US3682250A

US3682250A - Enclosed and confined area automatic fire extinguisher hose and apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3682250A
Application number: US114603A
Authority: US
Inventors: Elwood R Horwinski
Original assignee: Lewis Engineering Co
Current assignee: Lewis Engineering Co
Priority date: 1971-02-11
Filing date: 1971-02-11
Publication date: 1972-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 1989-08-08

Abstract

Automatic apparatus for extinguishing fires in enclosed areas such as cable trays, conduits and the like as well as in nonenclosed areas, which apparatus can be independent of commercial utilities such as water supply, electrical services, etc., comprising a local pressurized source of extinguishing fluid and a plurality of unique heat-responsive distribution hoses adapted to develop discharge orifices or nozzles in response to localized heating in conjunction with internal pressures, said hoses also having detecting electrical conductors which respond to heat and which are connected to electro-responsive power equipment controlling valves for releasing the extinguishing fluid to the hoses under conditions of fire. The hoses may be, for example, strung in cable trays and other inaccessible locations. The conductors for connection to the responsive power equipment can be eutectic and sparsely heat-insulated to provide a desirable action by which normal changes in ambient temperature causes quick response of the extinguisher system, or else response when a predetermined temperature is reached. The nozzle-forming hoses, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, comprise plastic tubing surrounded by a metal sheath or woven mesh or braid.

Description

United States Patent Horwinski [151 3,682,250 51 Aug. 8, 1972 1541 ENCLOSED AND CONFINED AREA AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISI-IER HOSE AND APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Elwood R. Horwinski, Chesire,

Conn.

[73] Assignee: The Lewis Engineering Company, Naugatuck, Conn.

221 Filed: Feb. 11,1971

21 Appl.No.: 114,603

[52] US. Cl ..169/5 [51] Int. Cl ..A62c 35/00 [58] Field of Search ..169/1, 5, 26, 42

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,585,039 2/ 1952 Rooke ..169/26 X 1,369,179 2/1921 Lee 169/26 2,815,818 12/1957 Douglass ..169/2 R 1,707,566 4/1929 Perkins ..169/1 R 3,138,936 6/1964 Cohen ..169/26 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 936,302 9/ 1963 Great Britain ..169/23 489,489 7/ 1938 Great Britain 169/23 Primary ExaminerM. Henson Wood, Jr.

Assistant Examiner-Edwin D. Grant AttorneyH. Gibner Lehmann ABSTRACT Automatic apparatus for extinguishing fires in enclosed areas such as cable trays, conduits and the like as well as in non-enclosed areas, which apparatus can be independent of commercial utilities such as water supply, electrical services, etc., comprising a local pressurized source of extinguishing fluid and a plurality of unique heat-responsive distribution hoses adapted to develop discharge orifices or nozzles in response to localized heating in conjunction with internal pressures, said hoses also having detecting electrical conductors which respond to heat and which are connected to electro-responsive power equipment controlling valves for releasing the extinguishing fluid to the hoses under conditions of tire. The hoses may be, for example, strung in cable trays and other inaccessible locations. The conductors for connection to the responsive power equipment can be eutectic and sparsely heat-insulated to provide a desirable action by which normal changes in ambient temperature causes quick response of the extinguisher system, or else response when a predetermined temperature is reached. The nozzle-forming hoses, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, comprise plastic tubing surrounded by a metal sheath or woven mesh or braid.

21 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures ENCLOSED AND CONFINED AREA AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHER HOSE AND APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS l. Copending application of Conrad S. Ham et al., Ser. No. 780,931, filed Oct. 28, 1968, entitled Printed-Circuit Type Security Apparatus for Protecting Areas and having common ownership with the present application, now US. Pat. No. 3,594,770.

2. Copending application of Elwood R. Horwinski, Ser. No. 777,397, filed Nov. 20, 1968, entitled Area Security System Comprising Strain and Heat Responsive Network, and having common ownership with the present application, now US. Pat. No. 3,610,808.

3. Copending application of Elwood R. Horwinski, Ser. No. 811,685, filed Mar. 3, 1969, entitled Electrical Apparatus and Method for Monitoring Conditions," and having common ownership with the present application, now abandoned.

