Power by Compressed Air or other Fluid, and for the Utilization of such Motive Power for the Generation of Electricity and for other Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Nov., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 26th Oct., 1888
Power by
Compressed Air or other Fluid, and for the Utilization of such
Motive Power for the Generation of Electricity and for other
Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
Improved Method for the Distribution of Motive
I, VICTOR POPP, of Paris, France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows :-
My invention has for its object an improved method for the distribution of motive
power by compressed air or other fluid and for the utilization of such motive power
for the generation of electricity and for other purposes, and apparatus therefor―It
relates to arrangements of apparatus to be employed in the distribution of compressed
fluid such as air (and hereinafter referred to as compressed air) and also to the
installation of combined apparatus; and has amongst its objects, to ensure great
efficiency, and regularity of distribution of the compressed air.
Examples of the means or apparatus 1 employ are illustrated in the annexed
drawings.
Fig. 1 illustrates more especially my system of installation of motive power
intended for the production of electric light or other industrial purposes, the
compressed air being distributed by means of underground or other conduits from a
central producing station.
In distributing air or steam, it is necessary when it is to be employed for a
definite purpose, that the working pressure be automatically, instantaneously, and
invariably regulated according to requirement. Water of condensation contained in
the fluid must be removed before such fluid reaches the point at which it is to be
utilized. If the fluid be compressed air, its efficiency should be increased by heating
it automatically, in such manner that the heat imparted to it shall serve for as long
a time as the air is required to be utilized. In the production of electric light, the
pressure admitted to the motor determining the speed, and the power for producing
such pressure, should be proportional to the quantity of electricity consumed. This

page_text: consumption determines the amount of power to be furnished to the dynamo and
variations must therefore be followed up automatically and instantaneously, so as to
obviate the burning out of the lamps, or the consumption of more than the power
required.
Heating of the dynamo which is liable to occur when it has been worked uninter-
ruptedly for a considerable time should be prevented by automatic lubrication.
The installation shown in Fig. 1 of the annexed drawings, fulfils all the above
requirements.
The compressed air after having been freed from water by means of an automatic
syphon B, passes, under any suitable pressure, through the cock A into a regulator C,
having balanced valves, designed to automatically regulate the pressure, and the
resistance in the electric circuit. This regulator is set to the desired pressure, and for
variable quantity and is designed to prevent any variation. From the air passes
or may pass to a meter E, (which is, by preference of the kind described in my
application No. 15878A, bearing even date herewith) and from thence through a
heating apparatus F with chimney f, after which it proceeds to a rotary motor G
which is automatically and continuously lubricated.
The air exhausts by the pipe H. and passes to the dynamo J which it maintains at
a low temperature.
The dynamo J is connected by a belt with a pulley connected to the regulator C
which latter has also a suitable ball governor and throttle valve, and the arrange-
ment is such that the compressed air admitted to the regulator C will be more
or less according to the speed of the dynamo, whose variations in speed will thus
diminish or increase the admission of pressure and volume of air to the motor G
and accordingly diminish or increase its speed. On the regulator spindle, and following
its movements, is a lever c that carries a rod c' carrying a number of iron projections
that dip, according to the position of the lever c, into one or more cups c² containing
mercury.
By this arrangement German silver resistance coils are interpolated to insert
resistance into the electric current, the current passing through one or more according
to the number of points dipping into the mercury cups.
By the arrangement just described racing of the engine will be prevented and it
will act at the slightest change of speed of the dynamo and thus prevent the dynamo
from producing too much current.
When the power is employed for other purposes than electric lighting the pulley
instead of being fixed upon the dynamo is placed upon the motor which by this
means will regulate its own supply of motive fluid and will not race even if it is not
provided with any other governor.
The automatic syphon for separating water drawn in by the air is shewn in section
in Fig. 2.
The air enters at a into a cast iron cylinder A and impinges against a vertical
partition B, depositing the suspended water upon a metallic screen c designed to arrest
solid matter and impurities liable to choke the pipes and valves.
The water accumulates in the lower part c of the cylinder.
tap k.
The bottom which is secured to A by screw bolts contains a pipe closed by a
The pipe at its upper end has a circular rim m to which a small cylinder n is
screwed. The upper portion o of n forms a semi-spherical bath or reservoir.
In the reservoir are two circular apertures y forming seats for two conical valves, f
connected by a stem which is extended upwards and is fixed to the top of a float d
of suitable material such as wood or cork.
