IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-EXTINGUISHING AND ALARM APPARATUS FOR USE IN THEATRES AND OTHER BUILDINGS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
and Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of *" IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-EXTINGUISHING AND ALARM APPARATUS FOR
USE IN THEATRES AND OTHER BUILDINGS." A communication from abroad
by Hiram Stevens Maxim, of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th January 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE of the Firm of Haseltine Lake & Co. Patent Agents
Southampton Buildings London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE EXTINGUISHING AND
ALARM APPARATUS FOR USE IN THEATRES AND OTHER BUILDINGS." [A com-
munication from abroad by Hiram Stevens Maxim, of Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America.]
This invention has for its object to provide improved apparatus for automatically
giving an alarm in case of fire and for extinguishing the same the said apparatus
operating by electricity and being caused to work by the action of the fire upon
certain appliances suitably arranged.
This apparatus is applicable to all kinds of building and structures and especially
to theatres and other public places. It consists chiefly of the following three
principal parts:
First. Springs or special apparatus intended under the influence of the elevation
of temperature produced by the fire, to close an electric circuit of any kind.
Second. An apparatus for releasing by the action of the electric current thus
passed through the conducting wire, the lever of a valve which in its normal
condition shuts off the admission of water to the different floors. This apparatus
is so arranged as to automatically give the alarm in any desired place.
Third. Nozzles arranged on the pipes at the different floors of the building and
opening under the influence of the electric current and an elevation of temperature,
so as to throw the water to any suitable part.

page_text: In order that my invention may be better understood I have represented in the
Drawings hereunto annexed different views of apparatus made in accordance
therewith.
Figure 1, shows a front elevation, and,
Figure 2, a side elevation of one of the clips for effecting the closing of the
circuit. (These figures only are full size.)
Figure 3, represents the alarm apparatus for releasing the valve for the admission
of water from the main pipe.
Figure 4, shows an end view, and,
Figure 5, a vertical section of. a nozzle arranged to be opened by means of the
elevation of temperature.
Figure 6, shows a modified arrangement of this nozzle to open by the action of
an electric current.
Figure 7, shows the application of my invention to a building.
Figure 8, represents a modified arrangement intended to be employed for
effecting the admission of water when there is no main water pipe under pressure,
and which enables water mixed with carbonic acid to be thrown upon the fire.
In these different figures the same letters designate the same parts.
The apparatus which serves to close the electric circuit under the influence of
the elevation of temperature produced by the fire, and which is represented in
Figures 1 and 2, consists of two metallic plates a, a, each forming a powerful
spring; these two plates are separated one from the other by a stay b of metal or
any other fusible material insulated from the plates a by two small sheets c, of
paper or other insulating material. One of the plates carries a point d, and the
whole is fixed on the wall or any other part of the building by means of a small
block of stone, marble or other substance e. If the strip of material b, melts by
reason of the elevation of temperature, the two plates a, a, approach each other
until the point d completes or closes the circuit.
The closing of the circuit acts upon the apparatus shown in Figure 3 by passing
a current into the electro-magnet f; the operation of this apparatus is as
follows:-
The electro magnet f, becoming active under the action of the current proceeding
from the battery g attracts the armature h, which releases the hammer i, oscillating
round the point j. The head of the hammer strikes on a pin or rod k connected to
any suitable mechanism placed in the box k¹ and arranged to transmit to any part
an alarm signal consisting of bell apparatus, the appearance of a number or any
other suitable signal. The small arm of the hammer acts at the same time upon
the long arm of a bent lever m, which releases in consequence another bent lever n,
the small arm of which supports a counter-weight o. On the fall of the lever n, as
shewn in dotted lines in the drawing, the counter-weight o, is liberated; in falling
this weight disengages the small bent lever p, from the catch q in such a manner
that the weight o, acting upon the lever r opens the valve at 8, which allows the
water from the main pipe t to flow into the upright pipe u. A stop. v, covered
with leather, india rubber, or with a cushion of any kind prevents any wear or
damage which might be caused by the fall of the lever r. A stop valve at x is
placed at the point where the upright pipe u joins the main pipe; this valve is
kept open, and is only shut when it is desired to try the working of the apparatus
the circuit being closed by hand, to make sure that its action is correct.