4. Copending application of Elwood R. Horwinski, Ser. No. 790,784, filed Jan. 13, 1969, entitled Safety Cable and having common ownership with the present application, now US. Pat. No. 3,588,766.

5. Copending application of Elwood R. I-Iorwinski, Ser. No. 851,624, filed Aug. 20, 1969, entitled Automatic Fire Extinguishing Apparatus, and having common ownership with the present application, now US. Pat. No. 3,603,403.

BACKGROUND This invention relates to automatic fire extinguishing systems and to hoses utilized therein. Heretofore systems of the kind indicated, which were independent of commercial utilities such as water, electricity etc. have been proposed and produced. While these systems were operative under certain given conditions they lacked sufiicient sensitivity of response to fire and sufficient effectiveness, as well as being restricted in their use. For example, systems were not available nor practicable for use with closed cable trays, or in other inaccessible places. And many systems could not reliably remain dormant or inoperative during normal but wide variations in the ambient temperature. Also, the prior systems lacked flexible hoses capable of being installed in cramped or restricted areas and capable of effectively responding to severe local heating.

SUMMARY The above disadvantages of prior fire extinguisher systems are obviated by the present invention, which has for one object the provision of an improved, wholly self-contained extinguisher, that is, one which can be independent of commercial utilities and which has an especially sensitive response to fire conditions, said extinguisher being especially adapted for use in cramped spaces or inaccessible areas such as closed cable trays and the like, or in other closed or semiclosed areas, and being at the same time relatively insensitive to normal and even relatively wide variations in ambient temperature. This is accomplished by a unique combination comprising a local pressurized source of extinguishing liquid connected with novel, heat-responsive and automatically self-orificing flexible distribution hoses joined to the liquid or fluid source through valves which are electrically operated. The self-orificing hoses include detecting electrical conductors which respond to heat and which are connected with power actuators for the valves, said actuators including for example electrical relays and/or electrical bridges. Certain conductors can be provided with very sparse heat insulation to cause unbalance of the bridge and opening of the valves quickly for rapid rises in ambient temperature, while maintaining a bridge balance and closed valve condition for normal, slow changes in ambient temperature. The extinguishing fluid can be carbon dioxide. Normally no open orifices exist along the flexible distribution hoses. The novel hoses can comprise a loose weave wire mesh sheath enclosing a plastic hose which when internally pressurized with CO or other fluid and subjected to local, exterior severe heating as from a fire will quickly develop small orifices at least some of which are located at the interstices of the loose woven sheath and therefore constitute discharge orifices through which the CO or other fluid spouts to extinguish the fire. Such orifices will only be formed in the immediate vicinity of the fire and will effectively operate to discharge the CO or other fluid.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fire extinguisher system as above set forth, wherein there is had an extremely sensitive response to heat from fires, arcing and the like, and also had a very short time lag before the forming of the multiple orifices.

Other objects and advantages of the invention reside in the provision of improved distribution hose constructions for a system as characterized above, improved sensing conductor organizations in the distribution hoses, and in the provision of an extinguishing apparatus of the kind indicated, which is especially simple and foolproof, relatively economical, reliable in its operation, and adaptable to a wide variety of situations.

Still other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of an automatic, self-contained extinguishing apparatus as provided by the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a section of novel distribution hose construction according to the invention representing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a building structure having incorporated in it the extinguishing apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an electrical control and indicator or signal unit as utilized in the apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of a distribution hose with sensing conductors incorporated therein, constituting another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the distribution hose of FIG. 5, taken on the line 6-6 thereof.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic showing of a solid state electronic trigger which is substitutable for a corresponding electronic trigger portion of the circuit of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view through a fire extinguishing cable made in accordance with the invention, illustrating another embodiment thereof.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, the improved fire extinguisher apparatus as shown therein comprises a plurality of novel flexible hose lines 10 (here shown as from four to six in number) which are connected to electrically controlled fluid valves 12 mounted on a manifold or distribution box 14 which latter is carried in an outer container or casing 16. The manifold 14 communicates with an inner container or cylinder 18 containing carbon dioxide fluid under high pressure. A section 100 of one of the fluid distribution lines 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and a portion of a line 10 is shown in FIG. and also in FIG. 6. Each line can comprise a plurality of sections 10a which are joined together by couplings or fittings or any suitable type, as for example that indicated at 22 with nipples 24. A cap-type fitting (not shown) can be used to cap or stopper the last or most remote nipple 24.

