IMPROVEMENTS IN EXTINGUISHING FIRES AND IN APPARATUS OR MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREFOR
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn
Fields, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN EXTINGUISHING FIRES AND IN APPARATUS OR MEANS
TO BE EMPLOYED THEREFOR." -A Communication from abroad by.
Ramon Bañolas, of Madrid, in the Kingdom of Spain.
Sealed the 12th March 1875, and dated the 18th January 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 13th January 1875.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
5 County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN EXTINGUISHING FIRES AND IN APPARATUS
OR MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREFOR,” a communication to me from
abroad by Ramon Bañolas, of Madrid, in the Kingdom of Spain, to be
as follows:-
"

page_text: me bearing date the 1st of December 1871 (No. 3259), and consists of
an improved mode of constructing apparatus of that class, and of an
improved composition of the chemical charges to be used therowith, and
also of certain arrangements for facilitating the transport of the appa-
ratus to the place where a fire has broken out.
The charges are composed of an alkaline solid portion which is dis-
solved in water (in sea water if necessary) and of an acid liquid portion;
the two portions remaining separate and inert in the apparatus until they
are mixed together, when carbonic acid under an elevated pressure is
instantaneously evolved.

page_text: by an equivalent quantity of dilute sulphuric acid marking, say,
about 35°.
In constructing the improved apparatus it is proposed to make the
upper portion of the outer receptacle movable, or to provide man-holes
fitted with self-tightening covers around the circumference, or at the
bottom of the apparatus in order to facilitate the cleaning of the same.
It is also proposed to form the outer receptacle of steel plate, and the
inner one of glass, glazed ware, porcelain, or similar material.
In carrying out this part of the Invention there is formed in the top
of the outer receptacle, an aperture which is closed by a cover (by pre-
ference of a dished or convex shape) bolted or otherwise secured thereto,
and provided with an inlet for the liquid into the inner receptacle a nut
for the rod employed for opening and closing the same, as also vertical
rods for supporting such inner receptacle, so that the latter may be
readily withdrawn in order to afford access to all parts of the apparatus.
The top or main cover of the outer receptacle is turned down at its
edges so as to encircle the sides of the same to which it is secured by
rivets or similar means, and the outer receptacle is further strengthened
at its lower and central portions by external hoops or rings, one of which
when the apparatus is mounted on wheels (as herein-after mentioned)
carries trunnions on which to suspend such apparatus so as to admit of
its being oscillated for the purpose of accelerating the evolution of the
carbonic acid. The latter result may also be facilitated by the use of
an agitator consisting of a wheel or segments thereof, of a form similar
in section to that of the bottom of the outer receptacle and mounted on
a shaft in the interior of such outer receptacle near the bottom of the
same.
The inner receptacle is provided at both its top and bottom ends with
an annular shoulder or moulding by means of which the wear of the
leather or india-rubber washers employed to form joints at those parts is
diminished, and also at its upper end with a suspension bar attached
to the sides of such receptacle to which the supporting rods are con-
nected.
A discharging nozzle fitting on a union joint is employed, such nozzle
being provided with two tubes of different dimensions so as to admit of

page_text: When the inner receptacle is made of glass, glazed ware, porcelain, or
similar material, it is proposed to modify the preceding arrangement in
the following manner :-The inner receptacle is in this case maintained
in its place by means of vertical bolts fastened at their upper end to a
hoop or ring formed on or secured to the main cover of the apparatus,
and entering lugs formed on another hoop or ring embracing the base of
the receptacle, which is slightly contracted at that part. The inner
receptacle is protected at the different parts from contact with the metal
by means of a covering of india-rubber or other suitable material which
also contributes to the forming of a tight joint.
In the upper end of the inner receptacle there is formed a special
opening in which enters a tube soldered or welded to the cover of the
outer receptacle and closed by a screw plug. This tube is provided with
a funnel for facilitating the introduction of the liquid, and also with a
metal washer against which bears the india-rubber or other packing so
as to maintain a tight joint.
The lower or open end of the inner receptaclo is closed by an obturator
or stopper covered with india-rubber or other suitable material which
bears against the lower flange of the recoptacle, such obturator or
.stopper being guided in its motion by rods sliding in lugs formed on or
attached to one of the hoops or rings herein-before referred to. To the
obturator or stopper is secured a central rod, by turning which by the
aid of a handle the obturator or stopper is moved to or from the lower
end of the receptacle for the purpose of closing or opening the same.
The rod is enclosed in a casing of lead or other suitable material sur-
mounted by an india-rubber ring, in order to afford additional security
against the escape of the liquid.
The outer receptacle may be closed at the bottom by a cover attached
by bolts and provided with a screw plug, the parts being so arranged
that the internal pressure will tend to maintain a tight joint between
the surfaces.
In order to facilitate the transport of fire-extinguishing apparatus of
this class to the place of the fire, it is proposed to employ vehicles con-
structed and arranged in the manner herein-after described.
According to one arrangement there is provided on the top of the
vehicle a reservoir for water or alkaline solution, on each side of which
are placed portable receptacles intended to be carried on the shoulder,

