Improvements in Steam Pumps.
Year: 1894

page_text: Improvements in Steam Pumps.
1, SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, (a communi-
cation to me from abroad by Jules Alphonse Nicol, of 10 Rue Meynadier, Paris, in
the Republic of France;) do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The improvements relate to the supply and distribution of steam and to the
movements of the suction and delivery valves independent of the speed of the
pistons.
In order that the nature of the invention may be fully anierstood I have shewn
in the drawings annexed an example of a steam pump having the improvements
applied to it.
In the drawing
Figure 1 is an elevation with parts in section along the lines Z Z Y Y and Z¹Z¹
on the plan view.
Figure 2 is a plan view with parts in section on the line X X Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross section on the line V V Figure 1 and U U Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section on the line T T Figure 2.
The pump is formed of a pump body A, a steam cylinder B and a frame C
which connects them. The pump body in addition to its piston has two suction
valves II and two delivery valves II'. A is a removeable cover for giving
access to the water piston. The water inlet is through the suction pipe A-the
delivery through the pipe A". The steam cylinder in addition to its piston carries
a special slide valve D.
The drawing shews that the ports in the valve face are rectilinear whilst the
inner and outer edges of the ends of the sliding valve D are curved or angular as
seen in Figure 1.
This arrangement combined with the measured speed of the valve results' in
giving progressive admissions and exhausts of steam to produce changes of
movement without shock. It allows the suction and delivery valves of the pump
to fall by their own weight onto their seats at the end of each stroke of the
pistons.
a a are the passages conducting steam to the two ends of the cylinder, a is a
passage leading to the exhaust pipe B". B' is the pipe for admitting steam to the
valve box.
The valve D is connected with a piston which moves in the cylinder E by
connecting rods D¹ and lever D" turning on a fulcrum D¹¹ at its centre.
The two extremities of the cylinder E communicate by two cylindrical orifices
with a valve box E' which is connected by a pipe E" to a cock E fixed on the
chamber containing the pump delivery valves.
The valve e governs the supply of water to the cylinder E like the slide valve of
a steam engine and the exhaust is through the pipe el.
The valve e is actuated by the forked lever arm F the two branches of which
engage with hollows on the two opposite sides of the valve. The arm F and the
crank arm J are keyed onto the same axis F the end of which is supported in a
bearing 1 fixed on the frame C.

page_text: The crank arm J is coupled to the sleeve L by the connecting rod K. The
sleeve L rests on a double slide M forming part of the frame N fixed on the
pump it is pierced by a hole through which passes the cylindrical portion of
the rod O which serves as a guide. This rod O slides with slight friction in two
pedestals N' on the frame N--the two portions of this rod sliding in the pedestals N'
are square two coiled springs surround the rod O and their ends are attached one
to the sleeve L and the other to the rod. The rod O receives a to and fro
movement from the forked lever P¹ through the connecting rod Q.
To effect this the two branches of the fork of this lever enter between two
projections R which stand out from each side of the connecting sleeve by which
the two piston rods are coupled together. The axis of this lever is supported on a
bearing 2 fixed to the frame C.
The result of this arrangement is that the sleeve L is caused by the two springs
to follow the movement of the rod O except when it is retained by a lever catch R
which stands out from a tube r held by an axis to two lugs forming part of
the frame N.
This tube has standing out from it two lever arms R¹ R". At each end of the
tube's movement there is a similar lever catch. The arms R' R' are struck at a
suitable distance before the end of each stroke by the faces t t of the bar T which
at its two ends is coupled to the rod (). This turns the lever catch R and releases
the sleeve which is then thrown forwards by the springs P P¹ one of which is in
compression and the other extension.
The sleeve L then comes against the inclined end of the other lever catch and
depresses and is caught by it. The arms R" R" are also fast with the tubes »
and are pressed downwards towards the frame N by springs s, s and hold the
arms R R in their normal position. The change of movement is effected in the
same manner in both directions.
The exhaust water from the pipe E passes by the pipe e¹ to a receptacle G and
from there to the suction pipe A' passing through the chamber G'. In the
receptacle G is a float G" which carries at its upper end a rod g having on it a
valve o' for closing the communication between G and G' when the float descen:ls
by reason of air accumulating in the receiver. The upper part of the receiver G
communicates by a pipe H with the space below the seats of the suction valves.
The lower part of the receiver G communicates by a pipe H' with any lower point
on the suction pipe A. The result from these arrangements is that when in
working there is a dearth of water in the suction pipe A' air enters the upper part
of the receptacle G which empties itself of water through the pipe H¹ the float
then descends and the valve g¹ closes.
