chemical fire extinguishing apparatus. This cylinder
is adapted to make a half rotation and is mounted therefor upon anti-friction
rollers 2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the drawings, which support trunnions 3,
said anti-friction rollers being held in supports 4 and working in grooves 5 of the
said trunnions. Through one of these trunnions extends the pipe 6 and through
the other trunnion the pipe 52. These pipes are fixedly secured upon the inside
of the cylinder 1, the pipe 6 terminating at its upper end in the perforated cap 7
ordinarily located as shown above the surface of the contained fluid. The pipes 6
and 52 extend outwardly through the tubular trunnion, the said trunnions being
practically continuations of them, the trunnions, pipes and cylinder all being adapted
to turn together and fixedly secured together. The pipe 8 constitutes an extension
of the pipe 6 and is formed separately from it, the pipe 10 being a continuation of
pipe 52 and formed separately from it; the said pipes 8 and 10 terminating in a
horizontal extension at 11 being there slightly turned up in order to form a small
rim. This is shown in the sectional view at the left side of Figure 1. The
trunnions terminate at the points 12 and washers 13 are placed between the outer
ends of the trunnions and the pipe 11, locking nuts 14 screwing on so as to secure a
tight joint.
The pipe 8 connects with the pipe 15 as shown, by means of a goose-neck 15,
the pipe 15 constituting what is termed a standing pipe ordinarily filled with water
or other fire extinguishing fluid. This pipe 15 dips into a tank 16, the latter being
partially filled with the same fluid as shown, and extending nearly to the bottom
thereof. The said tank 16 is connected by means of the pipe 17 with the system of
distributing pipes 18. The pipes 18 may extend in any direction and through any
number of floors and be of any number, size and shape. At 19 on said pipes are
provided fusible sprinklers adapted to operate by melting the fuse upon the
temperature of the room reaching approximately say 160° Fabr.
In the pipes
between these fusible sprinklers and the tank 16 is placed atmospheric air or other
gas or compressible fluid under five pounds pressure or thereabouts or under a
pressure desirable in the particular situation, which pressure serves to keep the
contained liquid in the tank and in the standing pipe 15 back, as shown.
Connected to the standing pipe 15 is a horizontal pipe 20 terminating at its farther
end in a vessel 21. The water in the standing pipe flows into this horizontal pipe 20
and into the vessel 21 to which it is connected." At the top of the vessel when the

page_text: apparatus is in its normal condition is located float 22 maintained there by the water
which in turn is held to its position by the superimposed air. It is ordinarily held
under these circumstances at the top of the vessel and it is so shown in the drawings.
The float 22 is provided with a chain or cable 23 extending vertically upwardly from
it and working in a sleeve or stand-pipe 24. This float is connected to a lever 25
pivoted at 26, said lever 25 being adapted to release the operating mechanism
and to discharge various other functions such as setting into operation the alarm
bell 25.
It is to be distinctly understood that the float 22 is maintained in its upper position
by its own buoyancy and sufficient space is left around it, and between it and the
inner walls of the vessel 21 to effect an easy clearance.
The operating mechanism consists of a weight 27 suspended by the chain 28 to an
arm 29 upon the lever 30, the latter being pivoted to and adapted to swing on the
pin 31. The lever 30 is also provided with a lug 32 over which a hook 33 of the
lever 25 is arranged to catch. Adjusting screws and weights are shown at 34 and 35.
The chain 28 is provided with a branch chain 28a connected to a whistle 28 and
also with a branch chain 36 which is attached to one end of a bell crank lever 37
pivoted at 38. To the other end of this bell crank lever is attached another chain 39
which serves to operate a tripping lever shown at 40. This lever is pivoted at 41 and
provided with a hook 42 which engages a pin 43 of the bottom of the cylinder 1.
At 44 is provided a weight connected by a rope 45 supported in pulleys 46 to the
bottom of the cylinder 1. When the catch-lever 40 is withdrawn from the retaining
hook 43 the weight 44 serves to give the cylinder a half rotation necessary in order
to upset the containing apparatus.
This apparatus consists of a jar 47 supported in a frame 48, the latter being
suspended from the top of the cylinder 1. The jar is inserted from the top and the
rim 47 (see Figure 4) seats upon the rim 48", lugs 47° entering openings 48 thus
providing means for locking the jar to the frame 48 by giving a slight rotation to
the jar after it is inserted. At 49 is shown a glass bell or dome fitting down over
the top of the jar 47 and seating upon the rim 47° thereof. At 49 is a cap for
retaining the bell or dome in proper position. At 50 is shown a lead stopper which
seats upon the top of jar 47 without being attached thereto and 51 are apertures
which permit the flow of liquid therethrough as will be explained. The parts are
shown removed from one another in Figure 4 of the drawings. They are here shown
in perspective.
