US1214061A - Fluid-distributing apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

C; H. IVIEIGS. FLUID DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 24. 1914.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

2 SHEETS--SHEET I c. w n/mes. FLUID DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS. APPLICATION Hl .ED JULY 24. I914.

LMQL

' I/IIIIIIIIIIIIIJIY Patented. Jan. 30, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

CHARLES H. MEIGS, O15v PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 NATIONAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF. DELAWARE.

FLUID-DISTRIBUTING- APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters :.Patent.

Patented Jan. 30, 1991?.

Application filed July 2%, 1914. Serial No. 852,796.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES H. Mares, a citizen of the United States, and resident of the city of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fluid-Distributing Apparatus, of which the following is'a specification.

This invention relates to means for distributing fluid, such as in fire extinguishing apparatus and other applications.

As is well known in the art, it is a common practice to supply automatic sprinkler systems or hose and nozzle for distributing a fire extinguishing fluid in case of fire. Such a system of fluid distribution is ordinarily supplied from the water mains which are usually under suflicient pressure to project the water to the desired points. Of course, a case of fire is always a case of emergency and it is necessary that the source of the extinguishing fluid should always be available for use at the distributing points. Certain chemical solutions and also gases of a certain constituency have been found to be more efficient in extinguishing fires than the water of the ordinary water supply.

On account of their superior extinguishing qualities, the application of the chemical solutions or gases if accomplished in the early stages of a fire, may result in extinguishment, whereas the application of ordinary water might not act so promptly, with the result that the fire might gain greater headway with corresponding increase in damage and difliculty of putting out. On the other hand, the supply of specially prepared liquid or gas may be limited. Under such circumstances, a failure of the amount of liquid or gas available to put out the fire would leave the structure at the mercy of the flames.

By the present invention a large or unlimited supply of fluid, such as ordinary water from mains, is normally available, so that there is at all times extinguishing fluid present in case of emergency, while a specially treated liquid or gas may be utilized to the desired or possible extent, and its exceptional advantages availed of without interfering with an ever-present and practically limitless supply of extinguishing fluid.

The normal supply of extinguishing fluid may, as above noted, be obtained from the ordinary water mains, while a treated solutionmay be obtained from the chemical tank which is stationary or portable in character and which is set into operation by the application of pressure from without the tank, or by the action of chemicals thrown together within the tank, such as the emptying of an acid bottle into a sodium bicarbonate solution, or in other ways suitable and well known in the art.

One object of the invention may therefore be stated to be the provision of means whereby fluids of different fire extinguishing characters may be alternately supplied to means for distributing the same to a fire.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of sources of fluid, one normally in operative relation to a distributing means and another in normally inoperative relation thereto and means for shutting off the normally operative source and throwing the normally inoperative source into operative relation to the distributing means.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for controlling the relative operation of two or more sources of fluid from a distance.

A further object of 'the invention is to automatically control the relative operation of the fluids in response to conditions at a predetermined location.

Other and ancillary objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

While the invention is herein illustrated by reference to fire extinguishing apparatus, in which application it 1s particularly useful, it is not limited thereto but may have -various other applications.

In the accompanying drawings, illustrate the invention, Figure 1 is a diagram showing apparatus embodying the invention, Fig. 2 is an enlarged view showing in side elevation details of the control apparatus for the chemical tank, Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through a valve for which controlling the admission of fluid to the distributing means, and Fig. 4 is an axial section of an automatic thermal device.

Referring to the drawings, A and B rep-. resent the floors of a building between which may be located a fire extinguishing liquid distributing means or system C, automatic means D and means E operated at will, provide for control of the apparatus from any convenient or suitable point or points. The distributing devices C are adapted to be supplied with water from the main F and also from the chemical tank G, the supply from these sources being controlled by a valve H. In this case, the means for expelling the chemical solution from. the tank comprises a cylinder I containing air under pressure, access of this air to the chemical tank G being controlled by suitable means K.