The water introduced into the upright pipe should be thrown on to the place or
places where the fire has caused the closing of the electric circuit. For this
purpose perforated pipes can easily be connected to the upright pipe, but in order
to localise the emission of water at the point where the fire has broken out, I prefer
to place on these branches of the upright pipe nozzles opening automatically by the
elevation of temperature produced by the fire.
For this purpose I use a nozzle arranged as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
This nozzle consists of a spout 1, closed by a cap 2, carrying a watertight elastic
washer 3. This cap is kept in its place on the spout 1 by means of screws 4,

page_text: having screwed shoulders 5 which screw into small cylinders 6, containing gun
cotton or other explosive material. The other end of the cylinders 6 receives
soldered pieces 7 provided with a tail piece which is retained in the notch of a
flange 9 upon the spout 1, by means of square beads 10.
The screws 4, are bored in the direction of their length with central holes
through which pass highly combustible quick matches 11. If a fire breaks out
these matches take fire and explode the gun cotton contained in the cylinders 6..
The cap 2 is thereby liberated and the water is ejected from the spout 1.
The explosion of the gun cotton may be effected equally well by means of
electricity, I may employ for this purpose the arrangement shown in Figure 6, in
which 6 is the small cylinder indicated by the same number in Figures 4 and 5. In
this case the screw 4, which serves to keep the cap 2 on the spout has an internal
insulating socket 12, through which passes a conducting rod or wire 13.
The inside end of the rod 13, carries a platinum wire 14, connected to the pipe,
while to the other end is attached a second conductor 15 round which is wound a
wire 16; the wire 16 communicates with one of the poles of a battery intended to
furnish the current, while the other pole of the said battery is connected to the
pipe.
These two conductors 15, and 16, are insulated one from the other by
combustible matter and by a layer of fusible conducting material. If the
temperature rises the insulating material disappears and the conducting fusible
substance connects the two wires 15, and 16; the circuit is thus closed and the
platinum wire 14, becoming incandescent effects the explosion of the gun cotton
which opens the nozzle as before described.
In Figure 7, is shown the application of the arrangements herein before described
to a building of any kind. In this Figure X is the box containing the mechanism
shown in detail in Figure 3; t, is the main pipe, the upright pipe. On this
upright pipe are placed the outlet branches the arrangement of which may vary,
for instance 17 is a perforated tube 18 is a pipe having nozzles closed by caps as
shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6; 19 19 &c. are similar nozzles placed either in a group
as shown in the top and bottom rooms of the building, or upon a support 20 forming
a chandelier as shown in the second story.
In each part of the building are fixed a suitable number of nozzles for throwing
the water in different directions as shown by the dotted lines. The pipe carrying
these nozzles and the combustible wires or conductors intended to effect their
opening may be arranged to go round the room which is to be preserved from fire;
so that the fire which breaks out at any point will be sure to produce the desired
effect.
Against the wall at all suitable places in the building, are placed the clips or
springs 21 arranged as described in reference to the Figures 1, and 2 in the drawings.
These clips are intended to close the electric circuit which actuates the valve for
the admission of water placed in the box X, and are fixed by preference in the
direction in which the jets will be thrown from the nozzles when they are
opened.
