Apparatus for Automatically Operating a Valve or the like at any Predetermined Time or Times.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Dec., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Feb., 1900-Accepted, 19th May, 1900
Date of Application, coITU DEC., 10
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Feb., 1900-Accepted, 19th May, 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Automatically Operating a Valve or the like at any
Predetermined Time or Times.
I, GEORGE CROYDON MARKS, of 18, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London W.C., Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent (a communica-
tion from Andrew Stenhouse, Timber Merchant, of Morgan Street, Broken Hill,
in the Colony of New South Wales, and Edwin Atkinson Whitehead, Mechanical
Engineer, of Wolfram Street, Broken Hill, in the Colony of New South Wales),
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus of the kind described in the Specification
of the application for Letters Patent No. 26792, dated 19th December, 1898,
whereby a valve or the like is automatically operated to cut off or turn on a
supply of fluid at any predetermined time or times.
The object of the invention is to provide a controlling gear and clockwork
alarum or like apparatus which is constituted of fewer parts than the gear
described in the beforementioned specification, much of the mechanism therein
described being obviated without interfering with the effective working of the
apparatus as a whole.
The invention consists of gear driven by ordinary clockwork mechanism
whereby alarum or like mechanism is set free, or stopped, to operate a valve
or the like at any such time or times according to which an indicator on the
said gear is set.
:-
The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which :-
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation.
Figure 2 a side view partly in section.
Figure a cross section.
Figure 4a sectional plan and
Figures 5 and 6 details of the improved "alarum" and controlling gear
according to one modification.
Figure 7 shows a general arrangement of the gearing in elevation, the dial
plate and pointers and indicators hereinafter referred to being removed.
Figure 8 is a cross section of the same.
Figure 9 is a front elevation, showing the ordinary clock dial divided into
24 hours and the two indicator hands, one for the time of opening the valve
and the other for the time of closing.it.
Figure 10 is an elevation and Figure 11 a sectional plan of a modification
of the mechanism.
The same letters and figures of reference are employed throughout the specifi-
cation to indicate corresponding parts.
Throughout the specification the term "alarum" is used to represent that por-
tion of the clockwork which actuates a barrel or drum or alternately a crank
for turning on or off the operating valve or its equivalent, such term being used
because the mechanism is somewhat analogous to alarum mechanism in ordinary
معامل

page_text: on x.
clutches
or
the
In carrying the invention into effect according to one modification a pinion A
(Figures 1 and 5) is loose on its arbor and is driven by the clock train through
the disc (Figures 5 and 6), and the studs D and 1, D2 being on A and E²
A gears with the wheel B (Figure 1) the ratio of the two being such that B
makes one revolution in 24 hours; and is is loose on its arbor. On the same
centre as B are the two discs or plates C, C, (Figures 1, 2 and 4),
and the grooved wheels
G+, GP. じ is fixed upon
arbor, G is loose upon it; C is fixed upon the arbor a³, and G is loose upon
it. In the peripheries of C, C, are cut the grooves or notches as F (Figure 1).
Centred upon B, and revolving with it, are the levers H2H carrying the
pins J, J, so arranged that they may engage with the grooves or notches F
in C, C being always pressed in that direction by the springs K², K³ which
are also fixed upon and revolve with B. One edge of each of the levers H² H³
is made in the form of a wedge to engage with and grip the grooved wheels
or clutches GG. Attached to G, Gare the levers d, d (Figures 1 and 4)
engaging with the ends of which is the link or bar e; the link f (Figures i
and 3) connects the bar or link e to the lever or bell crank L, the free end
of which engages with the collar M, on the .bar N. The spring or lever
stop engages with the fly or escapement Q, and is attached to the bar N,
and beyond same to the frame of mechanism. (Figures 3 and 4) is a spring
on the bar N; it is strong enough to overcome 1, and to keep it in contact
with Q, but not sulliciently powerful to overcome the friction between the
levers H2, H3 in the grooves of G, G caused by the pressure of the springs K², h.