The chemical tank G is provided with a suitable covered hand-hole 1 through which the materials may be charged into the tank, through which it may be cleaned, or for other purposes. The outlet 2 of the tank has its intake located near the bottom thereof as shown. A safety valve 3 is also provided.

In order that pressure may be removed from the tank when it has been exhausted of its contents to the desired degree, there 1s provided a rod 4 sliding through an air-tight bushing or packing 5 and having a float 6 at its lower end. At the upper end of the rod is acentrally bored hole 7 communi eating with the lateral surface at 8. It will be apparent that when the tank is full or nearly so of liquid, the float will be elevated and no vent will be provided through the bushing 5. When the liquid in the tank subsides, however, to such an extent that the opening 8 is within the inner end of the bushing 5, communication will be established from the inside of the tank through the channel 7 with the outside atmosphere, and any pressure above the atmosphere will be reduced.

To expel the liquid from the tank G, a pressure tank containing, for instance, air under suitable pressure is connected with the tank through a reducing valve 9, pipe 10 and valve 11. The body of the valve 11 may be secured to the pressure tank I by being screwed into the top thereof and held in air-tight communication with the fitting 12 communicating with the pipe 10, by means of the U-shaped yoke 13 having hooks 14 engaging with lugs 15 on each side of the fitting 12. In the bight of the U is a screw 16 which may be turned by a hand wheel 17 and which has a nose 18 entering a-recess in the back side of the valve body. On the opposite side of the valve body from this recess is a nipple 19 adapted to be forced into air-tight communication with the pipe fitting 12 by means of the screw 16. The valve is of any suitable structure adapted to close when thestem 20 is in elevated position and to be open when the stem is depressed. This stem is provided with the usual hand wheel 21 and is in screw-threaded engagement with the arm 22. At one end of the arm 22 a rod 23 is removably entered in a. hole or socket in the arm and extends up- Wardly in the bracket 24 terminating in a button 25. Between the button and the bracket is a spring 26 tending to hold the arm 22 in an elevated position, the rod 23 being secured to the arm 22 by a pin' 27. Mounted upon the bracket 24 are upright guide rods 28 upon which slides the weight- 29. The upper ends of these guide rods are spaced and secured by a cross-piece 30 in which is mounted a tubular guide 31 in which slides a head 32 secured to the weight 29. A dog 33 in the shape of a bell crank is pivoted at 34 and at its lower end has a hook 35 adapted to engage beneath the head 32 and hold the weight in an elevated position. The horizontal arm of the dog straddles at its end the bolt-like projection 36 which extends from the magnet plunger 37 and carries the nuts 38. The magnet 39 for actuating this plunger is mounted upon the support 40 and is supplied with elec tricity from any suitable source by means of wires connected to the binding posts 41 which are in electrical connection with the terminals of the magnet coil.

The valve H comprises a body into which lead the pipe 42 from the chemical tank, and the pipe 43 from the Water mains and from which the pipe 44 leads to the distributing devices. Within the body are the ports 45 and 46 controlled by the piston valve 47 which slides in the cylinder 48. When the pressure in the pipe 43 is greater than that in the pipe 42, the valve is moved to the left, shutting off the pipe 42 and placing the pipe 43 in communication with the pipe 44. If, however, the pressure is greater in the pipe 42 than in the pipe 43, the piston valve moves to the right, shutting oif the pipe 43 and placing the pipe 42 in connectlon with the pipe 44. The distributing means in this case comprises one or more automatic sprinkler heads 49 which may be of the well known form supplied by pipes as 50 in communication with the pi e 44, the valve 51 being provided in the plpe 44 for controlling the supply of fluid to the automatic sprinkler system. A further fluid distributing means is illustrated in the hose and.

nozzle 52 such as are common in fire extinguishing systems in buildings, the valve 53 controlling the admission of fluid to the hose. The ressure gage 54 furnishes a means of noting the fluid pressure.

