Improvements in Automatic Fire Extinguishers.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Mar., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 28th Dec., 1894-Accepted, 2nd Feb., 1895
Improvements in Automatic Fire Extinguishers.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:―
This invention relates to what are known as "automatic sprinklers" used for
extinguishing fires.
The object of the said invention is to produce a fire extinguisher having the
following features:
.
First; the valve is held positively closed. Second; no water is contained in
any part thereof. Third; the distributor is entirely encased. Fourth; the valve
is opened by a force independent of the pressure in the system. Fifth; the valve
when opened is automatically locked open. Sixth ; provision is made for a direct
upward discharge. Seventh; systematic general distribution is obtained through
a permanent annular discharge opening. Eighth; the easy stopping of the flow.
Ninth the automatic exposure of an encased distributor.
A further object of the invention is to provide a modified form of sprinkler
having the following additional features, viz. :-
First an unobstructed water-way. Second; improved distribution of water.
Third; other means for stopping the flow. Fourth; means for opening the valve
attached directly to it. Fifth; a valve support adapted to be broken or deranged
for its release. Sixth; limited fall of the case after the valve is removed.
Seventh; means to prevent entangling of the connections. Eighth; the surfaces
to be parted and the exposed cavities filled with a non-corrosive and fusible filling.
Ninth; improved fusible surfaces and their application for automatic action.
According to this part of the invention moreover, the parts are combined in such
a manner that an extinguisher is produced which may be located above the supply
pipe and which still embraces all the preceding features.
The invention consists of the arrangement and construction of parts in such
manner as will be hereinafter indicated.
The distributor is screw threaded to fit the fittings of the supply pipe and is
provided with vertical holes through its upper part and an annular discharge
opening cut around its periphery, the lower part of the distributor being connected
to the upper part by suitable means.
The uppermost part of the distributor forms the seat for the valve which has a
stem reaching through the lower part. Pivoted to the said lower part and at rest
near the valve stem is a releasing lever against which and supporting the same is a
second lever which is also pivoted on the lower part of the distributor. The said
second lever has a chain fastened to its long end, a small part of this chain is
sustained by this lever and the remainder lies loose in the case of the distributor,
the other end of the chain being made fast to the said case. The weight of this

page_text: case is about twenty ounces but may be more or less. Its purpose is to protect the
distributor from all obstructing accumulations and from blows and accidents which
they are subject to, and to force open the valve in event of a fire.
When thus guarded, a severe blow will not injure the valve nor any of the other
parts of the distributor; while in other sprinklers as heretofore made such a blow
would cause a serious leak with resulting damage and expense.
The casing is formed with a shoulder which serves as a stop in putting the parts
together and thus facilitates such work. The distributor is provided with a
peripheral dove-tailed rabbet.
The fusible supports are each made of two pieces soldered together by fusible
alloy and each of the fusible supports is secured to the casing and distributor by
suitable set screws which pass through a flange on the case and are screwed into
one of the parts of the fusible supports. The other part of the support fits into the
dove-tailed rabbet provided in the distributor so that a practically air-tight closure
is effected between the casing and distributor, while the same do not come into
direct contact with each other.
The operation is as follows:-
In the event of a fire, the rise of temperature melts the solder at the joints
between the two parts of the supports and the casing then drops together with
the parts of the supports secured thereto. At the termination of the fall which
is limited by the chain a severe jerk is given to the second lever of the distributor
which in turn acts on the releasing lever, and the supply valve is thereby
opened.
The weight of the casing together with the length of drop are sufficient to ensure
the opening of the valve and consequently the reliability of the sprinkler.
To prevent the closing of the valve, the said second lever of the distributor
is held in a vertical position, which sustains the releasing lever so that, no
weight from the valve could possibly close it or move the levers from their
position.
When the fire is extinguished, the supply valve may be closed, and further
damage by water stopped, by simply putting the second lever into its- original
position.
The case may be replaced by applying new fusible supports, thus rendering the
extinguisher complete as before.
It may be observed that since the valve is rigidly supported by solid metal, the
water pressure cannot weaken the fusible joint, and the fusible jointed parts perform
no direct function in the opening of the valve.
In other so called "sprinkler heads" used for this purpose there is provided a
space above the valve which in time fills up with sediment and hardens, often
preventing said valve from opening and choking the passage in case it should
open. The valve is also exposed to external influences, which often render it
inoperative.
