US540226A - System of and apparatus for extinguishing fires - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.) I 4 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. BIRKETT 8: W. MoELROY. SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES.

5 9 00 N: m E7 7 M n m u Ww d e m M e t a A P WITNESSES: /wz 736% um g3 (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. BIRKETT & W. MoELROY. SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES.

ma norms PETERS co, PNOTO-UTNO WASHINGTON. o. c.v

4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

J. BIRKETT & W. McELROY. SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES.-

No. 540,226. Patented June 4, 1895.

(No Model.)

lmiilmnm o E O U IIIIIIIII I' I II I A k v WITNESSE INVENTORS; yflw ep/w A W "4 By their Atzomey I 4 She etsSh eet 4 J. BIRKETT 8v W. MGELROY. SYSTEM 0]? AND APPARATUS FOR BXTINGUISHING FIRES. No. 540,226.

Patented June 4, 1895.

(No Model.)

% By 1%.!!! Attorneys,

W.@h mm (9'0 .J A. In: H A H INVENTORS:

WITNESSES:

Nrrsn STATES ATENT heron.

JOHN BIRKETT AND WILLIAM MGELROY,

OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

SYSTEM OF AND APPARATUS FOR EXTINGUISHINGHRES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 540,226, dated June 4, 1895.

Application filed February 6, 1893- Serial No. 461,2'76- (No model.)

connection with any suitable system for elec tric distribution, of which many are now in use in large cities, among which may be mentioned the trolley systems for tramway use, and the incandescent and arc lighting systems which traverse. many city streetsin the form of either overhead or underground conductors, or both.

In carrying out the preferred form of our invention we provide certain features of im provement which will forth.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate certain adaptations of our invention, Figure l is a diagrammatic view showing our improved engine when used in connection with an incandescent lighting-circuit. Fig. 2 is a similar view'showing the use in connection with a trolley system for electrical distribution. Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the use in connection with a trolleysystem one conductor of which is connected to the hydrant. Fig. 4 is a similar view of a fire-extinguishing system in which the system for distribution of electric energy is provided solely for fire-extinguishing purposes. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a fire-extinguishing apparatus constructed according to the preferred form of our invention, the apparatus being partly in section to show its conbe hereinafter fully set struction more clearly. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. broken away in horizontal section. Fig. HS 2. rear elevation of this apparatus. Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary viewshowing the inner face of the conductor-drum. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the latter, partly in section on the line 9 9 in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a plan, and

5, partly Fig. 11 a fragmentary section on a larger scale, of the hydrant.

Referring to the drawings, letA indicate a system for distribution of electric energy; E,

the electric generator pertaining thereto; O,

the fire extinguishing apparatus as a whole; D, an electric motor thereon; E, the electric conductors communicating between the sys tem A and. the motor D; F, a pump on the apparatus operated by the motor D; G, a fire hydrant for supplying the apparatus with water; H, a hose between the hydrant and apparatus, and I a discharge hose for the latter.

The system A may be any known or suitable system for the distribution of electric energy. That shown in Fig. 1 is intended to represent an incandescent electric lighting system in which the lamps, shown diagrammatically at J, are arranged in multiple arc, the system being normally used to feed these lamps.

The system shown in Fig. i system for tramway roads, the one conductor lettered a being an overhead wire, and the other conductor lettered 17 being the usual ground wire which is connected to the rails lettered c, the normal work of the system be ing the propulsion of tramway cars.

The system shown in Fig. 3 is likewise the usual trolley system having the. usual overhead wire a, and a special connection cl extending from the usual ground wire toan adjacent hydrant.

The system shown in Fig. 4 is a special system provided exclusively for use in a fire extinguishing system, and consists of two ordinary conductors, all the hydrants of the system being connected in the line in series.

