AN IMPROVED METHOD OF EXTINGUISHING IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM." FIRES
Year: 1881

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 10th day of June 1887, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883. .
LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Grinnell, of Providence, State of Rhode Island,
United States of America, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
EXTINGUISHING
IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR
AND
APPARATUS FOR
SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM."
FIRES
.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Grinnell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd July 1881.
"
FREDERICK GRINNELL, of Providence, State of Rhode Island, United States of
America. "AN IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM."
My Invention relates to an improved method of, and apparatus for, extinguishing
fires automatically, and for operating an alarm when a fire takes place."
According to the said Invention I distribute over a building a system of pipes,
by which water or fire extinguishing agents may be delivered to any part of
the building, and I provide such a system with automatic fire extinguishers which
shall be opened by the action of heat, and a system of wires united at intervals by
a metal fusible at a low temperature known as soft solder so as to make a closed
electric circuit, by the breaking of which by accident or heat, a suitable apparatus
is released by which any kind of an alarm is sounded, or otherwise given, and the
supply of water or other fire extinguishing agent is turned on.
I also provide a peculiar construction of valve, or device, by which the outlet is
closed, in which I employ a flexible diaphragm by which the internal pressure
forces either the valve seat to the valve, the seat of a cap to the cap, or the valve
or cap to its seat.
When the seat is forced to the cap or valve, the cap or valve is
held by some material readily affected by heat, so that on the breaking out of a
fire, the cap or valve will be released automatically; and when the valve is held to
a fixed seat by means of a flexible diaphragm, the device between the diaphragın
and the valve is made in part of, or united by, some material readily affected by
heat so that the release by heat will allow the valve or cap to be removed auto-
matically and the fire extinguisher put in operation. The valve can also be held
to its seat by the internal pressure and the diaphragm arranged to open the valve
automatically.

page_text: I also provide any kind of valve with a flexible disc or diaphragm on which the
valve seat is secured, or formed, so that the internal pressure will keep the valve
seat against the valve, and thus prevent the leaking of the valve. And I so
construct a fire extinguisher that the material by which the valve, cap or seal is
held, is placed away from the distributor, so as not to be retarded by the cooling
effect of the water, and be more sensible to the effect of heat. Moreover I provide
automatic fire extinguishers with deflector discs placed opposite the discharge
opening or openings, so that the water discharged against such discs will be spread
over a large area, and for that purpose the deflector discs may be made concave,
convex, or many sided according to the position of the discharge openings and the
condition of the place to be protected against fire by the same.
I also construct the automatic fire extinguishers so that the same can be operated.
by hand or by means of a wire or cord from a distance, by hand, or automatically
by securing the wire or cord with a material easily affected by heat; this is accom-
plished by so constructing the device by which the valve-cap or seal is held, that
the same can be released and, with the same, the valve-cap or seal; one convenient
means is to connect the device by a bayonet joint so that by the partial rotation
of the same, the same is released; and I so construct an automatic fire extinguisher
that the valve is held to its seat by the internal pressure, and is opened by the
external pressure on the valve caused by the release of a spring or weight retained
by a material easily affected by heat.
I carry the said Invention into practice as follows, that is to say:-I connect
a wire extending over the building, and provided at frequent intervals with easily
fusible metal links, or soldered joints, with an electric battery; and I also connect
the same wire with an armature constructed to retain a weight, or spring, which,
when the electric circuit is broken, will operate an alarm, and may operate a valve
by which the fire extinguishing fluid is turned on to the system. Two methods
being used with this automatic system, the first has the pressure of the water or
other extinguishing agent at all times on the system, and the other, turns the supply
on when a fire breaks out.
I place a flexible disc or diaphragm in a valve case and use the same to either
force the valve seat to the valve disc, the valve disc to the valve seat, or open the
outlet by the pressure exerted on a diaphragm.
I secure the valve cap or seal by means of a device, which is held by a material
fusible at a low temperature; placed at a distance from the extinguisher, there is a
frame extending away from the distributor; the valve-cap or seal is held by a
long stem or a lever arrangement which, at a point away from the distributor, is
held by means of a material fusible at a low temperature, as above mentioned
and I place any kind of disc or deflector, in front of the outlet or outlets.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick Grinnell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 2nd
January 1882.
FREDERICK GRINNELL, of Providence, State of Rhode Island, United States of
America, "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM.'
My Invention relates to an improvedments-in-methods--and apparatus for extin-
guishing fires automatically, and for-operating-an alarm-when-a-fire-takes-plae.
This Invention-consists-in It has been proposed to effect this by distributing over a
building a system of pipes, by which water or other fire extinguishing agents may be
delivered to any part of a building, and providing such a system with automatic fire-
extinguishers which shall be opened by the action of heat, and a system of wires
united at intervals by,a metal fusible at a low temperature.so as to make a closed
electric circuit, by the breaking of which, by accident or heat, a suitable apparatus is
released, by which any kind.of an alarm is sounded or otherwise given and the supply
of water or other fire extinguishing agent is turned on. The My Invention further
consists in the peculiar construction of the valve or device by which the outlet is closed,
in which I employ a flexible diaphragm by which the internal pressure forces either
the valve-seat to the valve, the seat of a cap to the cap, or the valve or cap to its seat.
