Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 9th May, 1888
Complete Specification Left, 7th Sept., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 4th May, 1889
Liquids.
1 JOHN THOMSON of the City County and State of New York United States of
America but at present of the Royal Hotel Blackfriars in the City of London
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to meters such as those employed for measuring the flow of
fluids and particularly to oscillating disc meters of that class shown and described in
specification No. 17,579 of 21st December 1887.
The invention consists of certain improvements and combinations of parts the
nature of which are hereinafter described.
In the said prior specification and in meters of this class the arrangement and
construction have heretofore been such that the disc and disc-chamber were in a more
or less horizontal plane; the inlet and outlet pipes opening to the ports of and
through the disc chamber. According to the present invention the parts are so
disposed that the disc and disc-chamber lie in a vertical plane with the diaphragm
which divides the chambers at the bottom, the inlet and the outlet ports being at the
bottom of the disc-chamber; the consequence of which is that any foreign material
which may be carried into the disc-chamber will gravitate back into and through
either of said ports, the disc-chamber thus becoming self-cleansing to a great
extent.
Instead of bringing the inlet and outlet pipes directly to the disc-chamber I connect
them directly to the centres of the caps which enclose the disc-chamber and on the
inlet side place a strainer which practically encompasses one side of the disc-chamber.
The large area in the perforations thus presented prevents material obstruction to
the flow and permits the cap to be utilized as a dirt box. No additional means are
necessarily required to secure the strainer within the cap, as it may be spun or stamped
so as to be inserted snugly over the disc-chamber. The disc-chamber may be cleansed
by simply reversing the flow through the meter. The inlet port is open on one side
and closed on the other side of the disc-chamber and conversely with the outlet port.

page_text: With the disc in situ the only path for the current is from the compartment formed
by the cap through the strainer to the inlet port, thence up around and down the
disc chamber (operating the disc) to the outlet port, to the chamber formed by the
cap on the outlet side, and finally to the pipe. In other words the water as it passes
the disc-chamber describes a partial spiral.
It has heretofore been presumed necessary that the disc should change two of its
displacing actions when the slot which straddles the diaphragm is at the top or bottom
thereof. But I have found that the "point of change" may be carried around con-
siderably to either side of the diaphragm. I utilize this fact by enlarging the inlet
port to such an extent that its area is equal to or even greater than the cross
sectional area of the disc-chamber; the object of this construction is to decrease to
the greatest possible extent the impact of the current upon the disc.
To relieve the friction of the disc against the diaphragm I mount a roller within
the edge of the slot in such manner that the roller and spindle revolve together. To
effect this a recess is formed in the edge of the disc of slightly greater diameter than
the roller.
In guiding the disc to proper action I mount a roller upon the spindle, the outer
surface of which is of spherical contour and which has bearing in a groove of
similar curvature formed in a sleeve attached to the under side of the gear frame.
The sleeve is threaded so as to be capable of adjustment back or forth. In this wise,
while there is a certain degree of slip in the rolling contact, there is yet no tendency
either to cramp the roller or to thrust the ball and disc outward towards the socket
and cone.
The spindle is also in this instance relieved through a portion of its bearing in the
hall and disc so that it is somewhat elastic and free to yield in any direction
vibratorily. Hence while it thus normally acts as a fixed axis in the event of any
foreign obstruction passing between the roller and its bearing, or the cone frusta and
the disc, the spindle will yield until the obstruction is ejected.
The register is mounted directly upon one of the sections of the disc-chamber and
at a right angle thereto, the stuffing box spindle being connected by means of a
train of spur and bevel gears. The two sections comprising the disc-chamber are
arranged with a covered recess so that the gear wheel which is attached to the stuffing
box spindle is entirely within the outlet chamber. The register and register box
are then mounted upon standards projecting outward from either side of the stuffing
box.
A material advantage contingent upon these features is that the entire working
mechanism of the meter may be fully assembled and tested before finally enclosing
the disc-chamber by the caps, and also that all of the important operations are
performed upon the two members of the disc-chamber.
As there are no direct connections to be made with the caps, except the pipes,
advantage is taken of this to form the said caps of spherical contour, consequently no
additional material is required to resist distortion. The caps may be cast of metal in
the ordinary way or they may be formed of sheet, brass or steel by stamping or
spinning, a stiffening flange being added for the bolts and a threaded ring or thimble
whereby to attach the pipes. Suitable feet for supporting the meter may be applied
either to the caps or to the flange of the disc-chamber so that the meter stands with
the disc-chamber vertical, the ports and diaphragm at the bottom, the register on top
in a horizontal position, and the inlet and outlet pipes in axial line connected to
the centres of the caps.
