IMPROVEMENTS IN CHEMICAL FIRE-ENGINES
Year: 1884

page_text: I, JOHN GIBBS, of Glasgow, in the county of Lanark, Commercial Traveller,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CHEMICAL FIRE-ENGINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of improvements in chemical fire-engines, of the kind
commonly known as "Extincteurs."
In such fire engines the breaking of the bottle containing the acid which is
employed to generate carbonic acid gas by admixture with a solution of an alkaline
carbonate in the vessel, is effected by a blow struck on a piston or pusher projecting
through the cap or top of the extincteur.
According to my Invention, I effect the breaking of the acid bottle by torsion or
by crushing instead of by concussive action, and I form or arrange the bottle
carrier so that the entire contents of the bottle will fall out when the bottle is
broken. I employ by preference an acid bottle or vessel of rectangular or prismatic
form which I secure by means of an open gripper of corresponding shape which
embraces the sides of the bottle near its lower end, such gripper being fixed or
formed on bars or prongs projecting down from the cap of the extincteur.
Over the neck of the bottle or over its upper end, I fit a cap or gripper forming
the end of a spindle which passes through a stuffing box in the top of the extincteur,
the outer end of such spindle being fitted with a handle or wheel. By turning the
handle a torsive strain is applied to the bottle, which if the bottle is weak may be
sufficient to break it; but to ensure breaking of the bottle on applying this strain,
I weaken the bottle by forming a groove round its sides by preference near the
lower end and close to the point where it is held by the gripper. I also in some
cases fit lateral projections on the prongs of the bottle carrier, which enter the groove
on the bottle and facilitate the breaking operation. When broken, the lower end
of the bottle drops through the gripper, and the whole of the contents of the bottle
are thus spilled.
Dated this Nineteenth day of June 1884.

page_text: .
I, JOHN GIBBS of Glasgow, in the county of Lanark, Commercial Traveller,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CHEMICAL FIRE-ENGINES," to be particularly described, and ascertained in, and by
the following statement:-
This Invention consists of improvements in chemical fire engines of the kind
commonly known as "Extincteurs."
In such fire engines the breaking of the bottle containing the acid which is
employed to generate carbonic acid gas by admixture with a solution of an alkaline
carbonate in the vessel, is effected by a blow struck on a piston or pusher projecting
through the cap or top of the extincteur.
According to my invention, I effect the breaking of the acid bottle by torsion, or
by crushing instead of by concussive action, and I form or arrange the bottle
carrier so that the entire contents of the bottle will fall out when the bottle is
broken.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate a typical modification of my
invention figure 1 is an elevation, and figure 2 is a vertical section of an Extincteur
or chemical fire engine embodying my improvements Figure 3 is a detached
elevation of the acid bottle, and its holder viewed in a position at right angles to
that in which it appears in figure 2.
The extincteur casing or body with the discharge pipe, and holding straps is of
the usual well known construction, and need not be described, the novel features
being the means provided for carrying the acid bottle, the form of the bottle itself,
and the means employed for breaking it when the Extincteur is to be used.
1 employ by preference an acid bottle, or vessel A of rectangular or prismatic
form which I fit within an open gripper B of corresponding shape, which embraces
the sides of the bottle near its lower end, such gripper being fixed or formed on
bars or prongs B¹ projecting down from the cap C of the extincteur, and consisting.
of a part B fitting the sides of a lower extension of the bottle, and a movable pin b
which permits of the insertion, and withdrawal of the bottle.
Over the bottle or over its upper end, I fit a cap or gripper D, fitted with arms,
and a carrier d forming or fitted on the end of a spindle D' which may pass through
a stuffing box, or ground bearing in the top of the extincteur the outer end of such
spindle being fitted with a handle or wheel, or with a square d¹ for a spanner. By
turning the handle, and spindle D¹ a torsive strain is applied to the bottle A which
if the bottle is weak may be sufficient to break it, but to ensure breaking of the
bottle on applying this strain, I may weaken the bottle by forming a groove round
its sides by preference near the lower end, and close to the point where it is held
by the gripper b, or I weaken it by tapering its lower end to a narrow neck as
shewn at a When broken, the lower end of the bottle drops through the gripper,
and the whole of the contents of the bottle are thus spilled.
The spindle D is protected by the usual cap F when the apparatus is not in use.

page_text: 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
1st In an Extincteur or chemical fire engine the combination of parts described
for effecting the breaking of the acid bottle by the application of a torsive strain in
the manner set forth.
2nd In an Extincteur or chemical fire engine the combination of a gripper or
holder securing one part of the acid bottle, and a cap or carrier formed on a spindle
passing out of the Extincteur casing, and capable of being turned to apply a torsive
strain on the bottle substantially as set forth.