When the seat is forced to the cap or valve, the cap or valve is held by some material
readily affected by heat so that on the breaking out of a fire the cap or valve will be
released automatically; and when the valve is held to a fixed seat by means of a
flexible diaphragm, the device between the diaphragm and the valve is made in
part of, or united by, some material readily affected by heat, so that the release by
heat will allow the valve or cap to be removed automatically, and the fire
extinguisher put into operation. The valve can also be held to its seat by the
internal pressure, and the diaphragm arranged to open the valve automatically.
The Invention further consists in providing any kind--of-valve--with-a--flexible
dise-or-diaphragm-on--which-the-valve-seat-is-seenred or formed,--so--that--the
internal-pressure will keep the valve-seat-against-the-valve and thus-prevent-the
leaking-of-the-valve.
.
The Invention further consists in so constructing a fire-extinguisher that the
material by which the valve, cap or seal is held, is placed away from the distributor
so as not to be retarded by the cooling effect of the water, and be more sensible to
the effect of the heat. The Invention-further consists-in By providing automatic fire-
extinguishers with deflector discs placed opposite the discharge opening or openings
so that the water discharged against such discs will be spread over a large area,

page_text: "
and for that purpose the said deflector discs, may be made concave, convex or
many sided, according to the position of the discharge openings and the condition
of the place to be protected against fire by the same. The Invention further
consists in so constructing the automatic fire-extinguishers that the same can he
operated by hand or by means of a wire or cord from a distance, or automatically
by securing the wire or cord with a material easily affected by heat. This is
accomplished by so constructing the device by which the valve, cap or seal is held,
that the same can be quickly released by pulling a cord or wire. One convenient
means is to connect the device by a bayonet-joint so that by the partial rotation
of the device, the same is released.
This Invention further consists in so constructing an automatic fire-extinguisher,
that the valve held to its seat by the internal pressure, is opened by external
pressure on the valve, caused by the release of a spring or weight retained by a
material easily affected by heat. The--manner-in-which--I-carry-out-the--first-part
of-my--Invention--is--shown in Figure 1, of the Drawings, which is a perspective
view showing the interior of a building provided with a system of pipes having
automatic fire-extinguishers secured to their outlets, and a system of wires secured
at intervals by connecting links, made of hard metal and secured together by a soft
solder or a material that will fuse at a low temperature.
In this Figure, A, is a valve controlling the water-inlet, B, the rising main,
C, C, the distributing pipes, and D D automatic fire-extinguishers placed on the
outlets. E, is a line of wires extending through the building connected with the
electric, battery. G, and with the mechanism H, constructed to sound an aların and
; release a weight when by any means the wire E, is severed and the circuit broken.
FF, are links shown on an enlarged scale in Figures 2 and 3. They .consist of two
pieces of hard metal, each connected with the wire E; the two pieces are united by
what is known in the arts as soft solder, or a solder that will melt at a low degree,
say below 160° Fahrenheit, so that when a fire breaks out the link nearest the fire
will separate and thus break the circuit, which once broken, will sound an alarm
and also release the supply valve so that water will enter the system and be
discharged from the automatic fire-extinguishers that have been opened by the
heat.
•
•
.
In some buildings, and particularly in large manufactories, the use of the wires E,
is objectionable and it becomes desirable to operate an alarm and to open the main
* supply valve as soon as a fire breaks out; to do this without the use of electricity
'I use the system shown in Figure 4, which represents a building having a tower
on one side, in which the rising main B, is placed, from which the distributing
pipes C C provided at their outlets with automatic fire-extinguishers D D are
supplied. B¹ is a stand pipe and B² a small overflow pipe. The stand pipe is
always kept nearly full of water and when one or more of the automatic fire-
extinguishers are opened. or any part of the system leaks, the water in this stand
'pipe will rapidly fall and the pressure as rapidly diminish, which would not be the
.case were the system connected with a tank. In the stand-pipe B¹ a small pipe is
secured connecting with the device K shown enlarged in Figure 5. It consists of a
diaphragm connected with the water in the stand-pipe, holding a hinged forked
lever against a short pin by the pressure of the water. The pressure of the water
on the diaphragm depends on the height of the column of water in the stand-pipe,
which will diminish rapidly when one or more of the extinguishers are opened
and the diaphragm will then sink and release a button held. on the pin by the
lever and thus allow the weighted valve to open by which steam or compressed air
is supplied to the alarm H. By the use of the stand-pipe the pressure on the
systein is always the same, as the pressure depends on the height of the column of
water in the stand-pipe.
•
The supply valve A, is what is known as the butterfly valve; it is provided, with
an exterior arm on which a weight is secured, sufficient to open the valve when.
released. The weight is held suspended by a hinged lever secured to a diaphragm

page_text: a, is the
which, when pressed out by internal pressure, will release the weight and thus open
the valve: Figure 6, is a sectional view of the device, I, placed near the upper end
of the rising main B, which in its essential features is like the main valve A. It
consists of the butterfly valve i, having an outer lever from which the weight
is suspended, and the bell crank lever ³, one end of which is connected with the
diaphragm, and the other engaged with the hook of the arm . The only
difference between this device and the valve A is that when the pressure diminishes
in the stand-pipe, the diaphragm sinks, the bell-crank lever disengages the arm i¹
and allows the valve to open, discharging water into a pipe leading to the diaphragm
in valve A, which diaphragm now distends, and by the increase in pressure disengages
the valve. It is obvious that the device shown in Figure 6, may be used as the main
valve: By the use of the stand pipe the alarm is quickly sounded when a fire breaks
out, or any other accident happens to the system of pipes, and the main supply valve
is opened automatically as soon as the pressure in the system is diminished. The
second--part-of--my-Invention--is--illustrated--in--Figures 7-8-9--10--11--and--12.
