Improvements in Fire Extinguishing Appliances.
Year: 1897

page_text: Improvements in Fire Extinguishing Appliances.
I, JOSEPH TOMBEUR, of 25, Rue de Loxum, Brussels, Belgium, Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of the present application for a patent is to guarantee to myself the
property of the combination with my system of extinguishing fires forming the
object of the Letters Patent No. 2083 dated 29th of January 1896, of an automatic
mixer of my solution with ordinary water in connection with my nozzle with
spreading jet and a special device for the rapid transfer of my divers apparatuses
to the place where a fire breaks out.
The automatic mixer holding my solution is connected to an hydrant or to a
pump, just as quickly as an ordinary hose. It can be placed stationary in the
circuit of water pipes of a dwelling house or of public buildings or can be trans-
ferred with my special device or by any other means, near by an hydrant or water
cock.
The water mixed with my solution has an extinguishing power and this power
increases with a stronger dose of the solution.
My solution as well as the water in which it is diluted, must not be projected on
the fire in the same manner as pure water.
In order to be very effective on a fire the water must be thrown in a powerful
jet acting with a great force, whereas my solution and the water in which it is.
diluted must in a contrary way be thrown in a spreading jet covering the greatest
possible part of the burning surface and this must be effected without the water
being pulverized: The result of this is that a greater efficiency is obtained from
the same impulse with my solution and the water in which it is diluted as with
ordinary water.
A spreading nozzle has to be used in order to obtain that result.
The nozzle is constituted by a conical socket intended to increase the impulsive
force at the exit, said socket being closed at its upper end by a diaphragm made
out the same piece of metal as the socket, with a central hole conical from the
inside to the outside and with a number of circumferential openings conical
also and inclined toward the outside of the nozzle. This inclination may vary
and is devised in order the jet might spread as much as possible without inter-
fering with its efficiency.
At the base of the nozzle a special coupling is provided for the quick connection
with a hose.
This coupling is substantially composed of a flange cut at the two ends of the
same diameter. The two parts of the flange are so disposed as to form an incline
at one of their ends and are provided with a small abutment piece at their other
end. The hose is provided with a crown carrying a tightening ring which holds
the base of the nozzle. Two teeth are part of the crown and their duty is to fix
and tighten the nozzle on the hose by passing through the two open parts of the

page_text: flange and sliding, by a rotary motion imparted to the nozzle on said flange as
iar and against the abutments,
The automatic mixer made on the principle of drawing is composed of one or
Heveral reservoirs loaded with the extinguishing solution. At the lower part of
Baid reservoirs is a pipe with a three ways cock.
This cock gives or cuts off the communication of the tanks with the mainpipe
where the mixing of the solution with the water takes place. The end of this
mainpipe connects it with an hydrant or pump. Said mainpipe holds two funnels
cach so disposed on the side of the pipe of the reservoirs as the space left between
their openings is on the water inlet side. For this purpose the funnel lodged
towards the water inlet is shorter than the other and the latter is bulged so as its
apex, which is right in front the little funnel's one, may draw easily the solution
coming from the reservoirs together with the water entering into the chamber
formed by the two funnels and the central main where takes place a brewing of
water and solution which continues itself by the flowing of the water.
My automatic mixer and nozzle as well as my portable fire extinguisher with
solution and pump; these latter protected by my Patent No. 2083 of the 29th
January 1896 are arranged on a cart which will carry also several reservoirs with
solution, and the necessary hoses, with their couplings for the connection of the
automatic mixer with on hydrant or pump on the one side and the hose on the
other...
It is designed for the most rapid transfer on the spot of the fire of the above
enumerated apparatuses with a view of fighting the fire successfully and from
the moment the first 'alarm is turned by means of said apparatuses either alone
or combined with a hand or steam pump according, there is or-not an hydrant at
hand..
This combination, is of the most undeniable usefulness, and completes my fire
extinguishing, system, as in, many cases it will allow to fight victoriously the
fire either when it breaks out in place where none of my portable apparatus is at
hand, either during its progress, by means of the mixer which can be quickly
connected with an hydrant or a pump.
The bottom of the cart is surrounded by a flat iron and carries holes into which
are put reservoirs with solution the two reservoirs of the mixer and the reservoir
of the portable apparatus. The reservoirs holding the solution are movable and
are suspended in the apertures by means of an angle iron.
The portable apparatus is suspended, or put into a cavity.
The reservoirs of the mixer are fixed on the cart whereas the pipes that connect
them are fixed on; the lower face of the frame and transversally. The two ends of
the main pipe where mixing takes place are provided with a coupling on, which
is attached on each side a water feeding hose and a water throwing hose, both of
required length..
Above, the reservoirs is suspended my, hose with special nozzle, by means of
straps attached to the front piece. overhanging my cart.
The cart is hauled by hand, by means of a shaft with cross piece. The shaft
is articulated so as to allow its being put into a vertical position for blocking.
the cart when at..rest: For this purpose an articulated support is fastened to
the rear of the cart and makes a good blocking in combination with- the lowered
shaft. The cart is held that way on a perfect horizontal plane.
My cart is to be used by firemen and also by industrial works. As . soon
the signal for a fire is given the cart is hauled at the utmost speed to the spot
where it broke out. A man takes on his back the portable apparatus, penetrates
into the building and fights the fire; another man during, that time connects the
pipe of the mixer with an hydrant or with, an hand pump.
If the fire but starts, the man carrying the portable apparatus will soon have it
extinguished very easily, at the contrary, if the fire has been quite spreading,
another man will go and help. the former with, the hose connected with the mixer
and the water supply.

