A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC FIRE ESCAPE
Year: 1879

page_text: «
LETTERS PATENT to Isidor Furstenhagen and Hermann Wildt, Agents, of
Bradford, in the County of York, for the Invention of A NEW OR IMPROVED
HYDRAULIC FIRE ESCAPE." A communication from abroad by Emil Georg
Prillwitz, Patent Agent, and Johann Eduard Broszus, Civil Engineer, both of
Berlin Germany.
Sealed the 3rd October 1879, and dated the 4th April 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Isidor Furstenhagen and
Hermann Wildt at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th
April 1879.
ISIDOR FURSTENHAGEN and HERMANN WILDT, Agents, of Bradford, in the
County of York. "A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC FIRE ESCAPE." [A com-
munication from abroad by Emil Georg Prillwitz, Patent Agent, and Johann
Eduard Broszus, Civil Engineer, both of Berlin, Germany.]
This Invention has for its object an improved hydraulic fire escape which com-
bines simplicity of construction with ease of transport and facility for immediate
use, and being made wholly of iron is almost entirely fire proof.
Such improved escape consists of a suitable number of movable folding ladders
connected at each side with any convenient number of sliding telescopic tubes
gradually diminishing in size upwards in a suitable ratio, and which form the
uprights of the escape. A similar tubular arrangement is placed in the centre of
the escape to support the ladder when inclined, and is connected at the top by an
iron brace or traverse to the lateral uprights already mentioned. The lower end of
the base tube, as also the top of the uppermost tube of each tubular upright, is closed,
while the intermediate tubes are open at both ends, so that when water is pumped
in they are forced upwards like an hydraulic piston while suitable leather collars
or washers are fitted round the various joints. The ladders are graduated in size,
and when folded such ladders occupy the space between the lateral uprights of the
escape while their upper extremities are fastened to such uprights by means of flat
wrought iron hoops affixed to the upper ends of the tubes, and to these hoops the
flat ends of the topmost ring of each ladder are secured by means of bolts and
nuts.

page_text: Suitable stop plates are provided to prevent the tubular uprights being forced
out too far, while each of the tubes is similarly checked by a loop, and such uprights
are held together by the topmost rung of the first ladder.
In order to raise the centre tubular upright its base is placed on a suitable two
wheel gear which slides in the bearers of the carriage, the two wheels being fastened
to an ordinary axle tree, and when the ladders are placed in extreme positions
such wheels are checked against the bearer by a transom.
The tubular uprights are fed with water by taps connected by a hose with a
valve box furnished with corresponding taps and containing two pressure valves,
one of which delivers water into the two lateral tubular uprights and the other
into the centre upright. Both such valves are supplied simultaneously through a
hose connected with the air vessel of the syringe, which thus causes the escape to
be raised rapidly when desired.
To elevate the escape the tubular uprights and ladder are first partially raised
from their horizontal position, and are then lifted still higher by a suitable winding
apparatus attached to the frame of the carriage, after which water is forced into
the tubes when the whole ladder is drawn out. A suitable safety apparatus is
provided in order to provide for the escape of the compressed air from the tubes
when the water is pumped in.
To prevent the tubes touching inside, and to diminish friction, guide rollers are
fixed to the upper end of each tube, excepting the top one, while guide rings are
I attached to their lower ends.
Additional support is given to the ladder by an auxiliary adjustable prop, the
position whereof can be regulated according to the different heights of the
escane

