and Analogous Purposes.
Year: 1885

page_text: Household and Analogous Purposes.
I, WILLIAM FOULIS, of 42 Virginia Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of the said invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAPIDLY HRATING WATER FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND ANALOGOUS PURPOSES to be as follows:
This Invention, which relates to improvements in apparatus for rapidly heating
water for household and analogous purposes, has for its object to so quickly heat
cold water that by opening a valve at any part of a building one or more gas
burners are ignited and a plentiful supply of hot water almost immediately
obtained.
The apparatus consists of a thin water casing which may be dome shaped of an
annular or equivalent contour. Within this casing there is an upright tube rising
towards the upper part thereof through which the flame of the burner rises and
passes down round the tube close to the inner side of the water casing and the
flame may pass round the exterior of the said casing before escaping into the
chimney. A water inlet is provided at the lower part of the casing and a water
outlet pipe at the upper part thereof. The latter rises up through the building.
and is fitted with taps or valves at the levels it is required to draw off the water.
In order to render the heating of the water automatic, a differential valve is
placed at any required level of the building in connection with the water supply,
and this valve when opened causes a gas regulating valve to be also opened and so
supply gas to the burner or burners of the heater there being a small constant jet
of gas always burning to ignite the gas when so turned on, and when the valve is
shut the gas valve is correspondingly closed; or the flow of gas for heating is
rendered automatic by connecting a gas regulating valve having a passage leading
to the burner or burners with a copper pipe or its equivalent so that as the said
copper pipe or its equivalent becomes lengthened by expansion when the water is
hot, the gas valve is closed.
"

page_text: Household and Analogous Purposes.
I, WILLIAM FOULIS, of 42 Virginia Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark
North Britain, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR RAPIDLY HEATING WATER FOR HOUSEHOLD
AND ANALOGOUS PURPOSES and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
My Invention, which relates to improvements in apparatus for rapidly heating
water for household and analogous purposes, has for its object to so quickly heat
cold water that by opening a valve at any part of a building one or more gas
burners are ignited and a plentiful supply of hot water almost immediately
obtained.
The apparatus consists of a thin water casing which may be dome shaped of an
annular or equivalent contour. Within this casing there is an upright tube rising
towards the upper part thereof through which the flame of the burner rises and
passes down round the tube close to the inner side of the water casing and the
Hame may pass round the exterior of the said casing before escaping into the
chimney. A water inlet is provided at the lower part of the casing and a water
outlet pipe at the upper part thereof. The latter rises up through the building
and is fitted with taps or valves at the levels it is required to draw off the water.
In order to render the heating of the water automatic, a valve is placed at any
required level of the building in connection with the water supply, and this valve
when opened causes a gas regulating valve to be also opened and so supply gas to
the burner or burners of the heater, there being a small constant jet of gas always
burning to ignite the gas when so turned on, and when the valve is shut the gas
valve is correspondingly closed, or the flow of gas for heating is rendered automatic
by connecting a gas regulating valve, having a passage leading to the burner or
burners, with a copper pipe or its equivalent so that as the said copper pipe or its
equivalent becomes lengthened by expansion when the water is hot, the gas valve
is closed.
In order that my Invention may be properly understood and readily carried into
effect, I will now proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 is a view, the right-hand half in plan and the left-hand half in horizontal
section taken partly on the line A, B, C, D, E, Figure 2, of a water-heater as
constructed according to and constituting a part of my present Invention.
Figure 2, is a view of the same, the right-hand half in elevation and the left-hand
half in vertical section on the line F, G, Figure 1.
Figures 3 and 4 are vertical sections of water casings drawn to a reduced scale
and illustrating certain modified features of construction hereinafter described.
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a complete installation or system of apparatus
'for the constant supply of hot water throughout a building all as arranged and
constructed in accordance with my present Invention.
Figures 6 to 11 (inclusive) are views of various forms of differential valves as
constructed to and constituting a part of my present Invention and all hereinafter
more particularly described.

