Improvements in Hydraulic Elevators, and in Valves for Operating the same.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 17th June, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 9th Mar., 1892-Accepted, 9th Apr., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hydraulic Elevators, and in Valves for Operating
the same.
1, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which
has been communicated to me from abroad by Cofran I. Hall, of San Francisco,
California, United States of America, Engineer) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to hoists for raising or lowering passengers or goods by
means of rams or pistons, acted upon by water or other inelastic fluids under
pressure; and also indirectly acted upon by means of air or steam, to cause com-
pression of the inelastic fluid."
The invention consists in certain improvements in valves and attendant apparatus
for controlling the flow and application of inelastic fluids alone, and also to the
application of both inelastic and elastic fluids in combination with each other. For
inelastic fluids alone there is employed a sliding cylindrical valve moving in two
stationary packing leathers and so arranged as to be wholly withdrawn from the
water ways or ducts, permitting a free flow equal to their whole area, when the
hoist is making its upward stroke.
In descent or downward stroke, this cylindrical valve is moved so as to open free
communication through its interior, between the ram or piston and the waste pipe.
The valve itself requiring only one packing ring and being balanced in all positions
by reason of equal pressure on the ends. This valve I place in an articulated
chamber, the sections of which can be turned about their axis to accommodate the
position of inlet and outlet nozzles, and between which are placed the packing collars
of the valves.
The ends of the valve are preferably scalloped or formed with two or more
curved notches so as to cause a gradual flow of water at starting and stopping.
This invention also includes, in connection with valves of the larger size, a
hydraulic cylinder and piston to operate them by pressure, the hand gearing being
in that case applied to a supplementary valve controlling the hydraulic piston.
This supplementary valve corresponds to a common slide valve with considerable
lap on both the induction and eduction ports. The hydraulic cylinder has also in
its center exhaust ports that are covered by the piston when in its central or
neutral position. If the supplementary valve is moved either way, water enters at
a corresponding side of the piston, and it moves until it covers its own waste port,
stopping in the center. If the supplementary valve is moved farther, it opens
another exhaust way through its interior, and the piston goes on to complete its
stroke, thus providing an automatic neutral point for all motions.
In the case of employing both an elastic and an inelastic fluid, I place near the
cylinder of the hoisting ram or piston, a receiver or intermediate chamber to hold
enough water for one full stroke of the piston or ram, and then by means of
suitable valves admit steam to the receiver and water from the receiver to the
piston or ram of the hoists. These valves are moved simultaneously by means of
the usual handling gearing, the steam one being opened directly, but the water not
passing until the static pressure in the ram or piston cylinder, is balanced by the
pressure in the receiver. To attain this I employ in some cases two valves, their
backs facing each other, and in these valves again are two other valves that are
hinged and operate automatically, so that when either of the main or sliding valves
are open the water is free to flow through the other one but not to return.
In other cases I employ oscillating valves in a cylindrical case or chamber
having ports at its sides and hinged on an oscillating spindle in the center of the

page_text: cylindrical case; flap valves with curved faces that cover both ports when the
valve is in its central or neutral position, and thus form a stop valve. When
the valve stem is revolved so as to uncover one of the ports, the other remains
covered to flow in one direction, but being hinged and free to swing permits a free
flow in the other direction. In this way, and with either of the valves above named,
both of which have the same functions, communication is not opened between the
receiver and the main cylinder of the ram or piston until pressure is equal or nearly
equal in each, and there is consequently no false movement of the hoist up or down,
such as occurs when the steam and water valves are opened simultaneously and
when the pressure is not balanced.
My invention also includes an automatic stop valve, consisting of a cylindrical
case having ports in its sides and in the center an oscillating axis to which are
hinged two flap valves, so that by moving the axis either way one or the other of
the ports are covered and the flow of water is stopped in one direction but is free
to flow in the other direction, the same as in the case of the valve last above named,
but with the difference that when the valve is in its central or neutral position it is
open to flow either way. This valve I employ in addition to the other valves
named, for the purpose only of arresting the elevator cage at the extremes of its
stroke at the top and bottom.
