Improvements in Automatic Safety Water Gauges.
Year: 1898

page_text: Improvements in Automatic Safety Water Gauges.
I, BENJAMIN EDGAR, of 21, Brinkburn Avenue, Gateshead, in, the County of
Durham, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention is designed specially for the top fitting of the gauge but may be
applied with certain modifications in construction also to the bottom fitting and
is to effect the following objects viz:-
1st. To enable the ball valve to be entirely, or partially, withdrawn from the
gauge in a carrier or cage when required for examination, clearing the steam
passage by inserting a wire, or for other purposes.
2nd. To enable the steam passages to be blown through by turning the valve
carrier quarter round, so as to prevent the ball acting unless the glass breaks, when
the valve is instantly released and closes the passage.
3rd. To simplify the construction and secure certainty of operation with perfect
safety.
With these objects I place the valve in a carrier or cage formed on the inner
end of a plug the stem of which projects outside and is fitted with a handle to
operate it. The carrier end of this plug fits freely into a cavity which may be
formed in the plug of the main cock. When the carrier is in its normal position
the ball valve is free to instantly close the steam passage should the glass break
but, when it is required to keep the passage open for blowing through, the carrier
is rotated a quarter turn which prevents the ball closing the steam passage unless
the glass should break, in which case the carrier automatically returns to its normal
position by the weight of the handle when released and the ball is free to act.
When the carrier, with the ball in it, is to be first inserted or entirely withdrawn
from the gauge fitting, the main cock being closed, a nut through which the stem
of the carrier works freely as a bearing is unscrewed entirely but, when the carrier
is only to be partially withdrawn to cause the valve to clear the steam passage
as for the passage of a wire the rotation of the carrier brings it into position to
clear a segmental projecting portion of the neck of the nut unlocking it so as to
allow the carrier, with the ball, to be withdrawn so far as to leave a clear passage
for the clearing wire into the boiler through a hole, by removing a screwed plug
as in existing gauges.
In a modified form of my invention I may attach a weight to the handle upon
the projecting stem of the carrier to insure the latter returning instantly to its
normal position and set free the ball valve should the glass break.
I do not confine myself to the use of a spherical ball as I may use a conically
tapered plug which I call a "torpedo" valve fitting into and closing a corre-
sponding seat.
In another form of my invention the carrier or cage for the ball may be substi-
tuted by a plug controlled by a spring and operated by a handle in such manner

page_text: the ball, which is in this case confined in the chamber which may be formed
in the cavity in the plug of the main cock can be pushed out of its seat in the
steam passage to allow of blowing through by compressing the spring which, by
its reaction, will allow the valve to return to its seat. In this construction when
the ball is required to come out entirely the unscrewing of a hollow nut in a
cavity of which is the spring coiled around the plug will allow of this being done.
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water causes.
I, BENJAMIN EDGAR, of 21, Brinkburn Avenue, Gateshead, in the County of
Durham, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of said invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:—
My invention is designed specially for the top fitting of the gauge, but may be
applied, with certain modifications in construction, also to the bottom fitting,
enabling the ordinary blow through cock to be dispensed with, as will be herein-
after described and shewn and is to effect the following objects, viz:-
1st. To enable the "ball" valve to be entirely, or partially, withdrawn from
the gauge in a "carrier" or
cage" when required for examination, clearing the
steam passage by inserting a wire, or for other purposes, or without withdrawing
the valve in the "carrier ог cage "to cause it to assume such a position as to
effect the same result.
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2nd. To enable the steam passages to be blown through by turning the valve
carrier quarter round, so as to prevent the "ball" acting unless the glass breaks,
when the valve is instantly automatically released and closes the passage..
3rd. To simplify the construction especially, and secure certainty of operation
with perfect safety of the bottom cock fitting.