The jar 47 contains the sulphuric-acid, the cylinder 1 containing the alkaline water
and it is the mixing of these two liquids which brings about the chemical action and
the high pressure to be utilized. It is desirable, however, when the machine or
apparatus is at rest that the liquids be kept as much separated as possible, as the
sulphuric-acid being more or less volatile tends to evaporate and as no hermetical
seal is employed in this apparatus it is desirable to establish a seal which will be
effectual and prevent the impairment of the apparatus. To meet this end the
present liquid seal is provided.
When the glass dome or bell 49 is pressed down over the top of the jar 47 and
held in place by the cap 49" and the superimposed frame 48 it compresses the air
above the liquid and drives it out through the openings 51 of the bell or dome 49.
This will create, of course, a slight difference in the levels between the liquid inside
of the dome 49 and outside. By this means a liquid seal is obtained at the point
between the inside of the glass dome 49 and the jar 47 and indicated in the drawing,
Figure 1, at the point 51. The escaping fumes from the sulphuric-acid vessel 47
rising into the bell or dome 49 will be forced through the said liquid seal and will
be absorbed by the body of alkaline water and will be prevented from reaching the
metallic side of said alkaline vessel thus preventing corrosion. By this means the
disintegrating effect which such acid would have will be obviated and removed.
The above specific description constitutes and covers what is termed herein the
primary source of fluid which is, as stated, the result of the chemical apparatus.
This part of the system operates in the following manner.

page_text: When the fuse upon the sprinkler releases the contained air in the pipes, the
water in the standing pipe 15 immediately descends as the pressure is released from
the surface of the water in the tank 16. The water in the pipe 15 descending causes
the withdrawal of the water in the pipe 20 and the consequent immediate descent
of the float 22. The descent of the float will, through the mediation of the described
mechanism, release the weight 27 which descending turns the bell crank lever 37
and causes the tripping of the cylinder locking mechanism. The weight 44 imme-
diately comes into play upon the tripping of the lock, causing the cylinder 1, through
the mediation of rope 45, to give a half rotation. As the cylinder turns over the
lead stopper 50 falls away and the contained acid escapes into the alkaline water
with the well-known result, creating the necessary high pressure in the cylinder 1
and causing an immediate and violent discharge of the chemically charged fluid
through the conduit consisting of pipes 6, 8 and 15 and thus on to the system of
distributing pipes and through the liberating sprinklers. This is the operation of
the chemically operating fluid supply referred to herein also as the primary or high
pressure fluid supply.
A description will now be given of the secondary fluid supply and its manner of
connection with the primary and its methods of operation which may be, as before
stated, either successive, concurrent or independent. The farther end of the containing
cylinder 1 is provided with a trunnion similar in construction to the one hereinbefore
described tho trunnions 3 are mounted upon anti-friction rollers 2, said anti-friction
rollers being held in supports 4 and working in the grooves 5 of the said trunnions.
Through this trunnion extends a pipe 52 elbow shaped as shown and being provided
at its lower end with a common rubber valve 53 mounted upon a lever 54 pivoted
at 55 to an arm 56. This lever has, at its outer end, a weight 57. When the
apparatus is in the normal position as shown in Figure 1, the weight lies near the
bottom of the cylinder 1 and effects the requisite closure of the valve and prevents
inflow of the secondary supply of water into the primary supply under normal
conditions. At 58 a stop cock is shown for shutting off the secondary supply all
together or turning it on as may be wished. At 59 is a check valve preventing the
back flow of the primary supply into the secondary supply when the former is in
active operation.
The operation of the secondary supply in connection with the operation of the
primary supply will now he described. When the action heretofore described has
taken place in connection with the primary supply, it will be seen that upon the
upsetting of the cylinder 1 by giving it the half rotation aforesaid and the generation
of the high pressure fluid that the valve controlling apparatus between the primary
and secondary supplies will, by operation of gravity, open the valve 53 between the
secondary and primary supplies. The check valve remains closed, however, so long
as the back pressure of the primary supply preponderates over the pressure in the
secondary supply.