By reason of this closing the movement of the piston of the cylinder E is
hindered and the pump stops.
The tap G serves as accidental discharge when after a stoppage resulting from
the failing of water the valve g' is pressed on to its seat by the pressure of water.
In order however to prevent the entrance of air this tap is provided with a
non return valve. Lastly the tap E serves or may serve two purposes-
1. At starting the tap is closed and the lever bandle D" is moved to give the
valve Da to and fro movement until the pump is completely charged the closing of
the tap has for its object to prevent the pressure of water from interfering with the
working at will of the slide valve.
When the pump is charged the tap E is opened and the automatic movement
of the pump takes place.
2. If from any cause it is desired to stop the pump instantly all that has to be
done is to close the tap E.
Dated this 24th day of May 1894.
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Steam Pumps.
I, SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, (a
communication to me from abroad by Jules Alphonse Nicol, of 10 Rue
Meynadier, Paris, in the Republic of France,) 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 :-
According to this invention the valve for controlling the admission of steam to
the steam cylinder of the pump and its exhaust therefrom is shifted at each end of
the stroke by the movement of the piston of a small cylinder to one or other end
of which water is then admitted from the pump delivery whilst it is exhausted from
the other end of the cylinder. The valve for controlling the admission of water to
and from the small cylinder is actuated by the movement of the piston rod of the
steam and pump cylinders.
In order to stop the pump should there be a dearth of water in the suction pipe
the exhaust water is made to pass back to the exhaust by a small valve which
normally is kept open by the action of a float in a small vessel which is open at top
and bottom to the suction pipe. When there is no water in the suction pipe the
small vessel empties and the float drops and closes the valve-this stops all movement
of the piston of the small hydraulic cylinder and consequently the steam valve is
not shifted and the pump stops.
In order to give progressive admissions of steam to the steam cylinder to produce
changes of movement without shock I employ a slide valve with the ends of the
sliding D valve or the edges of the ports made curved or angular as hereinafter
described.
In order that the nature of the invention may be fully understood. I have shown
in the drawings two examples of a steam pump having the improvements applied
to it.
Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings left with the Provisional Specification show one
example and Figures 5 to 8 of the drawings annexed show a modification thereof
in which the arrangements for admitting water to one or other end of the small
hydraulic cylinder at the end of a stroke and exhausting it from the opposite end
are modified.
Figure 1 is an elevation with parts in section along the lines Z Z, Y Y, and Z Z
on the plan view.
Figure 2 is a plan view with parts in section on the line X X Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross section on the line V V Figure 1 and U U Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section on the line T T Figure 2.
The pump is formed of a pump body A, a steam cylinder B and a frame C
which connects them. The pump body in addition to its piston has two suction
valves II and two delivery valves II. A is a removeable cover for giving access
to the water piston. The water inlet is through the suction pipe A'-the delivery
through the pipe A". The steam cylinder in addition to its piston carries a special
slide valve D.
The drawing shows that the ports in the valve face are rectilinear whilst the
inner and outer edges of the ends of the sliding D valve are curved or angular as
seen in Figure 1

page_text: This arrangement combined with the measured speed of the valve results in giving
progressive admissions and exhausts of steam to produce changes of movement
without shock. It allows the suction and delivery valves of the pump to fall by
their own weight onto their seats at the end of each stroke of the pistons.
a a are the passages conducting steam to the two ends of the cylinder. a' is a
passage leading to the exhaust pipe B". B¹ is the pipe for admitting steam to the
valve box.
The valve D is connected with a piston which moves in the cylinder E by
connecting rods D' and lever D" turning on a fulcrum D at its centre.
The two extremities of the cylinder E communicate by two cylindrical orifices
with a valve box E which is connected by a pipe E" to a cock E fixed on the
chamber containing the pump delivery valves.
The valve e governs the supply of water to the cylinder E like the slide valve
of a steam engine and the exhaust is through the pipe e'.
The valve is actuated by the forked lever arm F the two branches of which
engage with hollows on the two opposite sides of the valve. The arm F and the
crank arm J are keyed onto the same axis F¹ the end of which is supported in a
bearing 1 fixed on the frame C.
The crank arm J is coupled to the sleeve L by the connecting rod K. The
sleeve L rests on a double slide M forming part of the frame N fixed on the pump-
it is pierced by a hole through which passes the cylindrical portion of the rod O
which serves as a guide. This rod O slides with slight friction in two pedestals N¹
on the frame N-the two. portions of this rod sliding in the pedestals N' are square-
two coiled springs surround the rod O and their ends are attached one to the
sleeve Land the other to the rod. The rod O receives a to and fro movement
from the forked lever P¹ through the connecting rod Q.
