Year: 1886

page_text: I, JULIUS GOTTLIEB POHLE, residing at Georgetown, in the County of Clear
Creek & State of Colorado, in the United States of America, gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1, shows a view in front elevation of my pneumatic water elevator.
Figure, 2, a vertical sectional view of the receiver or collecting chamber.
Fig. 3, a horizontal section of the same.
Fig. 4, a detail view in side elevation of the valve operating mechanism with
the pipes and valve.
Fig. 5, a detail perspective view, from the opposite side, of the valve operating
mechanism detached from the pipes.
Fig. 6, a detail vertical sectional view of the valve in the compressed air pipe,
illustrating the operation of the same.
Fig. 7, a vertical sectional view of my apparatus showing the means for
introducing air into the eduction pipe.
Fig. 8 a detail view, partly in section of one of the connecting pipes between
the compressed air pipe and the water discharge pipe, and,
Fig. 9, a detail sectional view of a modification of the apparatus shown in fig. 7.
Letters of like name and kind refer to like parts in each of the figures.
The object of my invention is to provide an improved pneumatic water elevator,
and to this end,―
It consists, in the construction, arrangement, and combination of parts as
hereinafter specified.
In the drawings, A, designates the receiver or collecting chamber which, when
the apparatus is in use is placed where the water to be elevated will surround and
have easy access to it.
It is designed to be submerged in the water at any depth, while the mechanism
for operating the valve to admit and shut off the compressed air or steam from the
chamber to be hereinafter described, can be placed at any desired place or height
removed from and out of reach of the water.
As shown in the drawings, this receiving chamber, A, is preferably cylindrical,
though the shape is not essential.

page_text: It is made of metal strong enough to stand the pressure of the air or steam to
be admitted to it. In its bottom are several openings, a, a, over which rests a
valve, A', of rubber held in place by a bolt, a³, passing through its center into the
chamber bottom. With this construction obviously, water is free to pass up into
the chamber through the holes, a, a, but cannot be forced out of the chamber down
through them on account of the valve resting over their upper ends.
From one side of the chamber near its bottom a pipe, B, extends upward to the
point or place at which it is desired to discharge the elevated water.
In the upright portion of this pipe, near its lower end, is a check valve, B', of
the ordinary and well known form adapted to allow of the upward flow of water
in the pipe, while preventing any downward flow or return of the same into the
chamber.
From the top of the receiver, a pipe, B³, extends upward and is connected with
a source of supply of steam or air under pressure.
Situated in this pipe or the connections by which it is connected with the
source of compressed air or steam, is a valve, C, preferably of the rotary form as
shown.
As indicated herein before, this valve is to be placed above and out of reach of
the water to be elevated.
At one side, near its bottom, the valve casing, C₁, is provided with a series of
openings, c, c, forming exhaust ports.
At its top and bottom the valve chest has ports D, and, D¹, communicating with
the pipe from the supply and with the pipe to the chamber, A, respectively..
An opening or passage, E, is made diametrically through the body of the valve.
In one side of the valve body is a recess, F, occupying about one third of the
peripheral surface of the body. This recess does not extend inward to the central
passage, E, through the valve body. On the valve stem is fixed a crank arm, G,
provided with a longitudinal slot, G³.
This arm is so fixed upon the stem that as-it is swung out to one side the
diametrical passage, E, through the valve body will be brought into line with and
will establish communication between the ports, D, D¹, and as it is swung to the
opposite side the recess, F, will be brought into coincidence with the port, D¹, and
the exhaust openings, c, c, at the same time.
With this construction, when the parts are in the former position, the compressed
air or steam is admitted to the pipe connected with the receiving chamber, A, and
when the parts are in the latter position the steam or air from the source of supply
is cut off and the exhaust openings are through the recess, F, in communication
with the pipe extending to the receiving or collecting chamber, A, so that the air
in such chamber and pipe can escape readily out through the exhaust openings, c, c,
for the purpose to be hereinafter set forth.
Extending outward from the pipe, B2, below valve C, is an arm, H. Upon this
is supported a frame, H³, rectangular in shape.
A loop or lug, h, on the frame, having a screw threaded opening is screwed upon
the end of arm, H, as shown in the drawings.
L
In the upper portion of the frame is journaled a horizontal shaft, I, extending
in a direction at right angles to the valve spindle in a plane below the same.
