Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Use in Extinguishing Fire.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Use in Extinguishing
Fire.
I, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 30, Glengall Road, Old Kent Road, in the
County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention relates to apparatus for use in extinguishing fire, and more
particularly to apparatus of the kind or class known as chemical fire-engines
or fire-extinguishers in which a gas, a liquid, or a mixture of gas and liquid
is projected onto the flames by the pressure generated by the evolution of the
gas.
In some of the forms of such apparatus heretofore constructed, a solution of
an alkaline carbonate is stored in a closed chamber or reservoir, and within
this chamber is mounted a closed vessel of glass or other material, containing
sulphuric or other suitable acid, and adapted to be broken or otherwise opened
or inverted by externally-operated devices, when required, so as to allow the
acid to act on the alkaline carbonate and so generate carbonic acid gas. This
acid-vessel has to be introduced, and, in some cases, removed for refilling, through
an aperture in the said chamber or reservoir which is kept normally closed by
means of a screw-cap or plug.
not
These arrangements, although very convenient in the case of small fire-
extinguishers such as are intended to be carried on a fireman's back, are
satisfactory when applied to larger apparatus such as would replace a steam
fire-engine or a manual operated by two or more men, since it is difficult to
readily make a gas-tight joint around a hole of such size as would permit the
introduction and removal of the acid-reservoir. Moreover, when a glass acid-
vessel is used, it is apt to be accidentally broken, so that the gas will be
prematurely generated and the apparatus may, in such case, remain for a long
period subject to internal pressure; and, in arrangements in which a valve is
employed for closing the acid-vessel, leakage of the acid is liable to take place
unobserved, thus permitting premature generation of the gas and possible
danger from excessive pressures, as well as corrosion of the outer chamber or
container by the acid.
According to my said invention, in order to obviate these disadvantages, I so
construct the apparatus that the main receptacle or reservoir can be kept charged
with an alkaline or other solution, and the acid or other chemical to be mixed
therewith can be kept in a vessel separate from or external to the said receptacle
or reservoir, and can, when necessary, be very quickly introduced into the
latter either under the action of gravity or under pressure derived from a supply
of compressed carbonic acid or other gas, or in any other convenient manner,
and the acid-vessel can be readily detached when empty, and replaced by a full
one

page_text: For this purpose, in one form or modification of my said invention, I provide
in any suitable position on the main receptacle or reservoir, preferably at or
near the top thereof, a bent or curved pipe extending through a stuffing-box
and capable of turning about its axis therein, and having its outer end adapted
to receive the acid-vessel, so that the latter can be attached to the said pipe
and then by turning the said pipe about its axis in the stuffing-box, the acid-
vessel can be partially or entirely inverted, and the acid allowed to flow into the
main reservoir. The said pipe is preferably provided with a valve so arranged
that it can be adjusted to open communication between the acid-vessel and the
main reservoir and at the same time tightly close the annular space around
the spindle of the valve, and thus effectually prevent leakage of the acid or of
the gas.
The said pipe is sometimes provided with a screw-threaded nozzle or branch
for the attachment of the acid-vessel, the mouth or neck of the latter being pro-
vided with a corresponding screw-thread which also serves for holding in position
a screw-stopper or cap used for closing it. I also provide a collar on the said
pipe which fits into the said stuffing-box, so as to prevent longitudinal motion
of the pipe whilst permitting it to be freely turned about its axis. By con-
structing the parts in this manner I am enabled to make the said pipe without
any joints exposed to the action of the acid.
Οι
I sometimes construct the apparatus with two main reservoirs adapted to be
supplied with acid from a common acid-vessel. For example I connect the two
reservoirs by means of a pipe provided with controlling cocks or valves, and
between these cocks or valves I provide the said pipe with a stuffing-box through
which extends the aforesaid bent pipe for the reception of the acid-vessel.
I combine, with the said reservoirs and with the acid-vessel, an intermediate
measuring chamber which is connected both at the top and at the bottom with
pipes communicating with the main reservoir and I provide cocks or valves for
opening and closing the passages communicating between the acid-vessel and
the measuring-vessel, and also between the top and bottom of the said measur
ing vessel and each of the said main reservoirs. With this arrangement, by
turning the necessary cocks or valves, the acid can be allowed to flow into the
said measuring vessel and then into either one or the other of the main reser-
voirs as desired, so that, one reservoir can be charged whilst the other is being
emptied, and a constant stream of gas, or gas and liquid, can be discharged onto
the fire. The cocks controlling the passages connecting the top and bottom
of the measuring vessel with each main reservoir, are preferably so arranged
as to be simultaneously opened and closed.
