US1287972A - Retarded-alarm valve and the like. - Google Patents

Description

A. J. GROSS. RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 19M 1,287,972.-- Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. IO, I914- 1,287,972, Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 1914- 1,287,972. Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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A. J. GROSS. RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 1914.

Pat ented Dec.17,1918.

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UNITED STAT ES PATENT OFFICE.

ALLAN J. GROSS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF TWO-THIRDS T0 JOHN L. KENNEDY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

RETARDED-ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed December 10, 1914. Serial No. 876,447.

I '0 all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALLAN J. Guess, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Retarded Alarm Valves and the like, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as alarms, and relates particularly to a retarded alarm valve, especially adapted to be used in wet pipe sprinkler systems for the purpose of giving an alarm in the event of a sprinkler head opening from fire or other causes, and to prevent false alarms ordinarily resulting from water hammer and other fluctuating pressure conditions in the water supply to sprinkler systerns. The invention has among its objects the production of a device of the kind described that is simple, compact, durable, efficient, and satisfactory, for use wherever found applicable. It has among its further objects the production of a device of the kind described that is positive in action and is substantially without'complicated parts, there being no stuffing boxes, springs, or delicate clockwork mechanism, or the like, to break or get out of order. It is easily accessible and adjustable for all conditions, and applicable for all wet pipe systems, regardless of pressure conditions without the system, for example, the water supply, which may be diflerent in different locations or vicinities, and even vary at different points in a particular vicinity. Many other objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein made.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, characters indicate parts,

Figure l is a sectional view preferred form of valve;

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the same, taken substantially on line 2, 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the alarm mechanism. taken substantially on line 3, 3 of Fig. 6;

wherein like reference like or corresponding through my taken substan- Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view in elavation, taken substantially on line 6, 6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a view in elevation of a partial sectional view through a modified form of alarm controlling device;

gig. 8 is a similar view of another form, an

Fig. 9 is a similar view of still another form.

Broadly speaking, the complete valve and alarm device shown consists of a main valve which controls the water supply, an auxiliary valve or by-pass preferably carried by the main valve, a pressure relief valve mechanism controlling the passage to the alarm device, and preventing waste water backing up, and retarded alarm controlling mechanism, by means of which an alarm will be given under certain conditions, but which alarm may be retarded as desired, so that if the abnormal pressure condition in the water supply ceases within or prior to the lapse of a predetermined period of time. no alarm will be given.

Referring to the drawings, 1 represents a suitable valve casing provided with an inlet 2 and discharge outlet 3, the same being provided with a hand hole cover 4, to permit easy access to the interior of the casing. In the. valve shown I have also provided a main drain outlet 5, and an outlet 6, which outlet 6, if desired, may beconnected with a supervisory alarm system, as supplemental to the alarm controlling mechanism herein illustrated. The supervisory alarm mechanism or system forms no part of the present invention, and I have not fully shown the same herein. The casing may also be provided with an outlet 7, for testing but inasmuch as this is not a part of the present invention, it is not necessary to further refer to the same. The casing is also provided with an outlet 8, which is suitably connected with my preferred form of alarm controlling device hereafter described. Arranged at the inlet I provide a ring 9, preferably of non-corrosive material, which is formed with a groove 10. and with two concentric valve seats 11 and 12. Arranged to cooperate therewith is a valve member or the same being preferably pivot ally supported or secured in place as at 16. The valve shown is provided with a ring 17 of suitable material, arranged to cooperate with the seats 11 and 12, the ring being maintained in place by a plate or ring 18, and suitable bolts or other equivalents for the purpose, so that it is renewable as desired.

I have shown the main valve 15 or clap per provided with a counterweight 19, which may be maintained in place by the ring 13. As shown, a duct or passageway 20 is formed in the counterweight 19, and a duct 21 in the valve member 15. It will be noted that the duct 20 is preferably tapering, as shown. The valve is chambered or recessed as shown, and a ball check valve 22, or its equivalent, arranged in the recess, the same being normally prevented from moving out of the recess by the ring 23 and pin 24, or equivalentmeans. The valve 22 is so arranged that water may flow past the valve from the duct 20, but will be prevented from returning by the ball valve 22 seating on its seat in the recess. The main valve 15 controls the water supply, and when properly seated, closes both the inner and outer ring seats 11 and 12, so that the groove becomes what may be termed a normal or vacant chamber, which is, however, connected or open to the outlet 8 shown in Fig. 2. The auxiliary or ball valve 22 acts as a by-pass, in permitting the flowage of water caused by slight or simple increases of pressure in the water supply, the same permitting the water to pass into the sprinkler system without lifting the valve 15. In addition,

clapper 15,

this valve also makes the closing action of valve 15 positive, that is instantaneous, by taking care of the slight excess pressure generated bv the closing movement of valve 15, which otherwise might be inclined to chatter on its seat, thus prolonging the pressure condition in the alarm waterway.