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Isidor Furstenhagen and Hermann Wildt in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 4th October 1879.
ISIDOR FURSTENHAGEN and HERMANN WILDT, Agents, of Bradford, in the
County of York. "A NEW OR IMPROVED HYDRAULIC FIRE ESCAPE." (A com-
munication from abroad by Emil Georg Prillwitz, Patent Agent, and Johann
Eduard Broszus, Civil Engineer, both of Berlin, Germany.)
Such improved hydraulic fire escape is more particularly intended for the use of
fire brigades and salvage corps, it being so constructed as to permit of its being
raised and maintained at any height without requiring any extraneous support,
but it is also applicable to other purposes. We will now, with the aid of the accom-
panying Drawings, proceed more particularly to describe the said Invention.
The principle of such improved hydraulic fire escape consists in the use of any
suitable number of telescopic shaped sliding tubes, of which the lower and upper
tube are closed at their lower ends, all the intermediate tubes being open at both
ends, and sliding in and out telescopically at the same time that they are made air
tight, so that when any liquid, such as water or oil, is forced into the bottom tube
the upper tube is first forced out, and the remaining tubes in succession, thus
forming suitable lateral supports or uprights which serve as a frame for the ladder.
Figures 1 and 2 shew front views of the ladder when raised. On the carriage W,
at the point X, sits the lowest tube of the upright R¹, the size of the succeeding
tubes dininishing in a suitable ratio to allow of their being inserted in each other
telescopically as indicated at R3, R³, R*, R. Any suitable number of tubes may be
employed, but the larger the number the shorter must be their length (see
Figure 5), while the greater will be the number of the cross supports required. Such
cross supports are placed at the top of each sliding tube and project like arms (see
T¹ to T), thus joining each tube to the ladder, which is divided in as many parts
as there are tubes in the uprights (see L' to L'), and is terminated by a step (L')
which is joined to the foregoing step by a compound jointed hinge, of which the
bolt forms the step. To support and strengthen the ladder we use two round
wrought iron stays n which meet at their bottom ends, and thus form a pin fitting
into the open end of the upper tube as soon as the step L is inclined or folded, and
which is provided with a pin secured to a chain. All the steps of the ladder fold
in each other owing to each succeeding step being wider than the last, and in order
to bring the pin n in the open end of the tube when folding up the ladder we
provide a traverse m to keep it in the required position. To hold the ladder when
in a raised position the hoisting gear system A is provided, which is controlled
from seat B, which latter also serves to fold and pack the ladder, and to give it
any position required.
The point of gravity of the raised ladder is between the two axles, and forms
the ground support of the ladder, which support can be increased by turning the
fore axles. To avoid oscillation we provide each tube with stays D, suspended
on universal hinges or joints. Should the ladder require to be shortened it is only
necessary to fasten or check the tube R³ or tubes R2 and R3 by means of transoms,
presently described, by which it can be arranged that tubes R³, R², R³, or
tubes R, R, only work when forced out by hydraulic pressure, while, with the
help of such transom, the ladder can be brought into any required position. To
allow the ladder to slide together it is only necessary to open a tap on the lower
tube, Figure 3, when the liquid escapes and the lowest elevation is obtained.
Figure 3 shews the ladder in a folded position in detail; Figure 5 shews a sectional

page_text: view of carriage looking on the hinder axle; Figure 4 shews ground plan of car-
riage; Figures 6, 7, 8, shew transom h and crosstie T with one upright only as
used in small ladders; Figure 9 shews the inserted end of a tube with leather
collar and washer which are fastened with a ring and screw; Figures 10 and 11
shew a duplicate arrangement of the system illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, for
ladders of considerable height. The carriage frame Wis made of very light iron,
and is strengthened by curvilinear straps, but this is only suitable to large ladders.
Near the hind axle on the frame is fixed a solid iron pier, on which the upright R,
in curved joint X, rest, and by which it can then be turned around by the longi-
tudinal axle of the carriage. Running parallel with this upright are the
steps L' to Lo, their bottom ends turning towards bolt X, and they are put in eye
shaped hinges. The bolt X fits firmly in the upright and steps, and forms the bolt
of the eye shaped hinge. The lengths of the tubes are regulated so as not to reach
over the fore axle when folded up. The diameter of the wheels may be of any
'suitable dimensions, while the two axles hang on strong springs. Above the fore
axle is placed a wooden or other suitable catch block V with a curved hollow, in
which the upright R rests.
To carry the pulley or winding apparatus we provide a carriage above the hind
axle, having a suitable fixture made out of light iron. The pulleys A running
from the ladders terminate in chains which pass over the shaft r. This shaft is
raised by the large ladder to the height of say 6 feet, but the coiling of the chain
takes place below it, where it passes over a shaft with two pullies S¹, which draw
the chain through.
The pulley fits firm on the shaft, and this is provided with a winch while the
overhanging part of the chain drops in the coiling box. The construction of the
winding apparatus is old; only the pulleys are provided with small hooks to
catch the chain. If preferred the frame supporting the winding apparatus may
'be lowered by means of small ladders, and if desired the rollers and other
apparatus may be discarded and only the pulleys used.
The second important point is the hydraulic pressure, which can be effected by
any ordinary fire-syringe, the air reservoir of which communicates with the interior
of the tubular upright through a suitable hose, which for ordinary purposes is
quite sufficient. Or a small handle air pump P, P, with double lever or fly wheel Q
placed between the brake of the winding apparatus, and a hose carried from the air
pump to the lower tube of the upright. Figure 12 shews the construction of a
pump piston. By the erection of a ladder both air pumps P, P¹, and pump piston
work, but as the ladder gains a considerable height and the further elevation
becomes difficult, only the half cross supports n should work the whole, as thereby
much less pressure is required.
At the mouth of these is a tap to cut off the power of force pump. A second
tap, Figure 3, serves as a safety valve to allow the liquid to flow out during the
operation of folding or lowering the ladder. The force pump is fed by water box N,
Figures 3, 4, 5, while the two uprights are supplied by means of a connecting pipe
furnished with taps. The arms T¹ to T5, as also the plates 1, are provided with
large round holes to receive a suitable bolt which secures them in position. The
bolt of the lower ladder must be very strong on account of having attached to it
the hoisting gear A and also the stays D. The backsides of the supports or
strengthening pieces T' to T³ are provided with lugs to receive a bolt which carries
suitable guide rollers w which prevent friction on the edges of the tubes when
forced up. Such bolt also assists in holding the transoms in position. Such tran-
'soms consists of two hoops or shackles, which are drawn together by screws k,
provided with suitable nuts. Each screw k passes through a second eyelet placed
opposite to the guide roller n on the strengthening ring so as to keep the transom
checks h in position. The bolt k carries a flat iron band and a screw which screws
in a nut which is placed on the outside of each of the transom checks to firmly secure
them, while it also passes the flat band against the other side of the check. The bolt K
is provided with a wrench to fasten the ladder when in a raised position, by a