Figure 7, is a view of an automatic fire-extinguisher according to my invention;
Figure 8 is a sectional view and Figure 9, is a top view of the same.
screw threaded end of the extinguisher, by means of which it can be secured in the
usual pipe fittings used; b, is the inlet; c, is a diaphragm secured to the case, and
provided with a central opening surrounded by a valve seat. d is a deflector shown
in the form of a concaved disc.. The form of this deflector may, however, be altered,
a convex, flat, or many sided deflector may be used. The deflector d, is provided
with the stem e, which is secured by soft solder in the yoke.f. When the solder by
which the deflector forming the valve, is held, is softened by heat, the pressure of
the water will drive the deflector against the bridge f, and the outrushing water
will be deflected into spray by impinging on the surface of the deflector. As the
pressure of the water is exerted against the diaphragm c, and the deflector d is held
by the solder, the seat is always forced against the deflector and a tight joint is
secured. Figure 10, is a sectional view of a modified form of automatic extinguisher,
in which the yielding diaphragm c, provided with a central opening surrounded
by a valve seat, is shewn corrugated, and the valve d, with its stem e; is secured
by a fusible solder, in, the case of a perforated distributor, so that when the
solder is fused by heat, the, vaive d, will be forced from the seat on the diaphragm,
and the water discharged through the perforations. A cap is also shewn in
broken lines, resting on the end of the stem e. When such a cap is secured by
solder or in any manner by a material fusible at a low temperature, the valve will
be held in place, and the pressure of the water on the yielding diaphragm c,
will force the seat against the valve, making a tight joint; when, now; the cap
is released by heat, the valve is forced open and the water distributed
through the perforations in the distributor. Figure 11, represents another modi-
fication of the automatic fire-extinguisher. The valve d, is connected with the
stem e, by a connection having sufficient play to allow the valve to seat itself. and
be held by the internal pressure. The stem e, is secured to the diaphragm c, and is
also secured to the bridge f, by means of a solder or, material fusible at a low degree
of temperature; when, now, a fire breaks out, the heat will melt the solder and
allow the internal pressure to force the diaphragm c, outward, and, as the area of
this diaphragın is much greater than the area of the valve, to pull the valve open
and allow the water to be discharged by the distributor. The kind of distributor
shewn in this Figure, is a ring provided with tangential slots, and revolving by the
force of the re-acting water on a hollow stud provided with ports. Figure 12
represents another modification, showing the use of the yielding diaphragın to hold
the valve to its seat, so that the internal pressure will maintain a water tight joint,
rather than produce a leaking joint. In this Figure the yoke is made hollow, one
side being formed by the diaphragın, and the hollow yoke is connected with the
lower chamber by tubes or hollow stays g g.. To the diaphragm a tubular sleeve
is secured, and into this sleeve the steme, of the deflector d, is secured by a fusible

page_text: solder. The pressure on the diaphragm e, which is of much greater area than
the valve opening, keeps the valve in contact with its seat, until by the action
of heat the solder is melted, and the stem e, allowed to enter the sleeve, when
the water rushing from the valve opening is deflected into spray, and thrown
in all directions by the deflector d. The third-part-of-my Invention referring to
The application of the yielding diaphragm to globe, or other valves, is illustrated in
Figures 13 14 and 15. Figure 13, represents the usual form of a globe-valve, in
which the ordinarily fixed valve-sent is here shown as part of a yielding diaphragin
held by the internal pressure to the valve so as to make a tight joint. Figure 14
is a sectional view of a similar valve, provided with a yielding diaphragm on
which the valve-opening and valve-seat are formed. Figure 15 is sectional view
of a valve, the stem and valve of which, have a fixed motion, and in which, a
corrugated diaphragm having the valve-outlet and valve-seat, adjusts itself. by
the internal pressure to the valve, so as to keep the same tight. The fourth-part
of my Invention has-reference to The use of levers for holding the covers, valves,
or deflectors of automatic fire-extinguishers in place, and--this is illustrated in
Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16, is a view of the automatic fire-extinguisher shewn
in Figure 7, provided, however, with two hinged levers, the short ends of which
rest on the stem of the deflector which is not secured by solder, but is held by the
short ends of the levers, the long ends being secured by any material that will be
quickly melted or fused at a temperature not much above, say 100° Fahrenheit.
It is apparent that the difference between the length of the two ends of the levers,
measuring from the fulcrum, determines the difference in the power of the solder
to resist the force of the internal pressure. As illustrated in Figure 16, a com-
"paratively weak and easily, fusible solder, used to unite the long ends of the levers i
hh, would withstand almost any amount of internal pressure. It is also obvious
that various forms of levers or compound levers known in the arts, may be used
to hold a valve, à cap, or other seal, to the outlet to be released by the action of
any material that will yield under heat and allow the levers to separate and the
fluid to be, discharged. Figure 17, represents another form of automatic fire-
.extinguisher in section. The diaphragm in this case is pressed by the internal
pressure against an outer frame made in two parts and united at o, by a solder
fusible at a low temperature. The deflector d, has a valve formed on it, which is
-pressed upon by the arms hh, and thus through the frame, the diaphragm c, exerts
a pressure on the valve disc and presses the same against the rim of the outlet.
