This is an example of an old-style fire suppression unit.  It’s called a Fire Bomb, basically a large glass ball filled with carbon tetrachloride.  The typical operation is that the glass ball hangs from the ceiling, and when heat from a fire melts a weak link, the device falls and shatters and spreads the liquid carbon tetrachloride around to put the fire out. 

This is an example of one http://blog.modernmechanix.com/catapulted-bomb-puts-out-fire/ that is launched from a spring.

“Catapulted “Bomb” Puts Out Fire.  A GLASS “bomb” fire extinguisher throws itself into the flames when heat melts a plug to release spring tension in the wall bracket. When catapulted, the bursting bulb spreads an extinguishing fluid to smother flame.”  

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Harry Elston
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 12:03 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Looking for suggestions: I need help finding the name of a chemical