The number and relative position of the different appliances used in a building
will vary according to the nature of the case and in cases where the extinguisher
is to be used in buildings in which no water is laid on, I may employ the modified
arrangement shown in Figure 8. This apparatus consists of a closed vessel 22
containing water and a certain quantity of bicarbonate of soda 23. This vessel
communicates at its lower part with the upright pipe 24, and is provided at its
upper part with a dome 25, in which is placed a glass vessel 26, containing sul-
phuric acid for instance. In this glass vessel 26 is plunged a rod 27 of metal that
cannot be attacked by the acid or covered with a layer of material unaffected by
the acid. This rod passes through a stuffing box 28 and projects from the outside
of it. As soon as the electric current is produced by the closing of the circuit
effected by means of the clips shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electro-magnet 29
attracts the armature 30, thereby releasing the hammer 31. The latter falls on the

page_text: rod 27 which is driven in and breaks the bottom of the glass vessel 26 when the
acid contained in the latter falls into the vessel 22, and acting upon the bi-carbonate
of soda produces carbonic acid, which partly dissolves in the water and by its
pressure causes the liquid to rise in the upright pipe. This liquid which contains.
carbonic acid, is, moreover more efficacious than pure water which permits of the
employment of vessels of less bulk.
In place of the sulphuric acid and bi-carbonate of soda, I may use any other
substances which when united produce carbonic acid.
The shape, size and arrangement of my apparatus may be varied according to
circumstances without going beyond the limits of my invention. For example the
number of vertical branches connected to the main pipe may be varied according to
the building there being as many automatic valves as there are branches.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by.
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th July 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE-EXTINGUISHING AND
ALARM APPARATUS FOR USE IN THEATRES AND OTHER BUILDINGS." A com-
munication from abroad by Hiram Stevens Maxim, of Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America.
This Invention has for its object to provide improved apparatus for automa-
tically giving an alarm in case of fire and for extinguishing the same, the said
apparatus operating by electricity and being caused to work by the action of the
fire upon certain appliances suitably arranged.
This apparatus is applicable to all kinds of buildings and structures and especially
to theatres and other public places. It consists chiefly of the following three
principal parts, viz, First. Springs or special apparatus intended, under the influence
of the elevation of temperature produced by the fire, to close an electric circuit of
any kind.
Second. An apparatus for releasing, by the action of the electric current thus
passed through the conducting wire, the lever of a valve which in its normal
condition shuts off the admission of water to the different floors of the building.
This apparatus is so arranged as to automatically give the alarm in any desired
place.
Third. Nozzles arranged on the pipes at the different floors of the building and
opening under the influence of the electric current and an elevation of temperature,
so as to throw the water to any suitable part.
In order that my invention may be better understood I have represented
in the accompanying drawing different views of apparatus make in accordance
therewith.
Figure 1 shows a front elevation and
Figure 2 a side elevation of one of the clips for effecting the closing of the
circuit. (These figures only are full size.)
Figure 3 represents the apparatus for giving an alarm and releasing the valve
for the admission of water from the main pipe.
Figure 4 represents an end view and
Figure 5 a central vertical section of a nozzle arranged to be opened by means of
the elevation of temperature..
Figure 6 shows a modified arrangement of this nozzle, to open by the action of
'an electric current.
Figure 7 shows the application of my Invention to a building.
Figure 8 represents a modified arrangement intended to be employed for effecting
the admission of water when there is no main water pipe under pressure, and
which enables water mixed with carbonic acid to be thrown upon the fire.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
The device which serves to close the electric circuit under the influence of the
elevation of temperature produced by the fire, and which is represented in Figures 1
and 2 has two metallic plates a a each forming a powerful spring, these two plates
are separated one from the other by a stay b of metal or other fusible material,
insulated from the plates a by two small sheets c of paper or other insulating
material. One of the plates carries a point d, and the whole is fixed on the wall
or other part of the building by means of a small block e of stone, marble or other

page_text: (
substance. If the strip of material b melts by reason of the elevation of
temperature, the two plates a a approach each other until the point d completes or
closes the circuit.
