Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Jan., 1887
Complete Left, 31st Oct., 1887
Complete Accepted, 6th Dec., 1887
I, FREDERICK GRINNELL of Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of said invention to be as follows:-
:-
This invention relates to those systems of fire extinguishers in which the distributing
pipes located throughout the building to be protected and provided with sprinklers,
opening automatically upon the occurrence of a fire in their vicinity, are filled with
air under a light pressure the water being held in check by a valve of suitable con-
struction under the control of the light air pressure.
Heretofore in such a system the water valve has been held closed through the
medium of suitable intervening mechanism by the action of the air pressure in the
distributing pipes, the release of the said pressure by the opening of one or more
of the sprinklers allowing a weight to drop and open the water valve.
My present invention consists of certain combinations of devices whereby the light
air pressure in the distributing pipes is made to act in direct opposition to the water
pressure in holding the water valve closed thereby doing away with all intervening
imechanism and rendering the device simple and more reliable in operation.
My invention further consists of certain details of construction hereinafter
described.
The accompanying drawing, sheet 1, represents a sectional view of a fire extinguishing
apparatus embodying my improvements and showing the valves in their normal or
closed position.
The distributing pipes 1 and the sprinklers 2 are of the usual construction, the
sprinklers being of a character that will open automatically upon the occurrence of a
fire in their vicinity such for instance as are shown in various patents granted to me
in which the fusion of a soldered joint allows the internal pressure to force an
opening.
Between the distributing pipes 1 and the water supply pipe 3, I interpose an

page_text: intermediate chamber or casing 4, separated from the water supply pipe by the water
valve 5 controlled by a valve 6 or its equivalent means which being exposed to the
pressure in the distributing pipes and suitably connected with the water valve, keeps
the latter from opening under the action of the water pressure until the pressure in
the distributing pipes is released by the opening of one or more of the sprinklers.
I have in this case shown a valve 6 connected to the water valve 5 by a stem 7 but
it is evident that there are other suitable means substantially equivalents of those
shown that may be employed to accomplish the same result. Thus a diaphragm or
piston could be used instead of the valve 6 and they could have a communication
either through them or around them for the water to flow from the intermediate
chamber to the distributing pipes. Such a communicating passage should be
preferably closed with a check valve.
It is also evident that the member 6 whether it be a valve, a piston or a diaphragm
could instead of being connected to the valve 5 by a stem 7 be made one with said
valve 5 as would be instanced by a plain disc valve having two concentric valve seats
with an annular space between the seats corresponding to what I call the intermediate
chamber space.
1 make the controlling means 6 enough larger than the water valve 5 to more than
compensate for the difference of pressure in the two pipes. It might however be of the
same or even less area than the water valve if it were given some mechanical advantage,
as for instance by acting on the outer end of a lever at a point nearer the fulcrum and I
wish it to be understood that I consider that in this case as in the form shown, the
two pressures are directly opposed to each other.
Thus it will be seen that the gist of this invention consists of means for holding
the water in check by opposing directly to the water pressure the lighter air pressure
in the distributing pipes.
The intermediate chamber 4 is designed to contain air or water under a pressure
less than that in the distributing pipes preferably about atmospheric pressure, so that
the moveable member 6 will not be prevented from exerting its proper pressure on the
water valve. To insure this I provide a drip pipe 8 which allows a free leakage from
said chamber so that even if the valve or valves should not fit perfectly tight the
small amount of leakage past them would easily escape. This drip-pipe is preferably
provided with a check valve 9 which is so constructed that any considerable increase
in pressure such as arises when the water-valve is open will close the said pipe and
thus prevent the further escape of water therethrough.
This check-valve consists of a disk 10 resting normally on pins or studs 11 so as to
allow of a free passage of water around it but closing up against a seat 12, when the
"head" of water exceeds a certain amount. A pipe 13 leads from the lower part of
the distributing pipe and has a cock 14, whereby the system of pipes may be freed
from water down to that point. The distributing pipes may be charged with air under
pressure by attaching an air pump to pipe 15 and the gage 10 serves to indicate at
any time the pressure in the system. A by-pass 17 having a stop-cock 18 enables
one to turn the water into the distributing pipes and intermediate chamber when
desired.
In order to prevent the valve from returning to the seat after once it has opened.