11
ut
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
55 & 6, Chancery Lane, London,
Applicant's Agent.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and Connected with Meters for Water and other
Liquids.
I, JOHN THOMSON of 143 Nassau Street in the City County and State of New
York, United States of America Mechanical Engineer, 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 :-
This invention relates to meters such as those employed for measuring the flow of
fluids, and particularly to oscillating disc meters of that class shown and described in
specification No. 17,579 of 21st December 1887.
The invention consists of certain improvements and combinations of parts the
nature of which are hereinafter described, reference being made to the accompanying
drawings which form part of this specification, and in which :-
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the meter complete.
--
Fig. 2 is a vertical central section on the line C of Fig. 1, viewed in the direction
of the arrow, the register box being in side view partially broken.
Fig. 3 is an upright front elevation of the disc-chamber gear train and register box,
the cap being removed.
Fig. 4 is a central borizontal section through the disc-chamber and a portion of the
straining cap on the line S of Fig. 3, the view being downward, as indicated by the
arrow.
Figs. 5 and 6 are inside detail views of the disc chambers in their vertical position,
each being opened from the other like the leaves of a book.
Fig. 7 is a detached view of the straining cap.
Fig. 8 is a detached view of the disc and diaphragm, and-
Fig. 9 is a similar view in partial section on the line R of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a partial end view of the caps, and
Fig. 11 a partial central section through one of the caps showing a modification in
the construction of the spud.
The first object of this invention is to adapt this type of meter to be operated with
the disc in a vertical position, in contradistinction to the heretofore universal practice
of operating it in a borizontal position whereby foreign material which may be carried
into the meter will tend to gravitate into the external receiving chamber; and if
carried within the disc chamber, will also have opportunity to gravitate out of said
chamber back into the external spaces provided therefor.
The second object of the invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive straining
apparatus of the greatest possible area, whereby, while preventing the introduction of
foreign substances of dimensions liable to be injurious to the meter, it will at the same
time present no serious obstruction to the free flow of the fluid.
The third object of the invention is to attach the entire working mechanism of the
meter, including the register and register box complete, directly to the disc- chamber,

page_text: whereby the entire apparatus is self contained forming practically a single part which
may be fully examined and tested before the caps are applied.
The fourth object of the invention is to provide the greatest possible area for the
inlet of the fluid to the disc chamber, thereby adapting a smaller size of meter than
heretofore to greater duty.
The fifth object of the invention is to produce the pressure caps in their theoretically
best form to resist distortion, thus making it possible to produce them from the least
possible amount of material.
One method of attaining the said several objects and branches relating thereto will
now be pointed out in detail with reference to the construction shown in the drawings.
The disc chamber composed of the inlet section 15, and the outlet section 16, is set so
that the diaphragm 17, is at the bottom and in a vertical position. The outlet section
is provided with a flange 18 to which the inlet section is attached, and also with a
cylindrical section 18* formed at a right angle to the flange, against the faces of which
the caps are bolted.
The inlet and outlet spuds 19, 20, are formed in the centre of each cap, and are
thus in axial line with each other, and also at a right angle to the disc chamber. In
other words the said disc chamber forms a dividing partition or septum between the
two caps, and forms a compartment on each side of the disc chamber. Communication
from one compartment to the other is provided by means of the inlet and outlet
ports 21, 22, the flow through which is governed by the disc 23. The conditions
necessary to such operation are that the inlet port shall communicate with the disc
chamber only on one side, while the outlet port communicates only with the disc
chamber on the other side, and this is effected by enclosing that portion of the inlet
port which is formed in the outlet section 16, while that section of the outlet port
which is formed in the inlet section 15, is also enclosed. Hence, when the disc is in
position to operate, the fluid can only pass by first entering at the inlet port, passing
up around and down the disc chamber, as indicated by arrows 24, 25, on its way
operating the disc, and then passing out through the outlet port and outlet chamber
to the pipe. The disc motion being a rotary one as to the point of contact between it
and chamber, i.e. the point of contact travelling around the chamber as the dise
oscillates.
