IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
Year: 1884

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
"
I HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co Patent Agents
Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature
of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to that class of fire extinguishing apparatus which
coinprises the arrangement of lines or systems of tubes around the various apart-
ments to be protected, the said tubes being in connection with a water supply and
provided with distributors opening into the apartments, the said distributors being
in connection with a fusible or other device, which, should a fire occur in an apart-
ment and raise the temperature to a sufficient extent, will release the device which
holds back the water, whereby the water thus liberated will flow through the
distributors and extinguish the fire.
In this system of extinguishing apparatus, it is desirable that an alarm should
be sounded whenever a fire occurs, and as such an alarm can best be given by the
starting of the flow of water, the alarm giving device must be in a position to
be, acted upon by the water. As usually arranged, the lines of tubing for the
protection of an apartment are in connection with the water supply for ordinary
purposes. A serious difficulty occurs in the arrangement of the alarm-giving device
in such pipes, for the sudden cutting off of the flow of water from one point will
produce throughout the pipes what is commonly called "Water-Hammer" which
many times gives such an impulse to the water in the pipes as to cause the alarm
to be sounded.
The said invention relates partly to devices for overcoming the above mentioned
difficulties, and consists, principally, in the arrangement of two pistons of different
areas, upon the same rod, in a cylinder, between which pistons the inflowing water
to the extinguishing pipe enters; a limited escape being provided for the water to
the reverse sides of both pistons, whereby the concussion of water hammer will be
received. between the two pistons, with its greatest force upon the largest piston,
and in an opposite direction to the natural flow of water, but so that when the
outlet for the water beyond the piston is opened the water will pass the piston
of largest area into a chamber upon its opposite side, producing a pressure to force
the piston in the direction of the flow of water, so as to fully open the passage for
the flow. It also comprises an arrangement whereby such movement of the piston
or opening of the flow will sound an alarm, and other details of construction
whereby the said differential pistons may be employed to hold back the supply of

page_text: started.
In the accompanying drawing
Figure 1 represents a vertical central section of the valve apparatus showing a
side; view of the distributor attached.
Figure 2 is a section, drawn to an enlarged scale, showing the valve in the
passage from the cylinder through the piston-rod into the chamber above.
Figure 3 is a side view of the distributor.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal central section of the distributor in its closed
condition.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal central section showing the position when the water
is liberated and under full pressure, dotted lines indicating the action of the
spring.
Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, are longitudinal sections of modifications of the
distributor.
A is a cylinder and B a piston rod arranged centrally therein carrying a piston C
and a piston D, distant from each other, the piston D being of smaller diameter
than the piston 0.
E is the inflow passage opening into the cylinder between the pistons, and
through which the constant supply of water comes upon both pistons. Both
pistons substantially close their respective parts of the cylinder.
Above the piston D is a chamber F, from which a tube G leads to the system of
pipes in the building, for fire-extinguishing, purposes.
From the space between the two pistons, a passage a leads to a chamber H
below the piston, and a like passago bleads to the chamber F above. These
passages are of very small extent so that the water which comes through the
inlet E will flow through the passage b into the system of pipes, and water will
also flow through the passage a into the chamber H on the reverse side of the
piston C; the pressure therefore stands alike on both sides of the two pistons.
The passage E is supposed to be in communication with the supply pipes for
ordinary uses.
Should water hammer occur in these supply pipos, from the opening and closing
of a passage therefrom, it will be received between the two pistons, and because the
pressure is greater on the piston O than on the piston D, owing to their differentin!
areas, the tendency will be to throw the two pistons downward or away from the
direction of the flow of water, but should the flow be opened beyond the piston D
ns in the case of fire, then the pressure on the upper side of the piston-D will bo
reduced, and the water under pressure entering between the two pistons will flow
through the passage a to the under side of the piston C into the chamber H, and
there produce a greater pressure than on the upper side of the piston D, whereby
the piston will be caused to move in the direction of the flow until the piston D
pusses so far into the chamber F as indicated in broken lines in Figure 1 as to
permit a free flow of water.
At some convenient point, say in the chamber below the piston, a lever I is
attached to a shaft d, its free end extending into connection with the piston rod B
as shown; hence when the pistons move as before described, they turn the arm I
and the shaft d. To the shaft a second lever or arm L.is fixed so as to turu
with the lever I.