It moreover frequently happens that a valve having the required pressure to
open it will fail by reason of sediment and corrosion. To such valves the improve-
ments may be added which by the drop weight would ensure the opening.
I am aware that soldered fusible connections are now used in automatic fire
extinguishers, such I do not intend to claim.
In a modified form of the apparatus the water distributor consists of a suitably
shaped plate attached to a frame which frame has a screwed part by which it may
be secured to the fittings of the system.
The valve is held in contact with its seat by a releasing lever and a post or rod
preferably made of glass. A suitable link may in some cases be used instead of
the post or rod. Said post or rod or link when that is used rests upon a seat
forming part of or secured to the distributor. This seat is provided with a small
conical projection which beds in a corresponding counter-sink in the aforesaid lever.
Part of the horizontal bearing surface of the lever on the seat may be removed if
desired so as to facilitate the derangement of the valve support in operation. The

page_text: seat for the post or link may be a part of or inserted into a set screw which is
supported by the frame as hereinafter set forth.
To the outer end of the lever a long open link is attached and to this link an
auxiliary chain having its other end secured to the frame which prevents the case
falling to the floor after the valve has been opened.
Sliding links are linked to the long link at one end and to the case at the other
by means of a suitable pin or screw.
In the inner surface of the case are formed recesses and corresponding projections
are provided upon the frame which fit said recesses so as to prevent the turning of
the frame inside the case.
Screwed into the frame is a hollow thumb screw having a milled surface around
its head, this screw is internally threaded for the insertion of a set screw which
may be operated when necessary by a common screw driver inserted in the hollow
thumb screw.
The water-distributor, which consists of a suitable plate as aforesaid, is mounted
upon the said set screw so as to turn freely thereon and is so located as to be as far
away from the valve seat as is possible, for by such construction the distribution of
water is improved. This set screw as above mentioned sometimes forms the seat
for the post or rod or link of the releasing mechanism.
When the case is in place the hollow thumb screw extends through it and into a
circular recess provided in the case. The fusible parts consist of an alloy soldered
to the inner edge of a thin ring and into which screw threads are cut so that a nut
is formed. This nut is screwed upon the thumb and beds in the circular recess of
the case, thus sustaining the weight thereof.
A non-conducting pad or washer is preferably interposed between the nut and
the case to prevent conduction of heat. The said nut may be of various forms and
very often is made of two pieces of suitable shape secured together by fusible alloy
the said parts being of such a shape that when the alloy melts the pieces separate
and release the thumb screw.
When the extinguisher is intended for use above the supply pipes, a modification
of the construction is necessary.
The case is then divided vertically into two or more pieces and the whole
extinguisher is so screwed in place that the halves or pieces will fall clear of the
pipe or filling underneath. One of the pieces of the case then effects the opening
of the valve in the same manner as the whole case in the constructions hereinbefore
indicated. The construction of the parts which release the valve is substantially
the same except that the bearing surface of the releasing lever is reversed so as to
suit the reversed action of the said lever.
The halves or parts of the case have a recess in their exterior surfaces, and are
held together by.a fusible hoop or band which is made of a strip or strips of metal
having the ends thereof joined by the alloy.
All the surfaces to be parted in operation are coated and filled with paraffin
which is proof against corrosion and at a lower temperature than the alloy, thus
rendering all the parts or surfaces clear and clean before the alloy melts. The
various recesses in the exterior of the case may also be filled with this substance to
prevent the accumulation of dust which would very materially hinder the fusing of
the alloy.
In operation, the rise of temperature melts the coating and filling, which
flowing off, leaves the fusible joints well exposed to the heat. These joints soon
melt and allow the case to drop by gravity. In the instance where the case is
placed over the pipes, a suitable spring may be placed inside the case to aid the
operation.
In falling, the case jerks the releasing lever and breaks or deranges the valve
support and effectually pulls the valve off its seat unaided by the pressure of the
water in the system.
The case does not fall to the floor because of the limited auxiliary chains.

page_text: Water issues through the opening which was previously closed by the valve, and
since the valve is at one extremity of the extinguisher frame and the distributor at
the other an improved distribution of water is ensured.
When the fire is extinguished the flow may be stopped by turning the thumb
screw which brings the distributor in close contact with the orifice, after which it 5
may be shut off at the main valve of the system, and the parts of the extinguisher
replaced for future action.