In previous practice it has generally been presumed to be necessary that the inlet
and outlet ports should be formed of equal area and disposed in equal extent on either
side of the diaphragm. I have found however, that this is not necessary and utilize
this fact to provide an inlet port of greater area than that of the outlet port, as fully
illustrated in the drawings. This is accomplished by extending the line of change in
the disc from the centre of the diaphragm (which is the usual point of change) around
into the inlet port, so as to be central of the two ports, as indicated by the broken
line 26. When the disc is in contact with the cone frusta at this section the edges of
the ports are lapped, so that one is closed before the other is opened to the same sido
of the disc. In other words, it is at this portion of the motion of the disc that the
change of displacement occurs from one side to the other thereof. To permit such
a formation of the inlet port, and at the same time prevent communication from
one side to the other at the time of change, or in other words to maintain the
lapping of the ports it is necessary to form the corners 27, 28, of the outlet port
somewhat higher near the diaphragm than that of the corresponding corners of the
inlet port, as otherwise the water might escape under the disc at these points, it being
also necessary that the contact of the disc upen the diaphragm shall be made with
approximate accuracy. The advantage of this construction is that the velocity of
the inlet current upon the disc may thus be reduced to the greatest possible extent,
as the area of the port may equal or even exceed the area of the passage through the
disc chamber.
"
"
To protect the disc chamber from the introduction of foreign material which might
be injurious to the mechanism, I provide a straining cap 29, formed either of perforated
metal or woven wire, or equivalent, the greatest external diameter of which is equal
or nearly so to the greatest internal diameter of the pressure cap. The centre of the

page_text: strainer is preferably carried up in conical form, thereby acting to deflect the inlet
current evenly and smoothly to all portions of the surface of the strainer. So con-
structed it is evident that the greatest possible area may be obtained in the perforations
to permit the free passage of the fluid; also that the greatest available external space
is obtained for the lodgment of obstructed material; that it envelopes the entire disc
chamber is of a form readily constructed and requires no additional mechanism to
keep it in place as it will not go farther into the pressure cap during shipment or
handling of the meter and is held to its seat by the impact of the current. Any
deposit of foreign material which may be made in the meter may be readily removed
and the meter cleaned by simply reversing the flow of fluid with inlet spud downward
in a vertical plane.
;
I would now call particular attention to the direction of the flow of the fluid through
the meter and the consequent result obtained in this particular disposal of the disc
chamber and caps.
It will first be seen that any foreign material carried into the meter will impinge
against the strainer, the effect of which will be to destroy its velocity, when the
material will tend to gravitate downward, as indicated by arrow 30. The current
passing on through the perforations of the strainer, as well as any material which may
also be carried in suspension, will now flow in all directions around the disc chamber
to the inlet port, when the direction of the flow is changed upward, as indicated by
arrow 24, then downward, as indicated by arrow 25, to the outlet port 22, to the
outlet chamber, and thence by the outlet 20 to the pipe. It is thus clear that whether
the meter be at rest or in operation the tendency and opportunity is constantly
presented for any foreign particles to gravitate either as first shown outside the
strainer, or,
if from within the disc chamber, as indicated by the arrow 34, into either
or both of the inlet and outlet ports. In other words no particle of material which
may once enter the disc chamber can remain there whether the disc be either in a
state of motion or of rest. This statement will at once be understood and proven, if
we for an instant consider that the position of the section shown in Fig. 4 be in a
horizontal plane instead of the vertical, in which instance it is clear that the meter
being for a time inoperative and the fluid in a static condition any material in suspension
will precipitate and gravitate either into the bottom of the disc chamber or upon the
upper surface of the disc. Hence when the disc is next put in operation a collection
of foreign material is accumulated to interfere with its action.
To still further provide for the operation of the disc under all conditions I provide
a yielding resistance, in which are combined the following peculiar conditions--The
disc is carried normally without tension; but, in the event of foreign matter being
introduced between the contacting surfaces of the disc and the cone frusta, the disc
may lift or vibrate against the yielding resistance and be again instantly reset to its
proper position as soon as relieved. This is accomplished by simply forming the con-
trolling spindle or axis 3 of the disc, so that its resisting point is near the centre of
the ball 60. In this wise the spindle may be made with practical accuracy and of
considerable rigidity, so as to control the motion of the disc properly without subjecting
it to spring tension; but upon the introduction of foreign material it will yield
readily, acting as a spring, for the reason that a very considerable amount of motion
at the periphery of the ball or disc will involve but a very slight amount of motion
upon the yielding section of the spindle. I provide for the positive control and motion
of the disc by mounting upon the end of the said spindle a friction roller 36, having
a spherical contour and bearing upon a fixed bearing piece 37, also of spherical contour
corresponding to that of the roller. While I am aware that this does not produce the
theoretically best contact between the impinging faces of the roller and the bearing
piece, there are yet these advantages in favour of this construction.