The said stem is guided in the cover of the pipe e whose lower circular base is
pierced with small holes g.
The water collected in C being under the
pressure upon the upper part of the valve
pressure but in a contrary sense is exerted
through. (See Fig. 3. which is a horizontal
two pressures balance each other.
pressure of the compressed air, exerts a
tending to keep it closed. The same
upon the lower valve f by the water
section through 1-2 Fig. 2.) These

page_text: When the water has reached a certain height the float d will be raised and will
carry with it the valves f, f, thereby allowing the water in the syphon to pass into the
delivery tube 1. The water will then escape until its level has sunk to the point at
which the float will resume its original position and the valves will return to their
seats.
The delivery pipe can be closed or opened by means of a tap k.
Fig. 4 illustrates the details of an arrangement of automatic regulator of volume
and pressure, with balanced valves for use in my improved method for the distribution
of motive power.
The improved apparatus consists of a casing A with two connections m n and two
valve seats B. A cylinder c is screwed at D to the casing A. In this cylinder works
a piston p carried by a rod E at whose lower end are fixed the two valves o. o.
The
rod E passes through the piston p and is jointed at F by a pin g to a connecting rod H
which is itself connected at H' to the lever J fulcrumed at k. The lever J is provided
with a counterweight q and with holes 1, 2, 8, 16, into which the counterweight
may be suspended. The weight of the latter may be increased by the addition of one
or more discs q¹.
By moving the weight q from one or other of the holes or by adding or
removing the discs, a greater or less constant and predetermined pressure may be
obtained. For instance if the air enters at mat a pressure of 4 kilogs, and the weight
is suspended from the hole, the piston p will be loaded with a weight corresponding
to a pressure of 3 kilogs at the outlet », and will maintain the valves o o at a certain
distance from their seat allowing a volume of air to pass into n according to require-
ments, whilst keeping a constant pressure of 3 kilogs at the outlet. Should the
pressure at m decrease the pressure on the piston p will also diminish, and the counter-
weight will act through the rod H on the piston and on the rod E which will fall
carrying with it the valves o thus increasing the distance between the valves and their
seats and allowing a greater volume of air to pass, whilst maintaining the pressure.
The two valves are balanced by reason of their surfaces being subjected to the air
pressure in opposite senses. By this means a loss of lead making itself known by a
difference in pressure is avoided. It will be seen that to obtain a distribution at a
determined pressure and a constant volume of discharge it is sufficient to alter the
position of the counterweight q.
q
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate respectively in vertical section and in horizontal section
through the line 5-6 an automatic regulator of the air pressure for use in my
improved method for the distribution of motive power; it is used in conjunction with
a dynamo for producing electric light the apparatus also serving to regulate the
resistance of the electric circuit. It consists of a valve casing A with valves and
valve seats as described with reference to Fig. 4 but the casing A instead of being
surmounted by a cylinder is provided with two standards B B that carry a ball or
other suitable governor. The valve spindle is connected at s to the regulator
spindlet that passes through a hollow rod a on which a bevil wheel is keyed. The
spindle t is fixed at v to the governor so that it will follow its movement. B' is the
guide for the regulator spindle. Ata is fixed a bifurcated lever h fulcrumed at
and articulated at 11. At the end of this lever a rubber plate i is fixed in wood for
insulating the contact k fixed thereon. The contact & is provided with projections / of
different lengths placed above the cups m containing mercury or other conducting
material and into which dip electric conductors connected to electric resistances n.
The conductor is fixed at o upon the contact k allowing the electric current to pass,
according to the extent of depression of the lever towards the cups m into which
one or more points will be plunged thus offering more or less resistance to the passage
of the electric current. At f is a second level wheel keyed on a shaft carrying
two pulleys e coupled to a pulley fixed on the shaft of the dynamo. The action is as
follows. On the extinction of a certain number of the lamps supplied by the
dynamo the quantity of electricity supplied will diminish without its having any
influence on the work given out by the motor driving the dynamo. The speed
of the dynamo will be considerably increased but the effect of such increase
.

page_text: will
be immediately felt by the gearing on the regulator pulley. The
pulley e transmits this movement by the wheels ff to the spindle n of the
governor, the balls of which will rise and operate the rod r of the valves h. The
volume and pressure of the air passing through c into the motor will be instantaneously
reduced whilst at the same time the end of the lever fixed to the governor will
rise and cause the points to he raised from the mercury cups, inserting a resistance
that will diminish the intensity of the current passing to the electric lamps that remain
alight.