Dated this ca 1
Improvements in Automatic Fire Extinguishers.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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:-
This invention relates to "automatic sprinklers" used for extinguishing fires.
The "automatic sprinkler" or fire extinguisher constructed according to this
invention has the following features: that
to say,
First: The valve is held closed by positive means. Second: No water is contained
in any part thereof. Third: The distributor is entirely encased. Fourth: The
valve is opened by a force independent of the pressure of the fluid in the pipes to
which the extinguisher is attached. Fifth: The valve when open is automatically
locked in that position. Sixth: Provision is made for a direct upward discharge.
Seventh A general distribution is obtained through a permanent annular
discharge opening. Eighth Provision is made for readily stopping the flow.
Ninth The encased distributor is automatically exposed when the fusible
connections are melted.
▸
A modified form of sprinkler constructed according to this invention has the
following features, viz.:-An unobstructed water-way; improved distribution of
water; means for stopping the flow; means for opening the valve attached directly
to the valve; a valve support adapted to be broken or deranged for the release of
the valve; a limited fall of the case after the valve is removed; means to prevent
entanglement of the connections; the protection of the surfaces to be parted and
the exposed cavities by a filling of non-corrosive and fusible filling; and the
provision of improved fusible surfaces adapted for automatic action.
.
I sometimes so modify the extinguisher that it may be located above the supply
pipe and still possess all the above mentioned features.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate this invention
Figure 1 is a longitudinal central section of the extinguisher intended to be fixed
below the supply pipes.
Figure 2 is a plan of the same.
Figure 3 is a side elevation, and
Figure 4 is a longitudinal central section of a modified form of the improved
extinguisher.
Figure 5 a plan of the same.
Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate modifications of the parts intended to fuse.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the extinguisher illustrated in Figure 4 showing

page_text: the case in the act of falling, and at that point of its fall when the valve support is
broken or deranged.
Figure 10 is a vertical central section of the upper part of Figure 9, and taken
at right angles thereto.
Figure 11 shows partly in central longitudinal section and partly in side
elevation a modified valve support applicable to the extinguisher illustrated in
Figures 4 and 9,
Figure 12 is a side elevation, and
Figure 13 is a longitudinal central section of a modified extinguisher intended
to be fixed above the supply pipes.
Figure 14 is a plan of the same.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, A. is the supply pipe of the system. B is the
distributor, screw threaded at b, to fit the nipple of the supply pipe. C, C are
vertical holes through the upper part of the distributor; D is an annular discharge
opening cut around its periphery, the lower part of the distributor being held by
its ribs or parts d, d.
The uppermost part of the distributor forms the seat for the valve E which has
a stem e extending through the lower part of the distributor at e¹. F is a lever,
fulcrumed to the distributor at fand bearing against the lower end of the valve
stem e and resting at its free end on a lever G which is fulcrumed at g. H is a
chain one end of which is fastened to the long end of the lever G; a small part of
this chain is sustained by this lever and the remainder lies loose in the case I. The
other end of the chain is made fast to the case at i. The weight of the case I is
about twenty ounces but may be more or less. Its purpose is to protect the
distributor B from all obstructing accumulations of dirt or the like and from blows
and accidents which it would otherwise be subject to, and to force open the valve E
in event of a fire. When thus guarded, a severe blow will not injure the valve nor
any of the other parts of the distributor; while in other sprinklers as heretofore
made such a blow would cause a serious leak. The case I is formed with a
shoulder J which serves as a stop when putting the parts together and thus
facilitates such work. The distributor is provided with a peripheral dove-tailed
rabbetj near its upper edge.
The case I is supported in the example shewn by a series of quadrantal plates k
and blocks k¹ which are soldered together by fusible alloy.
•
L, L are set screws which pass through the flange of the case I and are screwed
into the pieces k. The plates & fit into the dove-tailed rabbetj of the distributor
and thereby serve to support the case in such a manner that a practically air
tight closure is effected between the casing and distributor, while the same do not
come into direct contact with each other.
The operation is as follows:-
:-
In the event of a fire, the rise of temperature melts the solder at the joints
between the pieces k and k¹; and the casing I with the pieces k secured thereto
then falls away. At the termination of the fall which is limited by the chain H, a
severe jerk is given to the lever G which in turn acts on the lever F to raise the
same, and thereby to open the supply valve E.
