Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Extinguishing Fire and Preventing it from Spreading.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, som van
Complete Specification Left, 12th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 18th Apr., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Extinguishing
Fire and Preventing it from Spreading.
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, of Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, Strand, in
the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
My present invention is based upon the same principle as is my prior invention
described in the Complete Specification accompanying my Letters Patent dated
the 17th day of October 1889 and numbered 16,416.
My present invention differs from my above mentioned prior invention mainly in
the method and in the devices by which I utilize the thermal connection to sustain
the valve in its normal position. It is obvious that if in the case of my said prior
invention the pressure upon the valve be great, the said thermal connection must
be very strong, and that the fusible conductor must be of considerable sectional
area and therefore require an electric current of considerable magnitude to fuse it.
This is not always a drawback, but in some cases it is so and in such cases it is
desirable to so arrange or dispose the fusible conductor and or other parts of the
apparatus as to enable it to withstand the strain put upon it without undue
augmentation of its sectional area.
To effect this is the object of my present invention, and I do so by making the
fusible connection of such form and arranging it in such a manner that instead of
a mere tensional strain being put upon it, the strain shall be a shearing one or
practically a shearing one.
The most convenient way with which I am acquainted of obtaining such shearing
or practically shearing action on a form of fusible connection which will withstand
a high pressure without requiring too great a current to fuse it, is by arranging
the said connection so that it will act as a key or wedge or the like placed between
two parts of the apparatus: and I shall now proceed to describe by way of types
or examples two contemplated forms of my invention. In order that this descrip-
tion may be more readily understood I have annexed hereto a sheet of drawings
illustrating the said forms.
Of these drawings,
Figure 1 is a vertical section, and
Figure 2, a side elevation of one form of my invention, the latter figure showing
a part of the electric circuit which includes the fusible material.
Figure 3 is a plan of the part D showing the part E in section on the line x-x
of Figure 2, the arms c¹ hereinafter to be mentioned being omitted.
Figure 4 is an elevation of another form of my invention, the parts being shown
out of their normal position and in that which they occupy after the valve has
been opened.
Figures 5 and 6 are vertical sections, taken at right angles to one another, of the
form shown in Figure 4, but with the parts in their normal position.
Figure 7 is a view from below of this form of my invention, and
Figure 8 is a plan of the insulating disc D¹.
Referring now to the form shown in Figures 1 to 3, A is a casting of brass, gun
metal, or the like, the upper part of which, a, is threaded for the purpose of
engagement in a water nine. The said casting A is perforated at the part a¹ for

page_text: the passage of the water. The orifice of a¹ is closed by a glass ball or valve B
bearing upon a seating formed in a thin brass disc b. Into the casting A is screwed
at the part a² the casting C which consists of an annular part c connected by three
arms c with the upper annular part c². Upon the annular part c of casting C is
affixed the annular insulating piece D. E is a cylindrical brass piece bearing upon
the ball B and serving to hold it in position in its seating. Near the top of the
piece E is the spoon-shaped extension e which serves as a spreader or deflector as
will be hereinafter described. The lower part or extension e' of the piece E passes
through an insulating sleeve F in which it is retained by the binding nuts g, g¹,
which also serve to receive one of the wires or leads from the source of electrical
energy X. The insulating sleeve F and the annular insulating piece D each has a
helical groove cut on the surface nearest the other so that when the parts are in
their normal position the grooves in these two parts coincide and leave between
them a helical channel of circular cross section. In this helical channel I place
a key consisting of a wire of lead or other fusible conducting material as is shown
at h, h. One end of this fusible wire is in connection with the binding nut
the other is attached to the binding screw J. The piece E is provided with a
tommy-hole e, as shown.
and
From what has been said it will be seen that the strain caused by the water
in a upon valve B is taken up by the fusible wire h and as there are several convo-
lutions of said wire, and as the strain on the said wire is a shearing one extending
over a long length of wire the latter is able to withstand a large pressure of
water in a¹.
