1862 London Exhibition: Catalogue: Class VIII.: William Roberts
1969. ROBERTS, WILLIAM, Millwall, Poplar, E.
Fire engines for house, factory, and general purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF W. ROBERTS'S PORTABLE FIRE-ENGINE.
A Pump having one suction at a through the side, and another in the bottom, which (the bottom) is screwed in the cylinder; also two deliveries, a1 a1, the air-chamber A1 being screwed on the top, thus affording a ready means of access to the interior.
B B Levers with wood handles b b.
C Plank or bed, having an axle hooked at the ends c c, and at the end of the plank a plate C1, with a latch C2.
D D D Frames either of metal, or metal and wood combined.
E E Suspending rods working between the upright frames upon bolts at e e, the lower ends being hooked.
F Rod having a T foot, and connected with the frame at f.
G G Hose reel working upon the axle freely between the side frames D D D D, and upon which the hose is coiled.
H A box to carry the branch pipe, jets, spanners, and all the necessary tools. The suction hose can be carried upon the bed C at each side of the pump, or beside the box H, or both, if a long length is required.
I Canvas well, or cistern.
When used for horse traction, a seat is fitted to the frame to carry the driver and three firemen. The seat folds down upon the frame when not required.
Upon reaching a fire, the latch C2 is thrown back, and the foot of the rod F withdrawn from the slot; this allows the handle end of the frame to rise; this action lowers the pump upon the ground, when the suspended rods EE being unhooked (the hose g being kept screwed to the pump), the reel is run towards the fire; when the necessary length being unwound, it is disconnected from the reel, the branch, spanners, etc., being in the box H, it can be got to work in a very few minutes. When done with, the whole can be quickly packed up and taken away.
THE FOLLOWING FIRE ENGINES, etc. ARE EXHIBITED:-
1. W. ROBERTS' PATENT FIRE ENGINE FOR 1 HORSE.
This engine will throw nearly as much water under pressure, as a brigade engine, with two-thirds the number of men to work it. It is about half the weight, and will pass through an opening one-third narrower. Price £100. Hose and all gear extra.
2. W. ROBERTS' PATENT HAND FIRE ENGINE upon wheels, carrying its own hose and gear, can be run easily by 1 man. Price £50
3. W. ROBERTS' PATENT HAND FIRE ENGINE, Will throw more than half the quantity of a brigade engine with one-third the number of men. Weight about 2 cwt. Price £28
4. W. ROBERTS' IMPROVED HOSE REEL FOR 1 HORSE. This reel will carry as much hose and gear as three brigade engines, and is specially adapted for use in cities or towns, having a constant supply of water at high-pressure.
5. W. ROBERTS' IMPROVED HOSE REEL FOR HAND WORK. This reel will carry as much hose and gear as two brigade engines. Price £15
Manufactured by Brown, Lenox and Co, Poplar, London.