Describing one set of this mechanism the action is as follows: The wheel B
driven by the clock train in the manner already described, carries with it the
lever H² and the spring K2; the pin J on the lever H bears and travels upon
the edge of the disc C, until it comes to the groove or notch into which it
is forced by the spring thus permitting the wedge shaped edge of the
lever H² to engage with and grip in the groove of the wheel or clutch G+, so
that G and with it the lever dis coupled or connected to the wheel B and
caused to travel with it. The end of the lever & being connected to the link
or bar e, raises it and through the link f, actuates the lever or bell crank L
which acting against the collar M on the bar N compresses the spring Rand
withdraws the stop spring or lever 1, from the fly and permits the alarum
mechanism to start. When the pin J reaches the end of the groove or notch F
it is again raised to the surface or edge of Clifting the wedge lever. He from
the groove of G and disconnecting it from B. The spring it now expands,
forces to stop the alarum train, by engaging with Q and through the lever L',
the links f, and e, and the lever d, returns to its original position.
But as the wheel B, revolves only once in 24 hours and as the groove or
notch F must be an appreciable length means must be provided to artificially
shorten it. This is accomplished in the following manner:-
The wheel W2 (Figures 1 and 2) is driven by the main-spring or drum S, of
the alarum mechanism through suitable intermediate gearing; it is loose on
its arbor secured to which is the grooved wheel h, and the pinion V. The
pinion gears with the wheel B. Centred on the wheel W is an eccentric
detent j, which is so arranged that it will engage with and grip in the grooved
wheel in the direction of its motion and it is pressed into the groove by the
spring, the whole combination forming a pawl and ratchet with an infinite
number of teeth. Its action is as follows:-When the mechanism is started
in the manner already described, the wheel We travelling at a higher velocity
than the wheel h, catches up the eccentric detent j and causes it to grip in the
groove and drive forward the wheel h. The pinion V being secured to the same
arbor as h, revolves at the same velocity, which being higher than that of the
wheel B hurries it forward, and artificially shortens the length of the groove
or notch F in the disc C. When the alarum mechanism is stopped the eccen-
tricity of the detent j permits the wheel h, to travel underneath it and the

page_text: alarum-train is consequently disconnected from the clock-train. When the
wheel B, is overhauled it causes the pinion A to hurry forward and
the stud D (Figure 5) leaves the stud E2 behind. The length of the
groove F and the diameter of the pinion A are so proportioned that during
overhauling the pinion A makes less than one revolution. After being over-
hauled the wheel B, remains stationary until the stud E³ has again caught up
the stud D2 and drives forward the pinion A. The length of the groove or
notch F determines the number of revolutions made by the barrel or crank
disc X which is fixed on one of the arbors of the alarum-train. The arbors a³ a³
(Figure 2) are prevented, by suitable means, from revolving with the gearing,
but are not so securely fixed as to prevent them being moved by the indicators 68, 63
which are secured to them.
The indicators 62, 63 being secured to the arbors a², a³ are capable of rotating
the discs C2, C3, so that the grooves or notches I may be brought into exact
coincidence with the times indicated on the dial.
S
Figures 10 and 11 show a further modified arrangement of alarum mechanism
whereby the use of overhauling gear is obviated. A is a pinion driven by the
clock-train gearing with the wheel B, the ratio of A to B being such that B
makes one revolution in 24 hours. B is loose on the hollow arbor a', through
which passes the arbor a³. To the hollow arbor a is secured the lever C, and
to other arbor a, is secured the lever C. The levers C4, C5 carry the pins J, J7
which engage with the levers L, L, which have one fulcrum in common in n,
which has bearings in the frame. Also attached to are the levers 1, and m.