Dated this 17th day of June 1891.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hydraulic Elevators, and in Valves for Operating
the same.
1, HERBERT JOHN ALLISON, of 52 Chancery Lane, London, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which
has been communicated to me from abroad by Cofran I. Hall, of San Francisco,
California, United States of America, Engineer), and in what manner the same is
to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The first part of this invention relates to valves applicable to elevators for raising
or lowering passengers or freight, operated by the pressure of air, steam or other
elastic fluid, applied through the medium of hydraulic apparatus to pistons or rams;
also applicable in any case where elastic and varying pressures are to be dealt with,
acting either as check or stop valve.
66
It consists in improvements on valves having similar functions, and described in
the Specification of my prior Patent No. 17840 dated 6th November 1890, for
Improvements in Hydraulic Elevators, and in Valves for Operating the same."
In the case of an elevator operated by an elastic fluid, such as is here chosen to
illustrate an application of my invention, the action of valves controlling the flow
of such fluid must depend in some measure on the weight of the load raised, and
also the velocity at which it is moved. If hydraulic apparatus is interposed
between the rams or pistons and the elastic fluid, this irregularity of range and
movement of the cage, due to a uniform opening and closing of the valves, will be
lessened, but not avoided.
To control this irregularity of movement and range of the ram or cage when two
sets of common valves are employed, having simultaneous action for both the air or
steam, and the water, such valves will produce exact movement of the pistons, rams
or cages, so long as the resistance or load is uniform.
If, however, when the valves are closed, the load upon the elevator is increased
or diminished, and the valves again opened, the cage will suddenly rise or descend
until the new load is balanced by the pressure last employed, the steam or air
expanding or yielding accordingly.

page_text: My present invention prevents such false movement, caused by employing the
pressure of an elastic fluid, by so controlling the flow of the water to and from the
pistons or rams that no sudden or false movement can occur; the valve being so
arranged as to permit a free flow in the course of the desired movement of the cage,
but closing automatically, as a check valve, to any reverse movement of the water,
or when the retained elastic pressure of the steam or air is not balanced by that in
the cylinder of the ram or piston.
The method of constructing and operating my improved valves in connection
with a hydro-steam elevator, is shown in the drawings herewith, in which
Fig. 1 is a vertical elevation partially in section, showing a ram elevator, with
one of my improved valves attached.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the valves employed to control the flow
of steam or air to operate the elevator.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through one of my improved valves, showing it
closed to flow in either direction.
Fig. 4 is another section of the valve in the same plane, but closed to flow in one
direction.
Fig. 5 is also a section of the same valve, showing its position when the flow of
water is reversed, and the valve opens automatically, independent of its actuating
mechanism.
Fig. 6 is an external plan view on top of the complete valve.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive of the drawings the
valve shown is shut or closed to flow either way, when in a central or neutral
position, and is applicable in any case where a fluid is to be dealt with at varying
pressures.
Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, which shows a direct ram elevator, with one
of my improved valves attached, A, A, are the walls of a well in which the cage B,
moves up and down, by means of the ram or piston C, which passes down into a
cylinder D, in the usual manner.
This piston or ram C, is raised by water forced in through the pipe H, from the
tank or receiver F, passing on its way through the valve at I, which valve
corresponds to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings, to be hereafter more fully
described.
Steam being the most common source for initial power in elevators thus operated,
I have indicated a steam boiler by the diagram E, connected to a tank or receiver F,
the latter made large enough to contain a greater quantity of water than is required
to fill the cylinder D, or to replace the ram C, when the cage B, is at its extreme
upper stroke, so that some water will remain at the bottom and thus prevent the
flow of steam or air through the pipe H, or the valve I.
This receiver F, is connected to the boiler E, by means of the pipe J, and in this
pipe, to control the flow of steam, is placed the valve G, shown also in the enlarged
view Fig. 2.