When, however, the solder at o, melts, the internal pressure on the diaphragm c, as
also the pressure exerted on the valve disc, disrupts the frame, the valve disc and
distributor will be lifted by the pressure, and the water will be spread over a large
. area.
'
The fifth-part-of-my-Invention refers-to By the use of deflectors in automatic
fire extinguishers, by which the water, rushing under pressure from an orifice, is
intercepted by a metal disc or plate of any desired form, and deflected into the
desired directions, in a divided state. Such deflectors are shewn in Figures 7 8
12 16 17 and 23. Heretofore, perforated sprinklers and rotating distributors
have been used, but they are liable to become clogged up with impurities, whereas
the deflector is not liable to be clogged. Parts of the deflector may be perforated
as is shown in Figure 9, and the edge of the deflector may be serrated or of other
irregular form so as to divide the water into finer spray, and also in as many
directions as possible, so that no part of the space controlled by the automatic fire-
extinguisher will be without an ample supply of water.
The sixth Another part of my Invention has reference to automatic fire-extinguishers
constructed to be released by hand if desired. In some places where highly
inflammable material is operated upon, such as the picker room of a cotton mill, the
fire, when once started, would quickly communicate with the loose fibres through
the room, without generating much heat, so that the whole room may be on fire
before the extinguishers would be liberated by the action of heat on the fusible
material or solder, To provide for such emergencies, I secure the valve or other

page_text: device to a sleeve by means of a fusible solder or soft solder, and connect the sleeve
by means of a catch or a bayonet joint to the yoke or other part of the extinguisher, .
and provide such catch or the sleeve, with an arm or lever, so that by pulling on a
wire or cord connected with, the arm or lever, the extinguisher can be brought into:
operation.
I now connect any desired number of such automatic extinguishers by wires, so
that when a fire breaks out in such a place, a cordon of extinguishers can be made
quickly to discharge water and surround the fire, thus preventing the spreading of
the fire beyond such cordon. Figure 18. is a view of an extinguisher provided with
a hand liberating device. Figure 19 is a sectional view of the same. Figure 20, is
a top view of the automatic fire-extinguisher.
Figure 21, is an end view of the sleeve provided with an arm or lever, and the
male part of the bayonet-joint. Figure 22, is a sectional view of the female part of
the bayonet-joint. Figure 23 is a view partly in section, of a modification of the
automatic and hand liberated fire-extinguisher. It consists of a valve held to its
seat by a light spiral spring and the internal pressure of the water; a 'deflector
supported on the end of a stem, around which a strong spiral spring is coiled; and
a sleeve secured by solder to the upper end of a frame extending above the distri-
butor proper. The sleeve is held in the frame by a bayonet-joint and is provided
with an arm.. When now the solder is sufficiently softened by heat the spiral
spring will throw the stem and deflector against the projecting valve-stem and
thus open the valve; the out-rushing water is dispersed by the deflector in every
direction. If, however, the arm is pulled, the sleeve will turn and be released, when
the same action will take place as if the stem had been released by heat. In these
Figures, l, represents the sleeve, m the arm or lever, n the valve, and p the
extended frame.
Having thus described my Invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by
Letters Patent,
First The combination-with-a-system of automatic-fire-extinguishers-of-a-system
of-wires connected-at-intervals-by-a-solder-fusible-at-a-low-temperature;-forming-
closed-cireuit-with--an--electric-battery-and-a--device--for--operating--an--alarm;
construeted-to-give-the-alarm-when-the-circuit-is-broken-us-described.
Second The-combination-with-a-system-of--antomatic-fire-extinguishers--of--a
system-of-wires connected-with-an-electric-battery-and-mechanism-constructed-to
open-the-main-valve-when-the-circuit-is-broken-as-described.
Third The combination-with-a-system-of-automatic fire extinguishers-provided
with-devices-to-sound-an-alarm and open-the-main-valves-of-a-stand-pipe-extending
above-the-automatic-fire-extinguishers the whole-constructed-to-open-the-main
valve-and-sound-the-alarm-when-the-internal-pressure-is-diminished;-us-described.
Fourth A-device-constructed-to-restrain-the-discharge-of-a-fluid-and-having-n
diaphragm provided-with-a-central-opening, and-a-valve-constructed-to-be-removed;
the-internal--pressure acting on the said diaphragm-to-keep-the-valve-closed-as
described.
Fifth: 1. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a valve-seat forming part of
a yielding diaphragm, and a valve or cover held against the opening and constructed
to be released by the action of heat as described.
Sixth. 2. In an automatic fire-extinguisher the combination, substantially as before
set forth, of a diaphragm capable of yielding to the pressure of the fire extinguishing
fluid confined by it, and the means or devices substantially as described, for keeping
the fluid discharge valve closed, until the restraint which the same exerts against
the opening of the valve is removed by the action of heat.
Seventh. 3. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a diaphragm capable of
yielding to the internal pressure, and a valve held in place by means of a lever or
levers the whole constructed to open the outlet by the action of beat on the
material by which the levers are secured as described.

page_text: Eighth. In an-automatic-fire-extinguisher-the-use-of-a-deflector-constructed-to
disperse-the-water-over-a-large-area-as-described.
