Fire sprinkler patentIn 1872, the first U.S. patent for an automatic sprinkler system was issued to Phillip W. Pratt, of Abington, Mass., titled “Improvement in Fire-Extinguishers” (No. 131,370). The system consisted of overhead, pivoted water-arms or perforated pipes, which when connected to a supply of water from a supply-pipe would revolve rapidly, throwing water in all directions, wetting ceiling, walls and floor. This operation was controlled by a valve opened by a spring-loaded lever, held closed by a system of cords and fuses. In case of a fire, when the fuses ignited, the cords burned, and the valve opened releasing the scattered stream of water. Pratt was an inventor holding a number of other patents, and is also credited with demonstrating the first electrically powered automobile in the U.S., a tricycle, on 27 Jul 1888. |