The closing of the circuit acts upon the apparatus shown in Figure 3 by passing
a current into the electro-magnet f; the operation of this apparatus is as
follows.-
The electro magnet f, becoming active under the action of the current proceeding
from the battery g attracts the armature h which releases the hammer i, oscillating
round the point j. The head of the hammer strikes on a pin or rod k connected
to any suitable mechanism placed in the box k¹ and arranged to transmit to any
part an alarm signal consisting of the sounding of a bell the appearance of a
number or any other suitable signal. The small arm of the hammer acts at the
same time upon the long arm of a bent lever m which releases in consequence
another bent lever n the small arm of which supports a counter-weight o. On
the fall of the lever n, as shown in dotted lines in the Drawing, the counter-
weight o is liberated; in falling, this weight disengages the small bent lever p
from the catch q in such a manner that the weight o acting upon the lever opens
the valve at s which allows the water from the main pipe t to flow into the
upright pipe u. A stop v, covered with leather or india rubber, or with a cushion
of any kind, prevents any wear or damage which might be caused by the fall of
the lever r. A stop valve at x is placed at the point where the upright pipe u
joins the main pipe; this valve is kept open, and is only shut when it is desired to
try the working of the apparatus, the circuit being closed by. hand, to make sure
that its action is correct.
The water introduced into the upright pipe should be thrown on to the place or
places where the fire has caused the closing of the electric circuit. For this purpose
perforated pipes can easily be connected to the upright pipe, but in order to
localize the emission of water at the point where the fire has broken out, I prefer
to place on these branches of the upright pipe nozzles opening automatically by the
elevation of temperature produced by the fire.
For this purpose I use a nozzle arranged as shown in Figures 4 and 5. This
nozzle consists of a spout 1 closed by a cap 2 carrying a watertight elastic washer 3.
This cap is kept in its place on the spout 1 by means of a screw 4 having a screw-
threaded shoulder 5 which screws into a small cylinder 6 containing gun cotton or
other explosive material. The other end of the cylinder 6 receives a soldered
piece 7 provided with a tail-piece 8 which is retained in the notch of a flange 9
upon the spout 1, by means of a square head 10.
The screws 4 are bored in the direction of their length with central holes
through which pass highly combustible quick matches 11. If a fire breaks out
these matches take fire and explode the gun cotton contained in the cylinders 6
the cap 2 is thereby liberated and the water is ejected from the spout 1.
The explosion of the gun cotton may be effected equally well by means of
electricity, I may employ for this purpose the arrangement shown in Figure 6 in
which 6 is the small cylinder indicated by the same number in Figures 4 and 5.
In this case the screw 4, which serves to keep the cap 2, on the spout, has an
internal insulating socket 12, through which passes a conducting rod or wire 13.
The inside end of the rod 13 carries a platinum wire 14 connected to the pipe,
while to the other end is attached a second conductor 15 round which is wound
a wire 16; the wire 16 communicates with one of the poles of a battery intended
to furnish the current, while the other pole of the said battery is connected to
the pipe.
These two conductors 15 and 16 are insulated one from the other by combustible
matter and by a layer of fusible conducting material. If the temperature rises the
insulating material disappears and the conducting fusible substance connects the
two wires 15 and 16; the circuit is thus closed and the platinum wire 14 becoming
incandescent effects the explosion of the gun cotton which opens the nozzle as
before described.

page_text: In Figure 7 is shown the application of the arrangements hereinbefore described
to a building of any kind. In this figure X is the box containing the mechanism
shown in detail in Figure 3; t is the main pipe, u the upright pipe. On this
upright pipe are placed the outlet branches the arrangement of which may vary,
for instance 17 is a perforated tube, 18 is a pipe having nozzles closed by caps as
shown in Figure 4, 5 and 6; 19 19 are similar nozzles placed either in a group
as shown in the top and bottom rooms of the building, or upon a common support 20
forming a pendant as shown in the second story.
In each part of the building are fixed a suitable number of nozzles for throwing
the water in different directions as shown by the dotted lines. The pipe carrying
these nozzles and the combustible wires or conductors intended to effect their
opening may be arranged to go round the room which is to be preserved from fire,
so that a fire which breaks out at any point will be sure to produce the desired
effect.