I provide a stop in the form of a spring 19 which normally rests against a stud 20.
depending from the valve 6 and which passes in between said stud and another stud 21
when the valve opens and prevents it from closing.
To close the valve it is then necessary to take out one of the hand-hole plugs 22
and push aside the spring and in doing this the attention is called to any sediment or
other obstruction on the valve seats. A rod 23 depending from the valve 6 through
a hole in the casing or chamber 4 passes through a ring 24 to which is attached a
cord or wire 25 that holds in check a suitable alarm mechanism and releases the same
when the valves lifts.
The water valve is shown as a cup valve because this form of valve allows of a
certain amount of movement-sufficient say to release the alarm mechanism before
the water escapes.

page_text: This form of valve also allows of a more accurate fitting of the controller valve 6. It
is desirable to have the water stand normally in the pipes about as shown and it will be
seen that the arrangement of pipes and cocks is such as to leave it so.
When a fire occurs in any part of the building the nearest fusible joint is melted
and the air escaping through the sprinkler thus opened relieves the distributing pipes
from pressure and the water in supply pipe 3 not being any longer opposed by a
pressure above the valve 6 opens valve 5 carrying with it valve 6 and passing up
through the distributing pipes discharges through the open sprinkler and extinguishes
the fire.
By the expression "light air pressure " I mean air or gas under under a pressure
light as compared with the water pressure in the supply mains.
It will be seen that all the essential features of the device are completely enclosed
within the walls so that they are rendered much less liable to molestation.
A modified form of my invention is illustrated on sheet 2.
Figure 1 shows a sectional view of this modification in its closed or normal
position.
Figure 2, is a similar view shewing the device in its open or operative position.
The distributing pipes 1 are provided with automatic fire extinguishers or
sprinklers 2 which may be held closed by a piece or a joint of fusible metal that will
melt and allow the fluid within the pipe to escape upon the occurrence of a fire in .
their vicinity.
The water supply pipe 3 connects with the source of water pressure and com-
municates through a port closed by valve S with the chamber or casing 5 and from
this chamber another port closed by valve 9. leads to the distribution pipe. This
valve 9 is a plain check valve and serves to retain the air pressure that is normally
maintained in the distributing pipe.
The valve S is also a check valve and serves to keep the water from flowing from
the supply pipe. It has an extended stem 7 supporting a diaphragm 10 which
separates the chamber 5 from another chamber 11, that communicates through pipe 12
with the distributing pipe.
The diaphragm is made larger in area than the water valve 8 so as to more than
compensate for the greater pressure of the water over that of the air so that the water
valve is held closed by the direct action of the air-pressure in the distributing pipes.
To assist the diaphragm in performing its function of holding the water-valve
closed the intermediate chamber 5 is kept under a pressure less than that in the
distributing pipes and this is done notwithstanding any leaking that may occur at the
valves 8 or 9 by means of a drip-pipe 13 which communicates normally with
the atmosphere. This drip pipe is provided with a check valve 14 which allows the
water to slowly leak past but closed up against a seat when the water is fully turned
on by the opening of valve 8.
A cock 15 in a by-pass 16 around the valve S allows the water to be turned on at
will into the intermediate chamber and distributing pipes. A cock 17 in pipe 12
allows the water to be drawn off from the distribution pipes.
Air may be pumped into the distributing pipes by attaching an air pump to pipe 27
and a pressure gage 18 serves to indicate at all times the pressure in the system."
A cock 19, in the pipe 12 is used to disconnect the chamber 11 from the distributing
pipe 1 so as to facilitate operations upon the valves.
A spring 22 is arranged so as to pass under valve stem 7 when the valve is moved
from its seat so as to hold it open. To replace the valve the hand-hole plug 21 is
taken out and the spring pushed to one side.
The distributing pipes being charged with air under a light pressure and the valves
and diaphragm being in their closed positions as shown in Figure 1. the cock 19 being
open, and the cocks 15, 17 and 27 being closed the apparatus will have the water
standing in it as shown and will be ready for action.
Should now a fire occur anywhere in the building the nearest sprinkler will open
and the pressure in the distributing pipes being thus released the valve 8 not being
held any longer by a pressure back of the diaphragm 10 will be forced from its seat

page_text: by the water and held open by stop 20 while the water flowing into the chamber 5
will shut the check valve 14 and opening the valve 9 will fill the distributing pipe
and escaping by the open sprinkler will extinguish the fire.