Figs. 7 and 8 show the improved apparatus for heating the compressed air before
it enters the motor. The air is introduced and forced to circulate in conduits heated
by a furnace which they surround. The air enters by a pipe i into a conduit or
conduits formed by baffle plates 7, the arrangement being such that the air is caused to
flow around the furnace from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the
top through channels m. The air ultimately passes out by the pipe n to the
motor.
The baffle plates are enclosed in a casing k which may be of cast iron mounted on a
cast iron base t, the whole being enclosed in a sheet iron casing o closed by the movable
cover p. The fuel is introduced from the top, and rests on the grate q and the ashes
fall into the ash-pan u in the base under the furnace.
The baffle plates are heated from both sides, that is to say, by the direct heat of
the furnace, and also by heat that passes from the furnace through the
apertures, r, and down within the outer casing o on its way to the chimney s.
Figs. 9 and 10 show the improved continuous and automatic lubricator whereby
under variable pressure a constant lubrication of the parts of the motor in my
improved system of installation is ensured. The lubricant employed may be of any
suitable kind such as oil, water, or glycerine.
O is a metal reservoir open at the top. Exhaust air from the motor, carrying oil
with it, enters by the opening finto a vessel g. This vessel is provided with felt and
sheet metal whereby the oil carried by the air is retained, the purified air escaping.
The oil drops slowly through the felt, and becomes purified in its passage and collects
in the vessel o at the lower part of the reservoir. In the vessel o is a second
reservoir immersed in the oil, and to the cover of which are soldered two small
pipes m and n. The pipe n is connected to the lubricator Z (Fig. 11) placed on the
part to be lubricated. The pipe m is a branch from the air passage that supplies the
engine.
In the lower portion of the reservoir is a spring valve i (it may be of steel) which
remains closed while the pressure acts through the pipe m upon the surface of the
oil, but which opens when a vacuum is formed in the reservoir k, as will be presently
explained. When the air supply cock on the supply main m is closed, the motor by
its momentum continues to make a few revolutions, thus acting as a pump, and
producing a slight vacuum in the chamber k, the result being that the valve i will be
opened and the oil sucked into the chamber k. On the motor being re-started by the
air supply cock being opened, the pressure will immediately pass through the pipe m
to the surface of the oil in the chamber k and the oil will be forced to rise up, through
the tube n into the lubricating apparatus, Fig. 11.
The consumption of lubricant can be regulated by a screw », and its passage may
be observed through a glass cylinder t.
a is the
Fig. 12 shows a modified arrangement of lubricator which has no filter.
reservoir for lubricant; the inlet pipe for compressed air; c oil under pressure;
da pipe leading to parts to be lubricated; and e a plug closing an opening through
which lubricant is poured into a. A glass lubricator, shown in Fig. 13, can also be
employed. U is a regulating spindle; a is screw for regulating the consumption of
the lubricant, to a glass reservoir, and a plug closing the hole through which
lubricant can be fed.
Figs. 14 show an improved automatic expanding pressure joint for use in the
distribution mains according to this invention.
The two ends of the tubes (a, a,) are opposite to one another, a small space (for

page_text: example 2 cm) being left between them for allowing expansion to take place without
occasioning fracture.
A vulcanized rubber washer b, b, is placed on the end of one (a) of the tubes
before they are laid, and a cast iron ring c. c is likewise placed on the same end of the
tube. Another cast iron ring e c¹ is placed on the pipe a a'.
The ring cc forms a bearing for the rubber washer. Bolts are inserted in holes in
the rings c c and c c. On screwing up the nuts d d the flange of the ring c c¹ is
caused to enter the recess of the ring e c in which the rubber washer is placed and
the latter is compressed between the two rings cc, e e¹ thus forming a tight joint,
as the rubber will be compressed on both sides and forced to enter the space e between
the two tube ends.
Moreover by this arrangement the compressed air will exert a pressure on the
rubber in e and will press it against the walls of the ring c c.
By the use of such a joint a burst or broken tube can be readily replaced and to
effect this it is only necessary to loosen the bolt dat each end of the tube, push back
the joint cc and rubber ring in one direction and the ring c cl in the other
direction, and the tube will then be ready for removal; in case of leakage it is only
necessary to tighten the nuts. The time meter I prefer to employ in connection with
this invention is of the kind described in my application No. 15878 B bearing even
date herewith.