The lever m, is connected through the link f, to the lever L", which actuates
the bar or rocking shaft N¹, to which is attached the stop lever P³. The end
of the lever P3 is provided with a hook or catch arranged to engage with a notch
or notches cut in the periphery of the disc G6 fixed on one of the arbors of the
alarum train. Also attached to the bar N¹ is the lever p, having a hook or
catch arranged to engage with a pin or.study, on the disc or wheel r on one
of the arbors of the alarum-train. Also on the disc or wheel r, but on
the opposite side to the pin 7, is the pin so arranged that it can engage with
the hooked end of the lever 1; S as before is the mainspring or drum of the
alarum mechanism; U is the great wheel; X the crank, disc, or barrel fixed
upon one of the arbors of the alarum-train preferably, but not necessarily upon
that on which is fixed the disc Go; +, are the indicators-one for the time
of opening the valve, and the other for the time of closing it having cones
formed upon and within them in such a manner that they and the wheel B,
may be securely bound or clamped together by the milled head nut t
and they are so arranged on their respective arbors at, a that they are free to
slide upon them, but also that they can rotate the arbors and with them the
levers C, C; is the indicator dial attached to the wheel B, by the pillars V, V,
and revolving with it. The action is as follows:-The indicators 64, 65, being
brought opposite the hours on the dial w, at which the operations of opening
and closing are required to take place; the pins J, J are also brought opposite
those hours; the milled head nutt is then tightened up, and the indicators 64, 65
are clamped together, and to the wheel B, so that they and the arbors a³, as
levers C, C, and pins J, J all revolve together at the rate of one revolution
in 24 hours. If the action of one set of parts is described, the action of the
other set will he understood to be the same, but operating at a different time.
As the lever C revolves, the pin J engages in the lever L, raising it, and the
lever 1, together; at the same time the levers and P3 are through the link f,
also raised until P3 is clear of its notch and p is clear of the pin q. The alarum-
train is now free, and revolves until the pins catches against the hooked end of
the lever . This amount of revolution is provided in order that the length of
contact between the pin J6 and lever L may be appreciable, and so that the
notch in Go shall travel from under the end of the lever P³ far enough to prevent
P3 again falling into the notch when it is released. When the pin Je passes the
on a³,

page_text: +
end of the lever L6, which is arranged to take place at the time indicated by b₁
on the dial, the lever 1, drops away from the pins and again releases the
alarum-train. But owing to the previous movement of the disc G,P3 does not
fall into the notch in G but upon the periphery of it and keeps sufficiently
raised to clear the pin until the notch comes round again when 13 falls into
it and the alarum-train is stopped. If less than one revolution of Go be required
for each operation of opening or closing the valve then an additional notch or
notches are cut in its periphery in such positions as may be required. The
slot shewn in the end of the link f permits the lever to fall sufficiently far
to clear the pins while the lever P³ is riding on the periphery of the disc G
The distance revolved through by the barrel or crank disc X is regulated. and
determined by the ratio of the gearing between the disc G6 and the arbor upon
which X is fixed.
It will now be readily understood that the operations of opening and closing
a valve may be repeated automatically for as many days as the respective main
springs will keep the alarum and clock trains going at each winding up.
The invention is not confined to the exact details of construction herein
described as these may be varied according to the kind of valve or the like
which is to be operated without departing from the nature of the invention.
Apparatus for Automatically Operating a Valve or the like at any
Predetermined Time or Times.
I, GEORGE CROYDON MARKS, of 18, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London W.C., Consulting Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent (a communica-
tion from Andrew Stenhouse, Timber Merchant, of Morgan Street, Broken Hill,
in the Colony of New South Wales, and Edwin Atkinson Whitehead, Mechanical
Engineer, of Wolfram Street, Broken Hill, in the Colony of New South Wales),
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 has for its object to provide apparatus for operating a valve
or the like, whereby the supply of gas, compressed air, steam, water, or other
fluid flowing through a pipe or tube may be cut off, or arrested, or turned on,
or started automatically at any predetermined time or times.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 shews sectional elevation, Figure 2 side view partly in section,
Figure 3 cross section, Figure 4 sectional plan; and Figures 5 and 6 details of
the mechanism, Figure 7 shows the mechanism in a case associated with ordinary
clock mechanism in elevation, the dial plate, pointers, and indicators being
removed. Figure 8 is a cross section of same. Figure 9 is a front elevation,
showing the dial of the mechanism divided into 24 hours, and the two indicator
hands, one for the time of opening the valve, and the other for the time of
closing it and the dial of an ordinary clock.