page_text: whilst at the back of the vehiclo there are disposed a suitable number
(say two for example) of larger receptacles coupled together so as to
ensure the continuity of their action, and suspended by trunnions to
'hooks jointed and provided with levers, by the aid of which the large
receptacles may be raised or lowered, as required. The reservoir is pro-
vided on the top with a box or case perforated with holes, in which box
or case there are placed the powders which are to be dissolved for the
purpose of forming the alkaline solution, and around the reservoir thero
are provided chests or chambers for the convenience of containing the
acid and basic charges (the liquid being enclosed in.given quantities in
bottles or vessels hermetically scaled, and the powders made up in foil
cases) and also tho various utensils .employed in connection with the
.
An upper longitudinal chest and certain lateral platforms are utilized
as seats and supports for the men on service, and a support is also pro-
.vided at the rear of the vehicle for carrying the hose.
The two large receptacles herein-before referred to, which may be
provided or not, with agitators, are united by a pipe having three cocks
(one being a three-way cock), which admit of the two apparatus being
worked in succession without appreciable interruption. A pipe fitted
with two cocks is employed, by the aid of which the receptacles aro
placed in communication with the water reservoir. This pipe in somo
cases may be provided with a small box or chamber through which tho
pipe is placed in communication with the reservoir containing tho
| alkalino liquid, and into which box or chamber, when the reservoir is
empty, and has to be refilled with water, the charges of salts previously
prepared to suit the quantity of acid constituting the charge of one of
the two large receptacles, herein-before referred to, are inserted, after
which water is introduced into the reservoir, whence it passes into tho
large empty receptacle, the required dose of acid liquid being at the
same time poured into the inner vessel of such receptacle. The
admixture of the alkali with the water is effected either by turning
the agitator or by oscillating the receptacle on its trunnions, after which
such receptacle is placed in communication with the connecting pipe
between the two receptacles. A manometer and other means aro pro-
vided for facilitating the controlling and regulating of the pressure.
When the connecting pipe, herciu-before referred to, is arranged so as to

page_text: •
admit of the liquid being distributed into the two large receptacles, the
alkaline charges should be introduced direct into the reservoir.
The vehicles may be mounted on either two or four wheels and drawn
by cither men or horses. The position and arrangement of the portablo
and other receptacles may also be varied according to the size and con-
struction of the vehicle. When the extinguishing apparatus is of small
size it may be carried by the aid of handles in lieu of being mounted
on wheels.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Scal Patent
Office on the 12th July 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman; send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her:
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of January, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the
38th year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said John Henry Johnson, Her special
license that 1; the said John Henry Johnson, my executors, admi- ;
nistrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Henry
Johnson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain 2
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN EXTINGUISHING FIRES AND IN APPARATUS OR MEANS TO BE -
EMPLOYED THEREFOR,' a communication to me from abroad by Ramon
Bañolas, of Madrid, in the Kingdom of Spain, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors a
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
scal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
"

page_text: cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement, referenco being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say:―
The said Invention relates moro particularly to that description of
apparatus or means for extinguishing fires for which Letters Patent were
granted to me bearing date the First December, One thousand eight
hundred and seventy-ono (No. 3259), and the improvements which form
the subject of it have reference not only to the mode of constructing
these apparatus, but also to arrangements for facilitating the transport
of the apparatus to the site of the conflagration.
The charges which it is preferred to employ are composed of an
alkaline solid portion, which is dissolved in water (in sea water if
necessary) and of an acid liquid portion, the two portions remaining
separate and inert in the apparatus until the moment, when they are
mixed together for use and when carbonic acid under an clevated
pressure is instantaneously evolved.
The charge for every one hundred parts by weight of water consists
The above proportions may however be varied, the purity of the
products not being absolutely necessary.
By employing purified bicarbonate of soda the quantity may be
diminished, whilst at the same time the residuum which rapidly fouls
the apparatus is avoided. The use of alumina in lieu of sulphate of
alumina admits of its proportion and consequently its vitrifying effects