The roller and axis do not require any additional means whatever to maintain
them in proper relative position, such as collars or pins, as the spherical contour
of the bearing piece insures the roller against shifting either up or down upon
the axis. There is also no false thrust set up on the bearing between the roller
and the axis tending to crainp them or to force the ball and disc against the

page_text: sockets and cone frusta. The said bearing piece is made adjustable with respect
to the gear frame by means of the threaded bearing 38. In this wise it is not
necessary to set the gear frame with absolute exactness with respect to the centre
of the ball and disc, as the said bearing piece may be adjusted back and forth until
the exact and proper relative position is reached. To reduce the frictional contact as
much as possible between the edge 39 of the slot of the disc and the diaphragm, I
mount a friction roller 40 within the edge of the disc, in which are involved novel
features, it being borne in mind that the thickness of the disc in practice is necessarily
restricted as much as possible, which makes the application more difficult.
A recess 41 is first milled into the face of the edge of the disc very slightly larger
in diameter than the roller intended to be used. A pivot bearing is then formed and
preferably of a depth several times greater than the length of the roller intended to
be used. The roller is then placed in position and the pivot 42 forced in, the bearing
through the roller being a snug fit, while the bearing in the disc is free.
Now by slightly relieving the edge of the slot it will be seen that the entire thrust
upon the diaphragm is borne by the friction roller, and that, in consequence of causing
the pivot to turn with the roller, a bearing of ample extent may be obtained. This is
preferable to a roller of greater length turning on the spindle, for the reason that the
proper form for a roller of this kind, in view of the angular motion of the disc, would
be a cone, which in an apparatus of this character would, to say the least, be
exceedingly difficult to construct and apply.
The arrangement of the gear frame and gear train shown is substantially the same
as that of the said previous patent and need not be particularly described, except that
in placing the disc chamber in a vertical position it became necessary, as a part of
the general scheme, to change the relative position of the register. This I accomplish
by introducing a pair of right angle mitre gears 43, which acting upon the pinion 44,
and gear 45, fast to the stuffing box spindle 46, make proper and direct communication;
but it will be observed that the register, the stuffing box, the spindle, the entire gear
train, the disc and operating mechanism are all mounted upon the outlet section of
the disc chamber. Thus the pressure caps are distinct and free from any
communication with the mechanism of the meter and act entirely as pressure
members.
I mount the register (not shown) and the register box 47 upon two standards 48,
which project from the cylindrical portion of the outlet section of the disc chamber.
These are pierced as at 49, to permit the proper disposal and insertion of the flange
bolts, but the standards are yet sufficiently ample in dimensions to properly serve the
intended purpose.
The stuffing box 50 is brought up midway between these standards
and sufficient space is provided, so that the stuffing box nut 51 may be operated
without interfering with the register.
To provide for the proper size of spindle gear, and yet to keep all of the gearing
within one compartment, it is necessary that the outlet section of the disc chamber
shall be provided with an opening 52, through the flange, and that the inlet section
of the disc chamber shall be provided with a recess 53 corresponding in its general
dimensions to that of the opening just referred to. In this wise a pocket is formed for
the gear which is first inserted to its proper position and the spindle then secured by
being screwed thereto.
The following advantages may be pointed out, although evidently obvious, with
respect to the construction and disposal of the register and gear train :-
The
gear train is in the upper portion of the outlet compartment and the gearing is
in a vertical position edgewise. Thus any foreign material which may be introduced
into this compartment is less liable to lodge upon the gearing, and is also free, as
already described, to gravitate into the space beneath. The entire apparatus may be
assembled and tested completely before applying the pressure caps, and no work
whatever is required upon the said caps, except as relates to the flange bolts
and means for connecting the pipes.
Passing now to the construction of the pressure caps it will be seen, in consequence
of introducing the spuds at the centres thereof, and in that no provision is necessary

page_text: for the application of the register or its appliances, that it becomes possible to form
the caps of practically hemispherical contour, so that the external appearance of the
merer, aside from the register box is similar to that of a ball or sphere.
This form
avoids the necessity of providing sufficient additional material in the caps to avoid
distortion, as the spherical form being least liable to distortion will properly resist
internal pressure to the limit of the tensile strength of the material of which they
may be formed. In the manufacture of large size meters there is also an additional
gain in quantity of material necessary to form the caps due to attaching the inlet and
outlet pipes to the centre of the caps in consequence of the material that is removed
therefrom.