1
Figure 10 shows elevation, Figure 11 sectional plan of a modification of the
mechanism.

page_text: Figures 12 and 13 shew details and Figure 14 front view of the case (drawn
to a smaller scale).
Throughout the specification the term "alarum mechanism" is used to repre-
sent that portion of the clockwork which actuates a barrel or drum or disc or
alternately a crank or lever, for turning on or off the operating valve or its equiva-
lent directly or indirectly, such term being used because the mechanism is
somewhat analogous to the alarum mechanism in ordinary clocks.
The invention embraces mechanism whereby the valve may be both opened
and closed at such times as may be predetermined, and whereby the operations
of opening and closing the valve may be repeated automatically for as many
days as the clock and alarum mechanism may be made to go with one winding up
of their respective springs or drums.
In the case which encloses the mechanism is also set an ordinary clock of
any approved form but this is not particularly shewn upon the drawings.
"
66
"
Referring to Figures 1 to 9-"A" (Figures 1 to 5) represents a pinion loose
on its arbor driven by ordinary clock train through disc (Figures 5 and 6)
and studs "D" and "E" ("D" being on "A" and "E2" on *). "A" gears
with the wheel "B" the ratio of the two being such that "B" which is loose
on its arbor makes one revolution in 24 hours. On the same spindle as "B"
are the two discs or plates "C2, C3" and the grooved wheels or clutches "G, G5."
"C" is fixed upon the arbor a²,
G" is loose upon it,
C3" is fixed upon
the arbor a3 and "G" is loose upon it. In the peripheries of "C2, C3" are cut
the grooves or notches as F4" (Figure 1). Centred upon "B," and revolving
with it, are the levers "H2, H3" carrying the pins "J,
T5"
so arranged that.
they may engage with the grooves or notches "F" in "C2, C3" being always
pressed in that direction by the springs "K2, K3" which are also fixed upon
and revolve with "B." One edge of each of the levers "H, H3" is
made in the form of a wedge to engage with and grip the grooved
wheels or clutches " G4, G5." Attached to G4, G5" are the levers d, d
engaging with the ends of which is the link or bar e; the link f
connects the bar or link to the lever or bell crank "LA" the free end
of which engages with the collar "M" on the bar "N." The spring or lever
stop "P" engages with the fly or escapement Q" and is attached to the
bar "N" and bevond same to frame of mechanism. 'R" (Figures 3 and 4) is
66
«
a spring on the bar "N"; it is strong enough to overcome "P2" and to keep
it in contact with "Q" but not sufficiently powerful to overcome the friction
between the levers "H2, H3" in the grooves of "G", G5" caused by the pressure
of the springs "K, K³." The mechanism is provided in duplicate as above described
for the purpose of both opening and closing the valve. Describing one set of
this mechanism the action is as follows:--The wheel "B." driven by the clock
train carries with it the lever " H" and the spring "Ka"; the pin "J" on
the lever "H" bears and travels upon the edge of the disc "C3"
until it
into which it is
comes to the
groove
notch
or
"F"
"
forced by the spring "K" thus permitting the wedge shaped edge of the
lever "H" to engage with and grip in the groove of the wheel or clutch G4,"
so that "G" and with it the lever is coupled or connected to the wheel "B"
and caused to travel with it. The end of the lever d being connected to the link
or bar e raises it and through the link f actuates the lever or bell crank "L"
which acting against the collar "M" on the bar "N" compresses the spring "R1"
and withdraws the stop spring or lever "Pa" from the fly "Q" and permits
the alarum mechanism to start. When the pin "J" reaches the end of the
groove or notch "F" it is again raised to the surface or edge of "C" lifting
the wedge lever "H" from the groove of "G" and disconnecting it from "B."
The spring "R" now expands, forces "Pa" to stop the alarum train, by engaging
with "Q" and through the lever "L," the links f and e and the lever d returns
"G" to its original position.