Upon one end of this shaft is fixed the balance wheel; K, and upon the outer end
is fastened the crank disc, K¹.
One of the ends of the shaft is journalled in a box on the side of the frame
upright, while the other is journalled in a box on an arm, H, extending downward
from the top of the frame at some distance from but parallel with the other
upright side of the frame.
Two horizontal bars, H³, H³, attached at one end to the frame side in which the
end of the shaft, I, is journalled, and at the other to arm, H2, from a frame in which
is journalled a counter shaft, L, below and at right angles to shaft, L
The crank disc, K¹, on the latter shaft is situated just outside of the arm, H³,
and between it and the frame side.

page_text: Upon the shaft, L, is a crank arm, L', preferably provided with two or more
holes, 1, 1, for the reception of the removable crank pin, M, so that the amount of
throw or movement of the pin can be adjusted as desired. This pin is formed
with the reduced portion, m, adapted to pass through one of the holes, l, and
screw threaded to receive the nut, m¹.
A collar, m³, is also formed on the pin to come in contact with the outer side of
the crank when the nut is screwed up. This pin engages and plays in the slot, G¹,
in the crank, G, on the valve stem as the shaft, L, revolves so as to swing the
crank and turn the valve stem first in one direction and then in the other.
The shaft, L, is driven from shaft, I, by the worm gearing consisting of the worm
on shaft, I, and the wheel, N, upon shaft, L, having teeth meshing with the worm.
With this construction the shaft, I, must revolve a number of times for each
revolution of shaft, L.
With this worm gear as shown in the drawings, the former shaft must revolve
twenty eight times to cause the other to revolve once. The reason of this
construction will be set forth hereinafter.
Fastened to and upon the lower horizontal portion and one of the upright sides
of the frame, H¹, is the cylinder, O, having the valve chest, O¹, attached thereto,
provided with the ordinary form of slide valve in use in steam engines.
This cylinder is at its upper end provided with an extension or neck, o, through
which the piston rod, P, works and by which it is guided and steadied. Upon
this neck is screwed the packing cup, o¹.
To the upper end of the piston rod is pivoted one end of the pitman, R, which
at its upper end is pivoted upon the crank pin, k, on the crank disc.
The piston rod is provided with any desired form of piston within the cylinder.
Connected with the inlet opening of the valve chest is the small pipe, S, com-
municating with the pipe from the source of supply of steam or compressed air at
a point about the valve, O.
This small pipe is provided with a stop cock or valve, T, to shut off or regulate
the amount of the steam or air passing from the main pipe to the valve chest, O¹.
The valve in the chest is operated to admit the steam or air and shut it off from
the cylinder at the proper times by the eccentric, U, on shaft, I, the eccentric rod, u,
of ordinary construction and the valve stem, u¹, pivotally connected with the
eccentric rod.
With this construction, if steam or air be admitted to the valve chest through
the small pipe the pitman, R, will be driven continuously so as to rotate the crank
disc and shaft, L
Instead of the form of motor shown and. described for rotating this crank, any
other of the well known forms of motors adapted to be operated by steam or
compressed air can obviously be used without departure from the spirit of my
invention.
As a connection between the two shafts I prefer the worm gearing shown and
described, but any other form of gearing can, of course, be used, as desired, for the
same purpose.
Whatever the form of gearing used it should be so constructed and proportioned
that the main shaft should make a number of revolutions in causing one rotation
of the counter shaft.
If desired, instead of being supported entirely upon the arm from the pipe, the
frame carrying the valve operating mechanism can be attached to any suitable
support by belting or otherwise.
The operation of my apparatus is as follows.
The receiving or collecting chamber, A, being submerged in the water to be
elevated and the pipes and frame for the valve gearing being suitably fixed or
supported, so that said gearing and the motor driving it shall be above and out of
reach of the water, the main supply pipe is connected with a source of supply of
compressed air or steam.

page_text: As the chamber or tank, A, is submerged, the surrounding water will raise the
valve, A¹, and rushing in through openings, a, a, will fill the chamber.
While this filling is going on the valve is turned so that the recess in its body
forms a communication between the pipe leading to the top of the tank and the
exhaust opening or openings, c, in the valve casing.
The air forced out of the tank by the influx of the water then can escape readily
through such opening or openings.