To effect this the two branches of the fork of this lever enter between two
projections R which stand out from each side of the connecting sleeve by which
the two piston rods are coupled together. The axis of this lever is supported on a
bearing 2 fixed to the frame C.
The result of this arrangement is that the sleeve L is caused by the two springs
to follow the movement of the rod O except when it is retained by a lever catch R
which stands out from a tube held by an axis to two lugs forming part of the
frame N.
?'
This tube has standing out from it two lever arms R R". At each end of the
sleeve's movement there is a similar lever catch. The arms R' R' are struck at a
suitable distance before the end of each stroke by the faces tt of the bar T which
at its two ends is coupled to the rod O. This turns the lever catch R and releases
the sleeve which is then thrown forwards by the springs P P one of which is in
compression and the other extension.
The sleeve L then comes against the inclined end of the other lever catch and
depresses and is caught by it. The arms R R are also fast with the tubes and
are pressed downwards towards the frame N by springs ss and hold the arms R' R'
in their normal position. The change of movement is effected in the saine manner.
in both directions.
The exhaust water from the cylinder E passes by the pipe el to a receptacle G
and from there to the suction pipe A¹ passing through the chamber G¹. In the
receptacle G is a float G" which carries at its upper end a rod g having on it a
valve gl for closing the communication between G and G' when the float descends
by reason of air accumulating in the receiver. The upper part of the receiver G
communicates by a pipe H with the space below the seats of the suction valves.
The lower part of the receiver G communicates by a pipe H' with any lower point
on the suction pipe A¹. The result from these arrangements is that when in
working there is a dearth of water in the suction pipe A air enters the upper part
of the receptacle G which empties itself of water through the pipe the float
then descends and the valve g₁ closes.

page_text: CHIO CROS
P
hindered and the pump stops.
The tap G serves as a discharge outlet by which water above the valve g¹ may
be allowed to escape when there has been a stoppage resulting from the failing of
water and when the valve g' is consequently pressed ou to its seat by the pressure
of water. In order however to prevent the entrance of air this tap is provided
with a non-return valve. Lastly the tap E serves or may serve two purposes.
1. At starting the tap is closed and the lever handle D is moved to give to the
valve Da to and fro movement until the pump is completely charged, the closing of
the tap has for its object to prevent the pressure of water from interfering with the
working at will of the slide valve.
When the pump is charged the tap E¹ is opened and the automatic movement
of the pump takes place.
2. If from any cause it is desired to stop the pump instantly all that has to be
done is to close the tap E.
Figure 5 is a front elevation partly in section on the lines X X, Y Y, and Z¹ Z¹
in Figure 6.
Figure 6 is a plan view partly in section on the line X X Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a transverse section on the lines V V and U U of Figure 6 as seen
from the steam cylinder end.
Figure 8 is an elevation of the machine partly in section on the lines R R, SS
in the plan view Figure 6.
1 is the steam cylinder, 2 the pump cylinder and 3 the frame that connects them.
4 is the steam supply pipe and 5 the steam exhaust pipe. 6 is the pump suction
pipe and 7 the pump delivery pipe. 8 is the steam slide valve formed as hereinbefore
described. The slide valve 8 is operated by the piston 9 driven by water from the
pump delivery. The piston transmits to the slide valve its to and fro movement
through a lever 10 and connecting rod 11.
The piston 9 travels longitudinally in a cylinder 14 and its ends receive
alternately the thrust of water under pressure admitted to the cylinder through a
special distributor 12.
Water delivered from the pump cylinder 2 passes by the pipe 13 to the
distributor 12 and by it is directed alternately to the ends of the cylinder 14.
The distributor is formed of a conical plug like the plug of a tap which fits
within a corresponding conical stem cast with the cylinder 14. The conical plug
has a cylindrical spindle extending from it on which are crank arms.
The spindle
is supported at its extremity by an arm standing up from the frame 3 and at one
end is stopped from moving longitudinally by the distributor and at the other by a
set screw.
On two opposite sides of the conical part of the distributor are two hollows
one 16 on the upper side and the other 17 on the lower. These two hollows are in
a horizontal position when the crank arms of the distributor are vertical and
between them there is a thickness of metal at least equal to the width of the
orifices of the water passages 18. 18. So that for example if the upper crank
arms of the distributor are inclined to the right as shown in the drawing the upper
hollow 16 allows water under pressure to pass in a direction to force the piston 9
towards the left but to allow the piston to move in this direction it is necessary to
allow the water in the left hand of the cylinder 14 to escape.