In FIG. 2 only one section 10a of one hose line 10 is illustrated, it being understood that a plurality of such sections can be used to extend a line 10 to any desired length. Although six of the lines 10 are illustrated in FIG. I, it will be understood that either a greater or a lesser number may be utilized, depending on installation requirements.

The hose lines 10 may be of various lengths and configurations. In FIG. 3 there is illustrated a building structure 28 which is equipped with the fire extinguisher system of the invention. The structure 28 is shown as having rooms or

storage areas

30, 32 and 34 that may be equipped with cable trays indicated by the broken lines, having the hose lines 10 of the extinguisher. Or, the hose lines 10 can be arranged in any other manner considered most effective, depending on the material being stored or the equipment being utilized and protected.

In accordance with the present invention, each of the hoses 10 can comprise a flexible sheath 35 such as a wire braid so constituted as to have a multiplicity of openings, said sheath enclosing and confining a perforated and plugged plastic hose line 36 which latter can be of polyvinylchloride or similar other formulation. Disposed in the hose line 36 are insulated electrical detecting or sensing

conductors

38 and 40 which can respond at a predetermined relatively slow rate to a rise of ambient temperature for the purpose of obtaining temperature measurements or may be of the absolute temperature type with appropriate set or trigger points. Thesewires or conductors can be of nickel, enamel insulated or insulated by other means. The hoses 10 also have exterior eutectic sensing means or

conductors

42, 44 located just inside the sheath 35, which respond rapidly to large rises in ambient temperature by melting. If a fire causes a rapid change in ambient temperature, the

sensing wires

42, 44 will melt, thereby operating the associated electrically controlled valve to effect a discharge of the extinguishing fluid through that hose line which is being subjected to the sudden temperature rise. The sets of sensing

conductors

38, 40, 42 and 44 in each hose are respectively connected preferably with a plurality of bridge circuits and relay (one for each hose) which in turn give desired temperature readings and control the respective electric valves 12 carried by the manifold 14. The sheath 35 is preferably a loosely woven webbing or braid of stainless steel wires.

Considering FIG. 5 the hose 10 is shown as comprising a hose line 36 which can be of plastic, that commonly referred to as PVC. Surrounding and wound about the hose line 36 is the loosely woven metal sheath 35, and inside the sheath are insulated

eutectic sensing conductors

42, 44. Disposed within the line 36 are insulated

nickel sensing conductors

38, 40 which can be used with temperature measuring equipment (not shown) of any well known type. The

eutectic sensing conductors

42 and 44 are shown in FIG. 4 as connected respectively in two legs of a bridge circuit in such a manner that melting of the conductors will unbalance the bridge. Such melting and large changes of resistance will occur in response to a rapid rise in ambient temperature as from a conflagration; however, the relative resistance values of the eutectic conductors will not change one against the other for gradual changes of temperature such as normally occur due to weather and like conditions.

The nickel conductors (those designated 38, 40) are indicated in FIG. 4 as having a heat-insulating jacket 46 which can be constituted of the hose line 36. These conductors will not respond quickly to sudden large changes in temperature as from a fire but will gradually change in temperature in keeping with changing weather or heating conditions or the like.

The bridge circuit is designated generally by the numeral 48, said circuit comprising a ground 50 connected by a wire 52 to the negative terminal of a battery 54. The positive terminal of the battery 54 is connected through a switch 56 to a wire 58 comprising one corner of the bridge. The opposite corner" of the bridge 48 comprises a wire 60 which is connected with the ground 50. The

eutectic sensing conductors

42, 44 of predetermined low melting point are connected by

wires

61 and 63 with comer junctures 62 and 66 respectively, and by wires 65 and 67 with the corner juncture 68.

Corner junctures

64 and 68 are connected with a galvanometer type instruction 70 which controls a movable shutter 72 having an aperture 74 in it. Adjacent the movable shutter 72 is an incandescent electric lamp 76 connected by

wires

78, 80 and a resistor 82 to the battery 54. Closing of the switch 56 will accordingly effect illumination of the lamp 76.

