IMPROVEMENTS IN METERS FOR GAS OR LIQUIDS
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Haseltine, of the "International Patent
Office," Southampton Buildings, London, Doctor of Laws, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN METERS FOR GAS OR LIQUIDS."-A com-
munication from abroad by D. Brainard Spooner, of Syracuse,
New York, United States of America.
Sealed the 8th April 1873, and dated the 6th December 1872.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said George Haseltine at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 6th December 1872, pursuant to the 9th Section
of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
HASELTINE, of "the International Patent Office," Southampton Build-
ings, London, Doctor of Laws, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN METERS FOR GAS OR LIQUIDS," and have petitioned Her Majesty to
grant unto me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal
Letters Patent for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that
it has been communicated to me from abroad by D. Brainard Spooner,
of Syracuse, New York,.United States of America.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Haseltine, do hereby declare
that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and seal, fully
describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed in and by the following statement,
reference being had to the accompanying Drawing forming a part of
this Specification :-
This Invention is designed for use in measuring gas or liquids, and
relates more especially to that class of meters known as diaphragm
meters in which a central diaphragm is carried from side to side by the
inflow of water alternately upon each side through proper ports, the
movement of the diaphragm through intermediate connections operating
the valves to regulate the supply and discharge.
It consists mainly, first, in the employment of a projection of
prismatic form attached to a yoke operated by disc arms in connection
with a corresponding apex upon the carrier frame, which operates the
valves; second, in the employment of a pendant carrier frame for sup-
porting the valve rods and valves; third, in the combination of a central
diaphragm with enclosing discs, the said diaphragm being adapted to
vibrate between the discs which are connected at their edges to the
diaphragm, and are adapted to move as one mechanism when operated
by the diaphragm; fourth, in the combination of a cast valve stem
having valves of peculiar construction with a divided valve chest.
It further consists in certain other combinations and details of con-
struction.

page_text: Figure 6 represents partly in section the upper part of a meter,
shewing some modifications of construction.
Figure 7 represents a sectional elevation of the valve ports, the
arrangement of the parts being the opposite of that shewn in Figures 1
and 6.
Figure 8 represents an end elevation of the main portion of Figure 6;
and
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section illustrating a modified construction
of the valve rod and valves shewn in Figure 6.
The diaphragm a, when made of india-rubber or other gum, is
moulded into form with an extended surface inside the outer rim which
comes between the flanges of the two shells of the meter, so as to nearly
or exactly fit the inner surface of either half of the measuring chamber
without stretching, a matter of great importance in the practical
working of the machine. Other materials may be used for this
diaphragm besides vulcanized gum, such as leather, cloth, or waterproof
paper, the inner surface of which may be stretched, knit, or pressed into
form, as shewn in the Drawing and for the purposes above described;
but I do not confine myself to any particular material or mode of
extending the inner surface thereof, the idea being a diaphragm for med
as and for the purposes described.
It will be observed that the diaphragm rim can be compressed more
or less to bring the inner surfaces of the halves of the shell to varied and
uncertain distances apart. I cast upon the faces of the shell at the joint,
and outside the edge of the diaphragm, bosses that come solidly together
when the two halves of the shell are bolted together, so as to determine
the exact distance apart of the discs and arms, irrespective of the thickness
of the diaphragm; or in place of the bosses above described the whole
circle of the shell may be raised outside of the edge of the diaphragm, in
extent sufficient to accomplish the same result. It is important for the
durability of the diaphragm that it should be bent as little as possible at
any one point, and all short curves in the parts in contact therewith are
to be avoided, consequently the shell at its junction with the diaphragm
is curved outwardly as clearly shewn in Figure 1. The two discs 6 placed
one on each side of the diaphragm a are dished in form, and have their
edges curved backward, as seen in section, Figure 1, to keep the diaphragm
from coming in contact therewith, and they are furnished with bosses
.

