IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING AND REGULATING THE FLOW OF FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS."
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Weems and William Weems, of Johnstone, in
the County of Renfrew, North Britain, Engineers, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING
AND REGULATING THE FLOW OF FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Weems and William'
Weems at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,'
on the 28th September 1864.
We, JOHN WEEMS and WILLIAM WEEMS, of Johnstone, in the County of
Renfrew, North Britain, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR
INDICATING AND REGULATING THE FLOW OF FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS," to be as follows,
that is to say
This Invention relates, firstly, to the arrangement and construction of appa-
ratus for governing and controlling the speed of land and marine engines, and
also the speed of air; water, and gas engines and water wheels. One modi-
fication, as applied to the governing of engines and water wheels, consists of a
plain or corrugated diaphragm or diaphragms, or tubes of india-rubber, metal,.
or other flexible material, fitted within a chamber. Resting on that side of
the diaphragm which is exposed to the pressure of the steam or other fluid or.

page_text: liquid is the spindle or rod or connection of an equilibrium, throttle, common,
or other valve or valves, situated between the boiler and engine or water head
and wheel. The opposite side of this diaphragm, tube, or other partition is
connected to a single or double-acting pump or pumps or other contrivances
for forcing fluids or liquids. A "crane" with indicating pointer and handle
or other opening apparatus, capable of being regulated and opened to the
atmosphere or any other convenient receptacle, is placed between the dia-
phragm and pump or other contrivance. When the pump or other similar
_machine_is_set in motion the fluid or liquid is forced against the diaphragm,
and when the engine has attained its required speed the "crane" is regulated
to allow the excess of the fluid to escape, and on the slightest increase of
speed the force of the pumps is also increased, which forces a greater quantity
of the fluid that cannot escape at the regulated opening, and consequently
exerts a greater pressure on the diaphragm, imparting to it a forward move-
ment, thereby regulating the valve so as only to admit the necessary supply
of steam or other fluid or liquid required for the desired speed; and on the.
smallest reduction of the speed of the pumps or other contrivance the pressure
on the diaphragm is lessened; and it consequently recedes and opens the valve
to admit a sufficiency of, steam or other fluid to raise the engine to its former
speed. When pumps are used they may be placed in the cistern or well,
which has the advantage that they are less liable to derangement in their
working parts; but they may also be otherwise conveniently placed.
Another modification consists in having a piston or pistons, or plungers,
connected to the spindle or rod of the equilibrium, throttle, or other valve, and
open to the pressure of the steam or fluid at one side, and the force power of
the pumps or other contrivance at the other.
Another modification consists in having the force power of the pumps or
other contrivance on the one side of the diaphragm, and a weighted lever on
the other, and attached by connecting rods, levers, or other suitable means
to the equilibrium; throttle, or other valve or valves.
Another modification consists in having the diaphragm open on the one
side to the pressure of the steam or other fluid, the other side being open to
the atmosphere and in connection with the ordinary governor balls, or any
other centrifugal governor, the diaphragm acting as a spring to control these
governors and make their action more sensitive and certain.
The second part of this Invention relates to apparatus for indicating and
regulating the flow of fluids and liquids, and consists in having a chamber of
cast iron or other suitable material bolted together in parts, within which is
fixed a diaphragm of india-rubber or. other flexible material. To this dia-
.

page_text: phragm is attached a lever or rod in. connexion with a three or four-way
valve. This valve may be conical, slide,. or partially or wholly equilibrium, or
otherwise, and by the pressure of the fluid or liquid its ports are instan-
taneously reversed by means of a small flexible diaphragm within the valve
chamber, open on one side to the atmosphere, and on the other to the pressure
of the fluid or liquid, and is attached by jointed rods or levers to a crank pin
on one side of a toothed wheel working in. a toothed rack in connexion with
the valve. This rack is connected with the diaphragm, rod, or spindle, and
-as the fluid or liquid presses the large diaphragm to one side, the, rack is
moved and imparts motion to the toothed wheel, and when the diaphragm
arrives at its extremity, the crank pin of the toothed wheel has, been carried
beyond the centre, and the small diaphragm. within the valve chamber being
at all times acted on by the pressure of the fluid.or liquid gives the toothed.
wheel' a sudden half turn and instantaneously reverses the ports, of the valve
or valves, and the pressure of the fluid or liquid acting on the large diaphragm
it recedes and brings back the crank pin of the toothed: wheel beyond, the
centre, which being held' in a state of tension by. the diaphragm within, the
valve chamber springs up. and again reverses the ports.. The diaphragm
within the valve chamber may be in connection with the valve by means of
levers, rods, or other suitable contrivances calculated to allow it to act instan-
taneously in reversing the valves. The ports of the valves are in connexion
with both sides of the diaphragm, consequently, on the introduction of a fluid
to the one side the elastic diaphragm is forced to the other side, the fluid in
which is meanwhile discharged through the discharge pipe. On the valve
being put in motion the ports are reversed and the fluid presses the elastic
diaphragm and also discharges the water or other fluid contained therein
through the discharge pipe. By means of this reciprocatory movement of the
diaphragm motion is given to an index, whereby the flow of the liquid, is
registered.
i
Another modification of this Invention for regulating the flow of fluids
consists in having a cylinder or cylinders, with or without compartments, and
with or without perforations on their exterior or interior, for regulating the
escape of hot or cold air for drying. and cooling papers, yarns, cloths,, and
other fabrics, such air. being admitted to the cylinder or cylinders at one
or both ends by means of a stuffing box or other contrivance, to which the
conducting air pipes are connected.