Ninth. 4. In an automatic fire-extinguisher the use of a yielding diaphragm con-
structed to hold the valve and seat together by internal pressure so as to prevent
leakage as described.
Tenth: 5. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a valve held in place by a
fusible material; and arranged to be released by hand, constructed to operate by
hand or heat as described.
In witness whereof I, the said Frederick Grinnell have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Ninth day of December in the year of our Lord,
Eighteen hundred and eighty one.
In presence of
JOSEPH A. MILLER
Civil Engineer
Providence R.I.
FREDERICK GRINNELL. (L.S.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Grinnell, of Providence, State of Rhode Island,
United States of America, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR
SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Grinnell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd July 1881.
FREDERICK GRINNELL, of Providence, State of Rhode Island, United States of
America. "AN IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM."
My Invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for extinguishing
fires automatically and for operating an alarm when a fire takes place.
According to the said Invention I distribute over a building a system of pipes
by which water or fire extinguishing agents may be delivered to any part of
the building, and I provide such a system with automatic fire extinguishers which
shall be opened by the action of heat, and a system of wires united at intervals by
a metal fusible at a low temperature, known as soft solder, so as to make a closed
electric circuit, by the breaking of which, by accident or heat, a suitable apparatus
is released by which any kind of an alarm is sounded or otherwise given, and the
supply of water or other fire extinguishing agent is turned on.
I also provide a peculiar construction of valve or device by which the outlet is
closed, in which I employ a flexible diaphragm by which the internal pressure
forces either the valve seat to the valve, the seat of a cap to the cap, or the valve
or cap to its seat.
When the seat is forced to the cap or valve the cap or valve is
beld by some material readily affected by heat, so that on the breaking out of a
fire the cap or valve will be released automatically, and when the valve is held to
a fixed seat by means of a flexible diaphragm the device between the diaphragm
and the valve is made in part of or united by some material readily affected by
heat, so that the release by heat will allow the valve or cap to be removed auto-
matically and the fire extinguisher put in operation. The valve can also be held
to its seat by the internal pressure and the diaphragm arranged to open the valve
automatically.

page_text: I also provide any kind of valve with a flexible disc or diaphragm on which the
valve seat is secured or formed so that the internal pressure will keep the valve
seat against the valve, and thus prevent the leaking of the valve. And I so
construct a fire extinguisher that the material by which the valve cap or seal is
held is placed away from the distributor so as not to be retarded by the cooling
effect of the water and be more sensible to the effect of heat. Moreover, I provide
automatic fire extinguishers with deflector discs placed opposite the discharge
opening or openings, so that the water discharged against such discs will be spread
over a large area, and for that purpose the deflector discs may be made concave,
convex, or many sided, according to the position of the discharge openings and the
condition of the place to be protected against fire by the same.
I also construct the automatic fire extinguishers, so that the same can be operated
by hand, or by means of a wire or cord from a distance by hand, or automatically
by securing the wire or cord with a material easily affected by heat; this is accom-
plished by so constructing the device by which the valve-cap or seal is held that
the same can be released, and with the same the valve-cap or seal; one convenient
means is to connect the device by a bayonet joint, so that by the partial rotation
of the same the same is released; and I so construct an automatic fire extinguisher
that the valve is held to its seat by the internal pressure, and is opened by the
external pressure on the valve caused by the release of a spring or weight retained
by a material easily affected by heat.
I carry the said Invention into practice as follows, that is to say:-1 connect
a wire extending over the building and provided at frequent intervals with easily
fusible metal links or soldered joints, with an electric battery; and also connect
the same wire with an armature constructed to retain a weight or spring, which
when the electric circuit is broken, will operate an alarm, and may operate a valve
by which the fire extinguishing fluid is turned on to the system. Two methods
being used with this automatic system, the first has the pressure of the water or
other extinguishing agent at all times on the system, and the other turns the supply
on when a fire breaks out.
I place a flexible disc or diaphragm in a valve case, and use the same to either
force the valve seat to the valve disc, the valve disc to the valve seat, or open the
outlet by the pressure exerted on a diaphragm.
I secure the valve cap or seal by means of a device which is held by a material
fusible at a low temperature; placed at a distance from the extinguisher there is a
frame extending away from the distributor; the valve-cap or seal is held by a
long stem or a lever arrangement, which at a point away from the distributor is
held by means of a material fusible at a low temperature as above mentioned,
and I place any kind of disc or deflector in front of the outlet or outlets.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick Grinnell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 2nd
January 1882.
"
FREDERICK GRINNELL, of Providence, State of Rhode Island, United States of
America. AN IMPROVED METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES
IN BUILDINGS, AND FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY GIVING AN ALARM."
My Invention relates to improvements in methods and apparatus for extinguishing
fires automatically, and for operating an alarm when a fire takes place.