Utilizing the conditions and facts set forth, I form the pressure caps from sheet
metal, such for instance as mild steel, brass or bronze, of a strength sufficient to resist
rupture, the flanges being formed with lips to engage the cylindrical portion of the
disc chamber and to prevent ejecting the gaskets. Suitable bearing is then provided
for the flange bolts by forming a separate ring, which is applied over the flange of
the caps and transmits the strain of the bolts and resists the internal pressure. Where
This is
an ordinary union connection is to be made a threaded ring is first formed.
inserted over the spud to a shoulder, when the projecting metal of the pressure cap
spun over the end of the ring. When it is desirable to provide for an internal
thread the arrangement is reversed as indicated in Fig. 11.
While I have thus described one embodiment of my invention, which is the preferred
form, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that many of my improvements can
be embodied in various other constructions without departing from the principles
thereof; it will be also evident that various features set forth may be combined in a
single structure as shown or may be used separately or in combination with other
equivalent features, and my invention is not therefore limited to the precise
construction and arrangement shown.
my said
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a water meter, a separate disc chamber composed of two sections secured
together provided with a disc, a diaphragm and an external cylindrical portion 18"
and having inlet and outlet ports formed equally in both sections of the chamber,
and having two pressure caps forming separate compartiments on either side of the
disc chamber secured to the said external cylindrical portion 18", substantially as
described.
2. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber having a fixed diaphragm
and an oscillating disc therein, of inlet and outlet ports formed in said chamber, the
area and the circumferential extent of the inlet port being greater than that of the
outlet port, whereby the impact of the inflowing current upon the disc is decreased
substantially as set forth.
a diaphragm,
3. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber having
an oscillating disc therein, of inlet and outlet ports, the diaphragm being set so as to
divide the circumferential extent and area of the ports unequally, whereby the change
in the displacement of the disc is carried around within the disc chamber entirely
away from the diaphragm, substantially as described.
4. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber having a diaphragm and
oscillating disc therein, of inlet and outlet ports divided in unequal extent and area
by the diaphragm, the corners 27, 28, of the outlet port being higher or nearer together
than the corresponding corners of the inlet port, substantially as described.
5. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber, of a conical strainer
arranged to envelope the inlet side of said disc chamber, substantially as described.
6. The combination of the disc chamber and pressure caps, of a strainer arranged
between the inlet pressure cap and the inlet side of the chamber, the said strainer
being arranged to entirely envelope the inlet side of the disc chamber, substantially
as described.

page_text: 7. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber having a disc and
diaphragm therein, and arranged to stand and operate in a vertical position, of a
register arranged horizontally on the meter and connected to be operated by the disc.
at a right angle thereto, substantially as described.
8. In a water meter, the combination with a vertical disc chamber and oscillating
disc therein of a horizontal register and register operating mechanism, the register
and operating mechanism being mounted upon the disc chamber, substantially as
described.
9. In a water meter, the combination with a vertical disc chamber, composed of
two sections secured together, and an oscillating disc operating therein, of a horizontal
register and register operating mechanism, both the register and operating mechanism
being mounted upon one of the sections of the disc chamber, substantially as
described.
10. In a water meter, the combination with a vertical disc chamber and disc
theroin, of a horizontal register mounted on top of the disc chamber, register operating
mechanism mounted on the side of the disc chamber, and bevelled gear connections
between the register and operating mechanism, substantially as described.
11. The combination with a disc chamber, oscillating disc and fixed bearing piece,
of the disc spindle secured to and controlling the normal action of the disc without
tension, but capable of yielding elastically within the diameter of the ball upon the
introduction of foreign material between the disc and disc chamber, substantially as
described.
12. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber and oscillating disc
therein, of the disc spindle, a spherical roller on said disc spindle, and a grooved
bearing for said roller, substantially as described.
13. In a water meter, the combination of a disc chamber and oscillating disc therein,
a disc spindle, a spherical roller mounted thereon, and a grooved bearing adjustable
upon the support, substantially as described.
14. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber, of a register mounted
thereon, and a stuffing box connected to the disc chamber, the disc chamber being
formed with a pocket, as 53, for the stuffing spindle gear, substantially as described.
15. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber and oscillating disc
therein, of the pressure caps (having inlet and outlet spuds) connected to the disc
chamber, the pressure caps being of a spherical contour, substantially as described.
16. In a water meter, the combination of disc chamber of pressure caps secured
thereto, the caps being of sheet metal, and inlet and outlet spuds secured to the caps,
substantially as described.
17. In a water meter, the combination with a disc chamber and oscillating disc, of
the diaphragm, the disc being provided with a friction roller bearing upon the
diaphragm, substantially as described.
Dated this 7th do of
1000
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
55 and 56, Chancery Lane, London,
Applicant's Agent.