The apparatus "C may be any suitable fire extinguishing apparatus which can be operated by electric energy. It is shown as a portable apparatus comprising an electric motor for operating the usual pump, and electric conductors E for making connection betweenthismotor and the system A. These 2 is a trolley conductors E may be of anysuitable or known construction depending upon the" character of electric system with which the apparatus is to be used. According to one feature of our invention,the conductors E are of improved construction and are preferably constructed for use either to make connection where special connecting points (as shown in ICC i L with conductors g and Fig. 1) are provided on the system A, or where the trolley syster'nas shown in Fig. 2 is to be utilized. Where special points of connection are provided, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, these contact points, lettered K in the drawings, constitute any suitable or known means for establishing electric connection between the electric system A and the motor D of the apparatus O. r

In the construction shown in Fig. 1,conductors lead from the line of the system to the contact points K, and these conductors, E, consist of any suitable electric conductors e and fmaking connection with those from the line at the contact points K, and leading from there to the apparatus 0, and terminating respectively in contact posts 9') on the apparatus, connected by the arms of a switch h leading to the motor D. In the construction shown, auxiliary conductors e" and f are shown, the former consisting of a trolley pole M, and afl ording electric communication through the trolley pole to the contact post 6', and the latter consisting of any suitable electric wire having a contact pin and connected at its one end to the contact post f, and constructed to afford electrical communication between this post and the track of a trolley road. In Fig. 1, only the conductors e and f are shown as in use, the conductors e and f not being required when the special contact points K are provided. With this construction the apparatu's G can be used in connection with a trolley, as shown in Fig. 2,where such connection is available, and at other points with the special contact points K. In the former case the electric communication will be through the overhead wire a, and trolley pole M and wire 6'' to the binding post 6', thence through the switch L and wire 9 to the motor, and from thelatter through the wireh to the other post f, and thence through the wiref to the track 0, and back through the other conductor b of the system.

When the trolley system is utilized in the manner shown in Fig. 3, a special wired from the return wire 6 of the system running to a contact point K in or near the hydrant G, the conductors E will consist of the trolley pole M and its wire e", the switch L and the wires leading from and to the latter from the motor D, and the single wiref from the switch to the contact point K. In this arrangement theelectric current will pass from the overhead wire through the apparatus to the branch wire 01, and from the latter to the return wire b.

In using thespecial circuit shown in Fig. 4:, the contact-points K will be arranged in or near each hydrant, andthe apparatus will be connected to them in the same manner as shown in Fig. l. The motor D may be any suitable construction of electric motor capable of mechanical connection with the pump of the apparatus for operating such pump. The hydrants G may be the ordinary fire hydrants now in use, or any suitable source of diate of these brackets the field supply for supplying wateror other fire extinguishing matter to the apparatus. In installing our improvements, convenient provision is made for making the electric connection between the apparatus 0 and the distributing system A at each hydrant, after which in operating with this system, the apparatus is drawn to the point where required for use, the electrical connection is completed, and the connection is made between the pump and hydrant, whereupon the tire engine may be operated as required.

Having thus described the general features of our improved system and apparatus, we will now describe in detail the preferred form of our improvedtire engine, referring particularly to Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive. In these figures the apparatus 0 is shown as constructed with a framework N supported at front and rear on axles 0 carried by wheels Pas usual. Preferably the forward portion of the framework is bowed upwardly to permitfree turning of the front wheels on the fifth wheel Q of the vehicle. Preferably the frame N has depending portion R at rear, on which is mounted the motor D. The latter is constructed in the form here shown of a baseplate 1' bolted to the frame N, and carrying at its upper side the'bearing bracketsjj for the armature shaft lc of the motor, and intermemagnets Z, the pole pieces of which embrace the armature m at top, while on their lower portions are wound the field coils n.

0 indicates the commutator, and p p the brushes.

In the construction shown a worm S is car- ;ried on the outer end of the armature shaft .70 of the motor, and gears with a worm-gear S rotatively mounted on the stud of a bracket '8", which gear carries an outwardly projecting crank-pin g on its side engaging a slot q in the upper end of a lever T fulcrumed on the rear axle O of the apparatus, and con nected at its other end by a link q with the piston rod 1' of the pump F. By this construction the operation of the motor will be communicated through the worm-gear S and its pin q to oscillate the lever T, and through the latter reciprocate the piston rod of the pump to operate the latter.