I may employ the apparatus shown in Fig. 15 for purifying the exhaust air of the
distributing apparatus, and rendering it capable of being utilised. In this apparatus
air enters at y and escapes at S; it passes into a reservoir (conveniently of sheet
metal) enclosing a filtering envelope composed of felt and metal sheeting. The
water and oil carried by the air are filtered by the envelope t, and the oil collects at
the bottom of the reservoir whence it can be drawn off by the cock u.
November 1887.
Dated this 18th day of

page_text: Improved Method for the Distribution of Motive Power by
Compressed Air or other Fluid, and for the Utilization of such
Motive Power for the Generation of Electricity and for other
Purposes, and Apparatus therefor.
I VICTOR POPP, of Paris, France, 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:-
My invention relates not only to arrangements of apparatus to be employed in the
distribution of compressed fluid such as air (and hereinafter referred to as compressed
air) but also to the installation of combined apparatus; and has amongst its objects,
to ensure great efficiency and regularity of distribution of the compressed air.
Examples of the means or apparatus I employ are illustrated in the drawings filed
with the provisional specification in which
Figure 1 illustrates moro especially my system of installation of motive power
intended for the production of electric light or other industrial purposes, the compressed
air being distributed by means of underground or other conduits from a central-
producing station.
In distributing air or steam, it is necessary when it is to be employed for a definite
purpose, that the working pressure be automatically instantaneously and invariably
regulated according to requirement.
Water of condensation contained in the fluid must be removed before such fluid
reaches the point at which it is to be utilized. If the fluid be compressed air its
efficiency should be increased by heating it automatically, in such manner that the
heat imparted to it shall serve for as long a time as the air is required to be utilized.
In the production of electric light, the pressure admitted to the motor determining
the speed, and the power of producing such pressure, should be proportional to the
quantity of electricity consumed.
This consumption determines the amount of power to be furnished to the dynamo
and variations must therefore be followed up automatically and instantaneously, so as
to obviate the burning out of the lamps, or the consumption of more than the power
required. Heating of the dynamo which is liable to occur when it has been worked
uninterruptedly for a considerable time should be prevented by automatic lubrication.
The installation shewn in Fig. I fulfils all the above requirements.
The compressed air after having been freed from water by means of an automatic
syphon B, passes, under any suitable pressure, through the cock A into a regulator C,
having balanced valves designed to automatically regulate the pressure, and the
resistance in the electric circuit. This regulator is set to the desired pressure and for
variable quantity and is designed to prevent any variation. From C the air
passes or
may pass to a meter E, and from thence through a heating apparatus F with chimney f
after which it proceeds to a rotary motor G which is automatically and continuously
lubricated.

page_text: The air exhausts by the pipe H and passes to the dynamo ) which it maintains at a
low temperature.
The dynamo J is connected by a belt with a pulley connected to the regulator C
which latter has also a suitable ball governor and throttle valve and the arrangement
is such that the compresed air admitted to the regulator C will be more or less according
to the speed of the dynamo whose variations in speed will thus diminish or increase
the admission of pressure and volume of air to the motor G and accordingly diminish
or increase its speed. On the regulator spindle, and following its movements is a
lever (that carries a rod C¹ carrying a number of iron projections that dip, according
to the position of the lever into one or more cups c² containing mercury.
By this arrangement German silver resistance coils are interpolated to insert
resistance into the electric current the current passing through one or more according
to the number of points dipping into the mercury cups.
By the arrangement just described racing of the engine will be prevented and it
will act at the slightest change of speed of the dynamo and thus prevent the dynamo
from producing too much current.
When the power is employed for other purposes than electric lighting the pulley
instead of being fixed upon the dynamo is placed upon the motor which by this means
will regulate its own supply of motive fluid and will not race even if it is not provided
with any other governor.
The automatic syphon for separating water drawn in by the air is shewn in section
in Figure 2..
The air enters at a cast iron cylinder A and impinges against a vertical partition B
depositing the suspended water upon a metallic screen c designed to arrest solid matter
and impurities liable to choke the pipes and valves.
The water accumulates in the lower part c of the cylinder.
The bottom which is secured to A by screw bolts contains a pipe closed by a
tap k. The pipe at its upper end has a circular rim m to which a small cylinder n
is screwed. The upper portion o of n forms a semi spherical bath or reservoir.
In this reservoir are two circular apertures y forming seats for two conical valves f
connected by a stem which is extended upwards and is fixed to the top of a float d
of suitable inaterial such as wood or cork.