page_text: 1
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Weems and William Weems in the Great Sea! Patent
Office on the 27th March 1865..
.TO. ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN,
WEEMS and WILLIAM. WEEMS, of Johnstone, in the County of Renfrew, North
Britain, Engineers; send greeting.;
WHEREAS Her. most. Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight 'hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-eighth year_
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Hér heirs and successors, give and grant unto
tus, the said John Weems: and William Weems, Her special license that we,
the said John Weems and William Weems, our executors, administrators,
'and assigns, or such others as we, the said John,Weems and William Weems,
four executors, administrators, or assigns,: should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all:times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and; Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
-ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING AND REGULATING THE FLOW
OF FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the
said John-Weems and William Weems, by an instrument in writing under
four hands and seals; should particularly describe and ascertain, the nature of
the said Invention, and in what 'manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
'months 'next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said John Weems and William Weems,
"do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying -
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
'Our said Invention relates, firstly; to. improvements in apparatus for
governing and and controlling the! working speed of both land and marine
engines, air, water, and gas engines, as well as water:wheels, and other such
generally similar mechanism.
The second part of our present Invention consists: of improvements in appa-
ratus for regulating, measuring, and registering the flow of liquids and fluids,
and this latter part is based upon an Invention of "Improvements in Appa-
ratus for Indicating the Pressure or Quantity, and in Regulating the

page_text: Discharge of Fluids," for which Letters Patent were granted, unto us on or
about the 17th day of March 1862; and numbered 734.
One modification of the first part of our present Invention as applied to the
governing and controlling the speed of engines, water wheels; turbines, and
other similar mechanism, consists of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or,
diaphragms; or, in place of these, tubes of india-rubber, metal, leather, or
other flexible material fitted within a chamber may be used. Resting on and
attached to that side of the diaphragm which is exposed, to the pressure of,
the steam or other fluid or liquid is a spindle or rod. in connexion with an
equilibrium, throttle, conical, or other valve or valves; the valve or valves
being situated between the boiler: and, engine, or in the case of a water wheel
or turbine between the water bead and the wheel or turbine. The side of
the diaphragm, tube, or other partition opposite to that one, herein-before.
referred to is in communication with a single or double acting or other
suitable pump or pumps; or with any: convenient.apparatus for forcing fluids
or liquids. A "crane" or cock fitted with an. indicator or index whose. area
of aperture is capable of being regulated and opened to the atmosphere, or to
any convenient receptacle, is placed, between that side of the diaphragm last
referred to and the pump or other contrivance for forcing fluids, and liquids.
When the pump or other fluid and liquid forcing apparatus is set in motion
the fluid or liquid' is forced against one-side of the diaphragm or other, Hexible
partition whilst the pressure of the steam or other fluid or liquid is exerting its
energy upon the opposite side, and when the machine to which the governor
is applied has obtained the requisite amount of motion the "crane," cock, or
other opening and closing apparatus is adjusted to allow the excess of the
fluid to escape. When on the slightest increase of speed the power, of the
pump or other fluid or liquid forcing apparatus is also increased, and a greater
quantity of the fluid or liquid is forced against the diaphragm. The addi;
tional quantity of the fluid or liquid thus forced cannot escape through the
opening of the crane" or, cock, and thus a greater pressure is exerted
against the diaphragm, a forward.motion is thus imparted to it, which move-
ment regulates the area of the admission valve opening, and, thus the supply
of the moving fluid or liquid is regulated. When the area of the valve
opening is thus reduced, the speed of the engine is reduced in proportion to
the diminished supply of the moving fluid or liquid. When the pump, or
pumps or machine for forcing fluids or liquids is forcing, a less quantity of
liquid or fluid it enables the diaphragm to recede, thus causing the admission
valve to be re-opened, so as to supply a sufficiency of the moving fluid.
When pumps are used they may be placed in the cistern or well, which