To allow of this the lower hollow 17 of the conical plug 12 communicates with
the exhaust pipe 19 by a longitudinal passage 20 cut in the plug (see Figure 7).
The water escaping by the exhaust pipe 19 is conducted by it to the automatic
stop valve chamber 21 which serves to effect the stoppage of the pump when there
is no water in the suction pipe.
The distributor receives its oscillating rotary movement from a rod 22 carrying
two tappets 23, 23 which strike alternately against the roller 24 carried between
two arms projecting from the spindle of the distributor. The rod 22 has its to
and fro movement given to it from the sleeve which couples together the pump and

page_text: steam cylinder connecting rods through a lever 24* to which it is jointed and it is
supported at its other extremity by a support 25 in which it can slide.
In order to ensure the passing of the dead point at whatever speed the pump
may be working it is necessary that the distributor should be turned sufficiently
that the hollows 16 and 17 put the two ends of the piston 9 which operates the
steam slide valve well into communication one with the water supply and the other
with the exhaust 19. To ensure this the spindle 15 has at its end a crank arm
carrying a roller 26 which rolls over a spring blade 27 on which is a projection 28.
The spring blade is upheld at its ends by two bolts 29, 29 from the arm 30, which
supports the spindle 15. The roller rolls to and fro over the projection on the
spring and the spring is thereby bent. The amount of bend can be varied by
screwing the bolts 29 up or down. When one of the tappets 23 strikes the
roller 24 the spindle 15 is turned and the roller 26 rolls over the projection on
the spring and thereby depresses it. As soon as the roller passes the summit of
the projection 28 the reaction of the spring throws it over quickly to the opposite
side and the hollows 16 and 17 take a new position the water pushes the piston to
the opposite end of its traverse and the change in direction of stroke is thereby
effected.
When the piston 9 arrives at the end of its stroke it remains there until the stroke
of the main pistons is finished-during this time the water from the delivery side of
the pump keeps pressing against one of the ends of the piston. To avoid loss of
water at this time the opposite end of the piston may fit fluid tight against a metal
ring at the end of the cylinder so that no water can escape past the piston.
The rod of the piston 9 is coupled directly to the lever 10 by a slotted head 34
through which the lever passes-the head rests on sectors on the lever so that it is
kept always at the same height above the axis 35 and therefore moves to and fro
in a straight line. The to and fro movement of the piston rod is transmitted to
the lever by two blocks 36, 36 bearing against opposite sides of the lever and
pivotted to the head 34 by cylindrical axes.
To prevent the head rising up away from the axis 35 a spring 37 is fixed to the
head 34 by a screw and passes through a slot cut through the lever.
The spring bearing against the head at its two ends and against the lever at its
middle keeps the head always in contact with the sectors.
This arrangement allows of the piston rod being accurately guided outside the
cylinder without using a fixed guide.
The automatic stop valve in the chamber 21 acts just in the same way as in the
arrangement first described. The exhaust water from the cylinder 14 passes to
the valve chamber by the pipe 19. From there it returns by the pipes 38 and 39
to the suction pipe-the body of the valve chamber is divided into two compart-
ments 40 and 41.
In one is a float 42 carrying a spindle terminating in a valve 43 which closes
downwards onto the top of the compartment 41. When there is a failure of water
in the suction pipe the compartment 41 empties of water through the pipe 39, the
float drops and the valve closes. The exhaust water from the cylinder 14 cannot
then pass away and the movement of the piston 9 is consequently arrested and the
pump stopped without any shock.
It may be stated that the automatic stop valve is not indispensable to the working
of the pump the exhaust pipe. 19 might be led either directly to the suction pipe 6
or to the valve box below the suction valves or even into a cistern.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The construction of slide valve for controlling, the admission of steam to the
steam cylinder substantially as herein before described.
2. A steam pump in which the steam valve receives its movement from the piston
of a small cylinder to one or other end of which water is admitted under pressure

page_text: and allowed to escape from the other end at the end of each stroke of the pump
the valve controlling the admission of water to and its escape from the small
cylinder being operated by tappets receiving movement from the movement of the
pump piston rod.
3. The arrangement of stop valve substantially as described for automatically
arresting the movement of the pump when the supply of water fails.
4. The arrangement substantially as herein before described for ensuring the
passing over the dead points.
5. The construction of steam pumps substantially as hereinbefore described and
O illustrated at Figures 1 to 4.
6. The construction of steam pumps substantially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated at Figures 5 to 8.
Dated this 18th day of
NA 1805
SYDNEY PITT.