In Figure 2 I show the sprinkler as it may be used in connection with a source
of electrical energy X and a circuit-closing device Z which latter may be a hand-
switch or a thermostat or other convenient operating device.
The parts are shown in their normal positions in the figures. To operate the
valve a current of electricity is passed through the fusible wire either by means of
a hand-switch or a thermostat, or the like, when, the current being sufficient, the
wire is at once melted. This allows the pressure in a' to force down the valve B,
the piece E, and the sleeve F through the annular pieces D when the water passes
freely from the orifice of a¹ on to the deflector e, now resting on the insulating
piece D, and is spread in all directions.
In order to replace the parts and supply a new fuse wire so that the apparatus
will again be ready for action, the nuts g, g' are unscrewed from the extension e¹,
when the sleeve F is easily taken out. A piece of fuse wire is now wrapped in
the helical groove of F, a short length being free at the upper extremity. The
sleeve is now replaced on e¹ by a screwing motion; the parts are then elevated into
their normal position, the fusible wire now acting as a male thread to the helical
groove or female thread in D. When fuse F is thus in position the short end of
the fusible wire berein before mentioned as being left free at the upper extremity is
turned over and secured under the head of the binding screw J, as shown, whilst
the other end of the wire is secured under the nut g. In thus placing the fusible wire
in position the piece E and the ball B will have been pressed upwards in position.
If it be required to tighten up the valve this should preferably be done by means
of a tommy in the tommy-hole of E. It is not advisable to tighten up by screwing
the casting C into the casting A at the point a² as a shearing strain is then put
upon the fusible wire.
It will be understood that the greater the strain on the fusible conductor, or in
other words, the higher the pressure of the water, the greater the number of
convolutions of the said fusible conductor is it advantageous to employ; and the
less the strain, or the lower the pressure of the water, the fewer the number of
convolutions is it necessary to use. Thus when the pressure is not great a single
convolution or even less may prove sufficient.
Figures 4 to 8 illustrate another form of my invention. In this case the key
instead of being arranged helically is simply a plate of lead or other fusible
material placed in a suitable key-seat. The form shown is one by which a great

page_text: strain can be taken up by a piece of fusible material of very small dimensions.
In this case I furnish the extension e¹ of the piece E with two feathers and e².
These feathers fit closely in slots formed in the insulating disc D' and take up any
lateral or angular strain that might otherwise be thrown upon the fusible key or
wedge h. The action of this form of my invention is similar to that of the first
form hereinbefore described. The key h' is placed in circuit with a source or
reservoir of electrical energy and a circuit closing device. When the circuit
closing device closes the circuit the current flows through the key which latter
is fused. The valve is now no longer held up against the pressure of the water
but drops down into the position shown in Figure 4 when the sprinkler acts in the
usual manner.
I desire it to be understood that the ball valve and seating for same shown in the
drawings form no part of my invention. I have merely selected the same for
illustration in connection with my invention because they are convenient for this
purpose. Any competent engineer will understand from what has preceded how to
apply my invention to other forms of valve used in sprinklers.
It is to be observed that my present improvements may be used with any
character of valve, whether a throttle valve, fire-door, gas-cock, or the like, such
as is more particularly referred to in my aforesaid prior Patent. In the case of
such valves a weight or spring applied to the valve may fulfil the function of the
water pressure in the two cases hereinbefore cited and illustrated.
Dated this 12th day of June 1895.
J. G. LOKKAIN.
Improvements in or connected with Apparatus for Extinguishing
Fire and Preventing it from Spreading.
I, JAMFS GRIEVE LORRAIN, of Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, Strand, in the
County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer, 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:—
My present invention is based upon the same principle as is my prior invention
described in the Complete Specification accompanying my Letters Patent dated
the 17th day of October 1889 and numbered 16,416.
My present invention differs from my above mentioned prior invention mainly in
the method and in the devices by which I utilize the thermal connection to sustain
the valve in its normal position. It is obvious that if in the case of my said prior
invention the pressure upon the valve be great, the said thermal connection must
be very strong, and that the fusible conductor must be of considerable sectional
area and therefore require an electric current of considerable magnitude to fuse it.