page_text: 6¹ on their outside surfaces that come in contact with similar bosses on
the inside of the shell, to determine exactly their outward movement,
on which depends the quantity of water discharged at each pulsation of
the diaphragm. The discs are perforated like a colander to allow the
water in the chamber to freely pass to either side of them; at their
centre on their convex side a spindle 6 projects, and enters a hole of
proper form to receive it in the lower end of the vibrating arm c that
extends up into the cap and there connects with the valve movement;
the eye or hole before named is made flaring, as seen in the Drawings,
so as not to bind on the spindle of the disc, while on the side next to the
disc it fits the spindle and holds the disc in place, but allows it a slight
irregular movement at its edge to accommodate itself to the diaphragm,
and the bosses upon which it strikes at the end of its stroke; the
fulcrums of the arms c are between the centre of the discs and the
valve mechanism at c¹, and at the right distance from the flange of the
shell to allow the curved faces of the discs to somewhat compress
the diaphragm, when the two discs are forced toward each other by
the pressing apart of the ends of the arms opposite those in which the
discs are hung, and inserting the fulcrums c¹ which unite in action the
yoke, apex, weight, arms, discs, and diaphragm. It will thus be seen that
by having the faces of the discs curved to an extent sufficient to carry
their edges back to a line out of reach of the diaphragm, and then
compressing said diaphragm between the curved faces of the discs as
described, thus causing the discs and that part of the diaphragm which
is compressed by said discs to move in unison without slip or independent
movement of the diaphragm at that point, great durability of said
diaphragm is assured, and the discs are securely held in place. Directly
above the arm fulcrum c¹ a projection c* is formed having a groove in it,
into which an elastic flexible cup-shaped sleeve d is placed, the tension
of which aided by the pressure of water upon the outside thereof makes
a water-tight joint at that point; the bearing surface upon the arm which
receives the impact of the lower end of the above mentioned sleeve
may be increased indefinitely, and a like increase made to the length of
the sleeve, thereby adding to the tension of said sleeve and the pressure
of water thereupon; the upper edge of this sleeve d flares out in the form
of a flange that fits within a proper recess around the hole, through
which the arm c³ extends from the body of the meter into the cap, and
when the valve chest plate is put in position it covers the upper side of
said flange and its recess in the shell, and when permanently united by

page_text: the bolts which fasten the cap valve chest plate and shell of the meter
together, the flange of the upper part of said sleeve is thereby
compressed, making a water-tight barrier at that place. Perfect freedom
of action is allowed the arms by the use of this flexible sleeve d which
prevents the flow of water from the cap to the measuring chamber
through the arm ports; the lower or moving part of the flexible partition
or sleeve d is attached to the disc arm just above its fulcrum, by means
of which arrangement but little motion is communicated to the partition
and consequently it is subjected to but little wearing strain; this sleeve
is formed in a mould when made of india-rubber or other gum, and
vulcanized therein, but I do not confine myself to the use of gum, or
to any particular form, as other flexible substances and forms may
be used.
The upper part of the arm c³, above the sleeve d, is forked; e³, the upper
ends of the fork, being pivotted to a yoke e, a plan view of which is seen
at Figure 3. This yoke is formed of two side pieces joined by a single
cross piece near one end. The said yoke unites the upper ends of arms
c, and causes them and the discs to move in unison. The other ends
of the yoke have the apex arms and weight of pivotted to them (see
Figure 3). From the under face of the apex weight a triangular prism
g projects with its apex or angle downward. This prism is made of glass,
hard rubber, or gutta percha, wood, silex, or metal; but after long
experiment with different materials, glass or gum seems to have the
preference. The employment of glass or hard rubber or both for the
prism is especially advantageous because these substances will not act
chemically upon the water nor will they hold any deposit which may
settle upon them. Metals on the other hand are not only liable to rust
themselves but also to act chemically upon the water and cause a
deposition of the substances held in solution. The sediment also of the
water especially of that impregnated with lime or sulphur will be held
by the metal when deposited thereon. By these various causes the
movement of the metals upon each other is impeded and finally stopped.
The method of settling shown in the Drawing is to insert the glass
through an aperture in the cup fand then screw a plate over it to hold
it in place. The cup may be weighted sufficiently for the purpose for
which it is intended. Directly under the yoke e I suspend the valve
carrier by means of links h¹ that connect it with arms i, that project
from the upper section i of the valve chest (these are shown also at