If now the valve or stop cock in the small pipe leading from the air supply pipe
to the valve chest of the motor be opened, said motor will be put in action to drive
the shaft, I, continuously, as set forth hereinbefore.
Through the connecting gearing shaft, L, is driven from this shaft.
As shaft, L, and the crank thereon rotate the pin on the crank engaging the slot
in the crank on the valve stem swings it so as to rotate the valve. The valve body
is then turned so as to cut off the connection between the exhaust openings and the
pipe to the receiver and bring the passage, E, into line with the upper and lower
ports, D, D', in the valve casing, thus establishing communication between the
supply pipe and the receiver.
The compressed air or steam then rushes down into the chamber and forces the
water out of it up the discharge pipe, B, as that is the only way by which the
water can escape, the valve, A¹, preventing its flowing out through openings, a, a,
in the chamber bottom.
As the shaft, L, is only rotated once for twenty eight rotations of the shaft, I,
the valve is operated slowly enough to allow sufficient air or steam to enter the
chamber to force all or the greater portion of the water therein out through
pipe B.
By the continued rotation of shaft, L., the valve is then rotated back again to
shut off connection between the ports, D, D¹, and establish communication again as
before, between port, D¹, and the openings, c, c.
:
The pressure in the chamber being then derived by the escape of the confined
air up and out through such openings, the water in which the chamber is submerged
will rush in and fill the latter again.
The water which may be in pipe, B, when the pressure in the chamber is
relieved, is prevented from flowing back by the check valve.,
The communication between port, D', and the openings, c, is kept up long enough
to allow the chamber to become filled or nearly filled by the water. By the
continued rotation of shaft, L, and the pin on its crank engaging the slot in the
valve crank, the valve is then rotated to cut off this communication between
port, D¹, and openings, c, c, and bring the passage, E, into line with the ports, D,
and, D¹, again..
My valve operating mechanism, being operated directly by the compressed air or
steam used in elevating the water, will be driven more quickly or slowly according
as the pressure is greater or less. The advantage of this is that when the pressure
is greater, a shorter time is necessary for the discharge of the water from the tank.
As the valve mechanism is not as heretofore operated by the rise and fall of the
water in the tank and the consequent raising and lowering of a float therein, it
can be placed in any convenient position and location not only out of reach of the
water, but where it can be seen and easily and readily got at for cleaning, oiling,
or regulating. Where as heretofore, the valve mechanism was either wholly or
partly submerged in the water it became rapidly foul and clogged, especially when
the elevator was used in mines or tunnels.
'
In my elevator the only movable portion touched by or subjected to the action
of the water are the valve at the bottom of the receiving chamber and the check
valve in the discharge pipe, neither of which is liable to become clogged or injured
by the water however foul or dirty it may be.
The elevating apparatus and mechanism as hereinbefore described can be used
to great advantage on other water elevators heretofore known and will elevate

page_text: water economically and rapidly to considerably heights proportionate to the
pressure used.
To aid such elevating and very much increase the height to which water can be
elevated with a certain amount of pressure of the elevating mechanism, I use in
connection with the mechanism described the following means and devices.
In figures, 7, 8 and, 9, A, designates the receiving or collecting tank or chamber
such as already described with its upwardly or inwardly opening valve at its bottom
the discharge pipe, B, extending up from near the bottom of the tank and the
compressed air pipe, B³, entering the top of the tank or chamber. In these
figures the discharge or eduction pipe is shown as extending down through the
top of the chamber, A, instead of through the side thereof as in the other figures
of the drawings.
The source of supply of compressed air, or the manner or means of compressing
and supplying it to the pipe, B, can be of any desired kind and can be varied as
desired without departure from this part of my invention.
Between the air inlet or supply pipe, B, and the pipe, B, I place one or more
connecting pipes, E¹, preferably, screw threaded, as shown, at both ends, and
screwed into suitable threaded openings in the pipes. I contemplate providing
each connecting pipe with a stop cock, e, but such is not all necessary, and can be
dispensed with as desired.
The opening of each pipe, E¹, into the water discharge pipe is preferably made
quite small.
.
'In the drawings I show a plug, e¹, in the pipe in which is a small opening, e³,
connecting with the bore of the discharge pipe. Instead of one opening, e³, there
may be several in each plug, all made small so that the air flowing through them
from the air pipe into the water contained in the discharge pipe will be in small
jets so as to form numerous small bubbles, as indicated in the drawings.