With these objects I place the valve in a carrier or cage formed on the inner
end of a plug the stem of which projects outside and is fitted with a handle to
operate it. The carrier end of this plug fits freely into a cavity formed in the plug
of the main cock. When the carrier is in its normal position the "ball" valve
is free to instantly close the steam passage should the glass break, but, when it is
required to keep the passage open for blowing through, the carrier is rotated a
quarter, or less part, of a turn, which prevents the "ball" closing the steam
passage unless the glass should break, in which case the carrier, having auto-
matically returned to its normal position by the weight of the handle when
released, the "ball is free to act. When the carrier, with the "ball" in it, is
to be first inserted or entirely withdrawn from the gauge fitting, a nut, through
which the stem of the carrier works freely as a bearing, is unscrewed entirely,
but when the carrier is only to be partially withdrawn to cause the valve to clear
the steam passage as for the passage of a wire the rotation of the carrier brings
it into position to clear, and this is effected by a segmental projecting portion of
the neck of the nut unlocking it so as to allow the carrier, with the ball, to be
withdrawn so far as to leave a clear passage for the clearing wire into the boiler
through a hole, by removing a screwed plug as in existing gauges.

page_text: In a modified form, as also hereinafter described and shewn, the carrier or cage
s made to prevent the "hall" from obstructing the passage of a clearing wire
without withdrawing it.
In either form of my invention I may attach a weight to the handle upon the
ojecting stem of the carrier, to ensure the latter returning instantly to its normal
position and setting free the "ball" valve should the glass break.
*
ג,
as I may use a conically
I do not confine myself to the use of a spherical "ball
torpedo" valve fitting into and closing a corre-
tapered plug which I call a
sponding seat as described and shewn hereinafter.
made to
thout withdrawing it.
In either form of my invention I may attach a weight to the handle upon the
ojecting stem of the carrier, to ensure the latter returning instantly to its normal
sition and setting free the "ball" valve should the glass break.
6
39
I do not confine myself to the use of a spherical "ball" as I may use a conically
'torpedo valve fitting into and closing a corre-
pered plug which I call a
onding seat as described and shewn hereinafter.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
On the accompanying two sheets of drawings my invention is shewn as I propose
carry it into practical application in different modes of construction.
SHEET 1.
Fig. 1 is a sectional plan through the centre of the double plug.
Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation
do.
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional elevation through X-X Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a part sectional elevation of a top cock.
Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of a bottom cock.
do.
Fig. 5 is a cross, section of bottom cock through X-X Fig. 5.
SHEET 2.
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation through centre of the double plug.
Figs. 6, 6, 6, are details of same in section and elevation.
Figs. 7, 7, 7", are sections through the duplex plugs, valve cage and carrier
torpedo" or tumbler" valve arrangement.
Figs. 8, 8, 8, section of cage and valve,, Figs. 8, 8 shewing the position of the
valve when blowing through and when in acting position, and Fig. 8" a reverse
view of the valve as in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 the interlocking duplex plugs part in section.
Fig. 5" cross section shewing steam passages in bottom gauge through X-X,
Fig. 5, Sheet 1, at right angles to position shewn on Fig. 5*, Sheet 1.
The same numerals denote same or corresponding parts on all the figures.
Fig. 1. The main plug 1 has one steam passage through it as in ordinary gauges,
but as shewn here, there is inserted in a cavity formed in it the inner end of a
plug 2, which together I call the duplex plug, and which is operated in the same
manner as the main plug, viz: by means of a separate handle. The "ball" 3
as here shewn is resting in the carrier or tumbler in a cavity formed in the plug 2,
and is in its normal position ready for action in front of its valve seat 4 should
the glass break. The inner plus 2 has two passages through it at right angles.
his figure shews the passage 5 which forms the cage and carrier or valve seat
in the inner plug 2.
Fig. 2. In this part sectional elevation the main plug 1 and the inner plug 2
are shewn in section also the second passage 5 through the inner plug, the
position of the "ball" shewn resting on bottom of this passage or cage the "ball
being in normal position ready to act should the glass break.
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Fig. 3. In this part cross section the carrier or tumbler is shewn, also the forma-
tion of the cage and valve guide, and in dotted lines, the "ball" 3 closing steam
The main plug is then rotated one quarter turn to
passage on fracture of glass.
close passages between the boiler and gauge and the "ball" will remain on its
seat until the plug has been again rotated after fitting a new glass, when it resumes
A groove
6 is here shewn in one side of the
0 its normal position as in full lines.
plug 2.
