AN IMPROVED MEANS OF OBSERVING THE WORKING OF BOILER OR OTHER PUMPS
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Lees, of Bradford Road, in Huddersfield, in the
County of York, Engine-Tenter, and Thomas Allison, of Milnsbridge, in
Huddersfield aforesaid, Brass-finisher, for an Invention of "AN IMPROVED
MEANS OF OBSERVING THE WORKING OF BOILER OR OTHER PUMPS,"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Lees and Thomas
Allison at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th October
1881.
SAMUEL LEES, of Bradford Road, in Huddersfield, in the County of York,
Engine-Tenter, and THOMAS ALLISON, of Milnsbridge, in Huddersfield aforesaid,
Brass-finisher. "AN IMPROVED MEANS OF OBSERVING THE WORKING OF BOILER
OR OTHER PUMPS,"
This Invention consists in a new method of observing and detecting any defects
or irregularities in the action of pumps, and for this purpose we make use of a
tube of transparent material, preferably of glass, one end of which tube is closed,
and the other end in free communication with the barrel of the pump. The glass
tube or gauge may be in close connection to the pump, or connected by means
of a pipe, so that water or other liquid may pass freely from one to the other.
The manner of working of our gauge is as follows:-As the pressure upon the
liquid in the barrel of the pump increases through the action of the ram or piston,
the liquid is forced up into the glass tube. The air in the tube is gradually
compressed until the return stroke of the pump, when the contrary action takes
place, and the water falls in the tube. By observing the alternate rise and fall of
the column of water any irregularity or defect in the action of the pump can be at
once detected. As an instance of the proper method of carrying out our Invention
in practice, we may say that in the case of an ordinary ram pump we should place
our gauge upon the barrel below the ram, and between it and the clack valve.
The essential feature of our Invention consists of connecting the gauge with the
pump, as above described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Samuel Lees and Thomas Allison in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 11th April 1882.
SAMUEL LEE, of Bradford Road, in Huddersfield, in the County of York,
Engine Tenter, and THOMAS ALLISON, of Milnsbridge, in Huddersfield aforesaid,
Brass Finisher. "AN IMPROVED MEANS OF OBSERVING THE WORKING OF BOILER
OR OTHER PUMPS."
This Invention consists of an improved method of observing and detecting any
faults or irregularities in the working of boiler-feed and other pumps.
We make use for the purpose of this our Invention of a tube made of transparent
material, and preferably of glass, the top end of which is closed. The bottom end
is connected by a pipe or tube to the barrel of the pump in such manner that any
pressure or motion of water in the pump shall be freely communicated to the
water or liquid, and also to the air in the glass tube before mentioned. When the
pump is at work the water in the glass rises and falls at each stroke with
regularity, compressing the air in the tube at each stroke of the pump; but in case
the valve or valves should stick, or any other derangement take place, the water
will either disappear from the glass, or otherwise act in an irregular manner, and
thus indicate that the pump requires attention or adjustment.
In carrying out our said Invention as applied to a ram pump, the indicator, or
the pipe in connection therewith, should be attached to the barrel of the pump
below the ram, and between it and the outlet valve.
And in order that our said Invention may be more clearly understood, reference
is made to the accompanying Drawing, which is a front elevation thereof.
a represents the glass tube, and b the pipe leading to the pump. The enclosed
air c at the top of the tube is alternately compressed and allowed to expand by the
action of the pump upon the water in the tube, and the water rises and falls in
the tube with each stroke of the pump accordingly. d is a tap to shut off the
connection in case of need.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we claim,-
The improved means, apparatus, and arrangements for observing and indicating
the action of boiler and other pumps, substantially as herein before described and
shewn on the Drawing, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, we, the said Samuel Lee and Thomas Allison, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, this Tenth day of April, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
Signed and sealed by the
above-mentioned Samuel
Lees and Thomas Allison,
in the presence of
THOMAS KILNER MELLOR,
Patent Agent,
Huddersfield.
(L.S.)
SAMUEL LEES.
THOMAS ALLISON. (L.S.)