The alarm device, whether it be bell, whistle, or whatever it may be, is connected
to the lever L so that the movement of the said lever will sound the alarm.
As the pistons cannot move, when water hammer occurs, beyond what is
permitted by the elasticity of the water in the chamber H, it follows that that
inovement cannot be sufficient to have any effect upon the alarm lever. As the
pistons cannot move in the direction of the flow until the outlet has been opened;
the alarm cannot be operated by the water hammer, neither can it be operated
until the flow has fairly commenced. This alarm will be operated whether the
flow be accidental, as by bursting of pipes, or whether it be produced by fire,

page_text: The prevention of the action of water hammer on the pistons is very desirable,
as in many cases they are sensitive to any sudden increased pressure, hence I do
not wish to be understood as necessarily combining an alarm with the water-
hammer preventing device.
I find it advantageous to arrange a valve e in the passage b, say as seen in
figure 2, this valve is preferably of ball shape, arranged in a cavity, as there shown.
The water will flow through the passage b and pass the valve e until the pipes are
filled, then the valve e will seat, by its own gravity, and close the passage; now
should the pressure be reduced in the supply pipes under the ordinary uses of the
water, the pressure will be retained in the fire extinguishing system of pipes,
because no water can return through the passage b. When the water hammer
occurs, the pressure will be somewhat increased, and this increased pressure will
act upon the valve e causing it to rise, whereby a small quantity of water, under
increased pressure, will be injected through the passage b into the system of fire
extinguishing pipes until the extreme pressure is attained, then the valve e will
resist the water hammer. Should there be any leak in the fire extinguishing system
supply pipes, so as to somewhat reduce the pressure therein, that pressure will be
restored through the passage b and maintained by the valve e.
I have represented the passages ab as through the piston rod, but the opening
for such passage of water may be made at any other point, or the pistons them-
selves may be so loosely fitted as to permit the necessary slight escape above and
below.
I have thus far described the invention as applied to a system of pipes in which
water constantly stands under pressure. In some systems or localities it is desirable
that water should be exluded from the fire extinguishing system of pipes, in such
case the passages ab are omitted, the pistons fitting tightly at their respective
positions in the cylinder, so that water admitted through the passage E cannot
escape either above or below.
For such system I provide the cylinder with a valve f on a spindle g which
extends through a tubular passage h the valve closing against the opening on the
inside of the cylinder.
M is a bell-crank-lever pivotted at i, one arm of which lever is in connection
with the spindle g; from the other arm a cord, chain or other suitable connection
leads to some point where it will be severed when a fire occurs; this connection may
extend to the various apartments, and if a cord be arranged so as to be burned by
a fire, or if a chain is used it must be connected by solder which will melt when a
fire occure.
Figure 1 represents such fusible connection. The cord or chain may
be attached to the distributor in such a manner that when a fire occurs, the lever M
will be liberated so that the weight N, or any suitable device, will cause the lever
to fall and force the spindle g inward to open the valve f
From the tube ha passage m leads to the chamber H below the piston C, and a
like tube'n leads to the chamber F above the piston D; in the tube n is a cock o
by which, if desired, the passage through the tube n may be opened or closed.
Now suppose the pressure of water to stand in the cylinder between the pistons
and a fire occurs to liberate the lever M, that lever instantly falls and forces the
valve finward to open the passage from the cylinder into the tube h, at the same
time a valve p on the spindle closes the outer end of the tube so as to prevent
the escape of water through the said tube; suppose also that the tube n be closed
as shown. Immediately on the opening of the valve f water flows through the
tube h and thence through the tube m to the chamber H below the piston
thereby producing a like pressure on both sides of the piston C, thus leaving the
piston D free to act under the pressure of the water; the result of this is that both
pistons instantly rise, as indicated in broken lines, and permit the flow of water to
the system of fire-extinguishing pipes.
Should there be a leak through, or around, the piston D so that water escapes
into the chamber F and pipes beyond, that water may at any time be drawn off.
by opening the cock o, the water flowing-into the tube thence to leak out around.

page_text: the spindle, or it may pass off through the tube m into the chamber H below Cho
piston C and there be drawn off by the cock in the bottom of that chamber. The
cock o may be left constantly open, so that whatever leak should occur will-drip
through the tube / or through the cock if it be open. Or, should there be a lenk
downward through; or around, the piston C into the chamber H. below, the water
may be drawn from the chamber H by the cock 1.