This is not always a drawback, but in some cases it is so and in such cases it is
desirable to so arrange or dispose the fusible conductor and or other parts of the
apparatus as to enable it to withstand the strain put upon it without undue
augmentation of its sectional area.
To effect this is the object of my present invention, and I do so by making the
fusible connection of such form and arranging it in such a manner that instead of a
mere tensional strain being put upon it, the strain shall be a shearing one or
practically a shearing one.
The most convenient way with which I am acquainted of obtaining such shearing
or practically shearing action on a form of fusible connection which will withstand
a high pressure without requiring too great a current to fuse it, is by arranging the
said connection so that it will act as a key or wedge or the like placed between two
parts of the apparatus and I shall now proceed to describe by way of types or
:

page_text: examples two contemplated forms of my invention. In order that this description
may be more readily understood I shall refer to the sheet of drawings illustrating
the said forms left with the Provisional Specification.
Of these drawings,
Figure 1 is a vertical section, and
Figure 2, a side elevation of one form of my invention, the latter figure showing
a part of the electric circuit which includes the fusible inaterial.
Figure 3 is a plan of the part D showing the part E in section on the line x―x
of Figure 2, the arms e' hereinafter to be mentioned being omitted.
Figure 4 is an elevation of another form of my invention, the parts being shown
out of their normal position and in that which they occupy after the valve has been
opened.
Figures 5 and 6 are vertical sections, taken at right angles to one another, of
the form shown in Figure 4, but with the parts in their normal position.
Figure 7 is a view from below of this form of my invention, and
Figure 8 is a plan of the insulating disc D¹.
Referring now to the form shown in Figures 1 to 3, A is a casting of brass, gun
metal, or the like, the upper part of which, a, is threaded for the purpose of
engagement in a water pipe. The said casting A is perforated at the part a¹ for
the passage of the water. The orifice of a¹ is closed by a glass ball or valve B
bearing upon a seating formed in a thin brass disc b. Into the casting A is screwed
at the part a² the casting C which consists of an annular part c connected by three
arms with the upper annular part c². Upon the annular part c of casting C is
affixed the annular insulating piece D. E is a cylindrical brass piece bearing upon
the ball B and serving to hold it in position in its seating. Near the top of the
piece E is the spoon-shaped extension e which serves as a spreader or deflector as
will be hereinafter described. The lower part or extension e¹ of the piece E passes
through an insulating sleeve F in which it is retained by the binding nuts g, g',
which also serve to receive one of the wires or leads from the source of electrical
energy X. The insulating sleeve F and the annular insulating piece D each has a
helical groove cut on the surface nearest the other so that when the parts are in
their normal position the grooves in these two parts coincide and leave between
them a helical channel of circular cross section. In this helical channel I place a
key consisting of a wire of lead or other fusible conducting material as is shown
at h, h. One end of this fusible wire is in connection with the binding nut
the other is attached to the binding screw J. The piece E is provided with a
tommy-hole e³, as shown.
and
From what has been said it will be seen that the strain caused by the water in a¹
upon valve B is taken up by the fusible wire hand as there are several convolutions
of the said wire, and as the strain on the said wire is a shearing one extending
over a long length of wire the latter is able to withstand a large pressure of
water in a'.
In Figure 2 I show the sprinkler as it may be used in connection with a source
of electrical energy X and a circuit-closing device Z which latter may be a hand-
switch or a thermostat or other convenient operating device.
The parts are shown in their normal positions in the figures. To operate the
valve a current of electricity is passed through the fusible wire either by means of
a hand-switch or a thermostat, or the like, when, the current being sufficient, the
wire is at once melted. This allows the pressure in a¹ to force down the valve B,
the piece E, and the sleeve F through the annular piece D when the water passes
freely from the orifice of a¹ on to the deflector e, now resting on the insulating
piece D, and is spread in all directions.