Normally there is low pressure in the chemical tank G, the valve 11 being closed. There is consequently low pressure upon the left hand end of the piston valve 47. The pressure of the Water mains, therefore, moves this valve to the left, cutting off the connection with the chemical tank, and placing the supply pipe 43 from the water mains in communication with the distributing system through the pipe 44. If the pressure tank I is placed in communication with the 3 neit er chemical tank by opening the valve 11, the pressure in the chemical tank will act through the pipe t2 against the end of the valve 4.7, and overcoming the ressure of the should be thrown into operation in response to conditions, at a distance, such as rise in temperature in a location where a fire may occur and which is subject to extinguishment by the distributing apparatus. It is also desirable that a means be provided by which the apparatus can be placed in operation at will from a distance. To accomplish the automatic operation, a thermal device D is placed within the region to be protected, this being caused to operate by the rise in temperature due to a fire. To secure the distant control at will, one or more push buttons as E may be provided and suitably distributed. The operation of a push button E or of the device D closes the circuit of the magnet coil 39 through the wires 55, 56, 57, 58 and the battery 59, whereupon the magnet becomes energized and lifts its plunger. The nuts 38 strike the horizontal arm of the bell crank, the hook 35 will be withdrawn from beneath the head 32, the weight 29 will drop -With force upon the button 25, the arm 22 will be forced downwardly, and the valve 11 will be opened. Pressure will thus be applied to the chemical tank with results as before noted.

The thermal device D comprises cylinder 60 having a piston 61 which is adapted to be raised by pressure beneath it. From the lower side of the cylinder extend pipes 62 and 63, which open into the cylinder beneath the piston and extend to those regions which it is desired to protect. These pipes being closed except for their opening into the cylinder, expansion of air in them due to exposure to heat, will increase the volume of the air Within the pipes which will enter into the cylinder. This will raise the piston and when it has risen to the top, the electrical contacts 64: and 65 will engage and close the circuit through the magnet coil 39, the contacts 6 1 and 65 being respectively connected with the conductors 57 and 58; The communication with the contact 65 is made by connecting to the body of the cylinder at 66, the contact not being insulated therefrom. The contact 64, however, is insulated from the cylinder and connection with it is made at 67.

It will be seen from the foregoing that normally the chemical tank G will be nearly filled with the proper solution, such as the solution of sodium carbonate in water. The

turning the hand wheel 21.

float 6 will then be well toward the top of the tank and the vent closed. The pressure tank I will be charged with a highly compressed fluid, such as air, and the valve 11 will be closed, shutting off the pressure from the chemical tank. The pressure of the water main will therefore predominate in the valve H and the ordinary water supply will be in communication with the distributing system in readiness for any use or emergency. If, however, the Valve 11 should be opened by the pressing or" a push button E, or the operation of the automatic device D as described or manually opened, the chemical tank will be immediately placed under pressure which will predominate in the valve H over that in the water supply and the chemical solution will be available in the distributing system while the water supply is cut off therefrom. As the liquid is ex" hausted from the chemical tank and the float 6 lowers, the ventwill pass within the bushing 5 at a predetermined point, usually when the tank is nearly or quite empty. Any pressure remaining in the tank will therefore be rented, and the water main will again be thrown into communication with the distributing system. The water mains are thus disconnected only during the time that the chemical fluid. in operation, so that some fluid is continuously available at all times. hen the pressure in the tank I becomes depleted, it can be detached and recharged. -The Withdrawal of the pin 27 permits the arm 22 to be disconnected from the rod 23, while the backing oii of the screw 16 permits the removal of the hooks 14 from the lugs 15. The valve 11 may then be moved away from the fitting 12. The tank may then be removed and connected in a similar manner through the valve 11 with a charging apparatus. Upon completion of the charge, the valve 11 may be closed by The arm 22 will come against the top of the valve casing and form a means in which the screw threads can engage to hold the valve closed. The wires 70 and-71 lead to a suitable electrically operated alarm which is actuated when the circuit is closed at D or E.