I'
I prefer to provide a cocks in the chamber Fabove the piston D, by which
water may be drawn from the system of fire-extinguishing pipes, if desired; tho
cock o, ne also the cocks, permits the examination of the pipes at any time to
ascertain whether or not there be water therein.
.
The second part of my invention relates to a peculiar nozzle to bo used in
connection with a fire-extinguishing system of pipes.
In the more general construction of nozzles each nozzle is fitted with a seal to
hold back the water, the said seal being retained by some device which will be
liberated by a comparatively low degree of heat, so that should an accidental fire
occur in the apartment, the heat therefrom will release the seal and permit the flow
of water to extinguish the fire.
These nozzles are arranged to cover by their spray a certain area within an
apartment and as many nozzles are provided, as will completely cover the apartment,
so that the fire spreading rapidly or continuing, more or less, or all, of the nozzles
will be opened, or if the firo sprend from one apartment to another, the nozzles in
that apartment will in their turn be opened.
If the supply of water be sufficient to throw the spray over a certain area
through one nozzle, the pressure will be reduced as each successive nozzle is opened
and as the pressure is thus reduced, the area covered will be correspondingly
reduced, until when several are open the water will simply ooze out through the
nozzle without any considerable extent of spray.
It is a well known fact that under a given pressure a large discharge opening
will deliver the water with very little force, but if the opening be reduced the
force will be concentrated upon that smaller. opening, and the water thrown a
correspondingly greater distance.
The object of this part of my invention is to adapt this principle of reducing the
discharge opening in fire extinguishers according as the pressure in the pipes is
reduced because of increased openings, and it comprises a fire extinguisher nozzle,
having a distributor held against the flow of water under a spring pressure, so that
when the flow of water is permitted, the spring will be coinpressed according to
the extent of pressure and opening, and as the pressure is reduced, the spring will
act.automatically to reduce the opening, as more fully hereinafter described.
The best construction of nozzle embodying any invention known to me I
illustrate in Figures 3, 4, and 3. detached, and in Figure 1 as attached to
the pipes.
A is the screw collar which fits the socket in the supply pipe by which the
nozzle is held in place. From this socket a tube B' projects, tho outer end being
filled by a plug O' of material fusible at a low degree of heat, or by a plug secured
in the tube by a material fusible at a low degree of heat, so as to holf back the
supply of water. Inside this plug is inserted a disc D' of leather, or any suitable
flexible but non fusible material, a little larger in diameter than the tube B', so as
to stand against the plug C with the pressure of water upon it. This dise
because of its greater diameter completely fills the passage, whereby water is
prevented from contact with the plug C, hence when heat comes upon that part of
the nozzle sufficient to fuse the connection, the water will be prevented from
passing out around the plug until it be entirely liberated, then the force of water
will drive both the plug Cand disc D' from the passage, leaving it clear for the
water. This plug overcomes a difficulty which is experienced in this class of
extinguishers, arising from the fact that the securing material will fuse at one
point quicker than another, so that as soon as the passage is opened around the
lug for the water, the water will flow through that opening, and tend to cool the

page_text: plug and prevent the action of heat upon the remainder of the fusible material;
thus defeating the object of the extinguisher.
E is a cup-shaped disc set over the end of the tube B'; the side F1 of the disc
being toward the tube. The said disc may be perforated as shown, if desired.
Upon the outside of this disc is a projection forming a chamber a little larger
in diameter than the plug C₁, and so that when liberated the plug C¹ will be
forced directly into the chamber G¹ and there remain. This chamber has an
opening H' at its outer end, which will be closed by the plug C¹ when it enters the
chamber, as seen in Figure 5.
The disc E' forms the distributor; it is connected by rods I, I¹, to a collar K¹
around the tube, and between the collar K' and a flange L¹ which surrounds the
end of the tube, a helical or other suitable spring M is arranged, taking its seat at
one end upon the flange L¹, the other bearing upon the collar K¹. The force of the
spring serves to hold the disc down upon the end of the tube, as seen in Figures 3
and 4. The power of this spring is adjusted according to the pressure of water, so
that when the plug shall have been released, as in Figure 5, and the water
liberated, the flow of water under the pressure will compress the spring to its full
extent, and force the distributor or disc E¹ away from the end of the tube to its
fullest extent; the water then striking the disc is deflected in all directions and
distributes in the form of spray.