page_text: In most of the cases the fire will not resist the action of the, water with, my solu
tion. Had however the fire taken, a very great development the mixer should be
connected with the steam pump in order the jet of water being more powerful. In:
all cases my device will be of great utility and in many cases it will be found.
indispensable as it will stop.promptly the progress of a fire without requiring the.
use of a steamapump.
"
I, JOSEPHI TOMBEUR, of 25, Rue de Loxum, "Brussels, Belgium, 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:-
The object of the present application for a patent is to guarantee to myself the
property of the combination with my system of extinguishing, fires, forming the
object of the Letters Patent No. 2083 dated 29th of January 1896, of an automatic
mixer of my solution with ordinary water, in connection with, my nozzle with
spreading jet and a special device for the rapid transfer of divers apparatuses
to the place where a fire breaks out.
my
The automatic mixer holding my solution, is connected to. an hydrant or to a
pump, just as quickly as an ordinary hose. It can be placed stationary in. the
circuit of water pipes of a dwelling house or of public buildings or can be trans-
ferred with my special device or by any other means, near by an hydrant or water.
cock.
The water mixed with my solution has an extinguishing power and this power.
increases with a stronger dose of the solution...
1
My solution as well as the water in which it is diluted, must not be projected on
the fire in the same manner as pure water.
In order to be very effective on a fire the water must be thrown in, a powerful
jet acting with a great force, whereas my solution and the water in which it is
diluted must in a contrary way be thrown in a spreading jet covering the greatest
possible part of the burning surface,and this must be effected without the water
being pulverized. The result of this is that a greater efficiency is obtained from.
the same impulse with my solution and the water in which it is diluted.
A spreading nozzle has to be used in order to obtain that result.
In the accompanying drawings are represented an automatic mixer, a spreading
nozzle and the special dispositions used for the rapid transfer of my apparatuses.
at the place where the fire breaks out.
Fig. is a longitudinal cut of my nozzle adapted to a pipe.
Fig. 2 is an upper view of same.
Fig. 3 is an elevation.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the spreading nozzle.
Fig. 5 is an elevation with central section of my mixer.
Fig. 6 is a side view of it.

page_text: Fig. 10 a front view of my means of transportation.
The nozzle X is constituted by a conical socket intended to increase the impulsive
force at the exit, said socket being closed at its upper end by a diaphragm G,
made out of the same piece of metal as the socket, with a central hole H conical
from the inside to the outside and with a number of circunferential openings H
conical also and inclined toward the outside of the nozzle. This inclination may
vary and is devised in order that the jet might spread as much as possible without
interfering with its efficiency.
At the base of the nozzle a special coupling is provided for the quick connection
with a hose.
This coupling is substantially composed of a flange N cut at the two ends of the
same diameters. The two parts of the flange are so disposed as to form an incline
at one of their ends and are provided with a small abutment piece N₁ at their
other end. The hose is provided with a crown C carrying a packing ring A and
holding the base of the nozzle. Two teeth E are part of the crown C and their
duty is to fix and tighten the nozzle on the hose by passing through the two open
parts of the flange N and sliding, by a rotary motion imparted to the nozzle on
said flange as far as they bear against the abutments N¹.
The automatic mixer made on the principle of drawing is composed of one or
several reservoirs a charged with the extinguishing solution. At the lower part
of said reservoirs is a pipe with a three ways cock c.
This cock gives or cuts off the communication of the tanks with the main pipe d
where the mixing of the solution with the water takes place. The end e of this
main pipe connects it with an hydrant or pump. Said main pipe holds two
funnels fg each so disposed on the side of the pipe of the reservoirs as the space left
between their openings is on the water inlet side. For this purpose the funnel f
lodged towards the water inlet is shorter than the other g and the latter is bulged
so as its apex, which is right in front the little funnel's one may draw easily the
solution coming from the reservoirs together with the water entering f. Into the
chamber formed by the two funnels and the central main d where takes place
a brewing of water and solution which continues itself by the flowing of the water.
The strength of the solution is regulated by the cock c and is automatic because
higher the pressure of the water, higher its speed, larger its volume, more solution
will be drawn, and the quantity will be always the same for a same opening of the
cock c.
The apparatus being at rest, the key of the cock e is turned downwards in which
position no communication whatever exists between the reservoirs and the main
pipe.
To put the mixer in running order, the key is turned a quarter of a circle left
or right, one of the reservoirs communicates then with the main pipe and the
mixing will operate till the reservoir is empty; the key is then turned half a
circle and the second reservoir will communicate with the main pipe; during the
time it empties the first reservoir will be filled.
This mixer will find an important and ready application in the private dwellings
and public buildings by its being placed into the circuit of the water pipes. The
mixer therefore will be put on some suitable form of holder and the two ends of
its main pipe will be connected with the water pipe the apparatus forming so part
of the water pipes circuit..
In a suitable place of the pipe will be located a hose with my nozzle all ready to
throw water on a fire as soon it starts.
It will be easily understood that the automatic mixer is of the greatest con-
venience for extinguishing fires on account of its efficiency and of its easy and
simple handling.
My automatic mixer and nozzle as well as my portable fire extinguisher with
solution and pump these latter protected by my Patent No. 2083 of the 29th of
January 1896 are arranged on a cart which will carry also several reservoirs,
with solution and the necessary hoses with their couplings for the connection of