page_text: Figure 2). At the centre of the valve carrier I place a triangular prism
h similar to g above named, with its apex up and directly under the
prism g, so that the inclined faces of the two prisms shall come in
contact, as seen in the Drawing, Figure 1. The ends of the valve carrier
h are turned downward so as to come below the centre of the ports of
the valve chest. The said valve chest is formed in two parts or halves,
the upper part i having the arms &, before described, on it, and the lower
half being cast with the base k that fits over the top of the openings
into the measuring chamber. The valve chest is composed of four
vertical partitions dividing it into. three chambers. A circular hole is
made through each other of these partitions horizontally in line with each
other; but the two holes or ports in the two inner partitions of the
chest being the exhaust ports are made somewhat larger than the inlet
ports in the outside walls of said valve chest, to compensate in the
difference in pressure between the inlet and outlet on exhaust side of
diaphragm, said difference in pressure being equal to the amount of
power required to work the meter; but the valve being balanced to a
nicety the power to shift the valve is slight, consequently the difference
in the size of the inlet and exhaust ports for the passage of the water
to and from the measuring chamber, the two outside chambers of
the valve chest open through their bottom into the measuring chamber,
one on each side of the diaphragm a. The centre one n has an
outlet pipe o, Figure 2, that discharges the water through it. This
pipe o opens from the lower part j of the valve chest, and curves
outside the valve chest through the base k, and comes out below it.
This arrangement of the exit pipe enables one to fit the cap to the
base plate k, without any disturbance of the outlet pipe or extra
fitting which was heretofore required when the exit pipe went through
the cap.
The valve chest is made in two parts i and j, divided horizontally
through the centre, as seen in Figure 2, for the purpose of inserting the
valves and valve stem in place. The parts are then closed and screwed
tightly together with a lead packed joint, or otherwise made water-tight
in any convenient way. The base plate k covers the top of the measuring
L
CAMINUnination baturn

page_text: bolted together by the same bolts passing down through them. Three
valves p, p, and q, are cast solidly on the stem.r, which runs horizontally
through the centre of the ports, and is suspended by two centres 8-in
the two ends of the valve carrier h. The valves p close the inlet ports
alternately of the valve chest. The
exit ports.
valve q closes alternately the two
To make certain of closing the ports p, p, and q to an extent
sufficient to prevent the escape of water under all pressures, and to
prevent noise and the disturbance of the meter by concussion when the
valves strike or fall upon their seats, and also to diminish the cost of
production, I stretch over each valve an elastic covering y, which serves
as a cushion for the valves to strike upon, and renders the flow of water
between the valve and its seat impossible, when said valve is closed.
This covering y is moulded into form, and. has a hole through the centre
of its sides. to admit of the valve spindle, or shaft r, and outside this
hole between it and the outside edge of the covering there is a flat face
raised to correspond with face of the valve chest seat. The outside
edge of the covering above named is made much thicker than the rest,
and (as it is vulcanized) considerably smaller than the valve which
it covers; it has to be stretched to an extent sufficient to be placed
upon the valve when the tension of the rubber aided by the pressure of
the water upon the outside of the covering not only holds the covering
in position but prevents the flow of water between the covering and the
material upon which it rests. Or may apply the valve cover by
grooving the outer circumference of the valve, as shewn in Figure 4,
and placing a disc of india-rubber or other yielding substances Z over
the face of the valve, which is fastened down around its outer edge by
an elastic or other band.
In order to affix the covering, Figure 4, to the faces on the valve stem
fronting the valve seat, it will be necessary to puncture the centre of
the covering and stretch it over the valve, and then turn the edge back,
and secure as before. I do not confine myself to the use of india-rubber
for covering or facing the valves, as other elastic substances may be
used.
A modification in the mode of suspending the valve shaft may be
made by forming bearings at each end of the valve chest in front of the
valve chest ports, and placing the ends of the valve shaft r therein; said
bearings must be in proper line and place for the correct action of the