The pump F may be of any suitable construction and location. Preferablyit is bolted against the under side of the frame N beneath the motor D, the two being held in position on the frame by bolts 8 serving to clamp them against the top and bottom sides of the frame. Preferably the inlet of the pump is at one side, and constructed with a coupling neck 5, and the outlet is at the opposite side of the pump and constructed with a coupling neck 5''. Communication can be afforded between the inlet side of the pump and the hydrant or other source of supply by any suitable length of hose, as H, and a like hose, as I, can be coupled to the discharge neck 5 for delivering the discharge from the pump to the point of use. Preferably'the frame is constructed with upwardly extending arms N at rear, which arms carry in bearings at their upper ends a shaft N", on which is fixed a hose-drum N' disposed between the arms N. On this drum N' is wound alength of hose H which can be used to afford communication between the hydrant G and the pump of the engine, where it is desired that the latter shall be at some distance from the hydrant. The usual ratchet and pawl H" is provided for locking the drum against rotation.

According to our invention we also provide a conducto ror cabledrum E, preferably mounted freely on the outer end of the shaft N", upon which a length of cable E" can be wound for use when it is desired to afford communication between the contact points K and the engine, when the latter is at some distance from these points. A ratchet and pawl 11 is provided for locking the drum E against rotation.

The apparatus is shown as constructed with the electric conductors E described with reference to Fig. 1. In the particular construction shown, these conductors consist of the positive wire e and the negative wiref, each terminating in a contact plug or handle at one end,and united intothe cable E",extending to and wound upon the drum E, and fixed at its other end to said drum as shown in Fig. 9. At its drum end the wires 6 andfleave the cable and pass through the side of the drum, the wire being electrically connected to an insulated metallic contact ring e, and the wiref being connected to a similar but smaller metallic contact ringf arranged within the other ring and both concentric with the axis of rotatibn of the drum and fixed on the inner side Wall thereof. On the adjacent arm N is mounted a block U of insulating material, on which are fixed contact springs 6 and f, the former making electrical contactwith the ring 6", and the latter with the ringf. To these contact springs are connected respectively wires 25 and a, which pass through a pipe V fixed at one end of the arm N, and at its other end to the seat W at the other endof the apparatus, and emerge at the other end of the pipe and make electrical contact respectively with the contact posts 6 and f, whereby complete electrical communication exists between the contact plugs at the ends of the wires e f, and the contact posts 6 f. The auxiliary conductors for use with the trolley in this instance consist of the trolleypole M, which is pivoted on a bracket M, and Weighted at its lower end, with which the Wire 6 makes electrical connection at one end, while its other end makes electrical connection with the positive contact post 6'. The other member of the auxiliary conductor consists of the wiref", which makes elect ical connection with the negative contact post f at one end and carries at its other end a contact plug constructed to be driven in beside the rail of a tramway track, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 5, when used as one of the conductors E, and to be hung on one of the hooks u at the side of the seat WV when not used. The auxiliary conductor will afford when in use electrical connection between the overhead trolley wire a at top and the positive contact post e, and from the negative contact post f through the wiref to the rail 0 through which the current would be in connection with the return wire of a trolley system. Preferably a lock V is provided copsisting of a chain engaging a hook for securing the trolley pole when in the inactive position.

The switch L may be of any suitable construction. It is shown as consisting of two switch-arms g and it connected to, insulated from, and operated by, a hand-lever X, all being preferably placed on the side of the seat 7. The conductor 9 leads from the switcharm g through the positive brush 1) of the motor, and the conductor it leads from the negative brush p of the motor to the switcharin it. Thus when the switch L is thrown on, there will be complete electrical communication between the motor and the conductors E.

The contact points K are preferably disposed within the hydrant G in such manner that they will be inaccessible to other than persons authorized to open the hydrants, whereby danger of accident is avoided. Preferably they consist of a box to having positive contact springs in and negative contact springs w", adapted respectively to receive the plugs of the wires 6 andf, and in electrical communication with the respective conductors of a system for distribution of electric energy.