Against the wall, at all suitable places in the building, are placed the clips or
springs 21 arranged as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Those clips
are designed to close the electric circuit, which actuates the valve, for the admission
of water, placed in the box X and are fixed by preference in the direction in which
the jets will be thrown from the nozzles when they are opened.
The number and relative positions of, the different appliances used in a building
will vary according to the nature of the case, and in cases where the extinguishing
apparatus is to be used in buildings in which no water is laid on, I may employ
the modified arrangement shown in Figure 8. This apparatus consists of a
closed vessel 22 containing water and a certain quantity of bicarbonate
of soda 23. This vessel communicates at its lower part with the upright
pipe 24 and is provided at its upper part with a dome 25 in which is placed a
glass vessel 26 containing sulphuric acid, for instance. In this glass vessel 26 is
plunged a rod 27 of metal that cannot be attacked by the acid or covered with
a layer of material unaffected by the acid. This rod passes through a stuffing
box 28 and projects from the outside of it. As soon as the electric current passes,
on the closing of the circuit by means of the clips shown in Figures 1 and 2 the
electro-magnet 29 attracts the armature 30 thereby releasing the hammer 31.
The latter falls on the rod 27 which is driven in and breaks the bottom of the
glass vessel 26, the acid contained in the said vessel then falls into the vessel 22
and acting upon the bicarbonate of soda produces carbonic acid, which partly
dissolves in the water and by its pressure causes the liquid to rise in the upright
pipe. This liquid, which contains carbonic acid, is, moreover, more efficacious
than pure water, and permits of the employment of vessels of less bulk.
In place of the sulphuric acid and bi-carbonate of soda, I may use other
substances which when combined produce carbonic acid.
The shape, size and arrangement of the said apparatus may be varied according
to circumstances without going beyond the limits of the said invention. For
example the number of vertical branches connected to the main pipe may be
varied according to the extent of the building; there being as many automatic
valves as there are branches.
Having thus fully described the said invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim.
First: The automatic fire-extinguishing and alarm apparatus herein described,
comprising the clips for closing the electric circuit under the influence of an
elevation of temperature, a device for releasing, by the action of the electric current,
the valve for the supply of water to the different floors, and the nozzles opening
under the influence of the current or an elevation of temperature so as to throw
the water to the desired point, all arranged and operating substantially as set forth
and for the purpose specified.
Second-The clip for closing the electric circuit, composed of two plates forming
springs, separated by a small piece of insulating fusible material and one of which

page_text: carries a pointed pin, the said plates being mounted upon an insulating block and
communicating by means of two screws with the said circuit, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and for the purpose specified.
Third-The combination of the pipe t, the stop-valve x and the pipe u, with
the battery, the electro-magnet, the armature, the hammer, the alarm apparatus,
the bent levers m and n, the counterweight o, the lever p, the catch q, the lever r
and the valve 8, all substantially as described with reference to Figure 3 and for
the purpose specified.
Fourth-The nozzle on the water pipe, composed of the spout, the cap, the
elastic washer, and the perforated screws, in combination with the cylinders
containing gun cotton or other explosive material, the fixed pieces 7,,8, and 10,
and the combustible matches, all arranged and operating substantially as described
with reference to Figures 4 and 5, and for the purpose specified.
Fifth The combination, with a nozzle on the water pipe arranged as above set
forth, of an insulating socket, a conducting rod, and electric conductors, all
arranged and operating substantially as described with reference to Figure 6 and
for the purpose specified.
'Sixth: The apparatus composed of the receptacle containing water and material
capable of producing carbonic acid or other gas when combined with the acid or
other liquid contained in the glass vessel, in combination with the rod, the hammer,
the armature provided with the catch, and the electro-magnet placed in the electric
circuit of the alarm apparatus, all arranged and operating substantially as described
with reference to Figure 8 and for the purpose specified.
In witness whereof I the said William Robert Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twentieth day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand, eight hundred and eighty two.