The bridge legs have

adjustable resistors

84, 86, 88 and 90 connected respectively with the

conductors

65, 61, 58 and 67 whereby each bridge leg constitutes a complete circuit, including certain of the sensing conductors. The battery ground 50 is connected by the wire 60 to the bridge juncture 66, and the bridge juncture 62 is connected by the wire 58 to the switch 56. Accordingly, the bridge is energized from the battery 54 and may be placed in balance by suitable adjustment of the adjustable resistors.

In conjunction with the galvanometer 70, lamp 76 and movable shutter 72 there is provided a phototransistor or light sensitive cell 91 of the transistor type, having a base 92, a collector 94 and an emitter 96. The base 92 is connected through a resistor 98 and wire 100 with the

positive supply wires

80 and 58 from the battery 56. The emitter 96 is connected by a wire 102 to the bridge juncture 62 which is in turn connected with the positive supply wire of the battery 56, and also connected by a wire 104 to a relay coil 106 which is in turn connected to an emitter 108 of a power transistor 1 whose base 1 12 is connected by wire 1 14 to the collector 94 of the light sensitive cell 91. A resistor 1 16 connects the base 1 12 of the power transistor to the wire 104, said base being also connected through a resistor 118 and wire 120 to the collector 122 of the transmitter 110. The wire 120 is also connected to the bridge juncture 66 which goes to the negative supply wire from the battery 56.

The relay coil 106 controls

movable contacts

124, 126, the latter being a holding contact engageable with a stationary contact 128 connected to the transistor emitter 108. The movable contact 126 is connected through a switch 130 to the collector 122.

The movable relay contact 124 connects through a wire 132 with a battery 134 which is connected to a switch 136 for controlling a signal or bell 138. The bell 138 is connected by a wire 140 to the stationary contact 142 which is cooperable with the relay contact 124.

In addition to the signal 138, a valve circuitcontrol is effected by connecting to the wires 132 and 140 a valve coil 144 and battery 146.

Operation of the circuit of FIG 4 is as follows: With the bridge balanced, the shutter 72 will be centralized, and light from the lamp 76 will strike the light sensitive cell 91. This effects a conductive path between the collector and

emitter

54, 96 of the cell 91, thereby effecting a clamping action between the base 112 and emitter 108 of the transmitter 110. In other words, the effect of light striking the cell 91 is such that no appreciable voltage or potential difference exists between the base 1 12 and emitter 108 of the power transistor 110. However, when the shutter 72 deflects to one side of the other due to unbalance of the bridge resulting from shorting, breaking, melting or resistance changes of any of the

sensing wires

42 or 44 due to excessive heat or to a fire, light will be shut off from the phototransistor 91, terminating the conductive path between the collector and

emitter

94, 96. The clamping action thus ceases, and voltage can now exist across the resistor 116, meaning that a potential will exist between the base 112 and the collector 108 of the power transistor 110. Such voltage will render the transistor 110 conducting whereby the relay coil 106 will be energized by current flowing through the collector and emitter.

The result of this is that the relay coil 106, being energized, will actuate the

relay contacts

124, 126. If the relay contact 126 is in the nature of a holding contact, it will maintain the relay energized regardless of shutting off of the transistor 110. The

relay contacts

124, 126 will effect energization of the bell 138 and actuation of the electric valve 144, sounding an alarm and indicating that the bridge has been unbalanced, as by alteration of the continuity or resistance of the

wires

38, 40, 42 or 44. Thus, according to the invention, the hose 10 can respond to excessive heat by a melting of the

wires

42, 44 which wires as already explained are especially arranged to monitor these conditions.

Opening of the electric valve 144 will cause the CO from the container 18 to flow into the designated hose 10. Meanwhile, in accordance with the invention, the heat from the fire, acting on the hose 36 in conjunction with the internal CO pressure will cause multiple orifices in the hose, some at the interstices of the wire mesh sheath, as follows: By the present invention, the plastic hose 36 is made with a multiplicity of holes 11, preferably but not necessarily having rough walls, see FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, which are plugged with a low melting point substance such as wax, solder or low melt plastic, preferably cast or molded in, the plugs being designated 37 in FIG. 6. The holes 11 can be in spiral configurations as in the upper portion of FIG. 2, or in rectangular patterns as in the lower portion of FIG. 2, or in straight lines as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In these latter figures, four holes 11 and plugs 37 are repeated at intervals along the hose 36, normally closing the bore 39 thereof to the atmosphere. Local heating of the hose line 36 will quickly melt the plugs 37 which are hottest, and also release CO to the line, thereby quickly extinguishing the fire.