The said stem is guided in the cover of the pipe e whose lower circular base is
pierced with small holes g.
The water collected in C being under the pressure of the compressed air, exerts a
pressure upon the upper part of the valve tending to keep it closed. The same
pressure but in a contrary sense is exerted upon the lower valve f by the water
through i.
(See Fig. 3. which is a horizontal section through 1-2 Figure 2.) These two
pressures balance each other.
When the water has reached a certain height the float d will be raised and will earry
with it the valves ff thereby allowing the water in the syphon to pass into the
delivery tube. The water will then escape until its level has sunk to the point at
which the float will resume its original position and the valves will return to
their seats.
The delivery pipe can be closed or opened by means of a tap k.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the details of an arrangement of automatic regulator of
volume and pressure, with balanced valves for use in my improved method for the
distribution of motive power.
The improved apparatus consists of a casing A with two connections m n and two
valve seats B. A cylinder c is screwed at D to the casing A.
In this cylinder works a piston p carried by a rod E to which end are fixed the two
valves o o. The rod E passes through the piston p and is jointed at F by a ping to
a connecting rod H which is itself connected at H' to the lever J fulcrumed at k.
The lever J is provided with a counterweight q and with holes 1, 2, 70, 70, 76 into
which the counterweight may be suspended.
The weight of the latter may be increased by the addition of one or more discs q¹.

page_text: By moving the weight 7 from one or other of the holes ¹-6 or by adding or
removing the discs, a greater or less constant and predetermined pressure may be
obtained. For instance if the air enters at m at a pressure of 4 kilogs and the weight
is suspended from the hole the piston will be loaded with a weight corresponding to a
pressure of 3 kilogs at the outlet n and will maintain the valves o o at a certain
distance from their seats allowing a volume of air to pass into N according to require-
ments whilst keeping a constant pressure of 3 kilogs at the outlet. Should the
pressure at M decrease the pressure on the piston p will also diminish and the counter
weight q will act through the rod H on the piston and on the rod E which will fall
carrying with it the valves O thus increasing the distance between the valves and their
seats and allowing a greater volume of air to pass whilst maintaining the pressure.
The two valves are balanced by reason of their surfaces being subjected to the air
pressure in opposite senses. By this means a loss of load making itself known by a
difference in pressure is avoided. It will be seen that to obtain a distribution at a
determined pressure and a constant volume of discharge it is sufficient to alter the
position of the counterweight q.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate respectively in vertical section and in horizontal section
through the line 5-6 an automatic regulator of the air pressure for use in my
improved method for the distribution of motive power; it is used in conjunction with a
dynamo for producing electric light the apparatus also serving to regulate the resistance
of the electric circuit.
It consists of a valve casing A with valves and valve seats as described with reference
to Figs. 4 and 5 but the casing A instead of being surmounted by a cylinder is
provided with two standards B B that carry a ball or other suitable governor. The
valve spindle is connected at s to the regulator spindlet that passes through a
hollow rod non which a bevil wheel is keyed. The spindle t is fixed at v to the
governor so that it will follow its movement. B is the guide for the regulator
spindle. At is fixed a bifurcated lever fulcrumed at ' and articulated at h".
At the end of this lever a rubber plate iis fixed in wood for insulating the contact k
fixed thereon. The contact k is provided with projections b of different lengths placed
above the cups m containing mercury or other conducting material and into which
dip electric conductors connected to electric resistances n.
passage
The conductor is fixed at o upon the contact k allowing the electric current to pass,
according to the extent of depression of the lever h towards the cups m into which
one or more points will be plunged thus offering more or less resistance to the
of the electric current. At f¹ is a second bevil wheel keyed on a shaft carrying two
pulleys e coupled to a pulley fixed on the shaft of the dynamo. The action is as
follows.
On the extinction of a certain number of the lamps supplied by the dynamo the
quantity of electricity supplied will diminish without its having any influence on the
work given out by the motor driving the dynamo. The speed of the dynamo will be
considerably increased but the effect of such increase will be immediately felt by the
gearing on the regulator pulley. The pulley e transmits this movement by the
wheels ff to the spindle n of the governor, the balls of which will rise and operate
the rod r of the valves h. The volume and pressure of the air passing through c
into the motor will be instantaneously reduced whilst at the same time the end of the
lever fixed to the governor will rise and cause the points to be raised from the
mercury cups, inserting a resistance that will diminish the intensity of the current
passing to the electric lamps that remain alight.