The apparatus constructed as above mentioned with one or more main reser-
voirs can be fixed in any convenient position in a building or other structure;
or it can be mounted on a suitable carriage provided with wheels, shafts, seats
and other fittings, so that it can be readily transported from one place to
another.
Instead of introducing the alkali into the main reservoir in the form of
powder as heretofore, I sometimes provide for storing the same and introducing
it into the said reservoir in a liquid form, as I find that the quantity of alkali
required to charge the main reservoir can be dissolved in a comparatively very
small quantity of water. For this purpose I provide a tube or chamber for
containing the required quantity of alkali dissolved in as small a quantity of
water as practicable. This tube or chamber is constructed in such a manner
that it can, at any time, be readily put in communication with a water-supply
and, through a suitable valve, with the reservoir or reservoirs to be filled. The
water will then pass through the said tube or chamber on its way to the reservoir
or reservoirs and carry with it the dissolved alkaline carbonate.
I sometimes provide for the connection of a bottle or receptacle containing
compressed air or other gas with the acid-vessel, so that the acid will be forced
from the latter into the main reservoir by the pressure of the said gas. Or I

page_text: provide a suitable air-pump for producing the pressure requisite to force the
acid into the main reservoir.
When my improved apparatus is to be employed for extinguishing fires in
the holds of ships, I preferably close the hold with the exception of a small out-
let at one end thereof, and I provide a pipe-connection or conduit between my
improved apparatus and the other end of the said hold, so as to enable the in-
combustible gas or mixture of gas and liquid to be forced into the said hold
and thus arrest the combustion therein.
In fitting my apparatus in any part of a building, I sometimes so arrange
the same that, when a fire occurs, the apparatus will be automatically put into
action. For instance I attach the acid-vessel to the main reservoir in the manner
above mentioned so that it can be inverted by turning the aforesaid pipe about
its axis, and I provide a weight or a spring or its equivalent, which, when a
fire occurs, will be automatically released by electricity or otherwise and will
then effect the inversion of the said acid-vessel.
Dated the 441,
T
1000
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in and relating to Apparatus for Use in Extinguishing
Fire.
I, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 30, Glengall Road, Old Kent Road, in the
County of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to apparatus for use in extinguishing fire, and more
particularly to apparatus of the kind or class known as chemical fire-engines
or fire-extinguishers in which a gas, a liquid, or a mixture of gas and liquid
is projected onto the flames by the pressure generated by the evolution of the
gas.
In some of the forms of such apparatus heretofore constructed, a solution of
an alkaline carbonate is stored in a closed chamber or reservoir, and within
this chamber is mounted a closed vessel of glass or other material, containing
sulphuric or other suitable acid, and adapted to be broken or otherwise opened
or inverted by externally-operated devices, when required, so as to allow the
acid to act on the alkaline carbonate and so generate carbonic acid gas. This
acid-vessel has to be introduced, and, in some cases, removed for refilling, through
an aperture in the said chamber or reservoir which is kept normally closed by
means of a screw-cap or plug.
These arrangements, although very convenient in the case of small fire-
extinguishers such, for example, as are intended to be carried on a fireman's back, are
not satisfactory when applied to larger apparatus such as would replace a steam
fire-engine or a manual operated by two or more men, since it is difficult to
readily make a gas-tight joint around a hole of such size as would permit the
introduction and removal of the acid-reservoir. Moreover, when a glass acid-
vessel is used, it is apt to be accidentally broken, so that the gas will be
prematurely generated and the apparatus may, in such case, remain for a long
period subject to internal pressure; and, in arrangements of this kind in which a valve

page_text: is employed for closing the acid vessel, leakage of the acid is liable to take place
unobserved, thus permitting premature generation of the gas and possible
danger from excessive pressures, as well as corrosion of the outer chamber or
container by the acid.