page_text: By this
valve shaft in opening and closing the valve chest ports.
modification the centres in the valve carrier which suspend the valve
shaft may be dispensed with, and the valve carrier be made to connect
with the valve stem in any convenient manner, either outside the
bearings in which the valve stem travels, or inside said bearings, between
them and the valve chest.
It will be readily seen that by thus uniting the valve carrier with the
valve stem, they will both find support upon the bearings on which the
valve shaft moves, the use of the links ¹ shewn in the Drawings, Figure
1, being thus rendered unnecessary. These bearings may be cast with
either half of the valve chest, Figure 2, or may be made separately and
secured thereto, as is most convenient.
The lower half of the valve chest, Figure 2, j, before named, is cast in
one piece with the base that fits over the top of the openings into the
measuring chamber, with openings through it opposite those in the
measuring chamber that open a communication between the said
chamber and the valve chest, to form the ports for the passage of the
water to and from the measuring chamber into the two outside
chambers 1, 1, of the valve chest. The cap W covers the valve chest
and other working parts, and the inlet for the water is through its top,
in the Drawing, directly over the apex weight f. This position for the
inlet pipe at x gives the advantage of the current directly upon the
cup f to aid the action of prism g upon the valve carrier.
The action of this improved meter is as follows:-When the exit
port is opened, the water with which the meter is filled commences
running through it, entering at the inlet pipe x, it descends into the
cap w and through the open port in the valve chest uncovered by tho
valve p, thence it descends into the measuring chamber until it is filled,
and the disc b against which the diaphragm a is forced moves back
until its bosses 61 strike the rest on the inside of the shell; this move-
ment of the disc forces back the lower end of the lever c and the upper
end c in an oppsite direction until the prism g mounts the face of
prism, and its apex passes that of the said prism. This brings the
apex weight to bear upon the opposite face of prism h², and causes
it to rapidly move in the opposite direction, bearing with it the
delicately suspended valve carrier and valves p, p, q, causing valve p
to close its port, and thus stop. a further supply to the measuring

page_text: chamber on that side of the diaphragm, and shifting the valve g in
the same direction which opens the exit port from that side of the
diaphragm, and closes the opposite exit port that communicates with
the other side of the diaphragm a and opens the inlet port that admits
water on that side. The water then enters and fills that side of the
diaphragm, forcing it in the opposite direction, and the water passes out
of the first side through the exit pipe, until the other side is filled, when
the opposite disc is forced back and the valves are in like manner
reversed. Thus the action of filling the chambers on either side of the
diaphragm alternately is continued so long as the water is allowed to
run, and if there is a register attached to register the number of
pulsations of the meter, the number of gallons of water drawn is accu-
rately measured, whether it runs slow or fast, under a heavy or light
pressure.
A modfication of the arrangement of the valves p, p, q, seen in the
Drawing, may be made by making the stem with two double faced
valves, or with four single faced valves, and inserting two of the valve
faces within cach of the two outer compartments 1, 1, of the valve
chest. This would necessitate the facing of the inner side of the outer
walls to compartments 1, 1, and the outer side of the inner walls to
the said compartments 1, 1, for the valves p; p, q, q, to rest upon when
closing the parts alternately of the valve chest. It will be seen that
by this arrangement of the valves p, p, q, q, upon the stem r, and
the insertion within the compartments b, b, that the arms e, e, will
have to be lengthened down from the centre of the disc spindle b* and
the bottom of the meter. The fulcrum c will have to be removed
from between the centre of the disc b and the valve mechanism, and
be placed between the centre of the disc b and the bottom of the
meter, and the disc spindles 62 be affixed to the arms, substantially
as described, but between the fulcrums upon which the arms move
and the valve mechanism. This arrangement of the valves p, p, I, I,
upon the stem r and placing them within the compartments 1, 1, and
inserting the fulcrums of the arms c below the centre of the disc b,
would reverse the action of the arms and the valve mechanism, and
accomplish substantially the same result as the arrangement of the
parts seen in the Drawing.
The curved edges of the disc b and their bearing against the