Figs. 7 and 8 shew the improved apparatus for taking the compressed air before it
enters the motor. The air is introduced and forced to circulate in conduits heated by
a furnace which they surround. The air enters by a pipe i into a conduit or conduits
formed by baffle plates 1, the arrangement being such that the air is caused to flow
around the furnace from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top through
channels m. The air ultimately passes out by the pipe n to the motor.
The baffle plates 7 are enclosed in a casing k which may be of cast iron mounted on
a cast iron base t, the whole being enclosed in a sheet iron casing o closed by the

page_text: movable cover p. The fuel is introduced from the top, and rests on the grate q and
the ashes fall into the ash pan u in the base under the furnace.
The baffle plates are heated from both sides, that is to say, by the direct heat of the
furnace and also by heat that passes from the furnace through the apertures r r and
down within the outer casing o on its way to the chimney s.
Figs. 9 and 10 shew the improved continuous and automatic lubricator whereby
under variable pressure a constant lubrication of the parts of the motor in my
improved system of installation is ensured. The lubricant employed may be of any
suitable kind such as oil, water, or glycerine.
0 is a metal reservoir open at the top. Exhaust air from the motor, carrying oil
with it, enters by the opening into a vessel g.
This vessel is provided with felt and sheet metal whereby the oil carried by the air
is retained, the purified air escaping. The oil drops slowly through the felt, and
becomes purified in its passage and collects in the vessel o at the lower part of the
reservoir. In the vessel o is a second reservoir k immersed in the oil, and to the cover
of which are soldered two small pipes m and n. The pipe n is connected to the
lubricator Z (Fig. 11) placed on the part to be lubricated. The pipe m is a branch
from the air passage that supplies the engine.
In the lower portion of the reservoir is a spring valve (it may be of steel) which
remains closed while the pressure acts through the pipe m upon the surface of the
oil, but which opens when a vacuum is formed in the reservoir & as will be presently
explained. When the air supply cock on the supply main m is closed, the motor by
its momentum continues to make a few revolutions, thus acting as a pump, and
producing a slight vacuum in the chamber k, the result being that the valve i will be
opened and the oil sucked into the chamber k. On the motor being re-started by the
air supply cock being opened, the pressure will immediately pass through the pipe m
to the surface of the oil in the chamber k and the oil will be forced to rise up through
the tube n into the lubricating apparatus Fig. 11.
The consumption of lubricant can be regulated by a screw and its passage may be
observed through a glass cylinder t.
Figure 12 shews a modified arrangement of lubricator which has no filter, a is the
reservoir for lubricant; the inlet pipe for compressed air; c oil under pressure;
da pipe leading to parts to be lubricated; and e a plug closing an opening through
which lubricant is poured into a.
A glass lubricator, shewn in Fig. 13 can also be employed. U is a regulating
spindle; a is screw for regulating the consumption of the lubricant, w a glass
reservoir, and a plug closing the hole through which lubricant can be fed.
Figs. 14 shew an improved automatic expanding pressure joint for use in the
distribution mains according to this invention.
The two ends of the tubes (a, a,) are opposite to one another, a small space (for
example 2 cm) being left between them for allowing expansion to take place without
occasioning fracture.
A vulcanized rubber washer b, b, is placed on the end of one (a) of the tubes
before they are laid, and a cast iron ring cc is likewise placed on the same end
of the tube.
Another cast iron ring c c¹ is placed on the pipe a a¹.
The ring c c forms a bearing for the rubber washer.
Bolts are inserted in holes in the rings c c and c c¹.
On screwing up the nuts d d the flange of the ring c c³ is caused to enter the recess
of the ring cc in which the rubber washer is placed and the latter is compressed
between the two rings c c, c c¹ thus forming a tight joint as the rubber will be
compressed on both sides and forced to enter the space e between the two tube ends.
Moreover by this arrangement the compressed air will exert a pressure on the
rubber in e and will press it against the walls of the ring c, c. By the use of such a
joint a burst or broken tube can be readily replaced and to effect this it is only
necessary
to loosen the bolt d at each end of the tube, push back the joint c c and
rubber ring 6 6 in one direction and the ring c c¹ in the other direction and the tube
B

page_text: will then be ready for removal; in case of leakage it is only necessary to tighten the
nuts The time meter I prefer to employ in connection with this invention is of the
kind described in my application No. 15878 B bearing even date herewith-I may
employ the apparatus shewn in Fig. 15 for purifying the exhaust air of the distributing
apparatus, and rendering it capable of being utilized.