By my invention I obviate these disadvantages and provide an improved
apparatus the main receptacle or reservoir of which can be kept charged with
an alkaline or other solution, and the acid or other chemical to be mixed there-
with can be kept in a vessel separate from or external to the said receptacle or
reservoir, and can, when necessary, be very quickly introduced into the latter
either under the action of gravity or under pressure derived from a supply of
compressed carbonic acid or other gas, or in any other convenient manner, and
the acid-vessel can be readily detached when empty, and replaced by a full one.
One feature of my said invention consists in the employment, in combination
with a closed receptacle or reservoir for containing an alkaline or other solution,
of a bent or curved pipe which extends through and is capable of being turned
about its axis in a stuffing-box on the said receptacle at or near the top thereof,
and which is so constructed that an acid-container can be readily attached to
or detached from the said pipe; the said pipe is, moreover, provided with a valve
for controlling the flow of the acid through it from the said container into the
said reservoir when the said pipe is turned so as to wholly or partially invert
the said container. The said pipe is preferably provided with a valve so arranged
that it can be adjusted to open communication between the acid-vessel and the
main reservoir and at the same time tightly close the annular space around the
spindle of the valve, and thus effectually prevent leakage of the acid or of
the gas.
I sometimes construct the apparatus with two or more main reservoirs adapted to
De supplied with acid from a common acid-vessel. For example I connect two.
reservoirs by means of a pipe provided with controlling cocks or valves, and
between these cocks or valves I provide the said pipe with a stuffing-box through
which extends the aforesaid bent pipe for the reception of the acid-vessel. Or
I combine, with the said reservoirs and with the acid-vessel, an intermediate
measuring chamber which is connected both at the top and at the bottom with
pipes communicating with the main reservoirs, and is also connected with the
said acid-vessel; and I provide cocks or valves for opening and closing the pas-
sages communicating between the acid-vessel and the measuring vessel, and
also between the top and bottom of the said measuring vessel and each of the
said main reservoirs. With this arrangement, by turning the necessary cocks
or valves, the acid can be allowed to flow into the said measuring vessel and then
into either one or the other of the main reservoirs as desired, so that, one reser-
voir can be charged whilst the other is being emptied, and a constant stream of
gas, or gas and liquid, can be discharged onto the fire.
Instead of introducing the alkali into the main reservoir in the form of powder
as heretofore, I sometimes provide for storing the same and introducing it into
the said reservoir in a liquid form, as I find that the quantity of alkali required
to charge the main reservoir can be dissolved in a comparatively very small
quantity of water.
My said invention also comprises other improvements hereinafter described.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a side elevation,
Figure 2 a vertical longitudinal central section, and
Figure 3 a rear elevation, partly in transverse section, showing one form of
my improved apparatus mounted upon wheels.
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating another form or modification of my said
invention.
a, al are closed vessels or reservoirs for containing an alkaline or other solu-
tion. These vessels are mounted on a platform 6 carried by brackets c and

page_text: posts rigidly secured to a frame d, which is supported through the medium
of suitable springs on the wheels e and to which the shafts f are attached. The
said vessels are also secured to the frame d by means of brackets c².
In the top of each of the reservoirs a, a is fixed a casting g formed with two
pipes or passages g¹, g, and a stuffing-box is provided around the outer end
of the pipe or passage g. In this stuffing-box is secured a pipe which is pro-
vided with a collar so that, while it is restrained from endwise movement in
the said stuffing-box, it is free to he turned about its axis therein. This pipe h
is bent or curved downward at its outer end, and is screw-threaded to receive an
acid-container j so that this container can, when empty, be readily removed and
replaced by a full one. In the said pipe h is arranged a valve k for controlling
the flow of the acid from the container, when inverted, into the reservoir through
the said pipe h and the pipe or passage g¹. The spindle of this valve extends
through a stuffing-box 2 and the said valve k is preferably so made that, when
turned to open the passage for the flow of acid into the reservoir, it can be
caused to close the annular passage around the valve-spindle and thus prevent
any possible leakage through the said stuffing-box.
By making the pipe has above described so that the acid-container j can be
readily attached to and detached from the said pipe while the valve k is closed,
I greatly expedite the working of the apparatus, since, after the acid from one
container has been discharged into the corresponding reservoir, the valve k can
be closed, and the said container removed and replaced by a full one while the
said reservoir is in use for extinguishing a fire.