page_text: possesses the advantage that they are less liable to derangement in their
working parts, but they may also be otherwise conveniently placed.
- Another modification consists in having a piston or pistons or plungers
connected to the spindle or rod of the equilibrium, throttle, or other valve, and
open on the one side to the pressure of the steam or other fluid or liquid, and
the force power of the pumps or other contrivance at the other. ;
1
Another modification consists in having the force power of the pumps or
other contrivance on the one side of the diaphragm or partition, and a
weighted lever on the other, and attached by connecting rods; levers, or
other suitable means to the equilibrium, throttle, or other, valve or, valves."
Another modification consists in having the diaphragm open on the one
side to the pressure of the steam-or other fluid, the other side being open to the
atmosphere, and in connexion with the ordinary governor balls, or any other
centrifugal governors or other apparatus for governing the speed of; engines;
the diaphragm acting as.a spring to control fliese governors and make their
action more sensitive and certain.
Another modification consists in having a small flexible diaphragm open on
one side to the full pressure of the steam or other fluid or liquid, and con-
nected by a rod or otherwise to a larger flexible diaphragm open on one side
to the pressure of the exhaust steam or other fluid or liquid; the variation
of the pressure of the exhaust steam or other fluid or liquid being dependant
on the speed of the engine, consequently when the speed of the engine is
increased the pressure of the exhaust steam is raised, and acting on the large
diaphragm imparts a forward motion to the small diaphragm in connexion
with the valves by a rod, lever, or otherwise,, thereby regulating the valve
so as only to allow a sufficiency of steam or other fluid or liquid to maintain
the engine at the desired speed. When the speed of the engine is reduced
the action is vice versa.
The second part of this Invention relates to apparatus. for regulating,
indicating, measuring, and registering the flow of fluids and liquids.
One modification for regulating the flow of fluids and liquids from a higher
to a lower pressure, and maintaining the same at a uniform...pressure, consists
of a chamber, within which is fitted an equilibrium, common, throttle, or other
valve, the spindle or-rod-of which is attached by a lever and rod or otherwise
to one end of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or diaphragms, or tube of india-
rubber, metal, or other flexible material open on one side to the pressure, and
When the steam or other
a lever with adjustable weight on the other side.
fluid exceeds the desired pressure it exerts its power on the diaphragm, which
recedés and regulates the valve so as only to admit a sufficiency of steam to
:
>

page_text: maintain the desired pressure. On the top or bottoni of the valve case is
fixed a stuffing box, through which passes a screwed spindle, at one extremity
of which is fixed a wheel, which. when screwed forward closes the valve and
checks the passage of the fluid or liquid,
Another modification for indicating, registering, and measuring the flow of
fluids and liquids consists of a chamber of cast iron or other suitable material
bolted together in parts, within which is fixed a diaphragm or diaphragms of
india-rubber, leather, metal, or other flexible material.: To this diaphragm is
attached a lever or. rod in connection with a three or four way valve: This
may be a conical, slide, or partially or wholly equilibrium valve, or three
or four way cock, and by the pressure of the fluid or liquid the parts.
are instantaneously. reversed by means of a sinall flexible diaphragm within
the valve chamber, open on one side:to the atmosphere, and on the other. to
the pressure of the fluid or liquid; being by preference attached by jointed
levers or rods to a crank pin on one side of a toothed wheel working in a
toothed rack in connexion with the valve, but it may be. otherwise arranged.
This toothed wheel is connected with, the diaphragm, rod; or spindle; and as
the fluid or liquid presses the large diaphragm to one side, the toothed wheel
is moved, and when the diaphragm arrives at its extremity the crank pin of
the toothed wheel has been carried beyond the centre, and the small diaphragm'
within the valve chamber being at all times .acted on by the pressure of the
fluid or liquid gives the toothed wheel a sudden half turn, whereby the ports
of the valve, or .valves are.instantaneously reversed, and the pressure of the
fluid or liquid now acting on the large diaphragm causes it to recede, whereby
the crank.pin of the toothed wheel is brought back beyond the centre, which
being held in a state of tension by the diaphragm within the valve chamber
springs up and again reverses. the ports. The diaphragm within-the valve
chamber may be in connection with the valve by means of levers, rods, or
other suitable contrivance calculated to allow it to act instantaneously in
reversing the valves. The ports of the valves are in connexion with both
sides of the diaphragm, consequently on the introduction of a fluid to the one
side the flexible diaphragm is forced to the other side, the fluid in which is
meanwhile discharged through the discharge pipe.. On the valve being put in
motion the ports are reversed and the fluid presses the flexible diaphragm,
and also discharges the water, gas, or other fluid or liquid therein through the
discharge pipe. By means of this reciprocatory movement of the diaphragm
motion is given to an index,, whereby the flow of the fluid or liquid is
registered.
Another modification consists
using a spring or springs, plunger or