page_text: and the bosses 61 are used for arresting the action of the disc, but
these devices are found insufficient to protect the disc against fracture
under high pressure if made as thin as desirable. I therefore turn
into the outer shell a recess r that just allows the outer edge of the
disc to fit it and gives it a bearing to rest against; this contrivance
protects it against the pressure all around its edge.
The centres I have employed for uniting the valve carrier with the
valve stem have been heretofore screwed in and had jam nuts to hold
them, but they were very liable to work loose, which destroyed at once
the accuracy of the valves in closing the ports. I have therefore
substituted the centress that pass through a straight hole accurately
bored, and I form in their lower sides inclined notches clearly seen in
the Drawing, and insert through the arm of the carrier a set screw t
that securely holds them in place and keeps them tightly pressed up
to the centre in the valve stem.
The yoke e, as will be seen by reference to Figure 3, has two long
arms extending from the cross bar, with pivot points eat their ends
turning inward, which enter sockets in the rigid arms of the apex
lever, the spring of the arms of the yoke being sufficient to keep the
points of the pivots up to their bearings as the parts wear away. This
feature in the construction is important, as the entire well working
of the machine depends upon the accuracy of the contact of the
apexes.
The centre of the pivot point of the apex lever is located in line
with the centre of the apex for the purpose of causing the latter a
to move uniformly and in similar lines upon each side of the lower
apex.
The construction described possesses very many marked advantages.
The employment of the prismatic projection g in connection with the
corresponding projection of the carrier frame insures certainty of:
action at the proper time, and the instantaneous change of the valves.
The cause of this certainty of action and instantaneous change will be
understood when the operation of the projection g'is carefully observed.
When in operation this projection moves laterally and vertically upon
one of the inclined sides of the projection h², and necessarily presses a
at the same time the carrier frame and consequently the valves strongly
to place this action continues throughout the entire movement of the

page_text: yoke, which lasts until the meter fills, at which time the point of
projection 9 passing the apex of projection ³, the carrier frame is
consequently released, and is easily thrown to one side by the descent
of the weighted projection 9. From this description it will be perceived.
g.
that the carrier frame is held by the projection g until the meter fills,,
when it is at once made free to move, and quickly thrown to one
side. The operation of the projection g is much more perfect than
that of the friction roller formerly employed, for the reason that the
bearing point of the wheels, which in moving up the incline is on one
side instead of at the centre of the wheel, is compelled to pass the apex
of the lower projection some distance, that is to the centre of the wheel,
before the latter can descend. The employment of the pendant carrier
frame is specially advantageous, because the swinging movement to
shift the valves is made without an appreciable amount of friction.
By means of the enlarged area of the discharge openings, the outflow
of the water is facilitated and the pressure diminished, this decrease of
pressure upon one side of the diaphragm compensating in part for the
increased pressure required upon the other side to force the projection
over the apex e.
The valves it will be observed are balanced in their action, and their
use in connection with the pendant carrier frame by which they are
supported enables the valves to work under a very low pressure.
A weight is preferably employed in connection with the vertically
moving projection g, but if desired a spring or other equivalent may be
5 used instead. If desired some of the parts of the above-described
Invention may be used in connection with other well known parts, for
instance, the swinging carrier frame and its connections may be operated
by a friction wheel instead of by the projection g. If desired also some
of the parts may be used in connection with a piston meter. The
O modification of construction shewn in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, will now
be described. H, Figure 6, represents the yoke which is pivoted
between the forked ends of the disc arms J; G represents a projection of
prismatic form which is suitably attached to the yoke H in such a
manner as to have free vertical movement, this result being accomplished
5 in this case by means of a rod G sliding in a socket in the yoke; K
represents a strap of any suitable material which is centrally secured to
the sliding rod G and at each end to the yoke H, as shewn; by means of

