GB220014A - Improvements in automatic sprinkler apparatus for use in the extinguishing of fires - Google Patents

Abstract

220,014. Clarke, H. March 7, 1923. Sprinklers, automatic.-A sprinkler installation adapted to be used as a dry or wet pipe system has three coaxial co-opeirating valves which may be separated and their control of one another suspended. A valve 2 closing the water main 3 is held on its seat by a stem 11 attached to a valve 4 and resting on the valve 2 so that when the valves have been raised the valve 2 can descend independently, guided by a projection 12 fixed to it and sliding in the stem 11 and the valve 4 is retained by spring catches fitting in the serrated projection 13. A handle 15, prevented from accidental movement by a projection 17 and operated through a door 16, serves to withdraw the projection. The valve 4 is held on its seat by water supplied from the main 3 through an inlet 18. Air is supplied by a pipe 20 to a pipe 20<a> and chamber 9 where it acts on a diaphragm 10 to close a valve 8, which, on escape of the air at a sprinkler, is released, allowing the water to pass from chamber 6 to chamber 7 and run away through an outlet pipe 7<b>. The valves 4, 2 can then rise and water pass to the sprinklers by the pipe 20. A cam 32 on a spindle with an indicating pointer is moved to hold the valve 8 on its seat while air pressure is supplied to chamber 9 and a valve on this spindle is opened between a pipe 38 and a pipe 31 to a water gong, so that, if the water is turned on by valve 37 and the cam is not removed from the valve 8, this gong is sounded. Water, drained from the pipe 20<a> by a valve 21 retained on its seat by a floating vessel 24, flows down pipe 26 into a casing 25 and into the vessel 24, causing it to sink and allow the water to flow out by a. pipe 26a. Flanges 21b, 21<c> have volute grooves fitting in protections in a tube 22 to give the valve a revolving action on movement of the vessel 24 and thus secure a better joint with its seating. If a valve 27 closes the pipe 26 to the drain valve 21 it opens a passage from the air pipe 20 so that, when the air is turned on, a siren 29 gives an alarm. To use water as the controlling means, the pipe 26 is closed by valve 27, water is turned on to fill tha whole installation, and the pressure air is shut off.