Now suppose a second distributor be opened, the pressure of water which before
was on the single nozzle will be divided between the two, that is will be reduced,
and such reduction will reduce the area which was covered by the distribution of
water through the tube, but so soon as the second distributor is opened, the spring
reacts on the reduced pressure, and draws the disc proportionately nearer the end
of the tube, say as seen in broken lines Figure 5, thereby reducing the opening
between the distributor and the end of the tube, so that while a less quantity of
water will be discharged, it will spread over the same area. So when a third
distributor is opened, the openings of the two distributors previously opened will
be correspondingly reduced. Each successive opening reducing the pressure will
cause the previously opened distributors to correspondingly and automatically
contract their openings, or delivering capacity, but without reducing the area
covered.
While I have illustrated the disc as guided by the collar outside the tube, and
the spring arranged to bear on the collar, the spring may be otherwise arranged,
say as seen in Figure 6, in which the disc E¹ rests upon the end of the tube B¹ in
the same manner, the said tube being sealed either by the disc itself or a plug a¹,
from which plug or disc a spindle N₁ extends concentrically into the tube through
a bridge b'. The end of the spindle beyond the bridge is provided with a head d
and between the head and the bridge the spring M' is arranged so as to act against
the pressure of water, as in the first illustration.
The tube B' may be closed by a valve-like plug e¹ Figure 7 from which a
spindle fextends through a yoke h¹. Between the yoke and back of the valve a
spring M is arranged, acting against the pressure of the water, as in the first
illustration; in this case the valve or plug becomes the distributor.
Again, while I prefer to make the distributor movable so as to contract the
opening, the distributor may be fixed as in Figure 8, in which P¹ represents the
distributor fixed with relation to the end of the tube B¹. The end of the tube is
closed, by say a conical plug from which a spindle f¹ extends outward, as in
Figure 7, passing through the distributor P¹ and into the yoke h¹, with the spring M
arranged to press the plug toward the end of the tube. When the supply is
let on, the conical plug is thrown out against the distributor as shown in dotted
lines, and the, water strikes the plug which turns it against the distributor, where
it is deflected in the form of spray. As the pressure is reduced the plug moves
toward the tube so as to reduce the size of the discharge opening, and the discharge
still striking the distributor with substantially the same, force as before, will

page_text: though less in quantity, be in like manner thrown out in the form of spray, and,
cover substantially the same aroa.
3
These illustrations are sufficient to shew the numerous modifications to which
this part of my invention; may be applied, and to show that it is not limited to any
particular arrangement of the spring, it only being essential that there shall be a
spring or its equivalent arranged to act automatically so that as the pressure of
water is applied it will compress the spring and open the outlet and then, as the
pressure of the water is diminished the said spring will operate to correspondingly
reduce the discharge opening.
The plug and disc D may be employed in other extinguishing devices.
In some cases, and especially where the pressure of water is very great, tho
force of the water hammer sometimes breaks the connection of the plug which
holds back the supply of water to the distributor. To prevent such difficulty I
apply a diaphragm 5, (see Figure, 9,) against which the spring M boars. In this
illustration the distributor F rests on the end of the water-way, and is there held
by the foot of the spindle, the spring M' surrounding the spindle and taking its
bearing at one end on the foot of the spindle and at the other against the
diaphragm. The diaphragm is best made, as a concavo-convex disc of elastic
metal, and is preferably arranged with its convex side downward, its edge being
set against a ring G held to the nozzlo by parallel screws 7. These screws form
guides for the movement of the distributor, like the rods in the previous
description.
Upon the outer side of the diaphragm there is firmly fixed a tube 8 surrounding
the spindle and through which the spindle passes; this tube 8 is externally screw
threaded, and has upon it a sleeve like nut 9 having a fusible plug, or fusibly
attached plug 10 secured in its outer end, to bear upon the outer end of the spindle.
The sleeve 9 is screwed down onto the tube 8 until the requisite tension is
attained to hold back the column of water. When water hammer occurs the
diaphragm 5 will yield under such hammer, but so quickly recover as to permit
but a very slight, if any, escape of water.