page_text: plungers, piston or pistons instead of a diaphragm for the purpose of 'instan-
taneously reversing the valves, or a weight or weighted lever within the valve
chamber and immersed in the 'fluid or liquid.
And in order that our said Invention may be properly understood, we shall
now proceed to describe the several Figures on the explanatory Sheet of
Drawings which we have hereunto appended for the purpose of showing
several modifications under which the same may be effectually carried out in
practice, that is to say:
:
=
: Figure 1 represents a sectional elevation of one form of our improved apparatus
for governing and controlling the speed of land and marine engines, air, water, and
gas engines, and water wheels, and the red lines the application for regulating
the flow of steam or other fluids or liquids from a higher to a lower pressure;
Figure 2 represents a sectional elevation of our improvements in apparatus
for regulating, indicating, measuring, and registering the flow of fluids and
liquids, Figure 3being an end elevation of the same with cover removed::
In Figure 1 is a chamber within which is fixed a diaphragm. A of india
rubber, metal, or other flexibié material, and resting: on or connected to that
side of the diaphragm which is exposed to the pressure of the steam or other
fluid or liquid is the spindle or rod B, connected by the lever C to the spindle
or rod D. of an equilibrium, conical, throttle, or other. 'valve E, situated
between the boiler and engine.. The opposite side of this diaphragm or
flexible partition. A is connected by the 'pipe I to a pump or pumps or other
contrivance for forcing fluids or liquids: A crane" or cock O, with an
indicating pointer and handle or other opening capable of: being regulated, is
placed between the diaphragm A and the pumps or other contrivance for
forcing fluids or liquids: The' screwed spindle H passes through a stuffing
box J. The inlet F of steam or other fluid or liquid is shown by the arrow
near the pipe F, and the discharge or 'outlet by the arrow at G.. When the
pump or other similar machine is set in motion the fluid or liquid is forced
against the diaphragm A on the one side. while the pressure of the steam-or
other fluid or liquid is exerting its power on the other side, and when the engine
bas attained its required speed the'" crane" or cock O is regulated to allow
the excess of the fluid or liquid: to escape at P, and on the slightest increase
of speed the power of the pump. is also increased, which forces a greater
quantity of the fluid or liquid that cannot escape at the regulated opening P,
a greater pressure is consequently exerted on the diaphragm A, which-yields;
thus imparting a forward movement to the rod B, communicating with the
valve E by the lever C and spindle or rod D, thereby regulating the valve E
so as only to admit the necessary supply of steam or other fluid or liquid

page_text: for the desired speed, and on the engine slowing the speed of the pumps or
other contrivance is reduced, the pressure on the under side of the diaphragm A
is lessened; whilst the pressure of the steam or other, fluid or liquid on the
opposite side causes it to recede, and by means of the rods B and D and the
lever C the valve E is opened, and a sufficiency of steam or other fluid or
liquid is admitted to raise the engine to its former, speed. The throw of the
valve,may be regulated or it may be entirely closed by turning--the handle or
wheel of the second spindle H, thus answering the purpose of a stop valve:
Figure 1 also represents the arrangement and construction of apparatus for
regulating the flow of steam or other fluid or liquid from a higher to a lower
pressure, and maintaining a uniform pressure therein, and also acting as a stop
valve, the only difference being the removal of the pipe I and the substitution
of an adjustable weighted lever as shown by the red lines. The steam or
other fluid or liquid enters from the high pressure at F, as shown by the arrow,
and passes through the valve E into the low pressure receiver or pipe G, the
weight on the lever, being adjusted to suit the desired pressure. When the
low pressure of the steam or other fluid exceeds the required pressure, it
exerts its power on the diaphragm, which recedes, and by, means of the rods B
and D and lever C, regulates the valve so as only to admit a sufficiency of
steam or other fluid to maintain the, proper pressure, and when the pressure
falls too low, the lever and weight press the diaphragm downwards, thus
opening the valve so as to admit, a sufficiency of steam or other fluid to raise the
desired pressure. The screwed spindle H,,fitted with a handle or wheel, serves
to regulate the throw of the valve, and when screwed down acts as a stop
valve and prevents the passage of the steam or other fluid when desired.
Within the chamber Q, Figures 2 and 3, (bolted together in parts) is fixed
a diaphragm A, of india-rubber, leather, metal, or other flexible material, to
which is attached a piston or pistons B and rod C, on the end of, which is
fixed the cross head E, travelling on two guide rods F, within which is a
toothed wheel G working in a toothed rack H fixed on a valve,J sliding on
three ports. The small flexible diaphragm M within the chamber N is open
on one side to the pressure of the fluid or liquid, and on the other, to the
atmosphere, and, to which is attached a piston or pistons U and rod O, one
end of which is connected by the rod P to the crank R of the toothed wheel G.
The water or other fluid or liquid is introduced at the pipe T, Figure 3, and
presses the diaphragm A to one side, carrying with it the rod C, the toothed
wheel G travelling in the toothed rack H, and when the diaphragm-A has
arrived at its extremity, the crank pin R of the toothed wheel G has been
carried beyond the centre, and the small diaphragm. M being at all times