I do not wish to limit myself to the use of a diaphragm for holding the water-
valve closed as it is evident that any means closing the opening between chambers 5
and 11 and movable therein may be used to hold the valve. Thus I would consider
that a piston sliding in a cylinder would be the equivalent of the diaphragm.
The chamber 11 is to be considered as if it were one with the distributing pipe, the
cock 19 performing no function whatever in the operation of the device.
The third part of my invention relates to means for controlling the flow of fluid
in a series of three chambers or pipes where the first and third chambers are charged
with fluid pressure independent of each other and of the intermediate chamber and
where it is desired to have the fluid from the first chamber flow through the second
or intermediate chamber into the third chamber upon the release of pressure from
said third chamber and my invention more particularly relates to such a system where
the pressure in the third chamber though less than that in the first is made to directly
control the flow from the latter.
It is often desirable as described above for instance to have a less pressure in the
working or distributing pipes of a fluid pressure system than in the supply pipes or
mains or to have air pressure in the former and water pressure in the latter or to have
normally both of these conditions and yet have the release of pressure from the
working pipes automatically open a connection to them from the supply pipe.
To do this effectively it is necessary to provide an intermediate chamber having a
less pressure than either of the pipes and opening into both pipes through valve ports
the valves of which are both held closed by means acted upon by the pressure in the
working or distributing pipes.
My present invention consists of a peculiar construction of duplex check-valvo for
performing this function and its construction and operation will be best understood
from a description of the drawings on sheet 3 in which:-Figure 1 represents a view
partly in section of this improvement applied to a system of automatic fire
extinguishers.
Figure 2 shows the device in its operative or open position.
Figure 3 shows a detail hereinaftor described.
In figure 1 are shown distributing pipes 1 provided with sprinklers 2 such as are
used in an apparatus of that kind. These pipes and distributors are charged with air
under a light pressure by attaching an air pump to pipe 27 and a guage 18 serves
to show at any time when the pressure is up to the proper point.
The water supply pipe 3 is connected with any suitable source of water pressure
and between it and the distributing pipe 1 I place a chamber or casing 4 separated
by a water valve 5 from the supply pipe and by a diaphragm 6 and valve 7 from the
distributing pipe.
The valves 5 and 7 are made integral by means of a connecting stem 9 thereby
forming what may be called a duplex valve and the post of the upper valve 7 being
through the diaphragm 6, the diaphragm when forced down by pressure from above
has a tendency to hold both valves to their respective seats. Owing to the greater
area of the diaphragm 6 and valve 7 over the water valve 5 the light air pressure in
the distributing pipes is enabled to more than balance the greater water pressure in
the supply pipe and the water valve is thus held securely to its seat until such time
as the pressure in the distributing pipes is relieved by the opening of one or more
of the sprinklers. The valves are guided by a valve stem 9 passing through yokes 10
and the diaphragm 6 is similarly guided by yokes 11 attached to it and sliding on the
valve stem.
The fact that the valve 7 seats up against the moveable diaphragm 6 instead of
against a rigid seat greatly facilitates the accurate fitting of the valves. It will also
be seen that the valve 7 may be as small as desired, compatible with sufficient area of
opening because it is not alone depended upon to hold the water valve closed.
The Huid in the intermediate chamber 4 should have a pressure less than that in

page_text: the distributing pipes 1 and in order to prevent any leakage that may occur past the
valves 5 or 7 from increasing this pressure I provide a drip pipe 13 which communi-
cates normally with the atmosphere through a check valve 17 as before described.
This check valve is shown enlarged in Figure 3.
The valve stem 9 has a shoulder 30, that impinges against the yoke 10 when the
valves open and prevents their further motion, whereupon the diaphragm continuing
its motion opens the port closed by valve 7.
The pressure being removed from the upper side of the diaphragm by the opening
of any of the sprinklers under the action of the heat of a fire, the water will be
unopposed and will lift the valve 5 from its seat carrying with it valve 7 and
diaphragm 6 the water pressure thus reaching the under side of the diaphragm will
continue to push the same upward, after the shoulder 30 has reached the yoke 10 and
stopped the inovement of the valves.
The water will thus have a free passage past both valves into the distributing pipe
and through the opened sprinklers.