While FIG. 4 illustrates one specific type of bridge circuit and valve control, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such arrangement, since others are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. As an example, simple relay or equivalent electrical circuits which respond to breaking or opening of a sensing circuit or loop may be utilized.

It will be understood that the electrically operated valve 144 of FIG. 4 may comprise either of the valves 12 shown in FIG. 1, and that for each electrically operated valve and hose line there will be a corresponding bridge circuit with sensing conductors as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In place of the trigger device comprising the galvanometer 70, mirror 72, lamp 74 and phototransistor 91, a fully solid-state trigger may be employed. In FIG. 7 such a solid-state trigger is illustrated, having terminals A, B, C, D, E and F for connection to the corresponding lettered terminals in FIG. 4. With such substitution the

devices

70, 72, 76, 82 and 91 will be removed from the circuit.

The above organization has a number of advantages. Hose lines 10 of any practical length may be readily assembled by the use of longer or shorter sections 10a which are coupled together by suitable fittings.

The use of the heat insulation 46 for the

nickel sensing conductors

38, 40 and the location of said conductors inwardly from the outer layers of the hose assemblage results in a slight delay in indicating ambient temperature changes. The

wires

38,40 instead of being for temperature readings, may constitute return circuits for the

eutectic wires

42, 44 whereby two independent sensing means are had.

The

nickel wires

38, 40 may be used in place of the

eutectic wires

42, 44 to initiate the discharge of CO For such arrangement, the nickel wires '38, 40 would be incorporated in a bridge circuit of the type illustrated and described in the copending application of Elwood R. I-Iorwinski, Ser. No. 851,624, filed Aug. 20, 1969 and entitled Automatic Fire Extinguishing Apparatus. One of the

nickel wires

38, 40 would be provided with a thick heat insulating jacket or sleeve to effect a delay in its temperature response so as to unbalance the bridge during rapid temperature changes, all as described in this copending application. In such bridge the

eutectic wires

42, 44 may also be included, as in the copending application. Or, the

eutectic wires

42, 44 may be excluded from the bridge and the bridge unbalance effected only by the

nickel wires

38, 40, one of which has the thicker heat insulation.

The nickel wires of the cable may be provided with tough enamel insulation and woven as part of the braid or mesh 35, and the eutectic wires may also be incorporated as part of the braid during the weaving thereof. The

eutectic wires

42, 44 if not disposed within the braid 35 may, if desired, be located within the hose 36 alongside the

nickel wires

38, 40. A slightly slower response to overheating or to a conflagration would result, however, from such arrangement.

Instead of the plastic hose 36 of FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 9 being formed of a thermoplastic material, a different plastic or non-plastic hose material may be utilized and the braid 35 may be woven to incorporate resistance wires which will quickly change resistance in the presence of severe localized heating.

A preferred method of incorporating eutectic signalling wires in the cable is illustrated in FIG. 8. ln this figure the cable 10b is provided at intervals along its length with spring clips 148 having

apertured ears

150, 152 through which

eutectic wires

42, 44 may be strung. Accordingly, the cable 10b may be installed initially without the clips 148 and

wires

42, 44; thereafter the assemblage of eutectic wires with the clips 148 may be put in place, subsequent to the cable 10b having been permanently positioned.

It will now be, seen from the foregoing that l have provided a novel and improved automatic fire extinguishing system which isextremely sensitive to rapid, appreciable changes in temperature and which can be incorporated in either open or closed cable trays, or in other restricted or non-restricted spaces.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the container 16 may house the bell or signal alarm 138 and may alsohave a signal light 172 energized simultaneously with the bell 138. The bridge or other circuits associated with the hoses 10 may be housed in the container 16, in a suitable casing such as indicated at 174, and the various batteries and a charging unit are indicated as housed in a separate container 176. It will be understood that the apparatus as above set forth is independent of commercial utilities such as water supply, commercial electric power and the like. The apparatus is relatively simple, and is reliable and foolproof in its operation. While it has been described as especially adaptable to closed or open cable trays, it should be understood that the invention has utility for all areas which are to be protected from fire, both cramped spaces and open spaces.

Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

lclaim:

l. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of:

a. a first member constituted of an elongate flexible sheath of hose-like configuration, said sheath being constituted of reinforcing material and having a multiplicity of openings along its length and around its circumference,

b. a second member comprising a tubular hose line of heat-softenable material, said hose line being disposed within, confined and reinforced by the flexible sheath, said hose line being adapted to carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure,

c. portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe localized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout extinguisher when the hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure.

2. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of:

a. a first member constituted of an elongate flexible sheath of hose-like configuration, said sheath being constituted of reinforcing material, said sheath having a multiplicity of openings along its length and around its circumference,

a second member comprising a tubular hose line heat-softenable material, said hose line being disposed within, confinedand reinforced by the carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure,

c. portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe localized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout liquid extinguisher when hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure, and

. an electrical sensing means including an electrical conductor extending along said hose line and adapted to respond to heat to which said assemblage may be subjected, for effecting a control of fluid to be supplied to the hose line.

3. A hose as in claim 2, wherein:

a. the sensing means is carried by said flexible sheath and is exteriorly exposed.

A hose as in claim 2, wherein: the sensing means extends through the said hose line,

b. the conductor of said sensing means having an electrical characteristic especially chosen to vary with changes in temperature.

5. A hose as in claim 3, wherein:

a. the sensing means comprises a second electrical conductor disposed alongside and insulated from the first-mentioned conductor, and

b. additional insulated, heat-responsive conductors carried by the hose, for connection to temperature measuring circuitry.

6. A hose as in claim 2, and further including:

a. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line,

b. a valve controlling the flow of fluid from said supply to said hose line,

. an electric actuator for said valve, and means controlled by said sensing means for operating said actuator to open the valve when the temperature of the sensing means at any point on the hose attains a predetermined high value.

. Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein:

. the sensing means comprises a second electrical conductor,

one conductor being disposed at the flexible sheath and being exteriorly exposed,

. the other conductor being disposed within the hose line wherein the two conductors have different'responses to sudden changes in ambient temperature.

8. A hose as in claim 2, wherein the electrical conductor comprises a eutectic wire.

9. A hose as in claim 2, wherein:

a. the electrical conductor comprises a nickel wire,

b. the electrical sensing means comprises a bridge circuit,

c. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line,

(1. valve means actuated by said bridge circuit, for releasing fire-extinguishing fluid to the hose line from the supply.

10. A hose as in claim 2, wherein:

a. the electrical conductor comprises a eutectic wire,

b. the electrical sensing means comprises an electrical control device,

c. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line,

(1. valve means actuated by said control device, for releasing fire-extinguishing fluid to the hose line from the supply.

1 l. a hose as in claim 2, and further including:

a. clips carried by said flexible sheath and supporting said electrical conductor.

12. A hose as in claim 1, wherein:

a. the hose line comprises plastic substance.

13. A hose as in claim 12, wherein:

a. the flexible sheath comprises interwoven wires.

14. A hose as in claim 12, wherein:

a. the hose line comprises polyvinylchloride.

15. A hose as in claim 13, wherein:

a. the flexible sheath includes resistance wires and comprises a woven braid.

16. A hose as in claim 1, wherein:

a. the hose line has a multiplicity of openings, and b. low melting point plugs affixed in said openings. 17. A hose as in claim 16, wherein:

a. the openings have rough walls.

18. A hose as in claim 16, wherein:

a. the plugs comprise a low-melt metal alloy.

19. A hose as in claim 16, wherein:

a. the plugs comprise wax.

20. A hose as in claim 16, wherein:

a. the plugs comprise a low-melting point plastic. 21. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of:

a. a first member constituted of a flexible sheath of reinforcing material, said sheath having a multiplicity of openings,

b. a second member comprising a tubular hose line disposed within, confined and reinforced by the flexible sheath, said hose line being adapted to carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure,

c: portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe local ized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout liquid extinguisher when hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure,

d. hydraulic fittings secured to the ends of the hose line and to the ends of the flexible sheath,

e. said fittings affixing the sheath and hose line to each other at the ends thereof.