The reservoirs a, a' are connected through the pipes or passages g³, pipes 1, 1,
and a three-way cock m with a common supply-pipe m² which can be coupled
to a water-main or other source of supply. A suitable air-escape valve is pro-
vided at or near the top of each casting g. To prevent overfilling of the reser-
voirs with water and thus facilitate the entrance of the acid into the Baid
reservoirs, the pipe 2 is made of greater length than the pipe 1, consequently,
after the water has risen to the level of the lower end of the said pipe g², it will
commence to compress the air in the top of the said reservoir, and the lower
end of the passage g will consequently be kept clear of the alkaline solution
so that the acid can fall freely into the same. The said reservoirs a, a¹ are
also connected by pipes n, n and a three-way cock with a common delivery-
pipe . Therefore, when all the chemicals are exhausted, the water supplied
through the pipe m' can be permitted to flow through one or other of the
vessels a, a¹ and be discharged through the delivery-pipe p'. The said delivery-
pipe, in the arrangement shown, is coupled to a short pipe q secured by a bracket
to the frame d and provided with a stuffing-box in which works a hollow trunnion
of a hose reel arranged to be rotated about a vertical axis, which trunnion com-
municates through a pipe 2 with the hose. The axle of the said reel ex-
tends upward between the two seats of the vehicle into a convenient position for
it to be turned by means of a crank-handle.
The vehicle shown in the drawings is so constructed that two portable fire-
extincteurs s, s¹ can be placed on the frame at each side, thus increasing the
capacity of the whole apparatus for dealing with a fire.
Each pipe his, as shown, provided with a screw-threaded nozzle or branch
for the attachment of the acid-vessel j, the mouth or neck of the latter being
provided with a corresponding screw-thread which also serves for holding in
position a screw-stopper or cap for closing it.
When the apparatus is to be set in operation, one of the acid-containers jis
wholly or partially inverted by turning it and the corresponding pipe h about
the axis of the said pipe, and the valve is then opened to allow the acid to flow
into the corresponding reservoir a or a', both of which are kept fully charged
with an alkaline solution. Gas is thus generated in the said reservoir, so that,
when the cock p is turned to put that reservoir in communication with the
pipe 1, the gas and liquid will be discharged through the hose 3.

page_text: As soon as the said acid-container j is empty, the valve can be closed and
the said acid-container detached and another container full of acid attached
to the said pipe h, which is previously turned back to its original position.
While the gas and liquid are being discharged from the said reservoir, the
other reservoir can be charged with acid from the corresponding container j, so
that this reservoir can be brought into operation as soon as the first one is
empty and the first reservoir can then be recharged, and so on; a continuous
stream of gas and liquid can thus be directed upon the fire.
Each reservoir is preferably provided with a stirrer or agitator at t arranged
to be operated by means of an external hand-wheel , for the purpose of
expediting the generation of the gas.
I sometimes provide for the connection of a bottle or receptacle containing
compressed air or other gas with the acid-vessel, so that the acid will be forced
from the latter into the main reservoir by the pressure of the said gas. Or I
provide a suitable air-pump for producing the pressure requisite to force the
acid into the main reservoir.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 4, a measuring
vessel is connected with the reservoirs a, a' by means of pipes w, w¹ and y, y¹
controlled by cocks u¹, u² in such a manner that either of the said reservoirs can,
at will, be put in communication with the top and bottom of the said measuring-
vessel u.
An acid-container j provided with a cock j¹ is attached to the top of
the said measuring-vessel, so that the latter can be filled with acid and the
cock closed, and then, by opening communication between the said measuring
vessel and the reservoir a or a¹, the acid from the said vessel can be allowed
to flow into the said reservoir. The cocks u¹, u² for controlling the passages
connecting the top and bottom of the measuring vessel with each main reservoir,
are preferably arranged as shown so as to be simultaneously operated.
The apparatus constructed as above described with one or more main reser-
voirs can be fixed in any convenient position in a building or other structure;
or it can be mounted as above described or in any other convenient manner on
a suitable carriage provided with two or more wheels, and with a traction-pole
or shafts, seats and other fittings, so that it can be readily transported from
one place to another. The reservoirs are, if desired, arranged horizontally instead
of vertically.
When my improved apparatus is to be employed for extinguishing fires in the
holds of ships, I preferably close the hold with the exception of a small outlet
at one end thereof, I provide a pipe-connection or conduit between my im-
proved apparatus and the other end of the said hold, so as to enable the incom-
bustible gas or mixture of gas and liquid to be forced into the said hold and
thus arrest the combustion therein.