But as the wheel "B" revolves only once in 24 hours and as the groove or

page_text: 2.
notch "F" must be an appreciable length means must be provided to artificially
shorten it. This is accomplished in the following manner:-The' wheel "W2
(Figures 1'and, 2) is driven by the main-spring or drum "S" of the alarum
mechanism through suitable intermediate gearing; it is loose on its arbor secured
to which is the grooved wheel and the pinion "V" The pinion "V" gears with
the wheel "B." Centred on the wheel W2" is an eccentric detent
which is
so arranged that it will engage with the grip in the grooved wheel h, in the
direction of its motion and it is pressed into the groove by the spring k, the
whole combination forming a pawl and ratchet with an infinite number of
teeth. Its action is as follows:-When the mechanism is started in the manner
already described, the wheel "W" travelling at a higher velocity than the
wheel h, catches up the eccentric detent and causes it to grip in the, groove
and drive forward the wheel h, the pinion V4" being secured to the same arbor
ash revolves at the same velocity, which being higher than that of the wheel "B"
hurries it forward and artificially shortens the length of the groove or notch"
F4"
in the disc "C" When the alarum mechanism is stopped the eccentricity of
the detent permits the wheel h to travel underneath it and the alarum train
is consequently disconnected from the clock-train. When the wheel "B" is
overhauled it causes the pinion "A" to hurry forward and the stud "D"
(Figure 5) leaves the stud "E" behind. The length of the groove "F" and
the diameter of the pinion A" are so proportioned that during overhauling
the pinion "A" makes less than one revolution. After being overhauled the
wheel "B" remains stationary until the stud "Ea" has again caught up the
stud "D" and drives forward the pinion "A." The length of the groove or
notch "F" determines the number of revolutions made by the barrel or crank
disc "X" which is fixed on one of the arbors of the alarum-train. The
arbors a, a³ (Figure 2) are prevented, by suitable means, from revolving with
the gearing, but are not so securely fixed as to prevent them being moved by
the indicators 62, 63 which are secured to them.
$6
66
The indicators 62, 63 being secured to the arbors a², 43 are capable of rotating
the discs "C2, C3" so that the grooves or notches F" may be brought into
exact coincidence with the times indicated on the dial.
Figures 10 and 11 show a modified arrangement of alarum mechanism
whereby the use of overhauling gear is obviated. "A" is a pinion driven by
the clock-train gearing with the wheel "B," the ratio of "A" to "B" being
such that "B" makes one revolution in 24 hours. "B" has boss "B" and is
loose on the hollow arbor a, through which passes the arbor a. To the hollow
arbor is secured the lever "C4" and to other arbor as is secured the lever "C5."
The levers C4, C5" carry the pins "J6, J7" which engage with the levers "L, L7"
which have one fulcrum in common in n which has bearings in the frame. Also
attached to n are the levers and m. The lever m is connected through the link f to
the lever "L" which actuates the bar or rocking shaft "N" to which is attached
the stop-lever "P" The end of the lever "P" is provided with a hook or catch
arranged to engage with a notch or notches cut in the periphery of the disc "Go"
fixed on one of the arbors of the alarum train. Also attached to the bar "N" is the
lever having a hook or catchi arranged to engage with a pin or stud q, on the
disc or wheel r on one of the arbors of the alarum train. Also on the disc or
heel but on, the opposite side to the pin 7 is the pin s so arranged that it can
engage with the hooked end of the lever 7: "S" as before is the mainspring or
drum of the alarum mechanism: "U" is the great wheel: "X" the crank,
disc, or barrel fixed upon one of the arbors of the alarum train-preferably, but
not necessarily upon that on which is fixed the disc "G6"; 64, 65 are the
indicators one, for the time of opening the valve, and the other for the time of
closing it-having cones formed upon and within them in such a manner that
they and the wheel "B" may be securely bound or clamped together by
the milled head nut ton and they are so arranged upon their respective
arbors a, a that they are free to slide upon them, but also that they can

page_text: "
rotate the arbors and with them the levers 0,05"; u is the indicator dial
attached to the wheel B by the pillars , and revolving with it. "I" is
a cranked spindle having its bearing in the sleeve "I" and having attached at
its outer end the turn button 12." By turning the button 12" the cranked
spindle will depress or elevate as may be arranged-the levers "L" and "L7"
out of the way of the pins "Jo" and "J" during the setting of the indicators 61
and b and so prevent the starting of the "alarum " train and the consequent
operating of the valve during the setting of the apparatus. On releasing the
turn button "12" the levers "L" and L are caused to return to their normal
position by means of a light spring or other equivalent device. "S' " is the
key square on the arbor of the main spring or drum "S" and great wheel "U"
and is for the purpose of winding up "S." "Q" is the ordinary fly or fan
commonly used to regulate the velocity of the train of wheels. The train of
wheels between the great wheel "U" and the fly "Q" constitute the alarum
or actuating train and their number proportions and arrangements may be varied.