FREDERICK GRINNELL.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings,
Agents.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fire Extinguishing Apparatus.
I, FREDERICK GRINNELL of Providence Rhode Island, in the United States of
America, Manufacturer, 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 those systems of fire extinguishers in which the distributing
pipes located throughout the building to be protected and provided with sprinklers,
opening automatically upon the occurrence of a fire in their vicinity, are filled with
air under a light pressure, the water being held in check by a valve of suitable
construction under the control of the light air pressure.
Heretofore in such a system the water valve has been held closed through the
medium of suitable intervening mechanism by the action of the air pressure in the
distributing pipes, the release of the said pressure by the opening of one or more of
the sprinklers allowing a weight to drop and open the water valve.
My present invention consists of certain combinations of devices whereby the light
air pressure in the distributing pipes is made to act in direct opposition to the water
pressure in holding the water valve closed thereby doing away with all intervening
mechanism and rendering the device simple and more reliable in operation.
My invention further consists of certain details of construction hereinafter
described.
The accompanying drawing sheet 1, represents a sectional view of a fire extinguish-
ing apparatus embodying my improvements and showing the valves in their normal
or closed position.
The distributing pipes 1, and the sprinklers 2, are of the usual construction the
sprinklers being of a character that will open automatically upon the occurrence of
a fire in their vicinity such for instance as are shown in various patents granted to
me in which the fusion of a soldered joint allows the internal pressure to force an
opening.
Between the distributing pipes 1 and the water supply pipe 3, I interpose an inter-
mediate chamber or casing 4, separated from the water supply pipe by the water
valve 5 controlled by a valve 6, or its equivalent means which being exposed to the
pressure in the distributing pipes and suitably connected with the water valve,
keeps the latter from opening under the action of the water pressure until the
pressure in the distributing pipes is released by the opening of one or more of the
sprinklers.
I have in this case shown a valve 6 connected to the water valve 5 by a stem 7 but
it is evident that there are other suitable means substantially equivalents of those
shown that may be employed to accomplish the same result. Thus a diaphragm or
piston could be used instead of the valve 6 and they could have a communication
either through them or around them for the water to flow from the intermediate

page_text: chamber to the distributing pipes. Such a communicating passage should be preferably
closed with a check valve.
It is also evident that the member 6 whether it be a valve, a piston or a diaphragm
could instead of being connected to the valve 5 by a stem 7 be made one with said
valve 5 as would be instanced by a plain disk valve having two concentric valve seats
with an annular space between the seats corresponding to what I call the inter-
mediate chamber space.
I make the controlling means 6 enough larger than the water valve 5 to more than
compensate for the difference of pressure in the 2 pipes. It might however be of
the same or even less area than the water valve if it were given some mechanical
advantage, as for instance by acting on the outer end of a lever at a point nearer the
fulcrum and I wish it to be understood that I consider that in this case as in the form
shown, the two pressures are directly opposed each other.
Thus it will be seen that the gist of this invention consists of means for holding
the water in check by opposing directly to the water pressure the lighter air pressure
in the distributing pipes.
The intermediate chamber 4 is designed to contain air or water under a pressure
less than that in the distributing pipes preferably about atmospheric pressure, so
that the movable member 6 will not be prevented from exerting its proper pressure
on the water valve. To insure this I provide a drip pipe 8 which allows a free
leakage from said chamber so that even if the valve or valves should not fit perfectly
tight the small amount of leakage past them would easily escape. This drip pipe is
preferably provided with a check valve which is so constructed that
any considerable
increase in pressure such as arises when the water valve is open will close the
said pipe and thus prevent the further escape of water therethrougli.
This check valve consists of a disk 10 resting normally on pins or studs 11 so as
to allow of a free passage of water around it but closing up against a seat 12 when
the "head" of water exceeds a certain amount. A pipe 13 leads from the lower
part of the distributing pipe and has a cock 14 whereby the system of pipes may be
freed from water down to that point. The distributing pipes may be charged with
air under pressure by attaching an air pump to pipe 15 and the gage 16 serves to
indicate at any time the pressure in the system. A by-pass 17 having a stop cock 18
enables one to turn the water into the distributing pipes and intermediate chamber
when desired.