page_text: Figures 12 to 25 (inclusive) are views of various forms of gas valves adapted to
close by the expansion and open by the contraction of a copper tube all as herein-
after more particularly described.
Under my present improvements, the water-heater as represented at Figures 1
and 2 of the annexed drawings, consists of a thin water space a, which is formed
between the inner casing b, and the outer casing c. These casings which may be
dome shaped of an annular or equivalent contour are formed of copper or other
metal plate and the surface of the inner casing may be corrugated in the manner
represented at Figure 2, so as to prevent collapsing under pressure, or the inner and
outer casing may be connected by stays for the same object as is well understood.-
The inner and outer casings b, and c, are secured water-tight one within the other,
permanently as represented at Figures 1 and 2, or for the purpose of facilitating
the cleansing thereof they may be secured together in the manner represented at
Figure 3, wherein each such casing is provided with a horizontal flange, both flanges
being connected together by bolts e, or screws, or as represented at Figure 4, the
said two casings b, and c, may be secured together by means of the bolts and nuts f
which draw the lower portions tightly together. To the lower part of the water
space a, water is admitted through the inlet h, (Figures 1 and 2) the outlet from
the said water space a, being at the top as indicated at i.
In order to prevent the water from flowing direct from the inlet to the outlet
and thus escape without being thoroughly heated, I provide the spiral baffle plate j.
This baffle plate j, causes the water to follow a circuitous path as it ascends to the
top of the heater, that is to say, whilst passing over that part of the heater by
which the maximum amount of heat is received, so that immediately before leaving
the heater the water is brought up to its maximum temperature. Within the water
casing a, there is provided the vertical tube or cylinder k, which is supported by
and within the case. l, which also surrounds the lower part of the said water
casing a, supported therein.-The upper part of the case l, is closed by the annular
lid or cover m, and the outlet n, is provided so that the products of combustion.
may, by the pipe o, be conducted to any suitable vent or chimney.-The case 7,-
and its contained water casing a, are supported on the legs q, and below the said
water casing a, are arranged the gas burners r, of which there may be any desired:
number. A small "pilot burner" is kept continually burning in close proximity
to the burners r, so that when gas is admitted to the said burners r, it is readily
ignited. This pilot burner which is not represented upon the annexed drawings, is
supplied with gas through a pipe preferably independent of that by which the gas
to the burners r, is supplied. The products of combustion from the burners r, pass
up into the combustion chamber constituted by the tube k, which is of sufficient
dimensions to ensure the combustion being complete before coming into contact
with the water casing a. The products of combustion then pass as indicated by
the arrows at Figure 2, down outside the tube or cylinder k, and then through the
openings 8, to the outside of the water casing and thence to the outlet n.
In one form of the apparatus constituting my invention, the taps or valves
through which it is desired to draw off the hot water, are connected directly with
the outlet i, of the water heater, and in another form, the apparatus constituting
my Invention, an intermediate hot water vessel is employed.. Under this latter
construction, a pipe t, as indicated in the diagram Figure 5, is connected to the
outlet i, and is continued upwards and terminates in the said bot water vessel u,
and to complete the circulation, a return pipe connected to the lower part of the
vessel, is continued down and connected, at its lowermost end to the water heater..
In order to render the supplying of gas to the burners r, in the first form of the
apparatus mentioned in the preceding paragraph, an action dependent upon that of
drawing off hot water, I employ a valve which may be of many forms as herein-
after described. One form of this valve is represented in vertical section at Figure 6,
and at Figures 7 and 8 respectively in elevation and in plan.-This. valve is
connected by its inlet y, directly to the source of water. supply and the outlet z, is
connected to the inlet h, of the water heater. In this construction of valve, the

page_text: .