The action is as follows:-The indicators 6, 6 being brought opposite the
hours on the dial u at which the operations of opening and closing are required
to take place; the pins "J, J7" are also brought opposite those hours; the
milled head nut is then tightened up, and the indicators 6, 6 are clamped
together, and to the wheel B" so that they and the arbors a, a, levers 0,0³”
and pins J, J" all revolve together at the rate of one revolution in 24 hours.
If we describe the action of one set of parts, the action of the other set will be
understood to be the same, but operating at a different time. As the lever "C".
revolves the pin "J," engages with the lever L6" raising it and the lever
together; at the same time the levers and Ps" are through the link f also
raised until P3" is clear of its notch and p is clear of the pin q. The alarum
train is now free, and revolves until the pins catches against the hooked end
of the lever l. This amount of revolution is provided in order that the length
of contact between the pin "J" and the lever "L" may be appreciable, and
so that the notch in Go" shall travel from under the end of the lever
far enough to prevent "P" again falling into the notch when it is released.
When the pin "J" passes the end of the lever "L," which is arranged to
take place at the time indicated by 6 on the dial u the lever drops away from
the pins and again releases the alarum train. But owing to the previous
movement of the disc "Go," "Pa" does not fall into the notch in "Go" but upon
the periphery of it and it keeps p sufficiently raised to clear the pin g until the
notch comes round again when 1 falls into it and the alarum train is
stopped. If less than one revolution of "G" be required for each operation of
opening or closing the valve then an additional notch or notches are cut in its
periphery in such positions as may be required. The slot shown in the end of
the link permits the lever to fall sufficiently far to clear the pin s while the
lever "P" is riding on the periphery of the disc "G" The distance revolved
through by the barrel or crank disc "X" is regulated and determined by the
ratio of the gearing between the disc G6" and the arbor upon which
X" is
fixed.
"
"
+6
"
P3"
It will now be readily understood that the operation of opening and closing a
valve may be repeated automatically for as many days as the respective main
springs will keep the alarum and clock trains going at each winding up.
It has now been shown how to obtain an intermittent rotary motion of the
barrel or crank disc "X," the times and extents of such motions being pre-
viously determined. This motion may be applied to the operating of a valve
through the medium of any suitable mechanisni, such for instance as that
described in the Specification of the application for Letters Patent No. 26792
of 1898, one example of which is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the valve
lever being actuated by bringing down two chains or cords from its ends
respectively, and connecting them to opposite ends of a T-shaped lever, "14"
slotted at "14b" worked by the pin X1" on the crank disc "X"

page_text: in said slot; or by so placing the mechanism that the crank disc will
actuate directly a slotted lever attached to the valve. This mechanism however
does not constitute part of the present invention only being described for the
purpose of more clearly illustrating the application of the same.
We do not confine ourselves to the exact details of construction shewn as
these may be modified without departing from the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
1 claim is:
1. The combination and arrangement of the parts constituting alarum
mechanism substantially as illustrated on Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 of the
accompanying drawings and for the purposes described.
2. The combination and arrangement of the parts constituting alternative
alarum mechanism substantially as illustrated on Figures 10 and 11 of the
accompanying drawings and for the purposes described.
3. The combination and arrangement of the whole of the parts substantially
as described and as illustrated on Figures 10, 11 and 14, of the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this 2nd day of February 1900.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, and 25 Cross Street, Manchester,
Agents.