page_text: this movement the rod is securely held in its vertical movement and
kept from bending on either side; I represents a weight which is
attached to the upper end of the rod G for the purpose of causing it to
fall quickly in its downward movement and with sufficient force to
operate the valves; E represents a carrier frame hung by means of links
F from the standards f, f, rising from the valve chest. The bearing
points of these links it will be observed hang upon knife edges for the
purpose of reducing the friction. This carrier frame is connected at its
lower end by means of set screws r to the valve rod C, carrying the
valves D, and is also provided with an apex or prismatic projection e
corresponding in form to the projection g. The set screws terminate in
points which rest in a corresponding central socket in the ends of shaft
O, as shewn. The construction of this shaft is peculiar. It is provided
with a flange c cast solidly with the shaft which is provided with a
shoulder c³, as shewn in Figure 9. It has, moreover, the central threaded
portion c, the threaded portions c³, c³, near the ends, and the plain bearings
c', c', at the extreme ends, as shewn; d represents the central portion
forming a double valve which controls the discharge of the water from
the meter. This portion when in place rests partially upon the shoulder
c¹ of the flange c, and partially upon the shoulder e¹ of the flanged nut
E', which has its inner circumference threaded to fit the central threaded
portion of the shaft; represents a flanged nut the inner circumference
of which is provided with a plain portion h³ and a threaded portion h³,
and which has also a shoulder h³; i represents the valve, the inner cir-
cumference of which also is provided with a plain portion i, a threaded
portion, and a recess ³, adapted to fit the shoulder; X represents a
washer which is placed upon the shaft to insure the perfect closing of
the ports and to deaden the force of the blow and prevent shock as the
valves move; a³ represents the valve seat, consisting of a projecting rib
having an oval face by means of which construction the surface upon
which the valve is liable to stick is reduced to the minimum. The valve
chest is cast solidly with the valve plate B, and is provided with walls
A, A, A, A, forming chambers 1, 2, 3, each of which is provided with ports
or openings a, a, a³, a¹, in line with each other and of nearly equal size,
the discharge ports a¹, a¹, being preferably however of slightly larger
area then the supply ports a, a.

page_text: while difficulty is experienced in obtaining perfect accuracy in screw
threads, the plain surfaces are easily made true in a lathe, and the union
of the plain surfaces and the screw threads insures an accurate and
secure attachment between the valves and the rod.
The employment of the set screws in connection with the central
shaft is especially advantageous because it affords a ready means of
adjusting the carrier frame, and consequently the projection. e for the
purpose of causing the valve to operate at the desired instant. It will
be readily understood by inspection of the drawing that the adjustment
of the carrier frame to either side will cause the projection g to reach the
apex of projection e sooner or later in the movement of the yoke, as the
case may be, by which means the operation of the valves occurs
at an earlier or later time than it otherwise would have taken place.
The casting of the valve plate, valve chest, and the standards for
holding the links of the carrier frame in one piece is advantageous, not
only because the expense of construction is reduced thereby, but also
because the number of joints to be packed is diminished. The movement
of the yoke is communicated to the registering device in any suitable
manner. If desired the position of the valves may be reversed as shown
in Figure 7, in which case the water is introduced through the central
chamber. The meter described has been found in practice to possess
great accuracy and durability.
In witness whereof, I, the said
set my hand and seal, this
George Haseltine, have hereunto
Sixth day of December, in the
icht hundead
Witness,
W. ROBT. LAKE,
8, Southampton Buildings,
London.
GEORGE HASELTINE. (L.S.)