The Invention consists in distributing over a building a system of pipes by which
water or other fire extinguishing agents may be delivered to any part of a building,
and providing such a system with automatic fire-extinguishers which shall be
opened by the action of heat, and a system of wires united at intervals by a metal
fusible at a low temperature so as to make a closed clectric circuit, by the breaking
of which, by accident or heat, a suitable apparatus is released by which any kind
of an alarm is sounded or otherwise given, and the supply of water or other fire
extinguishing agent is turned on. The Invention further consists in the peculiar
construction of the valve or device by which the outlet is closed, in which I employ
a flexible diaphragm by which the internal pressure forces either the valve-seat to
the valve, the seat of a cap to the cap, or the valve or cap to its seat. When the
scat is forced to the cap or valve the cap or valve is held by some material readily
affected by heat, so that on the breaking out of a fire the cap or valve will be
released automatically, and when the valve is held to a fixed seat by means of a
flexible diaphragm, the device between the diaphragm and the valve is made in
part of or united by some material readily affected by heat, so that the release by
heat will allow the valve or cap to be removed automatically, and the fire
extinguisher put into operation. The valve can also be held to its seat by the
internal pressure, and the diaphragm arranged to open the valve automatically.
The Invention further consists in providing any kind of valve with a flexible
disc or diaphragm on which the valve-seat is secured or formed, so that the
internal pressure will keep the valve-seat against the valve and thus prevent the
leaking of the valve.
The Invention further consists in so constructing a fire-extinguisher that the
material by which the valve cap or seal is held is placed away from the distributor
so as not to be retarded by the cooling effect of the water, and be more sensible to
the effect of the heat. The Invention further consists in providing automatic fire-
extinguishers with deflector discs placed opposite the discharge opening or openings,
so that the water discharged against such dises will be spread over a large area,
and for that purpose the said deflector-dises may be made concave, convex, or
inany sided according to the position of the discharge openings and the condition
The Invention further
of the place to be protected against fire by the same.
consists in so constructing the automatic fire-extinguishers that the same can be:
operated by hand or by means of a wire or cord from a distance, or automatically
This is
by securing the wire or cord with a material easily affected by heat.
accomplished by so constructing the device by which the valve cap or seal is held
that the same can be quickly released by pulling a cord or wire. One convenient
means is to connect the device by a bayonet-joint, so that by the partial rotation
of the device the same is released.
This Invention further consists in so constructing an automatic fire-extinguisher
that the valve held to its seat by the internal pressure is opened by external:
pressure on the valve, caused by the release of a spring or weight retained by a
material easily affected by heat. The manner in which I carry out the first part
of my Invention is shown in Figure 1 of the Drawings, which is a perspective
view showing the interior of a building provided with a system of pipes having
automatic fire-extinguishers secured to their outlets, and a system of wires secured.

page_text: at intervals by connecting links made of hard metal and secured together by a soft
solder or a material that will fuse at a low temperature.
In this Figure A is a valve controlling the water-inlet; B, the rising main;
C, C, the distributing pipes; and D, D, automatic fire-extinguishers placed on the
outlets. E is a line of wires extending through the building connected with the
electric battery G, and with the mechanism H constructed to sound an alarm and
release a weight when by any means the wire E is severed and the circuit broken.
F, F, are links shown on an enlarged scale in Figures 2 and they consist of two
pieces of hard metal cach connected with the wire E; the two pieces are united by
what is known in the arts as soft solder, or a solder that will melt at a low degree,
say below 160° Fahrenheit, so that when a fire breaks out, the link nearest the fire
will separate and thus break the circuit, which once broken will sound an alarm
and also release the supply valve so that water will enter the system and be
discharged from the automatic fire-extinguishers that have been opened by the
heat.
In some buildings, and particularly in large manufactories, the use of the wire E
is objectionable, and it becomes desirable to operate an alarm and to open the main
supply valve as soon as a fire breaks out; to do this without the use of electricity
I use the system shown in Figure 4, which represents a building having a tower
on one side in which the rising main B is placed, from which the distributing
pipes C, C, provided at their outlets with automatic fire-extinguishers D, D, are
supplied. B¹ is a stand pipe, and B2 a small overflow pipe. The stand pipe is
always kept nearly full of water, and when one or more of the automatic fire-
extinguishers are opened or any part of the system leaks, the water in this stand
pipe will rapidly fall and the pressure as rapidly diminish, which would not be the
case were the system connected with a tank. In the stand-pipe B' a small pipe is
secured connecting with the device K, shown enlarged in Figure 5, it consists of a
diaphragm connected with the water in the stand-pipe holding a hinged forked
lever against a short pin by the pressure of the water. The pressure of the water
on the diaphragm depends on the height of the column of water in the stand-pipe,
which will diminish rapidly when one or more of the extinguishers are opened,
and the diaphragm will then sink and release a button held on the pin by the
lever, and thus allow the weighted valve to open, by which steam or compressed air
is supplied to the alarm H. By the use of the stand-pipe the pressure on the
system is always the same, as the pressure depends on the height of the column of
water in the stand-pipe.
The supply valve A is what is known as the butterfly valve; it is provided with
an exterior arm on which a weight is secured sufficient to open the valve when
released. The weight is held suspended by a hinged lever secured to a diaphragm
which when pressed out by internal pressure will release the weight and thus open
the valve. Figure 6 is a sectional view of the device I placed near the upper end
of the rising main B, which in its essential features is like the main valve A; it
consists of the butterfly valve i having an outer lever i¹ from which the weight i
is suspended, and the bell crank lever ³, one end of which is connected with the
diaphragm and the other engaged with the hook of the arm ¹. The only
difference between this device and the valve A is that when the pressure diminishes
in the stand-pipe the diaphragm sinks, the bell-crank lever disengages the arm ¹
and allows the valve to open, discharging water into a pipe leading to the diaphragm
in valve A, which diaphragm now distends and by the increase in pressure
disengages the valve. It is obvious that the device shown in Figure 6 may be
used as the main valve. By the use of the stand pipe the alarmn is quickly
sounded when a fire breaks out or any other accident happens to the system of
pipes, and the main supply valve is opened automatically as soon as the pressure in
the system is diminished. The second part of my Invention is illustrated in
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Figure 7 is a view of an automatic fire-extinguisher;
Figure 8 is a sectional view, and Figure 9 is a top view of the same.