In order to prevent the valve from returning to the seat after once it has opened
I provide a stop in the form of a spring 19. which normally rests against a stud 20
depending from the valve 6 and which passes in between said stud and another
stud 21 when the valve opens and prevents it from closing. To close the valve it is
then necessary to take out one of the hand hole plugs 22 and push aside the spring
and in doing this the attention is called to any sediment or other obstruction on the
valve seats. A rod 23 depending from the valve 6 through a hole in the casing or
chamber 4 passes through a ring 24 to which is attached a cord or wire 25 that
holds in check a suitable alarm mechanism and releases the same when the valves lift.
The water valve is shown as a cup valve because this form of valve allows of a
certain amount of movement sufficient say to release the alarm mechanism before the
water escapes.
This form of valve also allows of a more accurate fitting of the controller
valve 6. It is desirable to have the water stand normally in the pipes about as
shown and it will be seen that the arrangement of pipes and cocks is such as to
leave it so.
When a fire occurs in any part of the building the nearest fusible joint is melted
and the air escaping through the sprinkler thus opened relieves the distributing pipes
from pressure and the water in supply pipe 3 not being any longer opposed by a
pressure above the valve 6 opens valve 5 carrying with it valve 6 and passing up
through the distributing pipes discharges through the open sprinkler and extinguishes
the fire.

page_text: By the expression "light air pressure" I mean air or gas under a pressure light as
compared with the water pressure in the supply mains.
It will be seen that all the essential features of the device are completely enclosed
within the walls so that they are rendered much less liable to molestation.
A modified form of my invention is illustrated on sheet 2.
Figure 1 shows a sectional view of this modification in its closed or normal
position.
Figure 2 is a similar view showing the device in its open or operative position.
The distributing pipes 1 are provided with automatic fire extinguishers or
sprinklers 2 which may be held closed by a piece or a joint of fusible metal that will
melt and allow the fluid within the pipe to escape upon the occurrence of a fire in their
vicinity.
The water supply pipe 3 connects with the source of water pressure and communi-
cates through a port closed by valve 8 with the chamber or casing 5 and from this
chamber another port closed by valve 9 leads to the distribution pipe. This valve 9
is a plain check valve and serves to retain the air pressure that is normally maintained
in the distributing pipe.
The valve 8 is also a check valve and serves to keep the water from flowing from
the supply pipe. It has an extended stem 7 supporting a diaphragm 10 which
separates the chamber 5 from another chamber 11 that communicates through pipe 1.2
with the distributing pipe.
The diaphragm is made larger in area than the water valve 8 so as to more than
compensate for the greater pressure of the water over that of the air so that the
water valve is held closed by the direct action of the air pressure in the distributing
pipes.
To assist the diaphragm in performing its function of holding the water valve
closed the intermediate chamber 5 is kept under a pressure less than that in the
distributing pipes and this is done notwithstanding any leaking that may occur at the
valves 8 or 9 by means of a drip pipe 13 which communicates normally with
the atmosphere. This drip pipe is provided with a check valve 14 which allows the
water to slowly leak past but closed up against a seat when the water is fully turned
on by the opening of valve 8.
A cock 15 in a by-pass 16 around the valve 8 allows the water to be turned on at
will into the intermediate chamber and distributing pipes. A cock 17 in pipe 12
allows the water to be drawn off from the distribution pipes. Air may be pumped
into the distributing pipes by attaching an air pump to pipe 27 and a pressure gage 18
serves to indicate at all times the pressure in the system.
A cock 19 in the pipe 12 is used to disconnect the chamber 11 from the
distributing pipe 1 so as to facilitate operations upon the valves. A spring 22 is
arranged so as to pass under valve stem 7 when the valve is moved from its scat so
as to hold it open. To replace the valve the hand hole plug 21 is taken out and
the spring pushed to one side.
The distributing pipes being charged with air ander a light pressure and the valves
and diaphragm being in their closed positions as shown in Figure 1 the cock 19 being
open, and the cocks, 15, 17 and 27 being closed the apparatus will have the water
standing in it as shown and will be ready for action.
Should now a fire occur anywhere in the building the nearest sprinkler will open
and the pressure in the distributing pipes being thus released the valve 8 not being
held any longer by a pressure back of the diaphragm 10 will be forced from its seat
by the water and held open by stop 20 while the water flowing into the chamber 5
will shut the check valve 14 and opening the valve 9 will fill the distributing pipe and
escaping by the open sprinkler will extinguish the fire.