In this apparatus air enters at 9 and escapes at S; it passes into a reservoir r
(conveniently of sheet metal) enclosing a filtering envelope composed of felt and
metal sheeting. The water and oil carried by the air are filtered by the envelope t and
the oil collects at the bottom of the reservoir whence it can be drawn off by
the cock u.
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: :-
In a system or combination of apparatus for the distribution of compressed air the
combination of a syphon retaining the water which may accompany the air into the
conduits with an automatic regulator for controlling the pressure of the air in the conduit
in accordance with the resistance in the circuit, and an apparatus for heating the
compressed air before it passes into the motor, so as to increase the efficiency of the
motive fluid, substantially as described with reference to the annexed drawings.
Dated this 17th day of August 1888.

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Nov., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 16th Nov., 1888
a Current of Electricity or other Fluid is Flowing.
1. VICTOR POPP of 10 Rue St. Fargeau Paris, France, Manager of La Ce des
Horloges Pneumaliques do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to New or improved apparatus for measuring the time during
which a current of electricity or other fluid is flowing and is designed chiefly for the
measurement of the duration of the time (in hours and fractions of an hour) during
which electricity has been supplied for electric lighting purposes.
In the annexed sheet of illustrative drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation, Fig. 2 a
side elevation, and Fig. 3 a section in the line 11. 12. of Fig. 1, of a meter constructed
and arranged according to this invention for measuring the time during which an
electric current is flowing. This meter comprises a box A fixed to a plate B, a box E
switch c, two-way cock, pneumatic clockwork with bellows or diaphragms f, dial, and
suitable gearing. When employed for measuring current supplied for electric lighting,
the two conductors a and pass to the electric switch with contact c. c. The spindle
of the switch is connected to the cock e (Fig. 3) in such manner as to form together
a single spindle.
On turning the switch c to the right (by F) contact is established between c. c. and
the current will flow into the lamp or other circuit but on opening the switch the
cock e of the air pips of the pneumatic dial will be also opened and the latter will
continue to act and record the time so long as the switch is not shut. The shutting
of the switch would interrupt the current and stop the recording of the time. This
clock can be worked by compressed air, steam, water, etc.
It will be evident that by substituting pipes for the conductors a, b, and a cock for
the switch the meter will measure the duration of flow of other fluids than
electricity.

page_text: a Current of Electricity or other Fluid is Flowing.
I VICTOR POPP of Paris, France 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 :-
My invention relates to new and improved apparatus for measuring the time
during which a current of electricity or other fluid is flowing and is designed chiefly
for the measurement of the duration of time (in hours and fractions of an hour) during
which electricity has been supplied for electric lighting purposes.
In the annexed sheet of illustrative drawings
Figure 1 is a front view and
Figure 2 a side elevation of a meter constructed and arranged according to my
invention for measuring the time during which an electric current is flowing. The
apparatus comprises clockwork operated pneumatically and which does not act except
when the current is flowing. a, b is the electric circuit traversing the coils c of an
electro magnet which acts upon the armature d.
The air of the conduit arrives at e to act upon bellows h that operates the usual
counting mechanism i which is provided with a dial shewing the hours and minutes.
The action of the air upon the bellows is interrupted by the valve or piston g
that is connected by a spring with stem and hook to the armature d of the electro
magnet.
The dotted lines shew the position of this armature when the current is not passing
through the bobbins, and consequently when the air is not acting upon the counting
mechanism.
It will be evident that the invention may be suitably modified so as to measure the
duration of other fluids than electricity.
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 :-
An apparatus for recording the duration of flow of an electric or other current
comprising pneumatic clockwork and a closing device permitting the passage of the
compressed air only when the electric or other current is flowing substantially as
described with reference to the annexed illustrative drawings.
Dated thin 17th day of Angust 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Nov., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 17th Nov., 1888
I, VICTOR POPP, of 10 Rue St. Fargeau, Paris, France, Manager of La Cie. dos
Horloges Pneumatiques do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to the arrangement and construction of an improved meter
which is especially adapted to the measurement of the flow of a current of compressed
air or other fluids, such as steam, gas, water, &c., under variable pressure and having
variable speed of flow.