a is the
screw threaded end of the extinguisher by means of which it can be secured in the

page_text: usual pipe fittings used; b is the inlet; c is a diaphragm secured to the case and
provided with a central opening surrounded by a valve seat; d is a deflector shown
in the form of a concaved disc. The form of this deflector may however be altered,
a convex, flat, or many sided deflector may be used. The deflector d is provided
with the stem e which is secured by soft solder in the yoke f. When the solder by
which the deflector forming the valve is held is softened by heat, the pressure of
the water will drive the deflector against the bridge f, and the out rushing water
will be deflected into spray by impinging on the surface of the deflector. As the
pressure of the water is exerted against the diaphragm c and the deflector d is held
by the solder, the seat is always forced against the deflector and a tight joint is
secured. Figure 10 is a sectional view of a modified form of automatic extinguisher
in which the yielding diaphragm c provided with a central opening surrounded
by a valve seat is shewn corrugated, and the valve d with its stem e is secured
by a fusible solder, in the case of a perforated distributor, so that when the
solder is fused by heat the valve d will be forced from the seat on the diaphragm
and the water discharged through the perforations. A cap is also shewn in
broken lines resting on the end of the stem e. When such a cap is secured by
solder or in any manner by a material fusible at a low temperature, the valve will
be held in place and the pressure of the water on the yielding diaphragm c
will force the seat against the valve, making a tight joint; when now the cap
is released by heat, the valve is forced open and the water distributed
through the perforations in the distributor; Figure 11 represents another modi-
fication of the automatic fire-extinguisher. The valve d is connected with the
steme by a connection having sufficient play to allow the valve to seat itself, and
be held by the internal pressure. The stem e is secured to the diaphragm c, and is
also secured to the bridge f by means of a solder or material fusible at a low degree
of temperature; when now a fire breaks out, the heat will melt the solder and
allow the internal pressure to force the diaphragm c outward, and as the area of
this diaphragm is much greater than the area of the valve, to pull the valve open
and allow the water to be discharged by the distributor. The kind of distributor
shewn in this Figure is a ring provided with tangential slots, and revolving by the
force of the re-acting water on a hollow stud provided with ports; Figure 12
represents another modification showing the use of the yielding diaphragm to hold
the valve to its seat, so that the internal pressure will maintain a water tight joint
rather than produce a leaking joint. In this Figure the yoke is made hollow, one
side being formed by the diaphragm, and the hollow yoke is connected with the
lower chamber by tubes or hollow stays g, g. To the diaphragm a tubular sleeve
is secured, and into this sleeve the stem e of the deflector d is secured by a fusible
solder. The pressure on the diaphragm c, which is of much greater area than
the valve opening, keeps the valve in contact with its seat, until by the action
of heat the solder is melted and the stem e allowed to enter the sleeve, when
the water rushing from the valve opening is deflected into spray and thrown
in all directions by the deflector d. The third part of my Invention referring to
the application of the yielding diaphragm to globe or other valves is illustrated in
Figures 13, 14, and 15; Figure 13 represents the usual form of a globe-valve, in
which the ordinarily fixed valve-seat is here shown as part of a yielding diaphragm
held by the internal pressure to the valve so as to make a tight joint; Figure 14
is a sectional view of a similar valve provided with a yielding diaphragm, on
which the valve-opening and valve-seat are formed; Figure 15 is sectional view
of a valve, the stem and valve of which have a fixed motion, and in which a
corrugated diaphragm having the valve-outlet and valve-seat adjusts itself by
the internal pressure to the valve, so as to keep the same tight. The fourth part
of my Invention has reference to the use of levers for holding the covers, valves,
or deflectors of automatic fire-extinguishers in place, and this is illustrated in
Figures 16 and 17; Figure 16 is a view of the automatic fire-extinguisher, shewn
in Figure 7, provided however with two hinged levers, the short ends of which
rest on the stem of the deflector, which is not secured, by solder, but is held by the

page_text: short ends of the levers, the long ends being secured by any material that will be
quickly melted or fused at a temperature not much above, say, 100° Fahrenheit.
It is apparent that the difference between the length of the two ends of the levers,
measuring from the fulcrum, determines the difference in the power of the solder
to resist the force of the internal pressure. As illustrated in Figure 16, a com-
paratively weak and easily fusible solder used to unite the long ends of the levers
, h, would withstand almost any amount of internal pressure. It is also obvious
that various forms of levers or compound levers known in the arts may be used
to hold a valve, a cap, or other seal to the outlet to be released by the action of
any material that will yield under heat, and allow the levers to separate and the
fluid to be discharged; Figure 17 represents another form of automatic fire-
extinguisher in section. The diaphragin in this case is pressed by the internal
pressure against an outer frame made in two parts, and united at o by a solder
fusible at a low temperature. The deflector d has a valve formed on it, which is
pressed upon by the arms h, h, and thus through tlie frame the diaphragm c exerts
a pressure on the valve disc and presses the same against the rim of the outlet.