Extending from the outlet 8, which may be termed the alarm waterway, is a pipe 26 or its equivalent, which is suitably connected with the drain pipe, or its equivalent. Pipe 26 is connected to a pipe 27, and pipe 29 by means of a suitable T 28, or the equivalent. "Pipe 27 connects with the alarm controlling mechanism hereafter described, and pipe 29 is connected by an intermediate pipe 38 to the drain pipe or the like. However, between pipe 29 and pipe 38, which is connected to the drain pipe, is what may be termed a double check valve. This valve consists of a suitable casing 30, which is provided with ports or inlets and outlets 31 and 32. When the flow is in one direction, 31 is an inlet and 32 is an outlet, while when the flow is in the opposite direction, the reverse is true. Normally, however, 31 is the inlet and 32 the outlet. Arranged within the heaters casing is a suitable valve member, prefer ably in the form of a ball 33, arranged to seat on either oi the seats at 31 or 32. I, however, preferably provide a screw or adjustable member 35, or equivalent means, by means of which the valve 33 may be prevented from closely seating on the seat at the port or outlet 32. The object of this will be more clearly understood from the operation of the device hereafter given. As shown, the casing 30 is provided with a closure or plug 36 of suitable form.

In the construction shown, I have arranged the alarm controlling mechanism at the valve, a very satisfactory arrangement of construction being to flange the hand hole cover 4, as at 40, and provide the same with adetachable cover 41. In some cases it may not be desirable to install the mechanism in this Way, as will be understood from the further description. As shown, pipe 27 is connected to pipe 43, a very simple construction being to form the flange 40 as at 42, and thread the two pipes thereinto, as most clearly shown in Fig. 6. Arranged at, the end of pipe 43 is a suitable diaphragm 44, the same being shown secured to the pipe 43 by member 45 flanged at 46, the end being flanged so that one part of the diaphragm is clamped therebetween. The cooperating part of the diaphragm carries a part 47, arranged to codperate with or control a lever 49. 1 have shown a support 48, arranged in the hand hole casing, the same being supported by lugs 48', suitably secured to cover 4. Lever 49 is pivotally supported at 50, and preferably provided with a counterweight 51, as shown, of suitable form. I also preferably provide an adjustable part 52, arranged to cooperate with member 47, and normally be supported thereby. The movement of the lever 49 may be limited by an adjustable stop or member 53, or equivalent means. Carried by the end of lever 49 is a piston or plunger rod 55, whi: h extends through the opening 57, an adjustable member 56 carrying the rod. Arranged at the lower end of rod is a plunger or piston. In the construction shown it is in the form of a sheet or plate 58 of suitable material, which may be secured in place on the rod 55 in any desired way. The plunger operates in a dash pot or chamber in casing 59, suitably secured to the support 48, and provided with an inlet port 60, and as many small ports as desired, normally covered by a valve member 61. same is also provided with an outlet or port 62, 63, the passage of fluid from the chamber being controlled as desired by an adjustable needle valve 64, or equivalent means. If the dash pot is placed above and inverted, the action in so far as results are concerned is substantially the same, exiept the action is retarded by the vacuum created instead The of by the air pressure or cushion. Arranged on the rod 55, and preferably pivotally secured thereto, is a lever 65, which is provided with a counterweight 66, suitably secured thereto, the opposite end 65 being preferably forked as at 67, 67. The ends of 67 are connected to the support by bars 68, pivotally secured at points 69 and 70 respectively. Carried by the forked arms 67 is a member 71, which is most clearly shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. This member is preferably chambered, as shown at 72, with slots 73 and 74 on each side. Within the chamber is arranged a suitable container 75, preferably of glass, the slot 74 being of sufficient size to receive the container. The container may be maintained in place by plaster Paris 76, or the equivalent, and is provided with contact points 77 and 78, preferably of platinum, which are suitably connected with conductors 79 and 80. Within the container is arranged mercury 81, or its equivalent. The member 71 is preferably adjustably secured to the arms by means of screws 83, extending through the arms 67, and engaging in the supporting bars 82 carried thereby (see Figs. 4 and 6). It will be noted from this construction that the mercury is visible through the slots 73 or 74, and the member 71 may be secured in place at the desired adjustment.

