Improvements in and relating to Revolving Cylinder Pumps for use in connection with Vehicle Wheels having Pneumatic Tyres.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Nov., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 17th Aug., 1899-Accepted, 4th Nov., 1899
BRAICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Revolving Cylinder Pumps for use
in connection with Vehicle Wheels having Pneumatic Tyres.
We, ARTHUR RIGG Engineer, 42, Old Broad Street, in the City of London,
and JOHN CLOWES BAYLEY, Steel Manufacturer, of Suffolk House, Lawrence
Pountney Hill, in the City of London, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
Royal Letters Patent were granted to the above named Arthur Rigg, on the
16th day of May 1885, Number 6047 and on the 21st August, 1894, Number
15888 for " improvements in engines worked by elastic or non-elastic fluids;
or by the explosion of mixed gases: applicable also to apparatus for pumping."
Both these patents relate to improvements in engines or pumps having several
cylinders revolving around a common centre, while their plungers revolve around
another common centre; the distance between such respective centres constituting
the radius of a crank.
Whenever pressure moves the piston outwards, in relation to the pump barrel,
and so enlarges the displacement; whenever also exhaust occurs as displacement
decreases, then the apparatus constitutes a motor; but whenever it is driven by
extraneous power, and inhales during an enlargement of the displacement, and,
compresses during a return stroke while the displacement diminishes, then the
apparatus becomes a pump.
In carrying out our present invention, we prefer to use one cylinder or pump
(though we may use more than one) which, under some conditions, shall act as
a pump, while under other conditions it shall act the part of a motor.
Although our invention is intended to be employed principally for the purpose
of forcing air into pneumatic tyres, and for regulating the amount of pressure
pumped, so that no more than a pre-arranged amount shall accrue within such
tyre: yet it may be employed for the production of pressure within wheels unpro-
vided with pneumatic tyres, where pressure, for any purpose, may be required
to be produced within them.
In carrying out our invention, we make use of the hub or nave of the wheel,
or wheels of a bicycle, motor car, or other vehicle, provided with pneumatic
tyre, or tyres (or the hub or nave, or other part of any other class of rotating
wheel, which may require the production of pressure within it).
The aforesaid hub or nave must be constructed of a suitable diameter, and
we adapt our invention to suit any usual construction, so far as regards ball
bearings or bearings of any other description, and all other mechanical details
which do not interfere with the application of our invention.
Referring particularly to wheels provided with pneumatic tyres; and in order
to adapt them to receive our pump, we provide a screwed branch, or tee, or other
attachment; conveniently made to stand centrally between the flanges, provided
to receive the wire spokes, and on the opposite side to the usual oil an

page_text: Both ends of the central bolt, or stud, which usually carries the wheel: may
be constructed in any convenient manner, but its central portion, now usually
plain, we form into a crank, which stands centrally in longitudinal measure,
corresponding with the branch or tee which carries the pump barrel. Such
cranked bolt or stud, is usually fixed; but in some cases, where gearing is
employed, it turns round, but at a different rate to the hub or nave.
The pump barrel is screwed, or otherwise attached, or fixed, to the branch
upon the hub; and it is provided with an inlet valve, from the atmosphere,
drawing air, when desired, through a filter of cotton wool, or other substance.
It has also a delivery valve; connected by a pipe, either directly, with the tyre;
or through the usual inlet tyre valve.
The pump barrel is provided with a plunger, packed by a cup-leather; or in
any other convenient manner: and, preferably, we use a connecting rod, having
a ball joint at its inner, or plunger end; and at its outer end; two spring clips
or latches, opposite each other.
These are so contrived, that by pushing against the crank; they spring open;
and afterwards close upon it: thus embracing it on both sides; and holding it,
with sufficient force, to resist any pull due to suction, or stiffness.
The solid connecting-rod resists compression, while the pump displacement
diminishes, or receives a thrust as the plunger makes a return stroke, while
discharging only a part of its contents into the tyre. We do not restrict ourselves
to the use, only, of this special form of connecting rod; between plunger or
crank; or to any, or all of the exact mechanical details here described; for
other forms of connecting rod, and other mechanical details may be employed.
When the pump and wheel, and other details, as described, and as necessary,
are caused to rotate; air is forthwith pumped into the tyre.
In order to prevent our pump forcing air, beyond a pre-arranged pressure,
into the tyre: we take advantage of the natural law, whereby the pressure
of compressed gases varies inversely in proportion to their volume. To give
effect to this law, we provide a separate reservoir in connection with the pump
barrel, or we make use of the clearances within the pump itself, or both arrange-
ments may be used in combination.
By regulating the amount of clearance space; in proportion to the initial
volume due to the pump's full displacement; we are able to regulate the maximum
pressure that can pass its delivery valve.
When such pressure becomes equal to that which has already been pumped
into the tyre; plus, if necessary, an allowance for opening the valve or valves;
the pump simply compresses its contents as a pump, and allows them to expand
again, as a motor; until, from puncture or other cause, pressure reduces above
the delivery valve, and pumping is resumed.
The mechanical arrangements for regulating what pressure may be pumped
into the tyre, may very conveniently be accomplished by screwing the pump
barrel itself, nearer to the centre of rotation, for increasing pressure; or further
from this centre, for diminishing pressure pumped into the tyre.
When so regulated, the pump barrel may be retained in position by a lock-
nut, or other suitable contrivance.
A corresponding effect might be produced, by fixing the pump barrel; and
lengthening, or shortening its connecting rod; thus adjusting the ratio of com-
pression, and corresponding pressure in the pump, and tyre; or connecting pipe,
or reservoir, into which pumping may be carried on, or the same result may be
obtained by providing the pump with a separate chamber in connection with its
barrel;
which chamber may be of fixed dimensions, or adjustable; thus we pro-
vide an artificial clearance space, and can fix both pump barrel and plunger per
manently. The regulation of such an additional chamber, in conjunction with
such clearances, as must of necessity remain in the pump; will enable any
desired pressure to be transmitted, and maintained in the tyre.
The amount of pressure within any tyre, provided with our pump: may be

page_text: guessed at by the usual method of touch; or may be more accurately known by
the addition of a pressure gauge.
In the case, for example, of motor cars or other vehicles having wheels provided
with pneumatic tyres, running on a solid or carriage axle: where it might be
inconvenient to adapt such a crank to drive our pump direct, as described in
connection with bicycle wheels; we provide a secondary axle, driven by wheels
or otherwise; and, on this secondary axle, we construct a crank, or its equivalent,
and other corresponding arrangements as if this secondary axle were the main
axle, and we use any other convenient mechanical devices for driving and regu-
lating our pump substantially as already described. The same class of secondary
shaft, and connections will apply to the adaptation of our pump for any other
class of rotating wheels which may require a pressure producing within them.
It will be obvious that many mechanical variations can be made, without
interfering with the essential features of our invention, we therefore do not
restrict ourselves to the use of only such special details as have been described,
or of the use of them all in combination.
004
1000
ARTHUR RIGG,
JOHN CLOWES BAYLEY.
Improvements in and relating to Revolving Cylinder Pumps for use
in connection with Vehicle Wheels having Pneumatic Tyres.
We, ARTHUR RIGG, Engineer, of 42, Old Broad Street, in the City of London,
and JOHN CLOWES BAYLEY, Steel Manufacturer, of Suffolk House, Lawrence
Pountney Hill, in the City of London, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our invention is intended for the purpose of forcing air into pneumatic tyres
on wheels, and for regulating the maximum pressure pumped into such tyres
automatically.
In carrying out our invention, we use the hub or nave H Figures 1 and 2 on the
accompanying sheet of drawings, of any such wheel provided with pneumatic
tyres, to carry a pump barrel P.
We bend the central bolt A B (now usually made straight), at about the middle
of its length so that it forms a crank C, which may either be stationary: or
may turn round at a rate different from that of the hub and pump barrel, both
of which turn around the centre line A B.
Opposite the crank C, and at about the middle of the hub H between the two
flanges provided for attachment of the spokes; we provide a branch, into which
the pump barrel can be screwed, or otherwise fixed, or the centre portion of the
hub may be formed as a globe, with an internal branch, and screw therein for
attachment or adjustment of the pump barrel nearer to, or further from, the
centre line A B. The hub or globe must at its middle part be made sufficiently
large to turn round clear of the crank C, and connecting-rod CD and the ends
of the hub may be constructed with ball bearings or otherwise in any usual
or convenient manner as they are not affected by the crank C any further than
that they must leave large enough opening, at either or both ends to pass the
crank into its intended location.
The pump barrel P', as shewn by Figures 1 and 2 is fixed upon a branch tee

page_text: forming part of the hub: and it stands at about half way between the flanges to
which the spokes are attached, or the hub may be made globular at its middle
portion to receive the pump barrel screwed into such globe.
The pump is provided with a piston or plunger F packed by a cup-leather, or
in any other suitable and convenient manner.
Connecting rods between the crank and piston of other forms are admissible,
but we prefer the construction shewn in Figures 1 and 2.
This connecting-rod C D has a ball. and socket joint D at its inner or piston
end, and at its outer or crank end C there are two spring clips or latches LL
set opposite to each other, and attached to the connecting-rod.
These latches have projecting horns at their outer extremities; and are so
contrived, that when pushed against the crank they open and after passing the
crank they close together again, thus embracing it on opposite sides, and doing
this with sufficient force to resist any ordinary pull or tensile strain due to suction
or stiffness.
This design of connecting-rod may be varied in several details; as for example
having springs like those of an ordinary pocket knife.
All pressures coming upon the connecting-rod C D are borne by its solid
central portion; and they occur, as usual with any single-acting pump or engine,
during such times as the pump displacement diminishes, or during expansion of
such air as may remain within the pump and not pass into the tyre.
66
At the upper or
closed" end of the pump barrel, there are provided one or
more small holes covered by a flap suction valve S, or any other suitable or
convenient valve may be used. Over this there is a chamber G, intended to
contain cotton-wool, or other filtering material.
Into E the cap or cover of the chamber G there are provided small holes K
admitting air to be filtered before being drawn into the pump.
The flap valve S as shewn is held in position by the head of a set screw or
bolt M screwed at its further end to receive a nut.
This set screw or bolt has a hole drilled through it, to serve as a delivery
pipe, and its outer end is closed during the suction stroke of the pump, by a
valve V.
To guard against this delivery valve falling out of position while the pump
revolves it is held up by a light spring.
The outlet delivery branch E is prepared to receive an india-rubber pipe for
a permanent connection with the usual hand pump inlet valve to the tyre, which
is usually provided for such hand pumping arrangements as are now in general
use or a screwed union may be used instead of the arrangement shewn at E, or
other arrangements as desired.
While the pump and connections are making one revolution around their centre
line A B; the piston I also makes one revolution around the crank centre C; and
as these respective centres are distant from one another, it follows that the
piston F moves in and out of the pump barrel, just as if it were fixed, and the
crank turned round, instead of the crank C being fixed, and the plunger turning
round.
In some cases gearing is employed in connection with the hub, and the
central stud or bolt turns round at a different rate to the hub. Corresponding
movements occur as between the pump barrel and its piston and the system of
pumping into the tyre remains similar in principle but differing as to the number
of reciprocations in a given time or given number of rotations of the wheel.
Thus far it has been explained how the mechanism described and illustrated
pumps air into the tyre; and we will now proceed to describe our method whereby
a pre-determined pressure, and no more, shall be admitted to the tyre.
In order to regulate what pressure shall be admitted to the tyre, we take
advantage of the natural law, common to all gases, whereby their pressure varies
inversely in proportion to their volume.
To give effect to this law in a simple manner, we adjust the clearance capacity

page_text: within the pump, in relation to its total displacement (due to area multiplied
into the stroke of its piston) so as to give the desired compression, and corre-
sponding pressure admitted to the tyre. With this object in view, we arrange
to screw or otherwise move the pump barrel P in or out to such a distance from
the crank as may be found suitable to give the desired pressure; and the barrel
may be fixed at such selected position by a lock nut N.
If however it be preferred to fix the pump barrel permanently to the hub, the
same regulation of pressure may be accomplished by providing a chamber in
connection with the barrel, such chamber possessing means for the regulation
of its capacity when so desired.
In some cases it may be wished to have the pump pressure fixed, and unalter-
able by the user of any machine or wheel possessing a pneumatic tyre, and all
that is then necessary is to do away with the moveable lock-nut N, or run it up
to the top and then screw the pump home at any distance from the centre line A B
as may be arranged to give the required pressure.
Whichever arrangement be adopted; whenever the maximum pressure produced
by the pump has been communicated to the tyre (less however any loss due to
passing the valves) then it follows that no further supplies of air can be pumped
through the delivery valve, and whatever air the pump may contain becomes
compressed by one stroke as by the proper action of a pump; and expands during
the return stroke as by the proper action of a motor. This process of give and
take goes on until pressure in the tyre becomes reduced through puncture or other-
wise, and air from the pump again passes through its delivery valve automatically.
In cases where a solid axle is used and it. might be inconvenient to adopt such
mechanical arrangements as are shewn by Figures 1 and 2, we may provide a
secondary axle YZ; Figure 3, driven by a wheel X, while a wheel W, keyed
on the axle A gives rotation to the subsidiary shaft; and a crank Z drives a
similar pump P, to that shewn by Figures 1 and 2 which may or may not be
provided with a lock-nut N₁. Cams or other mechanical devices may be employed
to serve the same ends.
We do not confine ourselves to any or all of the exact mechanical details
described or shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3, nor to the use of any or all of them
together at the same time, for it will be obvious that both description and figures
are illustrative, and in no sense exhaustive; and that many variations can be
made in constructive details of the mechanism to carry out the objects of our
invention, without interfering with the general purposes which it is intended
to fulfil.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is: -
I. The combination with the hub of a wheel having a pneumatic tyre, of a
pump barrel attached to the hub, and provided with suction and delivery valves;
air filter, and connection to tyre.
Also a crank axle, either fixed, or rotating at a different speed to the hub, a
connecting-rod, piston, and other details substantially as described.
II. The combination with the hub of a wheel having a pneumatic tyre, with
a pump barrel carried upon the hub, and a piston working within said barrel,
and other details shewn, of a connecting-rod provided at its piston end with a
ball joint, and at its crank end with spring latches arranged to open when
pressed against the crank, and to close again and embrace it substantially as set
forth and described.
III. The combination with the hub of a wheel having a pneumatic tyre and
pump barrel carried upon said hub, and piston working within such barrel and
other details described with arrangements for fixing, or for adjusting and fixing
the relative displacement and clearance capacity in or in connection with the

page_text: pump for the purpose of determining the pressure forced into, or maintained
within the tyre substantially as illustrated and described.
IV. The combination with the hub of a wheel having a pneumatic tyre and
revolving around a solid axle, of a pump provided with suction and delivery
valves, piston, connecting-rod, and other details described, including an adjust-
able, or fixed clearance space for regulating pressure substantially as illustrated:
such pump being driven by the rotation of the hub and wheel in any suitable
and convenient manner.
Dated this Seventeenth day of August 1899.
ARTHUR RIGG,
JOHN CLOWES BAYLEY.