page_text: (which are so useful in oxtinguishing fire and rendering a body non-
combustible) being increased.
The liquid before-mentioned is composed of the following ingredients
in about the under-mentioned proportions, videlicet :—
Tartaric acid, about 55 parts by weight.
5
This liquid is entirely inoffensive and the plenic acid wHICH I
contains ensures its preservation by preventing tho crystallization of the
tartaric acid.
This liquid may however with a view to economy be replaced by an
equivalent quantity of dilute sulphuric acid marking say about 35
degrees.
The liquid mixtures or preparations are contained in definite quantities
in glass bottles or vessels hermetically closed, and the solid mixtures or
preparations are made up (also in definite quantities) in cases of tin or
lead foil covered with thick paper, whereby their preservation for an
indefinite period is ensured.
In constructing the improved apparatus either the upper portion of
the outer receptacle is made movable, or man-holes fitted with self-
tightening covers are provided around the circumference or at the lower
part of the apparatus in order to facilitate the cleansing of the same.
The outer receptacle may also be formed of steel plate, and the inner a
one of glass, glazed ware, porcelain, or similar material.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose
shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings
the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts in all the
corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a vertical section
of an apparatus constructed according to one mode of carrying out the
said Invention; Figure 2 is an elevation, and Figure 3 is a plan corre-
sponding to Figuro 1. ·
1
ด

page_text: Figures 4to 12 are detail VIEWS WHICH WH DO merem-anter more funy
referred to.
Figure 13 is a vertical section; Figure 14 is a plan, and Figures 15
and 16 are horizontal sections shewing a modification of the proceding
arrangement...
Figuro 17 is a vertical section illustrating another modification.
Figures 18 and 24 are side elevations; Figure 19 is a longitudinal
section; Figure 20 is a plan, and Figure 21 is an end view of a wheel
carriage intended for the transport of the extinguishing apparatus to the ..
site of a conflagration, and for facilitating the carrying out of the other
parts of the said Invention.
Figures 22 and 23 shew modifications of the details which will be
herein-after more fully referred to.
Figures 25, 26, and 27, illustrate modifications of arrangements for
effecting the transport of the apparatus.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the Drawings, to the centre of the
upper domo a of the outer receptacle there is bolted a convex cover b
which is provided with an inlet e for the liquid with the nut c of the
rod c', which serves to open and close the inner receptacle d of, the
apparatus, and also carries the bolts or attachment rods f by which such
inner receptacle is suspended, so that the latter may be readily with-
drawn in order to afford access to all parts of the interior of tho
apparatus. The dome a is turned down at its edge so as to embrace the
upper part of the body of the outer receptacle g, which latter may bo
constructed of steel in order to admit of its weight being diminished, the
outer receptacle is further strengthened at its lower part by an external
ring i attached below the rivetting of the bottom j, and at its centre by a
hoop h, which when the apparatus is mounted on wheels (as herein-after
mentioned) is provided with trunnions on which to suspend such appa-
ratus, so as to enable it to be oscillated for the purpose of accelerating the
evolution of the carbonic acid gas, without the necessity for applying tho
internal stirrer or agitator m, which may in some cases be employed.
The upper and lower portions of the inner receptacle d are provided
with an annular scat K, shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5, by means
5 of which the wear of the leather or india-rubber employed to form the

page_text: joint at these places is diminished. Figures 6 and 7 show a detail of a
cross bar p by which the receptacle d is suspended.
The apparatus also comprises a delivery pipo or nozzle picco n,
Figures 9 and 10, fitting on a socket or union, shown in Figure 8, which
pipe or nozzle piece is furnished with two nozzles o, o, of different sizes,
as shewn in Figure 9, so as to admit of the volume of the jets being
varied as required.
Figures 11 and 12 represent a modification of the delivery pipe or
nozzle in which the arrangement is simplified. The nozzle o has a screw
cut on its external circumference, upon which a second nozzle o¹ of 1
smaller section than the former may be fitted so as to admit of the
diameter of the delivery nozzle being adjusted according to the quantity
of liquid it is desired to project upon the flames.
In the modification shewn in Figures 13, 14, 15, and 16 the inner
receptacle is attached in a peculiar manner to the dome a of the 1
apparatus, and it is composed of glass, glazed ware, or porcelain, which
substances resist the action of acids and ensure its preservation. This
inner receptacle is moreover protected by india-rubbor rings or pads at
those places where it would come in contact with the metal of the
apparatus.
The receptacle d is maintained in place by means of three bolts q
(Figures 13 and 15), which are rivetted at their upper part in a metallic
ring fixed to the dome a of the apparatus, and fit into the solid lugs of a
metal hoop embracing the base of the receptacle d which is slightly
contracted at this point.
The inner receptacle d is protected from contact with the metal at the
part where the hoopis fitted by a pad of india-rubber 1, and a similar
pad 2 is interposed between the inner receptacle d and the metal ring,
against which the upper part of the receptacle abuts, which pad there
forms a tight joint.
2
2
80
The upper part of the receptacle d is provided with a special opening
for the reception of a copper socket & which is soldered to the dome a
and closed or stopped by a screwed plug forming a tight joint. This
socket is provided with a small funnel to facilitate the introduction of
the liquid, and is fitted with a metal washer against which the india- 35