The two valves, I and G, are connected by chain gearing to wheels on the
shaft K, as shown in the drawing, Fig. 1. On the end of the shaft K, is a wheel 1,
to which is connected the rope M, one strand of which passes inside the cage B, as
shown by dotted lines. The wheel L, can thus be turned in either direction by an
attendant in the cage B, so the wheel L, and those on the valves I and G, are
all turned simultaneously in either direction, as the cage B is required to ascend,
descend or stop at any point.
If it is required to ascend, connection is opened between the steam boiler E, and
the tank or receiver F, and at the same time the valve I is opened, so as to admit.
water from the receiver F, to the cylinder D.
If it is required to descend, the wheel L is turned in the opposite direction,
opening the valve I, between the cylinder D, and the receiver F, also opening the
valve G, not to the boiler E, but to the atmosphere through port b, so the steam
from the receiver F may escape, and the water in the cylinder D, be forced back
through the pipe H, into the receiver F, by the gravity of the ram C, and the cage B.

page_text: During the descending movement, the valve G is in the position shown in Fig. 2,
the steam from the receiver F, escaping through the valve a, and out at the
exhaust or waste pipe b.
Referring further to Fig. 2, when the am C, and the cage B are to ascend, the
valve a is closed, and the one c is opened, so as to allow free communication from
the boiler E, to the receiver F.
The construction of this valve and its method of operating having been fully
explained in the Specification of my prior Patent before referred to, it will not be
necessary to repeat the description here.
In respect to the valve I, forming my present invention, it will be understood
that if this were merely a stop valve, and the pressure of steam in the receiver F
remained uniform during the intervals of stopping and starting, then on opening
the valve I, the pressure in the cylinder D, would be nearly the same as that in
the receiver F, and in proportion to the resistance or load in the cage B, when the
valves were closed. If however during the interval of rest, the load on the cage B
is increased or diminished as it commonly is, at the floors or landings, then when
the valve I is opened, the ram C and cage B will be suddenly forced up, or will
suddenly descend, accordingly as the load is changed, until the pressures in the
cylinder D, and the receiver F are balanced, and are in proportion to the new or
changed load on the cage B.
To obviate this impediment to the combined use of an elastic and an inelastic
fluid for operating the ram C, I employ my improved valve, constructed as shown
in Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings.
The outer shell, or a main casing N, is cylindrical in form, with two nozzles or
ports, O and O2 cast thereon.
The ends of the casing N, are covered by the plates P, held by through bolts Q,
so the interior parts can be readily removed at either end of the casing N. One
of the plates P, has a packing gland R, to receive the stem S, as shown in the
plan, Fig. 6.
The stem S has formed upon it lugs T, to which are attached the swinging
valves or plates V, in the manner shown in the sections, Figures 3, 4 and 5.
When the valve is in its central or neutral position the plates V, cover both the
ports or nozzles O' and 02, as shown in Fig. 3, cutting off the flow of water both
ways and acting simply as a stop valve.
Supposing in the case illustrated, the valve to be opened to the port O² as shown
in Fig. 4, the end W, connecting to the receiver F, and the end U, connecting to
the cylinder D; now if the pressure in the cylinder D has been increased by an
additional load on the cage B, no back flow can occur from U to W, because the
swing plate V covers the port O' as shown, and the cage B cannot move, but as
soon as the pressure in the receiver F, is sufficient, then the valve takes the position
shown in Fig. 5, acting as a relief, and the flow begins from W to U, or from the
receiver F, to the cylinder D, and the cage B rises with a steady motion the same
as if no elastic pressure has been employed in its propulsion.
In descending, all the operations just described are reversed, and the ram C, and
cage B, move downward with a regular and exact motion.
In the present valve the movements of the stem S, and its connected parts being
rotary, or oscillating, no actuating mechanism is required except the wheel L, to
which the ropes M, connect directly, as shown in Fig. 1.
Although my invention is shown applied to a direct or ram elevator, it will be
understood that the operation would be the same if the hydraulic apparatus were
applied to any other purpose where accurate movement is required.