In order to replace the parts and supply a new fuse wire so that the apparatus
will again be ready for action, the nuts g, g' are unscrewed from the extension e¹,
when the sleeve F is easily taken out. A piece of fuse wire is now wrapped in the
helical groove of F, a short length being free at the upper extremity. The sleeve
is now replaced on e¹ by a screwing motion; the parts are then elevated into their

page_text: normal position, the fusible wire now acting as a male thread to the helical groove
or female thread in D. When fuse F is thus in position the short end of the
fusible wire herein before mentioned as being left free at the upper extremity is
turned over and secured under the head of the binding screw J, as shown, whilst
the other end of the wire is secured under the nut g. In thus placing the fusible
wire in position the piece E and the ball B will have been pressed upwards in
position. If it be required to tighten up the valve this should preferably be done
by means of a tommy in the tommy-hole of E. It is not advisable to tighten up
by screwing the casting C into the casting A at the point a² as a shearing strain is
then put upon the fusible wire.
It will be understood that the greater the strain on the fusible conductor, or in
other words, the higher the pressure of the water, the greater the number of
convolutions of the said fusible conductor is it advantageous to employ; and the
less the strain, or the lower the pressure of the water, the fewer the number of
convolutions is it necessary to use. Thus when the pressure is not great a single
convolution or even less may prove sufficient.
Figures 4 to 8 illustrate another form of my invention. In this case the key
instead of being arranged helically is simply a plate of lead or other fusible
material placed in a suitable key-seat. The form shown is one by which a great
strain can be taken up by a piece of fusible material of very small dimensions. In
this case 1 furnish the extension e¹ of the piece E with two feathers e and e.
These feathers fit closely in slots formed in the insulating disc D₁ and take up any
lateral or angular strain that might otherwise be thrown upon the fusible key or
wedge h¹. The action of this form of my invention is similar to that of the first
form hereinbefore described. The key ¹ is placed in circuit with a source or
When the circuit
reservoir of electrical energy and a circuit closing device.
closing device closes the circuit the current flows through the key which latter
is fused. The valve is now no longer held up against the pressure of the water
but drops down into the position shown in Figure 4 when the sprinkler acts in the
usual manner.
I desire it to be understood that the ball valve and seating for same shown in
the drawings form no part of my invention. I have merely selected the same for
illustration in connection with my invention because they are convenient for this
purpose and because they are well known. Any competent engineer will understand
from what has preceded how to apply my invention to other forms of valve used in
sprinklers.
It is to be observed that my present improvements may be used with any
character of valve, whether a throttle valve, fire-door, gas-cock, or the like, such
as is more particularly referred to in my aforesaid prior Patent.
In the case of such valves a weight or spring applied to the valve may fulfil the
function of the water pressure in the two cases herein before cited and illustrated.
I desire it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the forms of key or
wedge illustrated. I cite these because they are the most convenient forms known
to me but any engineer can devise an infinite number of forms of key or wedge in
accordance with my invention.
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 employment of a fusible key or wedge in an electric circuit substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
2. The herein described method of extinguishing fire and preventing it from
spreading, which consists in retaining a valve or movable part in its normal position
by means of a piece of fusible conducting material of such form and so arranged
that the strain thereon shall be a shearing instead of a tensional one, then releasing
said valve or movable part by passing an electric current through said connection,
substantially as set forth.

page_text: 3. In an apparatus for extinguishing fire and preventing it from spreading, the
combination of a valve, a piece of fusible conducting material inserted as a key or
wedge between two parts of the apparatus and serving to sustain the valve in its
normal position, a source of electrical energy, an electric circuit leading therefrom
and including said fusible material and a circuit closer for said circuit.
4. In electrically actuated fire extinguishing apparatus, the form of key or wedge
set forth with reference to Figures 1 to 3.
5. In electrically actuated fire extinguishing apparatus the form of key or wedge
set forth with reference to Figures 4 to 8.
Dated this 12th day of March 1896.