valve proper d¹, (Figure 6) is formed in one with the spindle e¹, upon which is also
the cup leather f¹, and piston g', which are held in position by the nut h¹. The
superficial area of the valve d³, is greater than that of the piston g¹, so that it is
caused to rise by the pressure of the water on its underside, when, by the opening
of any tap or valve for drawing off hot water, the pressure from its top side has
been partially removed.-The gas valve b¹, which is connected by its inlet c¹, direct
to the gas supply and by its outlet a¹, to the burners r; is or may be pressed down
upon its seat by the spring n¹, and the lower end of the spindle l, rests in a recess
formed in the arm, which is secured to the spindle e¹, by the nut k¹, so that when
the valve d¹, in the manner herein before described, is raised, the gas valve b¹, is
also raised and allows the gas entering by the inlet c¹, to pass through the outlet a',
and thence to the burners r. These cold water and gas supply valves remain open
until such time as the drawing off of hot water ceases when the pressure of the
water supply is regained above the valve and acting upon the larger area thereof
closes the valve d¹, and leaves the gas valve b¹, free to be closed by the pressure of
the spring n. In place of employing the cup leather f¹, and piston g¹, for closing
the valve d, this may be effected by a spiral or equivalent spring.
In the valve which is represented in transverse vertical section at Figure 9 and
in plan at Figure 10, of the annexed drawings the internal construction is similar
to that hereinlast described with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, and on which
Figures, letters of reference similar to those at Figures 9 and 10 indicate corre-
sponding parts. The means by which the gas valve b', is opened simultaneously
with the valve d¹, (Figure 9) consists of the lever p²; one end of which is connected
to a short shaft carried in the bracket q¹, and at its other end connected by the
nut, to the valve spindle e¹. A second lever 8¹, is secured and transmits the
motion to the gas valve b', the spindle ¹, of such valve being always in contact
with the said lever 8¹.
In the valve arrangement represented in longitudinal vertical section at Figure 11
of the annexed drawings, the gas valve and the valve d³, are arranged upon a
*spindle common to both. This spindle t¹, may, as represented in dotted lines, be
made up of two connected parts. The valve d, and the cup leather f¹, and piston g¹,
are constructed in a manner similar to that herein before described with reference to
Figures 6 to 10 inclusive, excepting that in Figure 11 these corresponding parts
are shewn in an inverted position and the gas valve u¹, may also be constructed
similarly to the gas valves shewn in the aforesaid Figures or the said gas valve
may, as represented at Figure 11, be provided with the washer u³, of India rubber
or leather or the equivalent thereof supported upon the metal disc v¹. The spring n¹,
is arranged to exert its pressure so as to close the gas valve b², and the stuffing
box w¹, against which the lower end of the spring n¹, bears, prevents any of the
water passing into the gas pipes. It is obvious that upon the pressure being
released from the underside of the valve d, (Figure 11) the pressure of water upon
it, causes it to descend and open communication between the water inlet y, and the
water outlets, and at the same time opens communication between the gas inlet
and outlet c¹, and a', respectively. It is to be understood that in place of using a
differential valve as shewn in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 a spring may be applied
to the valve d¹, which, by virtue of its elasticity, closes the valve.
In the second form of apparatus constituting this Invention, the supply gas to
the burners r, is rendered automatic and dependent upon the lowering of the
temperature of the water within the closed vessel u, (Figure 5) by a gas valve
constructed in such manner that it is opened and closed by the contraction and
expansion respectively of a copper tube or its equivalent placed within the vessel u.
One form of valve operating arrangement as stated in the preceding paragraph
is represented in longitudinal section at Figure 12. In this construction the
valve ¹, is screwed upon the iron or equivalent rod y', and is secured thereon by
the nut 2. The seat of the valve ¹, is formed within the casing the outlet a¹,
and inlet c, of which are arranged one at each side of the said valve. The valve
casing it, is rigidly secured. to the tubular stem a², which, by the nut b², or its

page_text: equivalent is secured to the lot-water vessel u, Figure 5, the said stem a³, being
provided with the inlet c³, which serves for the supply of cold water to such vessel.