It is also evident that the valve is applicable in any case where there is a flow of
fluids against, or from, an irregular or varying pressure, preventing a reverse or
back flow when there is a rise of pressure on the delivery side, and when in its
central or neutral position acting as a stop valve to flow in either direction.
I will now explain the second part of my invention pertaining to an automatic
stop valve applicable to hoists operated by water alone and to be employed in

page_text: connection with, and in addition to, the usual main valves for controlling the inlet
and outlet of water to the rams or pistons of such hoists.
The object is to provide an automatic stop valve, operating independent of the
main valves, to cut off the flow of water in one direction at the extreme upper
stroke of the ram or piston, and independent of the attendant or hand controlling
gear in the cage, leaving the main valves with their actuating mechanism to be
reversed by hand when the cage is to be moved in an opposite direction; in this
manner securing a more positive and safe action of the hoist, and determining its
full range and stopping points irrespective of the load or resistance, and effectually
stopping the flow of water to or from the elevator piston or ram, and at the same
time permitting a free flow in the opposite direction.
In this method of operating, no movement or change of the main valves or their
gearing is necessary in order to attain an exact stopping position at both the top
and bottom landings.
This part of my invention is illustrated in Figures 7 to 11 of the drawings,
which I will now proceed to describe, Fig. 7 showing an elevation partially in
section of a hoist fitted with one of my automatic stop valves but without the main
valves attached.
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section through one of my improved valves, showing it in
a neutral position, permitting a flow of the water through it either way.
Fig. 9 is another longitudinal section of the valve, showing it closed in the
direction indicated by the arrows.
Fig. 10 is also a longitudinal section of the valve, showing its position when the
flow of water is reversed, and the valve opens automatically, independent of its
actuating gearing.
Fig. 11 is a view of the top of the complete valve showing the method of its
construction externally.
A is the ram or piston, on which is supported the cage B. The main cylinder C,
in which the ram B descends, is inserted in the earth in the usual way.
The walls of the elevator well D, floors E, and doors G, are of the usual
construction.
The auxiliary or automatic valve H, is the same as shown in the detail drawings
from Figures 8 to 11.
The water supply pipe I, is shown broken off between the valve H, and the main
valves, which are not included in the drawing. These latter may be of any form
that will control the inlet and escape of water through the pipe I.
Referring now to the construction of the valve H, the main shell J, is cast with
flanges S, to connect at each end; has two oblong ports K, and is bored cylin-
drically in the central chamber L, to receive the valves or plates M. Centrally, in
the chamber L, is placed the oscillating stem N, on which are lugs O, to which
are hung the plates M, by means of corresponding lugs P, the two being joined by
pins or rivets, loose enough to permit a free swinging movement of the plates M.
The ends of the chamber L, are covered by the plates Q, clamped by the
boits R, one of the plates Q, being provided with a packing gland T, to receive the
stem N.
The valve is operated by the rope or chain U, which passes up through the
cage B, and over the idle pulleys V, at the top, then down to the wheel W¹,
around which the ends of the rope are passed for a sufficient distance and fastened
thereto.
The valve H, is operated by a second wheel W², placed on the stem N. This
wheel is turned by a pitch chain Y, connecting to a small pulley W³, on the axis of
the wheel W. As the cage B rises and approaches the extreme upper stroke it
engages a tappet, a', on the rope U, thus turning the wheels W, W2 and W3
moving the valve H into the position shown in Fig. 9 and arresting the flow of
water through the pipe I.
During this operation the main valves for the inlet and escape of water through
the pipe I, remain without action until the cage B is to descend; then the pipe I
"

page_text: is opened to the discharge or waste way, and the valve H assumes the position
shown in Fig. 10, the water passing freely through it without any change in position
of its actuating mechanism.
As soon as the cage B begins to descend, releasing the tappet a', the weight X,
acting by gravity, turns the wheel W', sufficient to bring the valve H into the
neutral position shown in Fig. 8.