page_text: single turn of which the checks fulfil their functions. In cases of large ladders
with two uprights the transom system is applied separately to each upright, but the
bolt k will answer for both. The ladders are also provided with checks or stop
plates in Tiron (Figures 6 and 11), while every ladder slides over the preceding
one. To prevent all danger of lifting off the lower or bottom ends of the ladders
the transoms m' (Figures 6 and 8) are screwed on while they also surround the
step of each succeeding ladder and border on the hoops of the ladders and tubes if
pushed up to the plates 1, Figure 8. We prefer to make the stays or steps of the
ladders out of gas pipe, while to diminish the weight in large ladders it is advisable
to have an additional flat iron tie or strap between the steps running parallel to
T shaped checks or stop plates.
To overcome the difficulty in making the arms and rings for two uprights out
of one piece (Figures 10 and 11) they can be joined and well lashed together. The
props or stays D are made of gas pipe and run to a closed point which fastens in
the ground. When the ladder is folded it can be hung up in a horizontal position
on the outside of the winding apparatus.
The hinder axle is provided with a brake Z, Z¹, to arrest the hinder wheels.
The ladder when 80 constructed possesses a sustaining power equal to all exigencies,
but the use of the two uprights for large escapes is recommended to avoid twisting.
In order to take the ladder to pieces it is only necessary to unscrew n and loosen h
when all the ladders or steps can be taken out, and by taking out the bolt m the
ladder is disconnected from the corresponding tube. The ladder can also be pro-
vided with an additional gallery made of gas pipe in such a manner as to slide
together with the tubes. The fireman can either take the seat provided for him or
ride a horse. The construction of the carriage of the escape is unimportant so
long as it be light, and care should be taken to take all weight off the carriage
springs when the escape is in operation.
The advantages of this improved hydraulic fire escape may be summarised as
follows: 1°. It is most simple in construction. 2°. It can be made to be very light
and easily transportable, for the weight is adjusted according to the length the
escape is intended to receive. 3°. It possesses extreme stability. 4°. It can be
very quickly put in position and raised to any height. 5°. It cannot be injured by
the vicinity of or contact with the fire, thus obviating all apprehension in that
respect, owing to its being made of iron. 6°. Its folding up can be effected with
even greater rapidity than its erection.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention we claim,―
1. The improved construction of hydraulic fire escape substantially as hereinbefore
described and illustrated.
2. The employment for the raising of the escape to, and maintaining the same
at any height and inclination, of any suitable number of hydraulic uprights con-
sisting of any suitable number of telescopic tubes, and the regulating its inclination
by means of waste taps.
3. The combination of tubular uprights with folding ladders whereby a con-
solidated system of self support is obtained.
4. The employment in large escapes of a double system of tubes as specified.
5. The employment of such improved hydraulic fire escape either as a stationary
or transportable ladder or hoist.
6. The feeding of the hydraulic uprights through their being connected with a fire
engine acting as a force pump, or if preferred by means of a separate force pump
that may be fixed to the carriage.
7. The employment of the gear system A to hoist, hold, and lower the ladder
through the contrivance of an endless screw, the employment of rollers to guide the
piston, and the use of collars and washers as specified.
8. The transom system with the contrivance of safety valves.
9. The use of side props with the universal hinge.
10. The folding arrangement of the upper ladder together with the use of guide

page_text: rollers to receive the disconnected tube in combination with the transom arrange-
ment hereinbefore described.
2
All substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated.
In witness whereof, we, the said Isidor Furstenhagen and Hermann
Wildt, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy
nine.
ISIDOR FURSTENHAGEN. (LS.)
HERMANN WILDT.
(L.S.)