The copper tube d', which is secured at its outer end to the stem a³, extends
inwards through the said stem and into the hot water vessel; a portion of the shell
of the said vessel being represented at u, Figure 12. The free end of the copper
tube d, is closed by the plug e, into which is also screwed the inner end of the
rod y. It is obvious from the foregoing description of the valve operating arrange-
ment, that the opening of the valve ¹, is effected by, and to the extent of, the
excess of contraction of the copper tube d³, over and above that of its contained iron
or equivalent rod y'.
In order to ensure that the valve ¹, may be opened-so soon as cold water is
admitted into the cistern u, I prefer to enclose the copper tube d, within an outer
casing f³, as represented at Figure 13 of the annexed drawings. This casing f*,
which may, as shewn, be formed in part with the stem a³, is provided with the per-
forations g, at its underside so that the cold water entering at the inlet c³, travels
along, and immediately reduces the temperature of the copper tube d³, and then
passes down through the perforations g², to the lower part of the vessel u, where,
by the circulating action, it is caused to pass direct to the water heater.
In the valve arrangement which is represented in longitudinal section at
Figure 13, two valves ¹, are used and, being secured to the same rod y¹, open
simultaneously. Two inlets c¹, are formed in the valve casing i¹, and the gas
entering through these, in two separate currents, passes out through the outlet a¹,
in one common stream or current. The operation of these valves a¹, being effected in
a manner precisely similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 12,
need not be herein further dealt with.
The valve operating arrangement represented in longitudinal section at Figures 14
and 21, are those whereby the temperature at which the water is maintained, is
rendered adjustable from time to time as required.
In the arrangement represented at Figure 14, the valve h³, is pressed down upon
its seat by the spring is, and when the said valve has been moved off its seat, it opens
communication between the gas outlet a¹, and the inlet c¹, in the manner hereinbefore
described with reference to Figure 12. The valve h³, is screwed and capable of being
adjusted upon the short metal rod 2, which is free to move longitudinally, but is
prevented from rotating by means of the key k*, which engages with the key-way 12,
formed in the plug m. The copper tube, under this construction, is rigidly secured
in the fixed plug m2, and the iron or equivalent rod y', which corresponds to those
indicated at Figures 12 and 13, is screwed or otherwise secured in the short rod j³.
The copper tube d², with its contained rod y, pass inwards through the tubular
stem n³, to the interior of the hot water vessel. To this stem n², are rigidly con-
nected the valve casing i¹, and the plug m³, that is to say, the non-operative
portions of the valve. At its opposite end the tube d', may be plugged in the
manner hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 12 and 13, but where an
increased range of motion is desired to be imparted to the gas valve, the said tube d²,
is screwed into one side of the small cylindrical box o³, which is closed in, at its
opposite side, by the screwed plug p². A second copper tube q³, containing an iron
or equivalent rod 78, is screwed into the box o³, and parallel with the tube d. The
tube 93, is closed at its end by the plug e³, and the rod ³, is screwed into the said
plug. The two free ends of the rods y¹, and ³, are supported in conical recesses
formed in the lever 8³, the fulcrum of which is constituted by the knife edges t²,
and is so disposed as to move the rod y¹, through a distance greater than that
traversed by the rod r³. The knife edges t, of the lever &³, which is represented in
plan at Figures 14 and 19, and at Figures 15 and 16 respectively in end and front
elevations, are supported in V shaped recesses u³, (Figure 18) formed in the plug p²;
the shape of which otherwise is so clearly illustrated at Figures 14, 17, 18 and 19
respectively in section, in side and front elevations, and in plan, as to render
unnecessary any further description thereof. The valve casing ', (Figure 14), is
closed in front by the screwed cover v³, which may, as represented in front elevation

page_text: at Figure 20, be engraved with divisions and marked with degrees of temperature,
and the index w³, which is secured to the short shaft x, may be adjusted to any
such division. When such adjustment is made the shaft x³, by its pin y³, (Figure 14)
causes the valve h³, to rotate and thereby screws it upon the rod ³, and consequently,
according to the direction in which it is rotated, adjusts the range of motion of the
said valve. To prevent the escape of gas around the shaft x, the disc z³, is pro-
vided thereon and between this and the inner surface of the cover v³, a leather or
equivalent washer is provided.