When, however, the chemical primary supply is partially exhausted and a parity
of pressures is established the check-vaive will, upon a slight succeeding prepon-
derance, of pressure in the secondary supply, lift the check-valve and cause a flow of
fluid from the secondary supply through the connecting pipe into the cylinder 1 and
therethrough and without obstruction of any kind into the latter's normal exit and to
the distributing pipes and released sprinklers.
It will be apparent from the above description that the supply of extinguishing
fluid will, so far as its pressure is concerned, never fall below the pressure of the
secondary supply, for as soon as a preponderance of pressure is established in the
secondary supply, the latter will immediately become effective and such pressure will
thereafter be always constant; and, also it will be seen that the fluid which remains
in the primary source will be discharged into the distributing pipes by the mechanical
rush of the inflowing secondary supply and at a pressure equal to the pressure of
such secondary supply which is supplanting it and carrying it forward.
It will be seen from the foregoing description that a primary source of fluid supply
bas been shown and described, which is necessarily of a high pressure charged also

page_text: with carbonic acid gas which under ordinary circumstances is sufficient to extinguish
a fire and in connection there with a secondary supply has been arranged, which, in a
comparative sense, is a low pressure supply and which is adapted, in case of
insufficiency of the primary supply, to operate successively as described.
Also, the two supplies operate in a sense conjointly for the reason that before the
primary supply is entirely exhausted and when the pressure in the secondary supply
slightly preponderates, it will flow into the cylinder 1 and the two supplies will
combine and flow through the distributing pipes and through the released sprinklers
as aforesaid. Also, when, by reason of any accident the acid containing vessel fails.
to discharge its contents in the alkaline water chamber the secondary supply will,.
through the operation of the gravity valve, flow immediately into the cylinder 1 and
therethrough iningled with the alkaline water into the common exit and through the-
distributing pipes aforesaid. In this sense the secondary supply supplants the primary
supply and in a manner independent of it.
When in the specification or claims reference is made to high pressures and low
pressures or high pressure supplies and low pressure supplies it is to be understood
that the expressions are merely relative and that it is not intended to convey the
idea that the secondary supply is really a low pressure supply but simply a low
pressure compared to the primary supply, the latter being, as is well known, extremely
violent, especially in its initial application.
It will also be seen that by the uniting of these two systems, what may be called.
the chemical and mechanical systems, a gradual and easy substitution is secured and.
in an entirely automatic manner.
It will also be seen that whereas from the very nature of the case the primary
supply though of high pressure is limited, the secondary supply, if it be connected
to the city main, though of a lower pressure, is practically unlimited.
It will also be seen from the description and drawings that the high pressure-
chemical supply automatically holds in check the low pressure supply until it is ready,.
by reason of decrease in resisting power, to release it.
It will be understood that the liquid column is forced backwardly by the compressed!
air or fluid between the liquid and the fusible sprinklers and the liquid will hold.
the float 22 in its upper position. The liquid will thus form and constitute a.
counterbalance for the compressed fluid pressure in front of it and which resides in
the distributing pipes and between the liquid and the fusible sprinklers. Thus it.
will be seen that the pressure in the distributing pipes will cause the liquid in the
tank 16 to maintain a constant upward pressure and hold the float in elevated position
and this pressure in the compressible fluid in the pipes may be so gauged or regulated
as to raise the column in the pipe 15 to a point near the upper end of the
goose-neck 15ª so that any slight variation of the pressure in the piping system will
not affect the position of the float 22 but will be taken by or counterbalanced by the
pressure of the column in the pipe 15, such pipe 15 being a sufficient height to render
it unnecessary to gauge the pressure to a nicety or to require inspection at short
intervals. The goose-neck 15 provides for any overflow in a contrary direction.
In order to prevent leakage of the liquid from the vessel 21, the upper side of
the float is provided with a suitable gasket 22ª which constitutes a valve and leakage
may be further guarded against by providing the upper side of the vessel with a sleeve
or standpipe 24 of substantially equal height with the pipe 15 so that even though
the liquid should leak above the float 22 it would have to rise above the column in
the pipe 15, and hence could not escape.
With this construction it will be seen that the compressible fluid in the
distributing pipes 18 and in the connecting pipe 17 really controls the operation
and releasing devices while the liquid located between the releasing mechanism
and the compressible fluid and which constitutes the immediate means of operation
affords at the same time a counterbalance for the compressible fluid as explained.