We prefer to construct the hydrant G as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, Where it has the usual water conduit and valve rod therefor, and locking bolt for preserving its cover in the closed position when out of use, and in addition, according to our invention, is 0on structed with a lateral pocket G at top, closed by a corresponding projection on the hydrant cover, which pocket contains the contact points and switch for making connection between the system for electric distribution and the fire engine. Preferably a box to, of in? sulating material and having an open top is fitted into this pocket G, and the conductors to b of the system A rise through a tube in the hydrant and enter this box, terminating in contact springs a 19 therein, which springs bear against a disk switch K in the box. This switch has conducting pieces a b", on its periphery, and is constructed intermediately of these pieces with an insulating material, and has a projecting handle by which it is shifted from one position to the other. The springs to w" are each mounted in this box to and have contact springs w 10" respectively which bear against said switch K and are disposed in relation to the conducting parts a" b and the contact springs or b in such manner that when the switch is turned to the one position electrical communication will exist between the conductors: a b and the springs to w", andwhen it is turned to the-other position such communication will be interrupted. This is a safe and convenient arrangement of the contact points K, whereby access to them can onlybe had by those able to open the hyd-rant G, and the plug pins of the conductors E'can be adjusted in the contact springs w 20 conveniently and without danger before the switch K is turned on, whereby the flow of current can be controlled at the hydrant.

In operating our invention when the appa- 'ratus used is that shown in Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive, the engine will be drawn to the hydrant or other source of Water supply nearest to the point of use, and if the trolley system is the source from which the electric current is taken, the trolley pole will be thrown in contact with the wire a overhead, and the conductorf" will be put in contact with the rail 0 of the track beneath by driving its contact plug alongside'the latter. The connection between the hydrant G and pump F will be made by the hose H, whereupon the pump can be driven to throw a stream of water by closing the circuit with the switch L. To stop the motor the switch need only be shifted to the other position. If the contact points K are utilized instead of a trolley system, when the apparatus arrives at the hydrant the latter will be opened and the contact plugs of the wires 6 andfwill be inserted in-their respective contact springs on the box to, whereupon the apparatus can be operated as before. If, however, it is desired to remove the engine to some distance from the hydrant or from the contact points, then the hose H on the drum H" will be connected to the hydrant G after the electrical connection has been made just as described, the pawls for locking the drums N and E will be freed, whereupon the engine can be drawn to the point desired, the hose H and cable E being unreeled' as the engine progresses, after which the other end of the hose H may be connected to the inlet neck 5' of the pump, whereupon the apparatus can be operated as before, drawing water through the hose H and discharging it through the hose 1, and receiving its electrical energy through the conductors within the cable E".

said conductors 25 and u, and extending backwardly and connected to said frame at rear,

shaft N" carried by said frame, drum E rotatively mounted on said shaft, rings e f fixed on the in n'erside of and rotating with said dru m, conta'c't pieces e"f" connected respectively to said wires t and u and bearing respectively on said rings, cable E wound on said drum, and conductors e and f traversing said cable and connected respectively at one end to said rings, and having at their other end contactpins formaking electrical connection g and h between said switch and motor, conductors tand u leading from said switch, tube V connected to'sja'id seat at one end inclosing said conductors 25 and u, and extending backwardly-and-connected' to said frame at rear, shaft N" carried by said frame, drum E rotatively mounted on said shaft, rings e'f" fixed on the-inner side of and rotating with said drum, contact pieces ef connected respectively to said wires t and u and bearing respectively on said rings, cable E wound on said drum, and conductors e and f traversing said cable and connected" respectively at one end to said rings, and having at their other end contact pins for making electrical connection with the terminalsof an electric circuit, a trolley pole M carried by said drum, conductor 6" between said pole and switch, and wire f" connected with said switch and carrying a contact pin for making electrical connection with the ground conductor of a trolley system, said contact-pins constructed with perforated heads and said seat W carrying hooks o for supporting said pins.

3. In an electric fire engine comprising a pump, a motor for driving the latter and conductors for making connections for a system of electric distribution, the hose drum N, the frame N and the shaft N mounted in said frame and carrying said drum, in combination with the cable drum E mounted on said shaft exteriorly of said frame, and rotative independently of said hose drum, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. The combination with a fire hydrant, of electric conductors rising therethrough, a tube therein and closing said conductors, a box W connected to said tube, a switch K in said box, and contact springs to w in said box constituting respectively terminals of said conductors when said switch is in one position, and cut out therefrom when said switch is in the other position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof We have hereunto signed our names in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN BIRKETT. WILLIAM MoELROY. Witnesses:

GEORGE H. FRASER, CHARLES K. FRASER.

in A v I I

Images