I do not wish to limit myself to the use of a diaphragm for holding the water valve
closed as it is evident that any means closing the opening between chambers 5 and 11
and moveable therein may be used to hold the valve; Thus I would consider that a
piston sliding in a cylinder would be the equivalent of the diaphragm.

page_text: The chamber 11 is to be considered as if it were one with the distributing pipe,
the cock 19 performing no function whatever in the operation of the device.
The third part of my invention relates to means for controlling the flow of fluid in
a series of three chambers or pipes where the first and third chambers are charged
with fluid pressure independent of each other and of the intermediate chamber and
where it is desired to have the fluid from the first chamber flow through the second
or intermediate chamber into the third chamber upon the release of pressure from
said third chamber and my invention more particularly relates to such a system
where the pressure in the third chamber though less than that in the first is made
to directly control the flow from the latter.
It is often desirable as described above for instance to have a less pressure in the
working or distributing pipes of a fluid pressure system than in the supply pipes or
mains or to have air pressure in the former and water pressure in the latter or to
have normally both of these conditions and yet have the release of pressure from the
working pipes automatically open a connection to them from the supply pipe.
To do this effectively it is necessary to provide an intermediate chamber having a
less pressure than either of the pipes and opening into both pipes through valve ports
the valves of which are both held closed by means acted upon by the pressure in the
working or distributing pipes.
My present invention consists of a peculiar construction of duplex check valve for
performing this function and its construction and operation will be best understood
from a description of the drawings on sheet 3 in which
Figure 1 represents a view partly in section of this improvement applied to a
system of automatic fire extinguishers.
Figure 2 shows the device in its operative or open position.
Figure 3 shows a detail hereinafter described.
In Figure I are shown distributing pipes I provided with sprinklers
such as are
used in an apparatus of that kind. These pipes and distributors are charged with air
under a light pressure by attaching an air pump to pipe 27 and a gage 18 serves to
show at any time when the pressure is up to the proper point.
The water supply pipe 3 is connected with any suitable source of water pressure,
and between it and the distributing pipe 1 I place a chamber or casing 4, separated
by a water valve 5 from the supply pipe and by a diaphragm 6 and valve 7 from the
distributing pipc.
The valves 5 and 7 are made integral by means of a connecting stem 9 thereby
forming what may be called a duplex valve, and the post of the upper valve 7 being
through the diaphragm 6, the diaphragin when forced down by pressure from above
has a tendency to hold both valves to their respective seats. Owing to the greater
area of the diaphragm 6 and valve 7 over the water valve 5 the light air pressure in
the distributing pipes is enabled to more than balance the greater water pressure in
the supply pipe and the water valve is thus held securely to its seat until such time
as the pressure in the distributing pipes is relieved by the opening of one or more of
the sprinklers. The valves are guided by a valve stem 9 passing through yokes 10
and the diaphragm is similarly guided by yokes 11 attached to it and sliding on
the valve stem.
The fact that the valve 7 seats up against the moveable diaphragm 6 instead of
against a rigid seat greatly facilitates the accurate fitting of the valves. It will also
be seen that the valve 7 may be as small as desired, compatible with sufficient
area of opening because it is not alone depended upon to hold the water valve
closed.
The fluid in the intermediate chamber 4 should have a pressure less than that in
the distributing pipes 1 and in order to prevent any leakage that may occur past the
valves 5 or 7 from increasing this pressure I provide a drip pipe 13 which com-
municates normally with the atmosphere through a check valve 17 as before
described.
This check valve is shown enlarged in Figure 3.
The valve stem 9 has a shoulder 30. that impinges against the yoke 10 when the

page_text: valves open and prevents their further motion, whereupon the diaphragm continuing
its motion opens the port closed by valve 7.
The pressure being removed from the upper side of the diaphragmn by the opening
of any of the sprinklers under the action of the heat of a fire, the water will be unopposed
and will lift the valve 5 from its seat carrying with it valve 7 and diaphragm 6 the
water pressure thus reaching the underside of the diaphragm will continue to push
the same upward, after the shoulder 30 has reached the yoke 10 and stopped the
movement of the valves. The water will thus have a free passage past both valves
nto the distributing pipe and through the opened sprinklers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1. The combination, substantially as herein before described, of a water supply
pipe, and a distributing pipe capable of holding air under pressure and normally
charged with a light air pressure, with a valve held closed against the water pressure
directly by the lighter air pressure in the distributing pipes, madè effective through
the devices, substantially as set forth.