Claims

1. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of: a. a first member constituted of an elongate flexible sheath of hose-like configuration, said sheath being constituted of reinforcing material and having a multiplicity of openings along its length and around its circumference, b. a second member comprising a tubular hose line of heatsoftenable material, said hose line being disposed within, confined and reinforced by the flexible sheath, said hose line being adapted to carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure, c. portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe localized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout extinguisher when the hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure.

2. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of: a. a first member constituted of an elongate flexible sheath of hose-like configuration, said sheath being constituted of reinforcing material, said sheath having a multiplicity of openings along its length and around its circumference, b. a second member comprising a tubular hose line heat-softenable material, said hose line being disposed within, confined and reinforced by the flexible sheath, said hose line being adapted to carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure, c. portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe localized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout liquid extinguisher when hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure, and d. an electrical sensing means including an electrical conductor extending along said hose line and adapted to respond to heat to which said assemblage may be subjected, for effecting a control of fluid to be supplied to the hose line.

3. A hose as in claim 2, wherein: a. the sensing means is carried by said flexible sheath and is exteriorly exposed.

4. A hose as in claim 2, wherein: a. the sensing means extends through the said hose line, b. the conductor of said sensing means having an electrical characteristic especially chosen to vary with changes in temperature.

5. A hose as in claim 3, wherein: a. the sensing means comprises a second electrical conductor disposed alongside and insulated from the first-mentioned conductor, and b. additional insulated, heat-responsive conductors carried by the hose, for connection to temperature measuring circuitry.

6. A hose as in claim 2, and further including: a. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line, b. a valve controlling the flow of fluid from said supply to said hose line, c. an electric actuator for said valve, and d. means controlled by said sensing means for operating said actuator to open the valve when the temperature of the sensing means at any point on the hose attains a predetermined high value.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein: a. the sensing means comprises a second electrical conductor, b. one conductor being disposed at the flexible sheath and being exteriorly exposeD, c. the other conductor being disposed within the hose line wherein the two conductors have different responses to sudden changes in ambient temperature.

9. A hose as in claim 2, wherein: a. the electrical conductor comprises a nickel wire, b. the electrical sensing means comprises a bridge circuit, c. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line, d. valve means actuated by said bridge circuit, for releasing fire-extinguishing fluid to the hose line from the supply.

10. A hose as in claim 2, wherein: a. the electrical conductor comprises a eutectic wire, b. the electrical sensing means comprises an electrical control device, c. a supply of fire-extinguishing fluid connected to one end of the hose line, d. valve means actuated by said control device, for releasing fire-extinguishing fluid to the hose line from the supply.

11. a hose as in claim 2, and further including: a. clips carried by said flexible sheath and supporting said electrical conductor.

12. A hose as in claim 1, wherein: a. the hose line comprises plastic substance.

13. A hose as in claim 12, wherein: a. the flexible sheath comprises interwoven wires.

14. A hose as in claim 12, wherein: a. the hose line comprises polyvinylchloride.

15. A hose as in claim 13, wherein: a. the flexible sheath includes resistance wires and comprises a woven braid.

16. A hose as in claim 1, wherein: a. the hose line has a multiplicity of openings, and b. low melting point plugs affixed in said openings.

17. A hose as in claim 16, wherein: a. the openings have rough walls.

18. A hose as in claim 16, wherein: a. the plugs comprise a low-melt metal alloy.

19. A hose as in claim 16, wherein: a. the plugs comprise wax.

20. A hose as in claim 16, wherein: a. the plugs comprise a low-melting point plastic.

21. A combined fire detector and extinguisher hose comprising, in combination, an assemblage of: a. a first member constituted of a flexible sheath of reinforcing material, said sheath having a multiplicity of openings, b. a second member comprising a tubular hose line disposed within, confined and reinforced by the flexible sheath, said hose line being adapted to carry an extinguishing fluid under pressure, c. portions of said hose line at openings of the sheath softening and melting in response to severe localized heat applied thereto, thereby to provide discharge orifices which spout liquid extinguisher when hose line contains extinguishing fluid under pressure, d. hydraulic fittings secured to the ends of the hose line and to the ends of the flexible sheath, e. said fittings affixing the sheath and hose line to each other at the ends thereof.