The fusible sprinkler head which is preferably used in connection with this system
is shown more particularly in Figure 3 of the drawings. In this figure 61 represents
the neck of the valve seat 62, by which the device is attached to the piping 18 or

page_text: other passage containing the extinguishing fluid and 63 is the valve of any suitable
form having in its upper side a concavity or seat 64 for the lower end of one
member 65 of the soldered joint whose other member is constituted by the portion 66.
The lower end or short arm of the lever 65 is preferably pointed as shown at 67 so
as to impinge firmly against the concave face of the valve 64 and at the same time
be capable of rocking or oscillating when the parts fly asunder. The concavity 64,
however, so retains the member 65 that although it swings and oscillates as will be
described it will at the moment of separation of the lock be held from substantial
movement and thus increase the efficacy of the leverages. The upper side of the
lever 65 is provided with a notch 68 in which is stepped the lower end of an upright
rod or post 69 whose upper end rests under a tightening screw 70 threaded in a
boss 71 formed on a yoke 72 secured to the neck 61. The lower end of the screw 70
is preferably concaved or indented so as to insure its retention of the upper end of
the post 69 which is preferably sharpened; the lower end of the post 69 is also pointed
or sharpened so as to permit the lever 65 to oscillate freely when the soldered joint
is fused and the point of contact between the lower end of the post 69 and the
lever 65 is arranged slightly to one side of a straight line passing through the points
of impingement of the lower end 67 of the lever 65 and the upper end of the
post 69, so that the pressure of the screw 70 while being capable of exerting powerful
force against the valve 63, through the intermediary of the post 69 and the lower
end of the lever 65, will nevertheless impart a tendency to the upper end of the
lever 65 to fly outward and downward as soon as such upper end is released; but
the long end of the lever 65 being proportionately of great length, but a small
fraction of the pressure exerted by the screw 70 will be communicated to the upper
end of such arm and hence the soldered joint is not required to sustain any material
amount of strain.
The portion 66 constituting the other member of the soldered joint is in the form
of a loop at its upper and outward end and it extends downwardly and underlaps the
long arm of the lever 65 and is secured thereto by a portion 73 of fusible solder or
other suitable material located preferably at the extreme lower end of the loop 66 so
that the loop will also constitute a lever whose long arm is controlled by the solder.
It thus requires but a small amount of the solder to hold it in place. The upper end
of the member 66 is hitched or attached to the post 69, in any suitable manner but
preferably by means of a link 74 which passes through the loop 66 and around the
post 69 and may be held on the post 69 by two lugs 75.
With a device thus constructed it will be seen that great pressure may be exerted
upon the valve by means of the screw 70 through the intermediary of the post 69
and the lower end of the lever 65, at the same time the solder or soldered joint
is relieved of sustaining any material part of this pressure and may be delicate
to a maximum degree. It is also readily seen that the instant the solder 73
melts at the lower end of the loop 66, both the loop 66 and the lever 65 will swing
outward describing different arcs. They will also instantly separate in a line of
movement extending at an angle to their soldered faces, and can never again adhere
even though the solder be hardened by the escaping fluid. This line is practically
the line of strain and is approximately at a right angle to the plane of the soldered
faces.
76 represents a distributing cap or spray device secured in place by the screw 70
and having a number of perforations 77 through which the escaping fluid is sprayed.
It may also be provided on its under concave side with propelling fins or blades 78
which impart a rotary movement thereto.
It should be understood that although in the prior art some of the features berein
shown and described are individually and separately disclosed, no entire and
commercially operative system has heretofore been devised and particular reference
is made to the claims hereto-following for the proper delineation of the present
invention and it is to be understood that the applicant intends that such claims shall
set forth what it considers the novel combinations which render the invention feasible
and commercially available.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The fire extinguishing system constructed, arranged and adapted to operate
in the manner described with particular reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the
drawings.
2. A fire extinguishing system consisting of the combination of a series of fluid
distributing pipes normally free from liquid and containing a gas under low pressure,
with a high pressure primary fluid supply and a secondary fluid supply at lower
pressure, means for throwing said primary supply into action, means whereby the
low pressure supply is thrown into condition for action by the same act, and means
whereby the excess of pressure of the primary supply will restrain the flow from
the secondary supply until the primary supply is partially exhausted, substantially as
described.
3. The combination of the dry distributing pipes the chemical supply communicating
therewith, the secondary liquid supply in communication with the chemical supply and
having a normally closed valve for holding it in check, and a single operating
means held in check by the air in the dry pipes, and constructel to simultaneously
set in operation the chemical supply and open the said valve of the secondary supply,
substantially as shown and described.