On the annexed sheet of illustrative drawings,
Fig. 1 is a vertical section ;
Fig. 2 a horizontal section in the line 7-8 of Fig. 1; and
Fig. 3 shows details of an improved meter constructed and arranged according to
this invention.
This meter comprises a metallic cylinder A of a given capacity, a cover B to which
is secured at c suitable counting mechanism D, a very light metal vane d of thin metal
(it may be of aluminium) fixed on a spindle E provided at F with a worm that engages
with a toothed wheel G forming part of the counter mechanism, a glass cover H, and
dial J. At the upper part of the cylinder A are holes e¹ communicating with the exit
pipe g through an annular space between the exterior of the vessel A and the interior
of the jacket A¹. At the base of the meter is a vessel which may be of cast iron, two
connections a and g, four valves b (see Figs. 3 and 4) differently loaded, with square
openings, and a screw C for raising or lowering the spindle E. An opening a¹ com-
municates with the inlet pipe a and allows the fluid to pass by b, b, to the valves.
Each valve consists of a box 6111 open at one side and arranged at an angle of 45°
(Figs. 3 and 4) and has a cover pivotted at 611 which normally closes the opening b, b,
by its own weight. The vane d is formed as a helix at an angle of 45° on the
spindle E so that air as it enters will impinge upon it at an angle of 90°. The four
valves are loaded at 6' each with a different weight so that according to the pressure
acting on their surface and to the amount of their load they will afford more or less
It will
passage to the air and a strong current will be produced to act on the vane.
го
וו

page_text: be understood that at a low pressure only one valve will open.
As the pressure
increases, another valve will open, and so on until all the four are open and admitting
air. Thus the extent of admission of air is constantly proportional to the discharge,
and no back pressure can act upon the vane of the meter or affect the speed of its
rotation by diminishing the discharge. The operation of the meter is as follows:-
The fluid enters at a, passes through a¹ under the opening closed by the valves, lifts
one or more of the valves according to the pressure, passes through the helix formed
by the vane d, discharges through e¹ into f, and then into g, after having recorded its
speed upon the counter D which shows the same upon the dial J. The capacity of
the cylinder. A being known, each revolution shown on the dial will correspond to a
known definite volume. The vane will rotate more or less according to the speed of
the fluid, and will record exactly the volume of fluid that has passed. The object of
constructing the vanes of thin metal is to enable the inertia of the body to be readily
overcome, and as far as possible to reduce its momentum when it is suddenly arrested
while moving at a great speed.
Dated thin 14th dose of Mauch 1000
VICTOR POPP.
Per L. W.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
(
Improvements in Fluid Meters.
I VICTOR POPP of 10 Rue St. Fargeau Paris, France Manager of La Cie. des
Horloges Pneumatiques 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 :-
:-
My invention relates to the arrangement and construction of an improved meter
which is especially adapted to the measurement of the flow of a current of compressed
air or other fluids, such as steam, gas, water, &c., under variable pressure and having
variable speed of flow.
On the annexed sheet of illustrative drawings
Fig. 1 is a vertical section, and
Fig. 2 is a plan of a meter constructed according to my invention.
Figs. 3 and 4 are like views of a modification.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the meter comprises a cylinder, having a cover to
which is secured suitable counting mechanism and a wheel having blades fixed on a
spindle that engages with the counting mechanism.

page_text: e is the counting mechanism of usual construction.
a is the fluid inlet, and 9 the outlet.
h is a chamber in which the fluid enters, and which contains a regulating screw i
that also serves to guide the valve b.
The fluid raises the valve b inore or less according to its pressure and escapes
annularly between it and the cone or funnel to act upon the wheel c which is
formed with flat blades arranged at an inclination of about 25 degrees.
The shaft d of this wheel carries at its upper part an endless screw which is the
first member of the counting mechanism e.
The measured fluid passes through the holes f into the double casing g¹ communi-
cating with the outlet g.
In Figs. 3 and 4 the valve b is replaced by a series of orifices covered by plates
arranged at an inclination of about 25 degrees.
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. A meter for measuring liquid or fluid comprising a wheel with inclined flat
blades, in combination with a central valve opening according to the pressure of
the fluid to be measured and admitting the said fluid on to the wheel to cause a more
or less rapid rotation as described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing.
2. A meter for measuring liquid or fluid having a wheel c composed of inclined
flat blades, in combination with valves or boxes through which the fluid passes before
reaching the said wheel arranged as described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 of the
drawing.
Dated this 17th day of August 1888