Fig. 4. This part sectional elevation explains one of the uses of the valve or
cage carrier and its operation when clearing the passages. The plug 2 is shewn

page_text: rotated one quarter turn and the ball 3 is carried or guided into the position shewn
and the other steam passage 5* in the plug 2 comes on a line with the passage
through the main plug 1. The top cock is now in position for clearing passages
by blowing through. The ball 3 is now below and clear of the steam passages
from the boiler into the gauge. In clearing the steam passes from the boiler
through the main plug 1 and the plug 2 by the steam passage 5" the ball is retained
in this position by the steam being directed over and around the ball down the
cage and up the groove 6 and into the gauge. The ball thus does not fly about
and destroy itself by impinging against its seat or any sharp edge, but only acts
when the glass breaks and automatic action is required.
Fig. 5 is a sectional side elevation of the bottom gauge cock, arranged and
operating so as to dispense with the ordinary extra cock for blowing through, as
will be now described with reference to Figs. 5, 5*, Sheet 1, and to Fig. 5", Sheet 2.
The plug 1 is placed in the front of the cock and there is no inner plug the steam
passages being at right angles and through the centre of the plug. The cage
or ball carrier 2 is attached to or, preferably, formed in the end of the plug 1.
The admission of water from the boiler to the gauge can only be made when the
plug is in position shewn and the "ball" resting on the valve seat which is a
concave scat formed in the top of a screwed plug 7 is placed in the cock directly
under the carrier or cage 2, the outside of the cage is grooved to the radius of
the ball" 3, allowing it to be quite free when the plug is rotated. When the
glass breaks the ball is carried automatically by the water into the inner cage
and thence to its seat as indicated by dotted lines, completely preventing further
escape of water. The plug 1 is then turned as shewn by Fig. 5. Sheet 2, to shut
off communication between the boiler and the gauge, the "ball" 3 still closing
the passage to the gauge and continuing to do so until the glass is replaced in
the gauge. The plug I and combined carrier or cage 2, is then put into automatic
position by the plug handle as shewn on the drawing, when the ball rolls back
to its seat ready for further action when required. It will be seen that the gauge
can be properly cleared by means of a wire, the "ball" being below the steam
passage through the body of the cock, also provision is made for cleaning and
examining the ball by the screwed plug 7.
"
Fig. 5 is a plan in section through X-X Fig. 5 shewing the position of the
carrier or cage 2 when blowing through for clearing purposes. The ball 3 is
locked by the carrier and at rest so that it is not injured by flying about during
this process.
The plug 1 with the carrier or cage 2 has been rotated about one quarter turn
the steam and water passages respectively at top and bottom correspond so as to
allow for blowing through from both top and bottom of the gauge the steam and
water being blown or forced through a passage 9 at side of the cock. The operator
will have seen by the gauge glass whether the top cock is working properly and
to ascertain the working condition of the whole gauge, the plug 1 is rotated a
quarter turn further when the steam passage from the boiler having been closed
to the top cock the bottom cock can be tested separately thereby giving every
practical evidence as to the proper working condition of the entire gauge fittings.
Fig. 5. Sheet 2, shews a section of the plug 1 in bottom cock with the two
passages 1 and 13, 14 being open to the bottom of the gauge for water from the
boiler, 1 being closed, and this is the normal position when all is working right
from the boiler.
A quarter turn to the left opens the gauge at both ends to the waste by the pas-
sage 1 coming opposite the branch 9 of the waste blow through. Another quarter
turn to the left closes all connection with the gauge glass but leaves the passage 1
with the waste branch 9 connected, so that the bottom cock can be tested with water
from the boiler.<
Fig. 6 is a section through the double plugs 1 and 2 in a top cock in which
when clearing by means of a wire, the ball valve 3 is withdrawn so far by the
carrier plug as to remove it clear of the passage of the clearing wire,

page_text: Fig. 6 is the locking device by which the carrier is secured unui pronge
sition by the handle bringing the slot 2" to clear the segmental projection 10"
Figs. 6 and 6° for being partially or entirely withdrawn, as when the ball
lve has to be inserted or inspected.