page_text: rubber or other pad 2 is forcibly pressed in order to intercept all passage
or escape of the liquid at this place.
The lower open part of the receptacle d is closed by a disc or obturator t,
covered by a disc of india-rubber bearing against the prepared lower
3 parts or edges of the receptacles, which disc or obturator t, is guided in
its movements by the rods sliding in the lugs fixed upon the metal
hoop r; the disc or obturator t is moreover perforated at its centre with
a hole through which is passed the central rod having a screw cut in
its upper part, by turning which in the proper direction by the aid of
the crank handle the disc or obturator is caused to press against the
receptacle d.
"
In order to prevent any escape of the liquid by the orifice formed at
the bottom of the receptacle d for the passage of the rod this rod is:
surrounded by a sheath y of lead or other suitable material surmounted
by an'india-rubber or other clastic ring which fits upon this orifice when
the disc or obturator is raised, while when it is lowered the socket and
shoulder of the crank handle 2 form the joint by pressing against the
nut of the rod v. The convex bottom of the casing g is in this arrange-
ment fitted with a self-tightening man-hole lid or cover, which is con-
nected thereto by means of bolts, and is provided with a screwed plug.
Access to the interior of the vessel may thus be readily obtained by
dismounting the self-tightening lid or cover z.
'
In the modification shown in Figure 17 the inner receptacle d of the
apparatus is constructed of metal and lined with gutta percha in order
to protect it from the action of the acid liquid; or it may be wholly
constructed of gutta percha and strengthened by metal rings or fittings.
"
0
..!
The obturator rod is protected by a sheath y of gutta percha or other
analogous substance, and the tube c for introducing the liquid is also
similarly protected. In this modification the upper dome a of the outer.
receptacle is perforated in the centre with a hole of sufficient diameter
to admit of the passage through it of the inner receptacle d; and the
latter is furnished with a plug w, which is screwed into the dome a,
and which it is simply necessary to unscrew in order to enable the whole
of the internal parts of the apparatus to be removed when it is required
to clean or repair them.
The obturator rod passes through the centre of the plug 10, which is
arranged in such a manner that the shoulder of the crank handlo a

page_text: makes a tight joint, the moment the rod is lowered to open the
receptacle d.
The central part of the plug to is provided with a screwed scat, upon
which a small conical socket 5, composed by preference of copper, is
fitted, the lower extremity of such socket constituting a point of support
to the upper part of the receptacle d.
The plug to is also furnished with a nozzle c lined with gutta percha,
and provided with a funnel which serves for the introduction of the acid
liquid, and is closed by a screwed plug c fitted so as to form a tight
joint. Independently of its central opening the dome a is also porforated
with an opening, which is closed by a screwed plug c³, and serves for
the introduction of the alkaline liquid into the apparatus. In this modi-
fication the obturator t, which is coverod by a ring of india-rubber or
similar material is guided by rods t' attached to the lower part of the
receptacle d, and the obturator rod terminates as in the preceding
arrangements at its lower part by a head 3, which is fitted so as to bo
capable of turning between a ring and a half sphero of bronze or similar
metal enclosed in a metal casing 4 attached to the outer side of tho
obturator t. The gutta percha sheath or envelope y which protects the
rod v from contact with the acid serves, as in the preceding case, to form
a tight joint at the upper part of the receptacle a.
The said Invention further relates to various arrangements to bo
employed with the view of ensuring the efficiency of this system in the
case of considerable conflagrations.
Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, and 24 represent a carriago provided with a
reservoir A, on cach side of which there are placed the receptacles B
intended to be carried on the back or shoulder when required for usc.
At the rear part of this carriage there are arranged two main
receptacles D of large dimensions, which receptacles are coupled
together so as to ensure the continuity of their action, and are sus-
pended by their trunnions to hooks C jointed and provided with lovers E,
which admit of the two apparatus d, d, being raised and lowered as
required.
The reservoir A carries at its upper part a case or chamber F per-
forated with holes, and in which are placed the powders which have to
bo dissolved to form the alkaline solution; and around this reservoir
there are provided cases or chambers G which contain the acid and basic