The conductors 79 and maybe suitably connected to binding posts 85 and 86, which are connected with any desired alarm device, on either an open or a closed circuit. I have shown as illustrative the binding posts 85 and 86, connected by conductors 87 and 88 to a bell 89 andsuitable source of energy 90. This, however, is merely illus-' trative of an alarm, which may be operated or controlled by the mechanism herein described.

Assuming that the valve is arranged in a sprinkler system of the kind described and suitably connected up in the usual" manner, the retarded alarm controlling device being connected with the outlet 8 as set forth. Conditions being normal in the system, that is, there being no sprinklers open, no water hammering or abnormal pressure in the water supply, the parts are substantially as shown. The groove 10 being closed by the main valve, no water can enter pipe 26. or the alarm waterway. The member 71 being tilted, as shownin Fig. 5, there is no closing of the circuit between the contacts 77 and 78. In the event of water hammer, or other abnormal pressure conditions occurring in the water supply pipe, causing a flow of water greater than the auxiliary check valve 2 can accommodate, main valve 15 rises, allowing the water to flow into the groove 10. This water strikes the ball 33, or the relief check valve, which sets itself against the controlling screw at the outlet. This container in part 71 may,

valve is adjusted to discharge the desired amount of water. Any quantity of water,

in excess for which the valve is set, is backed up, causing a pressure in pipe 43, expanding the diaphragm 44, which in its the counterweighted end of the supporting lever 49. The opposite or supporting end of the lever 49 being dropped, this permits the weighted piston rod 55 to descend, pushing the piston into the dash pot. required for the rod 55 to drop, is, of course, depending upon the setting of the valve 64. If the abnormal pressure condition'in the water supply ceases before the elapsing of, a predetermined of retardation, the main valve reseats itself closing the groove, and relieving the pressure and relief check valve 33 allows the water in the alarm waterway to escape, the

decrease in pressure being almost immediate. 5

The counterweight 51, dropping with the contracting of the diaphragm, raises the supporting end of lever 49, raising the piston 58 and rod 55 back to normal positions. valve 61 pot casin 59, and at the same time rocking member 1 and the circuit contacts 77 and 78, and returning thecircuit closing part bacl; to normal position. When a sprinkler hea that the plunger continues to the bottom of the dash pot, while the mercury tube is tilted forward until the mercury overflows both the contact points 77 and 78, thus closing the circuit and ringing the alarm. In cases where a closed circuit is desired, the mercury of course, be reversed, so that a circuit is closed between the contacts when the parts are in normal position, and vice versa. period is determined by the amount of air allowed to escape from the dash pot during the downward stroke of the piston, which. of course, varies with the adjustment of valve 64 and counterweight 66. This is also determined by the position or angle at which the member 71 and the container is set or inclined. The valve 61, of course, allows the easy return of the piston and rod to normal position without requiring the air to enter through the ports 62-63. The tube or water passage 20 having several times the area of its throat at the inlet, has approximately the same action as a Venturi meter.

accelerating the flow of water through the throat, thereby creating a greater flow of water through or past valve 22.

In the controlling mechanism. shown in Fig. 7, 92 represents a suitable casing. as

for example. a hand hole cover or othercasing, to which the alarm water or fluid is conducted by a pipe 93. the water entering through the duct 94. In this "construction a Burden spring 95 is employed in the place of a diaphragm. Arranged within the casturn raises 70 The time 75 period, decided as the period so preventing a vacuum in the dash 90 opens the result is the same, except 95 v The retardation 105 I by the weight 115. A valve ing is a member 96, which carries the part 97, similar to 71 in the construction previously described. This part in this construction is shown contained within a split ring formed of part 96, the ends 99 of which are locked together by a screw 100, or its equivalent. Part 96 is pivotally secured at 98, the extended end of the same being connected at 10 1 by a rod to the spring at 103. 1 have shown a two-part rod 101-101, connected by a turnbuckle 102. The operation is simple, for as pressure is placed on the spring by the alarm water, the spring tends to straighten out, permitting the part 96 to drop, thereby closing or opening the circuit, as the case be, depending upon the adjustment of parts 97, the contacts or binding posts 105 and 106 being suitably connected in the system.