page_text: the automatic mixer with an hydrant or pump on the one side and the hose on
the other.
It is designed for the most rapid transfer on the spot of the fire of the above
enumorated apparatuses, with a view of fighting the fire successfully and from
the moment the first alarm is turned, by means of said apparatuses either alone or
combined with a land or steam pump according as there is or not an hydrant at
hand.
This combination is of the most undeniable usefulness, and completes my fire
extinguishing system, as in many cases it will allow to fight victoriously the fire
either when it breaks out in a place where none of my portable apparatus is at
hand, either during its progress by means of the mixer, which can be quickly con-
nected with an hydrant. or a pump.
The apparatus represented as reference in the accompanying drawing constitutes
a light cart strongly built mounted on two wheels.
The bottom 1 of the cart is surrounded by a flat iron 2 and carries holes into
which are put reservoirs with solution 3, the two reservoirs 4 of the mixer and
the reservoir 5 of the portable apparatus.
The reservoirs holding the solution are movable and are suspended in the
apertures.by means of an angle iron.
The portable apparatus is suspended or put into a cavity.
The number of reservoirs holding the solution and also of portable extinguishers
is undetermined.
The reservoirs of the mixer are fixed on the cart whereas the measuring pipes
that connect them are fixed on the lower face of the frame and transversally. The
two ends 6, 7 of the main pipe where mixing takes place are provided with a
coupling on which is attached on each side a water feeding hose and a water
throwing hose both of required length.
These pipes are not figured on the drawings in order not to complicate them.
Above the reservoirs is suspended my hose with special nozzle, by means of
straps attached to the front piece F overhanging my cart (see Figs. 8 and 10).
The cart is hauled by hand, by means of a shaft 8 with cross piece 9. The shaft
is articulated so as to allow its being put into a vertical position for blocking the
cart when at rest. For this purpose an articulated support is fastened to
the rear of the cart and makes a good blocking in combination with the lowered
shaft. The cart is held that way in a perfect horizontal plane.
My cart is to be used by firemen and also by industrial works.
As soon the signal for a fire is given the cart is hauled at the utmost speed to
the spot where it broke out. A man takes on his back the portable apparatus
penetrates into the building and fights the fire; another man during that time
connects the pipe of the mixer with an hydrant or with an hand pump.
If the fire just starts, the man carrying the portable apparatus will soon have
it extinguished very easily; on the contrary if the fire has been already spreaded,
another man will go and help the former with the hose connected with the mixer
and the water supply.
In most of the cases the fire will not resist the action of the water with my
solution. Did however the fire take a very great development the mixer should
be connected with the steam pump to obtain a more powerful jet of water.
In all cases my device will be of great utility and in many cases it will be found
indispensable as it will stop promptly the progress of a fire without requiring the
use of a steam pump.
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:-
As a complement for my Patent No. 2083 of the 29th of January 1896, fire
extinguishing appliances consisting in an automatic mixer by means of the draw-

page_text: said solution connected at their lower part with a pipe which has a mixing chamber
and two cone shaped funnels with opposite apexes and through which passes the
water of a 'pipe said pipe being at one end connected with an-hydrant or a pump
'the other end being in connection with a hose and pipe with special nozzle for
the spreading of-ny solution on the fire; said mixer as well as the pipes with
nozzles and the hoses being so disposed as to be transferred rapidly on the spot
of the fires by means of a light cart mounted on two wheels; of which the bottom
is surrounded with a flat iron-frame and carries openings for holding my divere
apparatus (mixer,"reservoirs with my solution, portable extinguisher), the shaft
of the cart being articulated in order to allow said cart to be blocked, substantially
as described and shown.
L. DUVINAGE,
3.
Patent Agent, 8, Rue des Princes, Brussels, Belgium.
L. DUVINAGE,
Patent Agent, 8, Rue des Princes, Brussels, Belgium.