page_text: charges for the extinguishing apparatus, as well as various utensils,
nozzles, hatchets, ropes, and other necessaries. The upper longitudinal
case, and the lateral platforms H serve as a seat and support for the
firemen. A support I fixed at the rear of the carriage serves to carry
the hose which is to be fitted to the nozzles.
The two large receptacles D, D, which may be provided or not with
stirrers or agitators, are united by a curved pipo J having three cocks,
one of which, viz., that in the centre, being a three-way cock admitting
of the two apparatus working successively without any appreciable
interruption; these receptacles communicate moreover with the water
reservoir A at their upper part by means of a pipe K provided with two
cocks.
In Figures 22 and 23 there is shewn fitted to the pipe K a small metal
box L, which places this pipe in communication with the roservoir A'
5 containing the alkaline liquid, and which when the reservoir is empty
and is to be filled with water receives the charges of salts previously
prepared, and exactly corresponding with the quantity of acid which
forms the charge of one of the receptacles D, and the reservoir A having
been supplied with water the same thence passes into the empty
O receptacle D at the same time that the required dose of liquid acid is
poured into the inner vessel of such receptacle by the funnel M. The
mixing is then effected by turning the crank handle N and agitating the
liquids if desired either by means of the internal agitator or stirrer, or by
causing the receptacle to oscillate slightly on its trunnions; this
5 receptacle is then placed in communication with the pipe J.
It will be understood that during these operations the other
receptacle D has been emptied, after which it is isolated in turn and
treated in the manner lastly herein-before described. The pressure of
the liquid, the outlet of which is governed by means of the regulator O,
0 is thus always maintained at a constant intensity, which can moreover
be ascertained and controlled by means of the manometer P.
The box L also admits of the effective pressure being augmented by
increasing the alkaline charge when the water of the reservoir already
contains a certain proportion of alkaline principles, the dose or quantity
of acid being moreover proportionally augmented.
In the arrangement represented in Figures 18, 19, 20, and 21, in which
T
041= 1993 keine distributed into or divided between

page_text: the two receptacles D, D, the alkaline charges should be introduced
directly into the reservoir A.
Figure 24 is a general view shewing the mode of harnessing the horsos
and the position of the firemen on the apparatus, which is represented as
fully equipped for a considerable conflagration and in the act of driving 5
to the scene of the same.
Figure 25 shews a carriage on two wheels to be drawn by men, and
comprising a main receptacle D surrounded by four of the extinguishing
apparatus B and the necessary cases or chambers.
In the arrangements shewn in Figure 26 two extinguishing appa- 1
ratus D, D, of large dimensions are mounted on a pair of wheels united
by a transverse axle.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 27 the receptacl Q forming
the extinguishing apparatus, which is of small dimensions, is carried by
the aid of a jointed handle. An apparatus of this description is amply 18
sufficient to extinguish a fire of small magnitude, or when discovered at
the outbreak thereof.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to 20
be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The peculiar arrangement and combination of the parts of the
fire extinguishing apparatus, whereby facility is afforded for removing
the inner receptacle, and also for oscillating the apparatus in order the 25
accelerate the mixing of the liquids which it contains, substantially as
herein-before described and illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The peculiar modo of attaching a glass, glazed ware, or
porcelain inner receptacle to the outer receptacle, and of carrying,
arranging, and operating the valve of the inner receptacles, substantially 30
as and for the purposes herein-before described and as illustrated by the
Drawings.
Third. Coupling or connecting tomatham

page_text: Fourth. The application and use of a carriage having two sets of main
extinguishing apparatus coupled together so as to work continuously;
and also portable extinguishing apparatus capable of removal from the
carriage, substantially as and for the purposes herein-before described
and as illustrated by the Drawings.
Fifth. The combination with the extinguishing apparatus of the two
wheel carriages. for facilitating the transport of such apparatus, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and illustrated by the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this
my Specification set my hand and seal, the Twelfth day of July,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
.