In the construction shown in Fig. 8, a spring 109 is arranged in the casing 108, casing 108 being suitably connected in the system. A lever 110 is pivotally supported at 111 in the casing and formed with an arm 113, which is connected by a bar 112 at 1141, to the end of the spring 109. A spring 122, or equivalent means, tends to normally maintain lever 110v as shown. A dash pot or plunger casing 115 is suitably supported within the casing 108. In this is arranged a plunger 117 having a plunger rod 116, which is arranged to extend through and be supported by the arm 110. As shown, the rod 116 is preferably counterweighted 118 is also arranged at the end of the casing 115'. A ring or carrier 119, for the part 120, which carries the mercury container is pivotally supported within the casing so that it may be partially rotated 0r rocked. Ring 119 is connected by a rod or bar 121 to one of. the plunger parts, as shown to the counterbalance 115. The contact points in the mercury container are suitably connected with binding posts 123, 12 1, or their equivalents, for the purpose. When the Burden spring 109, under pressure, tends to straighten out, the rod 112 drawing on the arm 113, tends to cause arm 110 to drop. This permits the counterweight and plunger 11? to drop, the time depending upon the adjustment of the valve 118. As this drops it rocks the mercury container similar to the other constructions, thereby controlling the circuit. As soon as the pressure is relieved, spring 122, as well as the Burden spring, tends to draw the parts back to normal positions.

In the simplified construction shown in Fig. 9, Burden spring 127, or its equivalent, is arranged in the casing 126, and is connected by lever 133 to an arm 132, which is pivotally supported at 181. Connected and controlled by arm 132 is the arm 130, which carries the extending part 128, carrying part 129. This is similar to the other earers to a. steam gage, and the casings may be so constructed and placed where desired. In: this connection it might be mentioned that.

the Burden spring might be connected to a pointer or hand or the like, arranged to indicate on a scale the pressure. It is not considered necessary to illustrate this, as for the purpose of illustration, it may be said that the Burden spring, in addition to being connected to the hand of the well known type of pressure gage, may in addition be connected to one of the types of alarm controlling devices shown in Figs. 7, 8 or 9.

It will be noted that the devices, and all parts thereof, are simple and compact, and comprise a minimum of parts. The devices are positive in action. Everything is readily accessible and practically all adjustments are possible that might ever be required. might be mentioned that while a valve is shown particularly intended to be placed in a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 1, the same might be readily made adapted for use horizontally by arranging the valve seat 9 substantially as indicated by the dotted lines H shown in Fig. 1. In this case, however, the alarm controlling mechanism would be located in a dilierent position on the valve, or one of the types shown in Figs. 7, 8, or 9 employed. This is merely mentioned as illustrative of the many desirable features of the mechanism shown.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without dcparting from the spirit of my invention; hence 1 do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement or combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an alarm device of the kind dcscribcd and in combination, a valve casing provided with a hand hole opening at one side and with a chambered cover for said opening, said casing provided with an alarm port and said chambered cover with an inlet port communicating with said alarm port, and an associated alarm device including a circuit closer comprising a receptacle, a conducting fluid arranged therein, conducting wires extending from said receptacle, means for tiltably supporting said receptacle, pressure actuated means connected with said inlet port tor tilting said support and receptacle, gravity actuated means for norinaliy maintaining said receptacle and support in inoperative positions, and fluid controlled means for retarding the tilting of said support as desired.

an alarm device of the kind de scribed and in combination, a mercury container provided with contacts therein, a tilt able support for said container, said container adjustably carried by said support, pressure operable means for normall supporting said container support, and fluid controlled means for normally retarding the movement of said support.

3. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination, a mercury container provided with contacts therein, a tiltable support for said container, said con-- tainer adjustably carried by said support, pressure operable means for normally supporting said container support, fluid controlled means for normally retarding the movement of said support, including a chambered valved casing, and a plunger arranged therein and operatively connected .with said support.