When however the solder at o molts, the internal pressure on the diaphragm c, as
also the pressure exerted on the valve disc, disrupts the frame, the valve disc and
distributor will be lifted by the pressure, and the water will be spread over a large
The fifth part of my Invention refers to the use of deflectors in automatic
fire-extinguishers, by which the water rushing under pressure from an orifice is
intercepted by a metal disc or plate of any desired form, and deflected into the
desired directions in a divided state. Such deflectors are shewn in Figures 7, 8,
12, 16, 17, and 23. Heretofore perforated sprinklers and rotating distributors
have been used, but they are liable to become clogged up with impurities, whereas
the deflector is not liable to be clogged. Parts of the deflector may be perforated,
as is shown in Figure 9, and the edge of the deflector may be serrated or of other
irregular form, so as to divide the water into finer spray, and also in as many
directions as possible, so that no part of the space controlled by the automatic fire-
extinguisher will be without an ample supply of water.
area.
The sixth part of my Invention has reference to automatic fire-extinguishers
constructed to be released by hand if desired. In some places where highly
inflammable material is operated upon, such as the picker room of a cotton mill, the
fire when once started would quickly communicate with the loose fibres through
the room without generating much heat, so that the whole room may be on fire
before the extinguishers would be liberated by the action of heat on the fusible
material or solder. To provide for such emergencies I secure the valve or other
device to a sleeve by means of a fusible solder or soft solder, and connect the sleeve
by means of a catch or a bayonet joint to the yoke or other part of the extinguisher,
and provide such catch or the sleeve with an arm or lever, so that by pulling on a
wire or cord connected with the arm or lever the extinguisher can be brought into
operation.
I now connect any desired number of sucli automatic extinguishers by wires, so
that when a fire breaks out in such a place a cordon of extinguishers can be made
quickly to discharge water and surround the fire, thus preventing the spreading of
the fire beyond such cordon. Figure 18 is a view of an extinguisher provided with
a hand liberating device; Figure 19 is a sectional view of the same; Figure 20 is
a top view of the automatic fire-extinguisher.
Figure 21 is an end view of the sleeve provided with an arm or lever and the
male part of the bayonet-joint; Figure 22 is a sectional view of the female part of
the bayonet-joint; Figure 23 is a view partly in section of a modification of the
automatic and hand liberated fire-extinguisher; it consists of a valve held to its
seat by a light spiral spring and the internal pressure of the water; a deflector
supported on the end of a sten, around which a strong spiral spring is coiled; and
a sleeve secured by solder to the upper end of a frame extending above the distri-
butor proper. The sleeve is held in the frame by a bayonet-joint, and is provided
with an arm. When now, the solder is sufficiently softened by heat, the spiral

page_text: spring will throw the stem and deflector against the projecting valve-stem, and
thus open the valve; the out-rushing water is dispersed by the deflector in every
direction. If however the arm is pulled, the sleeve will turn and be released, when
the same action will take place as if the stem had been released by heat. In these
Figures represents the sleeve; m, the arın or lever; n, the valve; and p, the
extended frame.
,
Having thus described my Invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by
Letters Patent,-
First. The combination with a system of automatic fire-extinguishers of a system
of wires connected at intervals by a solder fusible at a low temperature, forming a
closed circuit with an electric battery, and a device for operating an alarm
constructed to give the alarm when the circuit is broken, as described.
Second. The combination with a system of automatic fire-extinguishers of a
system of wires connected with an electric battery and mechanism constructed to
open the main valve when the circuit is broken, as described.
Third. The combination with a system of automatic fire extinguishers provided
with devices to sound an alarm and open the main valve of a stand-pipe extending
above the automatic fire-extinguishers, the whole constructed to open the main
valve and sound the alarm when the internal pressure is diminished, as described.
Fourth. A device constructed to restrain the discharge of a fluid and having a
diaphragm provided with a central opening and a valve constructed to be removed,
the internal pressure acting on the said diaphragm to keep the valve closed, as
described.
Fifth. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a valve-scat forming part of
a yielding diaphragm and a valve or cover held against the opening, and constructed
to be released by the action of heat, as described.
Sixth. In an automatic fire-extinguisher the combination, substantially as before
set forth, of a diaphragm capable of yielding to the pressure of the fire extinguishing
fluid confined by it, and the means or devices, substantially as described, for keeping
the fluid discharge valve closed until the restraint which the same exerts against
the opening of the valve is removed by the action of heat.
Seventh. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a diaphragm capable of
yielding to the internal pressure and a valve held in place by means of a lever or
levers, the whole constructed to open the outlet by the action of heat on the
material by which the levers are secured, as described.
Eighth. In an automatic fire-extinguisher the use of a deflector constructed to
disperse the water over a large area, as described.
Ninth. In an automatic fire-extinguisher the use of a yielding diaphragm con-
structed to hold the valve and seat together by internal pressure so as to prevent
leakage, as described.
Tenth. An automatic fire-extinguisher provided with a valve held in place by a
fusible material and arranged to be released by hand, constructed to operate by
hand or heat, as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick Grinnell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord
Eighteen hundred and eighty one.
In presence of
JOSEPH A. MILLER,
Civil Engineer,
Providence, R.I.
FREDERICK GRINNELL. (L.S.)