Figs. 6 and 6° shew a face view and section of the packing nut having a pro-
cting lip 10 which in one position secures the carrier plug 2, but on being
urned half round allows it to move with the ball valve to the left.
in
Figs. 7, 7 and 7" shew sections of my invention with a torpedo valve
lace of a ball valve 3, Figs. 7 and 7 shewing it in two positions in the plug 2,
iz., Fig. 7 in sectional plan and Fig. 7 in sectional elevation at X-X, Fig. 7,
when the cock is in normal position shewing steam passages in valve or torpedo,
and Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of the valve 3ª at right angles to Fig. 7. The
rojecting piece on left hand 11 is a guide to keep it always in position when
blowing through, the steam passage 5 through the torpedo valve comes on a line
with the passages through the duplex plug to keep it always working vertically.
Figs. 8, 8 and 8 are further details of a torpedo valve 3 in two positions of
the plug or carrier 2 at right angles to each other and Fig. 8" is a reverse view
in elevation of the valve as shewn in Fig. 8, the stud or pin 11 in the cage or
carrier 2 guiding it to work in its position. The normal position ready for action
should the glass break is horizontal as in Fig. 8, when blowing through vertical
as in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 shews the plugs 1 and 2 part in section to shew the locking of plug 2
in plug 1 and the shoulder 1ª on the latter, by which it is retained until turned
one half round when it can be withdrawn. Should the packing nuts of either
plug be stripped of their threads, the duplex plugs will still remain in position
being interlocked.
12 and 12 where they are marked on the figs. shew the passages from the boiler
and thence to the gauge glass as usual in all gauges.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1st. The improvements in automatic safety water gauges, consisting in forming
a cavity in the inner end of the main cock plug into which is fitted an inner plug,
the two plugs forming one duplex plug, rotating on the same axis, but inde-
35 pendently, the end of the inner plug having in it a chamber forming a carrier
or cage for the "ball" valve and also the normal passage for steam or water from
the boiler to the gauge glass, and at right angles another passage for blowing
through or clearing when required, the "ball" valve being kept in normal position
by a groove formed round the plug so that it acts automatically only when the
40 glass breaks, or the alternative arrangement in which the chamber in the inner
plug is fitted as a carrier or cage to receive a conical or "torpedo" valve, having
the same operations and providing for blowing through or clearing substantially
as described and shewn.
2nd. In such automatic safety water gauges with duplex plugs the method o
45 operating the "ball" valve, when blowing through or passing a clearing wire i
required, so that the "ball" shall be moved clear of the main steam or water pas
sage by the rotation of the valve carrier or cage, or the alternative modificatio
in which the carrier or cage with the "ball" valve shall be so far withdrawn as i
allow of the passage of the clearing wire, substantially as described and shewn.
3rd. In such automatic safety water gauges with duplex plugs the fitting of
packing gland for the inner plug with a projecting lip and a corresponding sl
in the plug so that the latter can be locked till required, to be partially withdraw
for the passage of a wire or entirely for examination or renewal of the "ball
valve, and the method of interlocking the inner and outer plugs when in worki
55 position, or unlocking them when either or both is required to be withdraw
substantially as described and shewn.
50
50

page_text: 4th. In such automatic safety water gauges the method of fitting the bottom
cock so as to dispense with the extra cock for blowing through, by forming the
main plug, with the carrier or cage formed upon or attached to its inner end
with the main passage, in direct line with the branch to the boiler, and branching
from it two passages at right angles leading respectively as the main plug is
rotated from the boiler to the gauge glass, from the gauge glass to the blow
through branch, to clear both top and bottom cocks, and from the boiler to the blow
through branch to clear the bottom cock separately, the "ball" or equivalent valve
being so fitted as to operate automatically to close the passage from the boiler to
the gauge, only in case of the glass breaking, and being at rest in its normal
position below the passage and locked by the plug and carrier being rotated when
a clearing wire is to be inserted, the "ball" valve being inserted or withdrawn
by removing a screwed plug, the inner end of which forms the seat for the valve,
substantially as described and shewn.
Dated this 22nd day of December 1900
T. J. DANSON, F. C. Inst. P. A.
Agent for Applicant, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.