When it is desired to store the alkali in a liquid form, I provide a tube or
chamber which is so arranged that it can be readily charged with alkali dis-
solved in as small a quantity of water as is practicable, and I couple this fube
at one end to the water-supply pipe and at its other end to a pipe connected
with the closed vessels for containing the alkaline solution, so that the water
on its way to either of the said vessels must pass through the said tube or cham-
ber and will carry the dissolved alkali with it.
In fitting my apparatus in any part of a building, I sometimes so arrange
the same that, when a fire occurs, the apparatus will be automatically prepared
for action. For instance I attach the acid-vessel to the main reservoir in the
manner above described so that it can be inverted by turning the aforesaid pipe
about its axis, and I provide a weight or a spring or its equivalent, which, when
a fire occurs, will be automatically released by an electrical or other suitable
device adapted to be set in action by a rise of the temperature above a pre-
determined degree, and will then effect the inversion of the said acid-vessel.
This result can be attained by providing a catch for keeping the said weight or

page_text: spring out of action, which catch is adapted to be disengaged by an electro-
magnet the circuit of which is arranged to be completed by the expansion of
one or more pieces of metal under the influence of the heat of the fire.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First. In an apparatus of the kind or class hereinbefore referred to, a bent or
curved pipe which extends through and is capable of being turned about its
axis in a stuffing-box on a closed vessel or receptacle, and which is so constructed
that an acid-container can be readily attached to and detached from it, and is
provided with a valve for controlling the flow of the acid from the acid-con-
tainer into the said closed vessel, for the purposes above specified.
Second. The combination, with a closed vessel for containing an alkaline or
other solution, of a bent or curved pipe held in a stuffing-box on the said vessel
in such a manner that it can be turned about its axis therein, and so con-
structed that an acid-container can be readily attached to and detached from it,
and a valve in the said pipe for controlling the flow of the acid through the same,
which valve is adapted to close the annular opening around the valve-spindle
when the passage through the pipe is open, substantially as, and for the pur-
poses, hereinbefore described.
Third. The combination of a closed vessel for containing an alkaline or other
solution, an acid-passage extending therefrom and provided with a stuffing-box,
a bent or curved pipe held in the said stuffing-box so that it can be turned about
its axis therein and adapted to receive an acid-container, a controlling-valve in
the said pipe, and a pipe or passage for the supply of water to the said closed
vessel, and which extends downward below the lower end of the said acid-pas-
sage, substantially as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fourth. An apparatus for extinguishing fire, comprising closed vessels con-
nected with a common supply-pipe and a common delivery-pipe and each pro-
vided with a bent or curved pipe adapted to receive an acid-container and
adjustable about its axis in a stuffing-box on the said vessel, and with a con-
trolling-valve in the said pipe, substantially as, and for the purposes, herein-
before described.
Fifth. An apparatus for extinguishing fire, comprising closed vessels con-
nected with a common supply-pipe and a common delivery-pipe, a pipe
connecting the said vessels and provided with controlling valves or cocks and with
a stuffing-box between the said valves or cocks, a bent or curved pipe extending
through and capable of being turned about its axis in the said stuffing-box and
adapted to receive an acid-container, and a controlling-valve in the said bent or
curved pipe, substantially as, and for the purposes, herein before described.
Sixth. An apparatus for extinguishing fire, comprising closed vessels connected
with a common supply-pipe and a common delivery-pipe, an acid-container, and
a measuring-vessel communicating with the said acid-container and with the said
closed vessels through pipes provided with controlling valves or cocks, sub-
stantially as, and for the purposes, hereinbefore described.
Seventh. The herein described method of providing for the storing of the
alkali and its introduction into the closed vessel or vessels for containing the
alkaline solution, by means of a tube or chamber containing the required quantity
of alkali dissolved in a comparatively small quantity of water, and connected
with a water-supply and with the said vessels by pipes provided with controlling
valves or cocks, for the purposes above specified.
Eighth. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings and operating as, and for the
purposes, above specified.

page_text: Ninth. The provision of suitable means whereby the inversion of the acid-con-
tainer will be automatically effected when a fire occurs in the chamber or space
in which it is situated, substantially as described.
Dated this 3rd Novembar 1898
D. YOUNG & Co.,
11 and 12, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.