4. A fire extinguishing system consisting of the combination of a series of fluid
distributing pipes, with a primary chemically operating fluid supply and a secondary
fluid supply constructed and arranged substantially as shown and described, the
primary fluid supplying apparatus being an intermediate part in that system of
consecutive channels which extends from the source of the secondary supply to the
outlets of the fluid distributing pipes, and means for setting the primary and
secondary supply apparatuses into action simultaneously, as and for the purposes set
forth.
5. A fire extinguishing system consisting of the combination of a series of fluid
distributing pipes, with a primary chemically operating fluid supply, a containing
cylinder, a secondary fluid supply connected by a pipe to the primary supply, a valve
on said pipe, and means for upsetting the cylinder of the primary apparatus and
simultaneously opening the valve.
6. A fire extinguishing system having in combination a partially rotatable cylinder
or receptacle for containing an extinguishing fluid and gas producing substances
held in separation, the piping system connected with said cylinder, a pipe or passage
adapted to be connected with a head of fluid under pressure and having
communication with said cylinder, and a valve for closing communication between
said cylinder and pipe, opened by the movement of said cylinder, substantially as set
forth.
7. A fire extinguishing system having in combination a partially rotatable cylinder
for containing extinguishing fluid and gas producing chemicals held in separation,
the pipe system connected therewith, the secondary supply also communicating with
said cylinder and having a check valve opening under pressure from the secondary
supply, and a second valve for closing communication between said cylinder and
secondary supply located at a point between the cylinder and check valve and
connected with and operated by said rotating cylinder, substantially as set forth.
8. A fire extinguishing system consisting of the combination of a series of fluid
distributing pipes, with a secondary fluid supply and a primary chemically operating
fluid supply connected to the secondary supply and to the pipe system as shown,
suitable valves between the primary and secondary supplies, and means for upsetting
the chemical apparatus and means for opening said valves by the act of upsetting
whereby the opening of said valves will create a free channel from the secondary
supply through the primary apparatus to the pipe system.
9. A fire extinguishing system consisting of the combination of a series of fluid
distributing pipes provided with one or more fusible sprinklers, a source or sources

page_text: of extinguishing fluid or fluids, means for causing the discharge of said extinguishing
fluids, a float connected to such means, a seat for said float and a liquid retaining
column extending above said seat and held to the seat by a compressible fluid situate
between the liquid and the fusible sprinklers.
10. A fire extinguishing system having in combination a source or sources of
extinguishing fluid, means for setting same in operation, the pipe system connected
with said source or sources charged with a liquid counterbalance whereby the operative
means are controlled, fluid pressure in said pipes acting as a counterbalance for said
liquid counterbalance, and a liquid feeding column, whereby the elevation of the
liquid counterbalance remains constant under certain changes of condition, substantially
as shown and described.
11. A fire extinguishing system having in combination a source or sources of
extinguishing fluid, means for setting same in operation, the piping system, a goose-
neck having one end connected with said source or sources and forming an overflow,
a chamber into which the other end of said goose-neck dips and from the upper
side of which the piping system rises, a vessel communicating with said goose-neck
and chamber and being located below the upper end of said goose-neck, and a
float in said vessel connected with said operating means, substantially as set forth.
12. A fire extinguishing system having in combination a source or sources of
extinguishing fluid, a goose-neck connected with said source or sources at one end,
a chamber into which the other end of the goose-neck dips, the piping system rising
from said chamber, a vessel located below the upper end of said chamber, a vessel
located below the upper end of said goose-neck and communicating therewith, a float
located in said vessel and having a connection with said operating means, and a
stand-pipe rising from said cylinder around said connection for catching leakage,
substantially as set forth.
13. In a chemical fire extinguisher, the combination of an outer vessel for holding
the alkaline liquid, a smaller vessel suspended therein.containing the acid liquids, and
a liquid seal between the two bodies of liquid, said seal being adapted to absorb the
fumes escaping from the acid receptacle, thereby preventing the contact of said funes
with the metallic parts of the apparatus, with particular reference to Figures 1 and 4
of the drawings.
14. In combination with a fire extinguishing system, a sprinkler head having a
fuse adapted to melt at a pre-determined heat, a locking mechanism adapted to hold
in check the escape valve of the fire extinguisher and to separate and liberate the
valve upon the melting of the fuse, the parts being constructed as shown in Figure 3
of the drawings, and adapted to operate substantially as described.
Dotad this 16th day of November 1896
JOHNSONS,
115 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.