I contemplate, if desired, putting in each connection pipe, E¹, used, a check
valve, e, as indicated in figure, 8; adapted to open to pressure from the air pipe
side, but to close against pressure from the other way. Such valve can be of any
of the well known and common forms.
It is not necessary, and may ordinarily be dispensed with without detriment to
the action of the apparatus. In using my apparatus, or elevating mechanism, as
shown and described, the operation is as follows. The tank or chamber, A, being
immersed in the water to be elevated the surrounding water rushes up past
valve, A¹, and fills the tank.
T
:
г
Compressed air being then, by suitable valve mechanism, admitted to pipe, B?,
passes downward through it into the tank in the usual way and forces the water.
therein up the discharge pipe.
T
So much of the action of the apparatus is common in other water elevators, but
it has been found that to raise water in this way it bas heretofore required, at sea
level, about, 15, pounds pressure for every, 33, feet that the water is caused to rise
in the water discharge pipe. In my apparatus, as shown and described some of
the compressed air from pipe, B', passes through each connecting pipe, which I call
a blow pipe or tube, and enters the column of water in pipe, B, through the small
opening or openings, so as to form numerous bubbles therein.
The air so injected into the discharge water column has, I have found a
remarkably advantageous effect upon the workings of the apparatus.
When the water was forced to a height of, 65, feet without injecting air, as
described, into the discharge water pipe, it was found that the pressure of the
compressed air had to be, 35, pounds.
1
After the introduction of one of the connecting blow tubes at a point about, 40,
feet from the top of the discharge pipe, and, 25, feet from its bottom, it was found
that no longer was, 35, pounds pressure needed, but only, 15. That is, the water

page_text: While the water issuing from the eduction pipe under the new conditions was
not entirely continuous in its stream, it was more so than before.
Though the water discharged was mixed somewhat with air the amount of water
expelled in the steadier stream per minute was about the same as before, and, at
times, appeared even greater.
It is intended to have a number of the blow tubes, one for about every, 25, or,
30, feet of the height of the discharge pipe, when only fifteen pounds pressure is
used, or one for every, 50, or, 60, feet, when compressed air of thirty pounds
pressure is used.
The lowest blow tube should be above the check valve in the discharge pipe.
If desired a separate air supply pipe, besides the main pipe, B2, can be used to
conduct and supply air to the blow tubes to be injected into the column of discharge
water and gases, or vapors compressed or under pressure can be used with my
apparatus instead of the compressed air without departure from my invention.
In fig. 9, I show a modified form of the apparatus shown in figure, 7. In this
form the air supply pipe, B2, instead of being carried down parallel with the
eduction pipe, B, and connected therewith by the connecting pipes, E¹, E¹, is
conducted into and extends. down into and within the pipe, B, to a point near the
collecting tank or cistern, A.
It is then carried outside of the pipe, B, and connected with the tank or cistern
as in the other form of apparatus shown and described.
The portion of the air pipe which is within pipe, B, is provided with any desired
number of small openings through which the air can escape or be injected into the
column of water for the purpose set forth hereinbefore, to act on the water in the
same way as the injected air in the form of apparatus shown in figure 7.
I contemplate aiding the action of all kinds of pumps or forcing devices for
elevating water or other liquid by air injected into the discharge or eduction pipe,
as set forth and shown herein.
My apparatus, as described and shown, is obviously useful for elevating other
liquids, as for instance oil, as well as water.
Obviously as indicated herein before the elevating mechanism described and
shown can if desired be used without the means for introducing air into the
eduction pipe, that is the water can be elevated simply by pressure in the receiving
or collecting tank, A, the air supply pipe, B³, being disconnected from the eduction
pipe but the injection or introduction of air in bubbles into the water in the
eduction pipe increases the distance to which the water can be elevated so much
without increase in the pressure that for elevating any considerable distances
I prefer to use the air introducing means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is.
1. In a water elevator in combination with the pipe for supplying air or steam
to the receiving or collecting chamber the valve in the pipe and means driven by
air or steam taken from the supply pipe adapted to operate the valve, substantially
as and for the purpose specified.
2. In a pneumatic water elevator in combination with the valve for admitting
the air or steam to the water collecting tank mechanism driven by the air or steam
from the source of supply and connecting means between such driven mechanism
and the valve by which the latter is operated.