The weight of the casing I falling through the distance allowed by the chain H
is sufficient to ensure the opening of the valve, and consequently the sprinkler is
reliable in action.
When the case has fallen, its weight holds the lever G in a vertical position in
which the short end of the said lever sustains the lever and locks the valve so
that no weight on the valve could possibly close it or move the levers from their
position.
When the fire is extinguished, the supply valve E may be closed, and further
damage by water stopped, by simply raising the lever G to its original position,
whereupon the lever F will fall and the valve will close.
The case I may then be replaced and held in position by new fusible solder
applied to the parts k, and k¹ thus rendering the extinguisher complete as before....

page_text: It may be observed that since the valve is rigidly supported by solid metal, the
water pressure does not operate to weaken the fusible joint; moreover the fusible
joint performs no direct function in the opening of the valve.
In other so called "sprinkler heads" used for this purpose there is provided a
space above the valve which in time becomes filled with sediment that hardens
and frequently prevents the valve from opening or chokes the outlet in case it
should open. The valve is also exposed to external influences which often render
it inoperative.
It moreover frequently happens that a valve having the required pressure to
open it will fail by reason of sediment and corrosion. To such valves the aforesaid
drop weight may be added to ensure the opening.
Referring now to Figures 3 to 10 which show another "sprinkler" or
extinguisher constructed according to my invention M is the frame of the
extinguisher, which is screw-threaded at m for insertion into the pipe fittings of the
system.
N is the valve in contact with its seat n and held in position by a lever O and
glass post O¹ which rests in a seat P that may be a part of, or be inserted into a
set screw supported by the frame M. By these parts the valve is held closed.
To the outer end of the lever O a long open link R Figure 9 is attached and to this
link is connected one end of the short auxiliary chain S, the other end of which is
secured to the frame M. Sliding links T T are linked to the long link R at one
end and to the case U at the other by means of a pin or screw t. In the inner
surface of the case U are formed recesses u, u Figure 4 and upon the frame M are
madé corresponding projections u¹ u¹ Figures 4 and 9 for insertion into said recesses
to prevent the turning of the frame inside the case.
V is a hollow thumb screw having a milled head v. It is screw-threaded
internally to receive the set screw Q and externally for its support to the frame;
said set-screw Q may be operated by a common screw driver passed up the hollow
screw V.
W is the water-distributor, mounted upon the set screw Q and capable of turning
freely upon a bearing pin to (see Figure 4) which screws into the end of the
screw Q. The head of the screw pin w forms the bearing or seat P for the end of
the glass rod O¹. The distributor W is located as far away from the valve seat as
is possible, for by such construction the distribution of water is improved.
When the case U is in place as shown in Figures 3 and 4 the screw V extends
through it and into a circular recess X and constitutes in combination with the
fusible parts the means whereby the case is supported and held to the frame. The
fusible parts consist of an alloy soldered to the inner edge of a thin ring X2 and
into which alloy screw threads are cut so that a nut is thereby made which engages
the screw threads of the screw V and thus sustains the weight of the case.
A non-
conducting pad or washer X is interposed between the fusible nut aforesaid and
the case to prevent conduction of heat.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 show modifications of the nut and ring X. In these
modifications the several parts that come in contact with and engage the screw
threads of the screw V are indicated by the reference letter and the points of
fusion or that part united by the fusible alloy by the reference letter a
respectively.
The operation of this extinguisher is as follows, that is to say when the
temperature rises sufficiently to melt the fusible alloy in the ring X³ the case U
becomes liberated and falls until arrested by the chain S.
In falling, the case through the link R jerks the lever and breaks or deranges
the valve support O' and thus releases the valve and then pulls it off its seat
independently of the pressure of the water in the pipes of the system. The water
then issues through the opening which was previously closed by the valve and
strikes the distributor W and is thereby spread laterally. Since the valve is at
one extremity of the extinguisher frame and the distributor at the other, an
improved distribution of water is ensured.

page_text: When the fire is extinguished, the flow may be stopped by turning the thumb
screw V which lifts the distributor into close contact with the water-discharge
orifice after which the water may be shut off at the main valve of the system; and
the parts of the extinguisher then replaced for future action.