It is obvious from the foregoing description of valve-operating mechanism that
the valve h2, is opened by the amount of contraction of the copper tubes d³, and q²,
being greater than that of the rods y¹, and r³, and it is also obvious how, by the
addition of a greater number of such copper tubes and iron or equivalent rods
and levers 8, the range of motion imparted to the valve h², may be increased
jndefinitely.
At Figure 21, I have represented in horizontal section, at Figures 22 and 23, in
transverse section respectively taken on the lines HI and J K. Figure 21, at
Figure 24, in side elevation and at Figure 25, in end elevation, a valve operating
arrangement wherein the extent to which the valve h², is capable of being opened,
is adjustable by the screw a³. The valve h³, is pressed down upon its seat by the
spring i³, and is raised from off its said seat by means of the lever b³, of which the
fulcrum is constituted by the point of the adjustable screw a³, the adjustment of
the same also determining the temperature at which the valve closes. The free end
of the rod y¹, engages with a conical recess formed in the lever b³, and by the excess
of contraction of the copper tube d², over and above that of the rod y¹, the end of
the said rod bearing against the lever 63, forces it outwards and opens the valve
and thereby effects communication between the outlet a¹, and the inlet c'.
In the diagram shewn at Figure 5 of the annexed drawings, the valve, therein
represented is one corresponding to that which has been herein before described with
reference to Figure 14. It is seen on referring to this Figure 5, that the gas
outlet a¹, is connected by the pipe d*, directly with the burners r, and that the
gas is supplied to the said valve through the pipe e, which is connected to the
inlet c, and to any convenient main or other gas supply pipe.-The cold water
inlet c², is connected by the pipe f*, to the cold water supply vessel g', which in the
ordinary manner is fitted with a ball cock or valve.
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
I claim is
First. The water heating apparatus shewn at Figures 1 and 2 of the annexed
drawings consisting of a chamber or casing in which the water is contained in a
thin layer, the cold water entering the said chamber at the lower part thereof
where the temperature is low and becoming gradually heated up to the point where
the water leaves the said chamber which point is the hottest, this being effected by
the combustion of gas, mineral oil or other fuel, the intensity of the combustion
being directed to the point where the water leaves the heater, whilst the interior of
the said chamber is provided with a tube or casing in which complete combustion
takes place prior to the products of such combustion coming into contact with
the comparatively cool surfaces of the heater all substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Second. The arrangement of valves shown at Figures 6 to 11 (inclusive) on
sheets 3 and respectively of the annexed drawings, wherein the drawing off of
hot water from the heater causes the opening of the gas supply valve in the manner
and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
Third. The arrangement of valves shewn at Figures 12 and 13 on sheet 4 of
the annexed drawings wherein the opening and closing of the gas supply valve
is regulated by the contraction and expansion of a metallic tube all operating
substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: Fourth. The arrangement of valve shewn at Figures 14 to 20 (inclusive) on
sheet 4 of the annexed drawings wherein the opening and closing of the gas supply
valve is regulated by the contraction and expansion of two or more metallic tubes
acting on the said valve, the temperature adjustment being effected by the arrange-
ment shewn on the drawings all substantially as herein before described.
Fifth. The arrangement of valve shewn at Figures 21 to 25 (inclusive) on
sheet 5 of the annexed drawings wherein the opening and closing of the gas supply
valve is regulated by the contraction and expansion of a metal tube acting upon a
lever the temperature adjustment for the operating of such valve being effected
by an adjusting screw acting upon the said lever substantially as herein before
described.
Sixth. The application of the perforated casing f³, shewn at Figure 13 sheet 4
of the annexed drawings, to any of the valve arrangements shewn at Figures 12
to 25 inclusive all substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
Dated this eighth der of Ian 19RF
J. H. JOHNSON, DAY & JOHNSON,
Applicant's Agents.