page_text: "acted on by the pressure of the fluid or liquid gives the toothed wheel G a
sudden half turn, carrying with it the toothed rack H, and instantaneously
reverses the ports of the valve or valves, and the presure of the fluid or
liquid now acting on the opposite side of the diaphragm A, it recedes and
brings back the crank pin R. of the toothed wheel G beyond the centre, which
being held in a state of tension by the diaphragm M springs up and agin
reverses the ports, the fluid or liquid in the opposite side of the diaphragm. A
being meanwhile discharged through the discharge pipe K. By means of
this reciprocating movement of the diaphragm M-motion is given to the index
whereby the flow of the fluid or liquid is regulated.
:
Having now described the nature of our said Invention, and the manner in
which the same may be effectually carried out in practice, we would
"observe, in conclusion, that what we consider novel and 'original, and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to us by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery and
apparatus for governing and controlling the speed of land and marine engines,
'and also the speed of air, water, and gas engines, water wheels and turbines,
and for regulating, measuring, and registering the flow of fluids and liquids.
'substantially as herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Second, the application and use of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or
diaphragms or- tube' or tubes or. partition of india-rubber, inetal, or other
flexible material open on one side to the pressure of steam or other fluid or
liquid, and on the other to the pressure of a single or double acting rotatory or
centrifugal pump or pumps, or any similar contrivance for forcing fluids or
liquids for the purpose of governing and controlling. the speed of land and
marine engines, air, water, and gas engines, turbines and water wheels, sub-
stantially as herein-before described or any mere modification thereof.
i
Third, the application of a plunger or plungers, piston or pistons open on
one side to the pressure of steam or other fluid or liquid, and on the other side
to the force of the pump or pumps or similar contrivance used for forcing
fluids and liquids for the purpose of governing engines and water wheels, sub-
stantially as herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Fourth, the application of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or tube or tubes
of india-rubber, metal, or other flexible material, or a plunger or plungers, or
piston or pistons, one side of which is open to the forcing action of the pump
or pumps, or other contrivance for forcing fluids and liquids, and the other
side to the pressure of a spring or weighted lever which may be attached by
a connecting rod or otherwise to a throttle, conical, equilibrium, or other

page_text: valve for the purpose of governing and controlling the speed of engines sub-
stantially as herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Fifth, the application of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or diaphragms,
tube or tubes, plunger or plungers, or piston or pistons of india-rubber, metal,
or other material open on one side to the pressure of the steam or other fluid
or liquid, and the other side open to the atmosphere and in connexion with
the ordinary governor balls, centrifugal governors, or other apparatus for
governing the speed of engines; the diaphragm, tube, plunger, or piston
acting as a spring to control these governors, and make their action more.
sensitive and certain, as herein-before described, or any mere modification
thereof.
Sixth, the arrangement and construction of apparatus for regulating,
measuring, and registering the flow of fluids and liquids as herein-before
described, or any mere modification thereof.
Seventh, the application and use of a plain or corrugated diaphragm or
diaphragms, or tube or tubes of india-rubber, metal, or other suitable material,
or a piston or pistons, or plunger or plungers open on one side to the pressure
of the fluid or liquid, and on the other to the atmosphere, for the purpose of
instantaneously reversing the valves or ports of apparatus for regulating,
measuring, and registering the flow of fluids and liquids as herein-before
described, or any mere modification thereof;
In witness whereof, we, the said John Weems and William Weems,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-fifth day of March,
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
JOHN WEEMS.
(L.S.)
WILLIAM WEEMS. (L.S.)