In the modification illustrated in Figure 11 the pillar for supporting the valve
is received at its upper end in a socket in the valve and is pivoted at its lower end
to the lever O which is formed as shown. A small projection p is in this case
formed on the seat P and fits in a recess or depression o provided in the horizontal
bearing surface of the lever O. A part of said surface is removed at the side as
indicated at o' to facilitate the derangement of the valve support by allowing the
pillar to readily tip over when the lever O is jerked by the falling of the case. The
operation of this modification will be readily understood.
When this extinguisher is intended for use above the supply pipes, a modification
of the construction is necessary.
The case is then divided vertically as seen in Figures 12 to 14, and the whole
extinguisher is so screwed in place that the halves will fall clear of the pipe
underneath. U U are the two halves of the case, U¹ being the half which
performs the same function of the whole case in Figures 3, 4 and 9. The
construction of the parts that release the valve are substantially the same as those
shown in Figure 11 except that the parts are inverted. S' is the auxiliary chain
attached to the frame and to the half U2 of the case to prevent the latter falling to
the floor. S is the chain connecting the half U¹ of the case to the lever O, and
S³ the auxiliary chain to prevent the fall of the part U' to the floor after the valve
is opened.
Each half of the case has a recess Y in its exterior surface, and the halves are
held together by a hoop or band Z, which is made of thin metal in two parts joined
atz, by a fusible alloy; the joints are placed opposite the recesses Y Y as seen in
Figure 14. The operation of this apparatus is similar to that described with
reference to Figure 11.
All the surfaces to be parted in operation are protected by a coating or filling of
paraffin which is proof against corrosion and melts at a lower temperature than the
alloy; thus all the parts or surfaces are quite clear and clean after the alloy melts.
The recesses Y Figures 12 and 14 and X Figure 4 may also be filled with this
substance to prevent the accumulation of dust which would very materially hinder
the fusion of the alloy.
In operation, the rise of temperature melts the coating and filling, which flowing
off leaves the fusible joints well exposed to the heat. These joints soon melt and
allow the case to drop by gravity. In the instance where the case is placed over
the pipes, a spring Zo Figure 13 is used to aid the separation of the case.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondents, I declare that I am aware that fusible connections have
been heretofore used in automatic fire extinguishers and I do not claim such
connections broadly, or irrespectively of the above described improvements but I
claim:-
First. In a fire extinguisher, the parts k and k¹ united by readily fusible metal
or alloy for supporting the outer case, substantially as and for the purpose,
described.
Second. The distributor B having the valve E located at its inlet said valve
being provided with a stem extending through the distributor, in combination with
the case I and connecting mechanism to raise said valve, when the case falls,
substantially as herein set forth.
Third. The lever F pivoted to the distributor, in combination with the lever G
also pivoted to the distributor and connected by a chain to the case I substantially
as, and for the purpose, specified.
Fourth. In an automatic fire extinguisher a supported valve held closed

page_text: independently of the fusible parts, in combination with a case adapted to fall, a
chain and levers between the case and the valve, operating as set forth to open the
valve when the case falls, and the fusible supports for holding the case to the
distributor substantially as herein set forth.
Fifth.. The combination with the frame M of the valve located in one end of the
frame, and means for ensuring the automatic opening of the said valve as herein set
forth, and for the purpose specified.
Sixth. The combination, with the frame having the valve seat and valve at one
end thereof, of the distributor mounted in the other end of the said frame,
substantially as shown and described.
Seventh. The screw V having the distributor mounted thereon and constituting
the means whereby the flow of liquid may be stopped as herein set forth.
Eighth. The valve N supported or or held against its seat by a pillar and a
lever O, the latter being connected to the case in such a manner that when the
case falls, the lever is jerked and the valve support is thereby deranged or broken,
substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
.
Ninth. The combination, with the parts having surfaces intended to be
antomatically parted, of a non-corrosive coating or filling interposed between said
surfaces as herein set forth, and for the purpose specified.
Tenth. The case divided vertically through its centre, and enclosing all of the
parts that operate to open the valve, to which parts one half of the case is
connected by a chain, in combination with an encircling band or hoop Z having
fusible connections, and with or without the spring Zo, substantially as described,
and for the purpose specified.
Eleventh. The non-conducting pad or washer X' interposed between the
and the support of said case, substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
case
Twelfth. A fire extinguisher, constructed substantially as described with
reference to either or any of the forms or modifications herein shown and described
and operating as, and for the purpose, specified.
Dated this 28th day of December 1894.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.