While the invention is above illustrated in what is considered its best application, it may have other embodiments without departing from its spirit. It is not,-therefore, limited to the structure shown in the drawmgs.

I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent the following z- 1. The combination with fluid distributing means, of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply, smaller than the first, normally out of operative relation with said distributing means, and means for placing said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said normally operative source from said distributing means.

The combination with fluid distributing means, of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply, smaller than the first, of a different character normally out of operative relation with said distributing means, and means for placing said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said normally operative source from said distributing means.

3. The combination with fluid distributing means, of a source 'of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply, smaller than the first, normally out of operative relation with said distributing means controlled by conditions at a desired location, and means for placing said second source in operative relation With said distributing means and disconnecting said normally oper ttive source from said distributing means.

4. The combination with fluid distributing means, of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply,

- smaller than the first, of a difl'erent characconnectingv said normally operative sourcemally in ter normally out of operative relation with said distributing means controlled by. conditions at a desired location, and means for placing. said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disfrom said distributing means.

5. The combination with fluid distributing means,of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply, smaller than the first, normally out of operative relation with said distributing means, and heat controlled means for placing said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said normally operative source from. said distributing means.

6. In a fire extinguishing system the combination with means for distributing fluid to the fire, of a source of water supply noroperative relation with said distributing means, a chemical tank normally out of operative relation with said distributing means, and means for placing the said chemical tank in operative relation with said distributing means and shutting off the water supply therefrom. a

7. In a fire extinguishing apparatus, the combination with fluid distributing means, of a source of water supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a chemical tank of smaller capacity than said source and normally not under pressure, means for applying pressure to the fluid in said tank, and valve mechanism controlled by the ressure of said tank for controlling the ad rhission of the chemical solution and the water supply to said distribut ing means.

8. In a fire extinguishing apparatus, the combination with fluid distributin means, of a source of water supply normal y in operative relation with said distributing means, a chemical tank of smaller capacity than said source and normally not under pressure, electrically controlled means for applying pressure to the fluid in said tank, and valve mechanism controlled by the pressure of said tank for controlling the admission of the chemical solution and the water supply to said distributing means.

9. In a fire extinguishing system the combination with means for distributing fluid to the fire, a source of water supply, normally connected therewith, a chemical tank of smaller capacity than said source and normally in inoperative relation with said distributing means and electrically controlled means for placing the chemical tank in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said water supply.

10. The combination with fluid distrib uting means, of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said distributing means, a second source of fluid supply normally out of operative relation with said distributing means, and means for placing said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said normally operative source from said distributing means and for again placing the first mentioned source in operative relation with the distributing means upon the cessation of operation of the chemical apparatus.

11. In a fire extinguishing system the combination with a fluid distributing means, of a source of Water supply normally connected therewith, a chemical tank normally in inoperative relation. thereto, and means for placing the chemical tank in operative relation with said distributing means for disconnecting said water supply, and for reconnecting the water supply upon the cessation of the operation of the chemical apparatus.

12. The combination with fluid distributing means, of a source of fluid supply normally in operative relation with said dis tributing means, a second source of fluid supply, smaller than the first, normally out of operative relation-with saidv distributing means, and electrically controlled means for placing said second source in operative relation with said distributing means and disconnecting said normally operative source from said distributing means.

chemical tank, means for applying pressure to the fluid in said tank and a venting de- 15 vice for relieving the pressure within said tank at a predetermined point of exhaustion of the chemical fluid therefrom.

Signed at New York, N. Y., in the county of New York and State of New York, this 20 23rd day of July, A. D. 1914. v

v LES H. MEIGS.

Witnesses:

A. H. ABEIL, K. G. Ln Ann.

Images