3. In a water elevator, in combination with the pipe for supplying compressed
air or steam to the receiving and collecting chamber, the valve in the pipe for
regulating the admission of the air or steam to the chamber and a motor operated
and driven by air or steam taken from the supply pipe above such valve, substan-
tially as and for the purpose specified.
4. In a pneumatic water elevator, in combination with the supply pipe and the
valve adapted to admit compressed air to the collecting tank or chamber and to

page_text: allow the escape of air therefrom, the pipe connected with the supply pipe above
such valve, the motor adapted to be operated and driven by the air taken from the
supply pipe by such connecting pipe, and mechanism substantially as described
driven by the motor and adapted to operate the valve, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
5. In a water elevator, in combination with the collecting or receiving tank, the
pipe for carrying compressed air or steam thereto, the three-way cock or valve in
the pipe, a motor continuously driven by compressed air or steam taken from the
supply pipe above the valve and connecting means or gearing substantially as
described whereby the valve is intermittingly operated from the motor, all sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. In a water elevator, in combination with the pipe from the source of supply
of compressed air or steam and the pipe connected with the collecting tank or
chamber, the rotary valve between the pipes adapted to alternately establish com-
munication between the two pipes, and between the pipes to the tank and an
exhaust opening, the slotted crank on the valve stem, the rotating shaft, the crank
thereon, the pin on the crank engaging the slot in the valve crank, a motor, driven
by the compressed air or steam from the source of supply and connecting gearing
between the motor and crank shaft, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
7. In a pneumatic water elevator, the rotary valve for admitting the compressed
air or steam to the collecting tank, and for shutting off the same and allowing the
air or steam in the tank to escape, the slotted crank on the valve stem, the shaft
the crank on the shaft, the pin on the crank engaging the slot in the valve crank,
the worm wheel on the shaft, the shaft provided with a worm meshing with the
wheel, the motor driven continuously by the compressed air or steam from the
source of supply, and connecting means substantially as described between the
motor and the worm shaft, as and for the purpose specified.
8. In a pneumatic water elevator, in combination with the rotary valve adapted
to admit compressed air or steam to the collecting tank and to shut off the same
and allow the air or steam to escape from the tank, the motor having the recipro-
cating piston and rod, and the slide valve, the pipe between the air or steam supply
pipe and the valve chest of the motor, the pitman, the shaft, the pitman wheel or
crank thereon, the eccentric on the shaft, the eccentric rod connected with the slide
valve, the balance wheel, the worm on the shaft, the counter shaft, the worm wheel
and the crank thereon, the crank pin, and the slotted crank on the rotary valve
stem, substantially as and for the purpose described.
9. In combination with the eduction or discharge pipe of a liquid elevating
device, means for introducing into such pipe an expansible fluid under pressure,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
10. In combination with the upright eduction pipe or passage of a liquid
elevating device, a source of supply of air under pressure connected with the
upright portion of the pipe or passage so as to inject air into the column of water
therein substantially as and for the purpose shownL
11. In combination with means for forcing or elevating water, and the rising
eduction pipe or passage thereof, means for injecting air directly into such rising
pipe above the forcing or elevating device, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
12. In combination with the compressed air inlet or supply pipe and the upright
discharge water or eduction pipe of a compressed air water elevating device, one or
more connecting pipes between such inlet and eduction pipes adapted to inject air
into the eduction pipe in fine jets, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
13. In combination with the collecting tank or chamber and the compressed air
and upright eduction pipes, one or more tubes or pipes connecting the air and
eduction pipes above the tank or chamber, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
14. In combination with the upright water eduction pipe, B, and the compressed
air pipe, C, one or more tubes connecting such pipes each provided with a plug

page_text: having one or more small orifices connecting with the bore of the water eduction
pipe, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
15. The improved method of raising water or other liquids which consists in
forcing the same up an eduction pipe and introducing air into the column of water
in the pipe above the forcing device or devices, substantially as and for the purposè
described.
16. The improved method of elevating water or other liquids, which consists in
forcing the water or liquid up in a upright eduction pipe by a suitable forcing or
pumping device and injecting in to the column of liquid within the pipe, air in the
form of a fine jet or jete so as to form bubbles in the liquid, substantially as and
for the purpose described.
T.