The spring M performs the same office and function as before described, the
diaphragm being introduced only to prevent possible injury upon the fusible plug
under the action of water hammer.
This arrangement permits an examination to be made at any time, to ascertain
whether or not the device is in working condition, by simply unscrewing the
sleeve 9; the pressure of the water will thon force the distributor from its seat to
permit the escape of water, and the water so escaping is an evidence of the proper
condition of the device.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
First. The combination of the cylinder A, the differential pistons C, D connected
together and movable in the said cylinder, the chamber H below the piston C, and
limited passages opening from the said cylinder to the reverse sides of both pistons,
substantially as described.
Second. The combination of the cylinder A, the differential pistons C, D
connected together and movable in the said cylinder, the inflow passage E opening
into the said cylinder between the said pistons, the chamber H below the piston O,
a valve opening into the cylinder between the said pistons, and, a communication
outside said valve to the chamber H below the piston C, substantially as described.
Third. The combination of the cylinder A, tlie differential pistons C, D connected
together and movable in the said cylinder, the inflow passago. E opening to the
said cylinder between the said pistons, the chamber H below the piston, C, a valve
opening to the said cylinder between the pistons and held normally closed by the
suspended lever M and a communication opening, from outside said valve, to the
chamber below the piston C, and also to the system of tubes above the piston D,
substantially as described,
"

page_text: Fourth. The combination of the cylinder A, the differential pistons C, D connected
together and movable in the said cylinder, the inflow passage E opening to the
said cylinder between the said pistons, a chamber H below the piston C, a commu-
nication to admit water to the said chamber H, and an alarm lever connected with
said piston, substantially as described.
Fifth. The combination of the cylinder A, the differential pistons or valves C, D,
connected together and movable in the said cylinder, the inflow passage opening to
the said cylinder between the said pistons, a chamber below the piston C, a
passage b of small diameter from the chamber between the pistons into the chamber
or space above the piston C, and a valve in the said passage, substantially as
described.
Sixth. In a fire extinguisher, a nozzle at which the water is prevented from
flowing by a plug or valve secured by a material fusible at a low degree of heat,
and a device substantially such as described movable under the pressure of the
water, when liberated, to increase the opening, combined with a spring acting upon
said device and against the pressure of the water, whereby the said device will be
automatically caused to reduce the opening as the pressure of the water upon the
device is reduced, substantially as described.
Seventh. In a fire extinguisher, a nozzle provided with a seal fusible at a low
degree of heat for preventing the flow of water, and a device arranged to open a
passage for the escape of the water and distribute the same when liberated
combined with a spring arranged to press the distributor against the pressure of
water, and so as to act automatically upon the distributor to reduce the outlet as
the pressure of the flowing water is reduced, substantially as described.
Eighth. The combination of the tube B₁ sealed with a plug or the like fusible at
a low degree of heat, the disc E arranged over the end of the tube, a collar K¹
around the tube and connected with the disc, and the spring M¹ around the tube
between the collar and a flange on the tube the tendency of the said spring being.
to hold the disc upon the end of the tube but yield under pressure of water,
substantially as described.
Ninth. The combination of the tube B¹, the plug C¹ secured in the tube by a
connection fusible at a low degree of heat, the disc E' constructed with the
chamber G¹ into which the plug C₁ will pass when liberated, the collar K¹ around
the tube and connected to the disc E, and the spring M¹ between the collar K¹ and
a corresponding flange on the tube, substantially as described.
Tenth. In a fire extinguisher, the tube B¹, the plug C₁ secured therein by a
connection fusible at a low degree of heat, and the disc D' of flexible non fusible
material, of larger diameter than the internal diameter of the tube, in the tube
against the plug, substantially as, and for the purpose, described.
Eleventh. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of the spindle by which the
flow of water is prevented, with an elastic diaphragm upon which the said spindle
bears under the action of the water, and a fusible bearing for the said spindle in
connection with said diaphragm, substantially as described.
Twelfth. In a fire extinguisher, the combination of the spindle by which the
flow of water is prevented, with an elastic diaphragm upon which said spindle
bears under the action of the water, and a fusible bearing for the said spindle in
connection with the said diaphragm, the said fusible connection being made
adjustable with relation to the diaphragm, and spindle, substantially as described.
Dated this 23rd day of September 1884.
Haseltine, LAKE & Co.,
For the Applicant.