2. The combination of a water supply pipe, a distributing pipe charged with light
air pressure, and an intermediate chamber or casing under a less pressure than that
in the distributing pipe, with a valve closing the water supply pipe and held closed
directly by devices acted upon by the pressure in the distributing pipe.
3. The combination of the distributing pipe containing light air pressure and the
supply pipe containing a greater water pressure, with a valve casing between them
within which are completely contained a water valve for holding the water in check
and a device closing an opening to the distributing pipe and acted upon by the
pressure therein to hold the water valve closed.
4. The combination of a water supply pipe, a distributing pipe charged with air
under less pressure than the water and an intermediate chamber or casing commu-
nicating normally with the atmosphere, with a valve closing the water supply pipe
and held closed against the water pressure directly by a device located between the
said chamber and distributing pipe and moveable under the action of the pressure in
the said pipe.
5. The combination of a water supply pipe, with a distributing pipe charged with
air under a pressure less than that of the water, an intermediate chamber or casing
between the two pipes, normally open to the atmosphere, a water valve closing an
opening between the supply pipe and said chamber and a moveable member closing
a larger opening between the distributing pipe and the said chamber and operating
to hold the water valve to its closed position by the direct action of the pressure in
the distributing pipes.
6. The combination with the water supply pipe connected with a source of water
under pressure and the distributing pipes charged with air under a less pressure of
an intermediate chamber having about atmospheric pressure and a differential check
valve the smaller valve closing the port into the water supply pipe from the inter-
mediate chamber and the larger valve closing a larger port into the distributing pipes
from said chamber.
7. The combination of the water supply pipe, and a distributing pipe charged with
light air pressure, a valve closing the water supply pipe and held closed directly by
means acted upon by the pressure in the distributing pipes with a check or stop for
holding the valve open after it has operated.
8. The combination of a water supply pipe, a distributing pipe charged with light
air pressure, an intermediate chamber opening into both of said pipes and having a
pressure less than that in the distributing pipe, a water check valve closing the
opening 8 the water supply pipe and a check valve closing the opening between this
valve and the distributing pipe to prevent the escape of fluid from said pipe, with
means acted upon by the air pressure in the distributing pipe for directly holding the
water valve to-its seat.

page_text: 9. The combination of a water supply pipe, and distributing pipe the latter charged
with light air pressure, with means for checking the flow of water from the supply
pipe controlled by the air pressure and independent means for checking the
compressed air.
10. The combination of the water supply pipe charged with water under pressure,
the distributing pipes and sprinklers charged with light air pressure, an intermediate
chamber or casing communicating normally with the atmosphere, a check valve
preventing the escape of fluid from the distributing pipe to the intermediate chamber,
a water valve preventing the flow of water from the water supply pipe to said
chamber and means acted upon by the pressure in the distributing pipe operating
directly upon the water valve only to hold it in its closed position.
11. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of a double valve with
seats facing in opposite directions, a valve seat appropriate to one face of the double
valve to close the opening in the supply pipe, a second valve seat appropriate to the
other face of the double valve and mounted on a moveable diaphragm and a stop to
limit the movement of the double valve when the pressure in the supply pipe is
paramount, and to permit under such pressure the moveable valve seat to move away
from its valve and give entrance for the water into the distributing pipe.
12. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of two pipes or
chambers each containing fluid under pressure, an intermediate chamber having ports
into both pipes and normally under a pressure less than that in either of the pipes, a
moveable diaphragm carrying one of the said ports, a valve or valves held against
both ports by the action of the fluid pressure on the diaphragm and a stop for limiting
the play of said valve or valves.
13. The combination of pipe I, charged with light air pressure, pipe 3 charged
with heavier water pressure, interinediate chamber 4 under pressure less than either
pipe, valve 5 closing port between said chamber 4 and pipe 3, diaphragm 6 closing
pipe 11, and valve 7 closing a port through diaphragm 6 the said valve 7 having a
more limited play than the said diaphragm, and the combined area of said valve 7
and diaphragm 6 being more in excess of the area of the valve 5 than the pressure in
the pipe 3 is in excess of that in pipe 1.
Dated this 31st day of October 1887