4. In an alarm device, a mercury container, having separated contact points on the interior thereof, a'carrier therefor, a tiltable. support for said container and carrier, means for adjustably securing said container in its support, fluid cushioning means for yieldingly opposing the tilting of said support and fluid pressure actuated mechanism for actuating said support.

5. In an alarm device, a chambered diaphragm member, a fluid conducting pipe extending through and connected with the interior thereof, a pivotally supported; am having a counterwei ht at one end, said arm normally adjusta 1y supported by said diaphragm intermediate the said counterweight and its point of pivotal support, a rod slidably supported at the opposite end of said arm and provided with a plunger at its lower end, a dash pot for said plunger, means for controlling the escape of fluid from said dash pot, a bar pivotall connected intermediate its ends to said p unger rod, means for pivotally connecting one end of said bar to a fixed support, a mercury container adjustably carried by said bar intermediate its point of pivotal connection with the plunger rod and fixed support, and a counterweight arranged at the opposite end of the rod and adjustably secured thereto.

6. In an alarm device, a chambered diaphragm member, a fluid conducting pipe extending through and connected with the interior thereof, a pivotally supported arm having a counterwei ht at one end, said arm normally adjusta ly supported by said diaphragm intermediate the said counterweight and its point of pivotal support, a rod slidably and adjustably supported at the opposite end of said arm and provided .With

a plunger at its lower end, a dash pot for said plunger, adjustable'means for controlling the escape of fluid from said dash pot, a bar pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said plunger rod means for pivotally connecting one end 01 said bar to a fixed support, a mercury container adjustably carried by said bar intermediate its point of pivotal connection with the plunger rod and xed support, separated contact points arranged in said container, a conducting fluid arranged in said container, and a counterweight arranged at the opposite end of the rod and adjustably secured thereto.

In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitable valve casing provided with an alarm port, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism for said alarm mechanism mounted on said casing consisting of gravity operated actuating mechanism, and pressure controlled mechanism operatively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing the operation of said gravity operated mechanism.

8. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitable valve casing provided with an alarm port, said casing formed with a chamber at one side thereof, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism for said alarm mechanism arranged in said chamber consisting of gravity operated actuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanism operatively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing the operation of said gravity operated mechanism, and means cotiperating with said pressure controlled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechamm.

9. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitable valve casing provided with an alarm port and with a chambered part at one side, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism for said alarm mechanism arranged in said chamber consisting of gravity operated actuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanism ooeratively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing the operation of said gravity operated mechanism, means cotiperating with said pressure controlled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechanism, and means cooperating with the alarm actuating mechanism for retarding the same as desired.

10. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a, suitable casing provided with an alarm port and having a hand hole at one side, a chambered closure for said hole, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism for said alarm mechanism arranged in said closure chamber consisting of gravity operated actuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanism operatively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing the operation of said gravity operated mechanism, means coiiperating with said pressure controlled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechanism, means cooperating With the alarm actuating mechanism for retarding the same as desired, comprising a chambered air container part, a plunger arranged therein and connected with said controlling mechanism, and means for controlling the passage of air to or from said part'whereby the plunger may be moved as desired in either direction.

11. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination a mercury container provided With contacts therein, a tiltable support for said container, said container adjustably carried by said support, pressure operable means for'normally supporting said container support and fluid controlled means for normally retarding the movement of said support comprising a chambered part, a plunger arranged therein and operatively connected With said supporting means, and means for controlling the discharge or admission of air to said. part whereby the plunger may be moved as desired in either direction.

12. In an alarm device or the kind de scribed and in combination, a mercury containe'r provided with contacts projecting therein, a cylindrical carrier for said conmergers controlling said support.

13. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination, a circuit controlling device comprising a mercury container provided With contacts projecting therein, a cylindrical carrier therefor, a supv ort for said carrier provided With means or clamping the carrier thereon, said carrier rotatably adjustable on the support, pressure actuated controlling mechanism for normally preventing movement of said support in a direction trolling device, means for actuating said support upon operation of said controlling mechanism, and means for opposing the movement of said support When actuated by said actuating means.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

. ALLAN PI. GRQSS. Witnesses:

Itor W Hint, GHARLES I. Conn.

to actuate the circuit con

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