When the cage B descends to the bottom it engages the other tappet a², and
the various operations just described are reversed, the valve H shutting off
the discharge flow and arresting the cage, the same as at the top of the stroke.
The weight X is turned to an opposite position on the wheel W', so that when the
cage B again rises, this weight will turn the wheel in the opposite direction
automatically, and bring the valves H to the neutral position shown in Fig. 8, as
before.
Instead of the weight X there can be employed springs, hydraulic apparatus, or
other means of returning the valve to its central or neutral position. I have shown
in the present case a weight, that being the most simple means.
If, as is sometimes done, a simple stop valve is employed as an auxiliary one to
the main valves, then the main valves or the movement of the elevator cannot be
-reversed without first opening the auxiliary valve, the action being wholly different
from that of my improved valve just described which prevents flow in one direction
when closed in the opposite direction.
The present valves are analogous in construction, to the one shown in Figures 3
to 6 of the drawings, but having the important difference that when in a central or
neutral position there is free flow of water each way through the valve, but in the
former case the valve when in its central or neutral position was a stop valve
preventing flow in either direction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
1. In a combined stop and check valve, arranged with a cylindrical bore, the
ports O¹ and O2, and plates V, V, covering both ports when the valve is in its
central or neutral position, constituting in that position a stop valve closed to flow
in either direction, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described and
as shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive of the drawings.
2. In a combined stop and check valve, the cylindrical case N, provided with a
nozzles and ports 0 and 0%, an oscillating stem S, and plates V, V, the latter
hinged to the stem S, so as to prevent a back flow when either port is opened, and
acting as a check valve for the opposite port, substantially as herein described and
-shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive of the drawings, and for the objects set forth.
3. In a combined stop and check valve, the cylindrical case N, provided with 4
nozzles and ports O and O2, an oscillating stem S, hinged plates V, V, the latter
so arranged as to close automatically over either port, when the other is opened,
without movement of the stem S and independent of the external actuating gearing,
substantially in the manner described and as shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive of the
-drawings, and for the purposes specified.
4. In a combined stop and check valve, an oscillating stem S, hinged plates V, V,
arranged in a cylindrical casing N, provided with ports O¹ and O2, and end covering
plates P, held by through bolts Q, so the stem S, and plates V, V, can be readily
removed from either end, substantially as herein described and as shown in Figs. 3
'to 6 inclusive of the drawings, and for the purposes specified.
5. In a hydraulic elevator, the supplementary valve H, connected and arranged
as in Fig. 7 of the drawings, operating automatically at the extreme upward and
downward range of the cage by means of tappets, and back to its central or neutral
position by means of a weight or other suitable means, substantially in the manner
and for the purposes herein shown and described.
6. In a hydraulic elevator, the supplementary valve H, constructed with ports K, K,
4
5
5

page_text: and the two sliding hinged covering plates M, so arranged that only one port can be
closed or covered at a time, and the valve when in a neutral or central position will
permit a free flow of water through it in either direction, in the manner sub-
stantially, and for the purposes herein specified and described and as illustrated in
Figs. 7 to 11 inclusive of the drawings.
7. In a hydraulic elevator, the supplementary valve H, placed between ordinary
controlling valves and the cylinder C, so arranged as to, when closed in one
direction, permit a free flow the other way without movement of the stem N, and
independent of the external actuating gearing, so as to form a complete stop at the
extremes of stroke independent of the main valves; substantially in the manner
as described and set forth and as illustrated in Figs. 7 to 11 inclusive of the
drawings.
8. In a hydraulic elevator, the valve H, consisting of an oscillating stem N,.
provided with lugs O, and hinged plates M, so arranged as to cover the ports K, K,
one at a time, shutting off the flow of water in one direction only, operating sub-
stantially in the manner and for the purposes herein set forth and as illustrated in.
Figs. 8 to 11 inclusive of the drawings.
Dotad this 7th day of March 1895
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicant.