IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS METERS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING OR PRESERVING THE LEVELS OF LIQUIDS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Zuill Kay, of Dundee, in the County of Forfar;
North Britain, Gas Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
GAS METERS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING OR PRESERVING THE
LEVELS OF LIQUIDS."
Sealed the 23rd December 1859, and dated the 26th October 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Zuill Kay at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th
October 1859.
I, JOHN ZUILL KAY, of Dundee, in the County of Forfar, North Britain,
Gas Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN GAS METERS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING OR PRESERVING
THE LEVELS OF LIQUIDS," to be as follows, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to the securing of an equitable water level in gas
meters, whereby unjust measurement of gas will be nearly or wholly prevented.
In ordinary meters this is effected by the introduction or formation of two
separate hydraulic chambers, having communication with each other at their
lower ends. One of these chambers is longer than the other. and has an
opening in its upper end leading into the drum case, through which the gas
passes from the measuring drum to the discharge pipe, and thence to the
burners. The other chamber has a small tube or dip pipe in connection with
and leading from its upper end, dipping into the water a little below the
proper water line. Into that chamber, which is in communication with the
drum case, is introduced a discharge or outlet pipe. This pipe is carried

page_text: down from the top of the meter to within a very short distance of the proper water
line, and is curved forwards towards the outside of the meter, its open lower end
being flattened and elongated so that the same area may be still preserved. Into
this chamber there is also introduced the filling tube. It is obvious that both
these chambers herein-before described will be filled with water before any
water can get into the drum case; the water then passes down the dip pipe,
fills the drum case until it rises to its proper level, and discharges itself into
the waste water box through the overflow. The overflow pipe being cut to
the proper level too much water cannot by any means be introduced into the
meter, so as to register against gas consumers, neither can gas be consumed
when the water is so low in the meter as to register more than three per cent.
against gas makers, at the same time giving a full supply of gas to the con-
sumer until the water level is reduced to this limit of three per cent. The
dip pipe and chaniber, which are in connection with each other, contain
columns of water of equal depths, acting as a siphon upon the other chamber,
which is in connection with the drum case, and, always maintaining within
that chamber the same liquid level as that of the water in which the dip pipe
is immersed. Should the water in the meter by any means fall below the
mouth of the dip pipe, the equilibrium of the columns is immediately destroyed.
The water falling in the one chamber and rising in the other, and sealing the
discharge pipe so effectively that gas cannot by any means get to the burners
until the meter be again filled with water.
This arrangement dispenses altogether with the unsatisfactory valve and
float as ordinarily used. There are several available modifications in the
application of the hydraulic valve and combinations. First, it may be intro-
duced into the front chamber of the meter, and in that case, to prevent tilting,
the overflow pipe is carried from the back along the bottom, and thence into
the waste water box in front of the meter. The gas is introduced by a suitable
arrangement first into the waste water box, and then by a close bent siphon
pipe into the measuring drum, and by this means there is obtained the same
water level in the drum case and front chamber, both being subject to the same
or outlet pressure.
i .
In the second modification the hydraulic valve with its combinations is
attached to the back end of the meter; on the front end are arranged the
registering apparatus, inlet pipe, overflow pipe, gas siphon, and waste water
box. By the application of the hydraulic valve and its combinations, tilting
can be altogether prevented.
1
In the first modification the overflow pipe being at the back end of the
meter, and the hydraulic valve in the front chamber, if the meter be raised off

page_text: its level and thrown back, the water will be discharged by the overflow pipe
into the waste water box, and thus unseal the mouth of the dip pipe, or in
the case of being thrown forward, the water will rise in the chamber of the
hydraulic valve. containing the discharged or outlet pipe, and effectually
seal it.
A
In the second modification, all the actions of sealing and unsealing through
In the
the effects of tilting are identically the same as already described.
compensating meter an open rectangular chamber above the waste water box
is employed as a fountain or reservoir of water to supply the waste through
evaporation, and in this chamber there are introduced the hydraulic valve and
.combinations, together with the equilibrium chamber.
The inlet gas is
introduced by a suitable arrangement first into the waste water box, and then
by a close bent gas siphon into the measuring drum. A tube is provided to
carry off the gas from the fountain when it is being refilled with water.
small conically-shaped tube having its larger diameter projected into the
fountain, and its lesser diameter fixed to the side of the equilibrium chamber,
-in such a manner as to be easily shifted upwards or downwards. The overflow
pipe is put at the end of the meter opposite to that to which the aforesaid
arrangements allude. And it is carried along the bottom, and thence into the
waste water box. In this arrangement, so soon as the water fills the chambers
of the hydraulic valve, as before described, it will flow down the dip, and in
this case into the fountain until the fountain be filled, when, by a suitable
arrangement of parts, the water then flows into the drum case, and when the
proper level is attained, it passes through the overflow pipe into the waste
water box, but the water will never flow into the drum case until the fountain
is filled. The equilibrium chamber is a small rectangular chamber extending
from the top of the fountain to a short distance below the proper water line,
having a communication with the drum case at the top end, and therefore
subject to the outlet pressure. The object of this chamber is to prevent the
water in the fountain from flowing into the drum case at every variation of
pressure or temperature. The conically shaped pipe being attached to the
side of the equilibrium chamber at the water level admits gas in small globules
into the fountain when the water in the drum case through evaporation falls
below the proper level, and continues in action until that level be obtained,
and by that means the water in the fountain passes into the drum case through
a small nozzle provided for that purpose, or through the opening or bore of
the drum spindle bearing. The construction of the parts of this meter with
its arrangements is such, that fraud by tilting or otherwise is entirely prevented.
When the meter is thrown a little forwards, the outlet or discharge pipe is

page_text: sealed; if thrown backwards, the water in the drum case is discharged through
the overflow pipe into the waste water box, and the water level in front of the
meter being too low, and therefore below the conically shaped pipe or gas
nozzle, gas is admitted into the fountain, and water from the fountain into the
drum case, and thence into the waste water box, until the water level in the
fountain falls below the mouth of the dip pipe, when the equilibrium of the
columns of water in the hydraulic valve is destroyed, and an immediate
stoppage of gas from the meter ensues.
In another modification of this compensating meter the fountain equilibrium
chamber, hydraulic valve, and combinations, are placed at the back end of the
meter, and on the front are the registering apparatus, inlet pipe, gas siphon,
overflow pipe, and waste water box. The common meters now in use being
totally inadequate to the requirements of the new Sale of Gas Bill, only require
that they be furnished with the bydraulic valve, which, if properly attached to
the back end of such meters, makes them equal in every respect to the
requirements of the said Act, no alterations being necessary in the front
chambers of such meters. They will give a full supply of gas to the con-
sumers until the water level is reduced to register three per cent. against
sellers, fraud by tilting being at the same time prevented. The herein-before
described arrangements for the maintenance or preservation of the levels of
liquids are also well suited for the preservation of the levels of liquids in steam
boilers, cisterns, and other apparatus.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Zuill Kay in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th April 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
ZUILL KAY, of Dundee, in the County of Forfar, North Britain, Gas Engineer,
'send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty, Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said John Zuill Kay, Her special license that I, the said John Zuill
Kay, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
John Zuill Kay, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter

page_text: during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
GAS METERS, AND IN APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING OR PRESERVING THE LEVELS
OF LIQUIDS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John
Zuil Kay, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Zuill Kay, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say
My said Invention relates to the securing of an equitable water level in
gas meters, whereby unjust measurement of gas will be nearly or wholly
prevented. In ordinary meters this is effected by the introduction or formation
of two separate hydraulic chambers having communication with each other at
their lower ends. One of these chambers is longer than the other, and has an
opening at its upper end leading into the drum case, through which the gas
passes from the measuring drum to the discharge pipe, and thence to the
burners. The other chamber has a small tube or dip pipe in connection with
and leading from its upper end, dipping into the water a little below the proper
water line. Into that chamber, which is in communication with the drum case,
is introduced a discharge or outlet pipe. This pipe is carried down from the
top of the meter to within a very short distance of the proper water line, and
is curved forwards towards the outside of the meter, its open lower end being
flattened and elongated, so that the same area may be still preserved.
this chamber there is also introduced the filling tube.
these chambers, berein-before described, will be filled
water can get into the drum case, the water then passes down the dip pipe, fills
the drum case until it rises to its proper level, and discharges itself into the
waste water box, through the overflow. The overflow pipe being cut to the
proper level, too much water cannot by any means be introduced into the meter,
so as to register against gas consumers; neither can gas be consumed when.
the water is so low in the meter as to register more than three per cent. against
gas makers, at the same time giving a full supply of gas to the consumer,
until the water level is reduced to this limit of three per cent. The dip pipo
Into
It is obvious that both
with water, before any

page_text: and chamber, which are in connection with each other, contain columns of
water of equal depths acting as a siphon upon the other chamber, which is in
connection with the drum case, and always maintaining within that chamber
the same liquid level as that of the water in which the dip pipe is immersed.
Should the water in the meter by any means fall below the mouth of the dip
pipe, the equilibrium of the columns is immediately destroyed, the water falling
in the one chamber and rising in the other, and sealing the discharge pipe so
effectively that gas cannot by any means get to the burners until the meter
be again filled with water. This arrangement dispenses altogether with the
unsatisfactory valve and float as ordinarily used.
There are several available modifications in the application of the hydraulic
valve and combinations. First, it may be introduced into the front chamber
of the meter, and in that case, to prevent tilting, the overflow pipe is carried.
from the back along the bottom and thence into the waste water box in the
front of the meter. The gas is introduced by a suitable arrangement, first into
the waste water box, and then by a close bent siphon pipe into the measuring
drum, and by this means there is obtained the same water level in the drum
case and front chamber, both being subject to the same or outlet pressure.
In the second modification, the hydraulic valve, with its combinations, is
attached to the back end of the meter; on the front end are arranged the
registering apparatus, inlet pipe, overflow pipe, gas siphon, and waste water
box. By the application of the hydraulic valve and its combinations tilting
can be altogether prevented.
In the first modification, the overflow pipe being at the back end of the
meter, and the hydraulic valve in the front chamber, if the meter be raised off
its level, and thrown back, the water will be discharged by the overflow pipe
into the waste water box, and thus unseal the mouth of the dip pipe; or in the
case of being thrown forward the water will rise in the chamber of the hydraulic
valve containing the discharge or outlet pipe, and effectually seal it.
In the second modification, all the actions of sealing and unsealing through
the effects of tilting are identically the same as already described. In the
compensating meter an open rectangular chamber above the waste water box
is employed as a fountain or reservoir of water to supply the waste through
evaporation, and in this chamber there are introduced the hydraulic valve and
combinations, together with the equilibrium chamber. The inlet gas is intro
duced by a suitable arrangement, first into the waste water box, and then by a
close bent gas siphon into the measuring drum. A tube is provided to carry
A small
off the gas from the fountain when it is being refilled with water.
conically shaped tube having its larger diameter projected into the fountain,

page_text: and its lesser diameter fixed to the side of the equilibrium chamber in such a
manner as to be easily shifted upwards or downwards. The overflow pipe is
put at the end of the meter opposite to that to which the aforesaid arrange-
ments allude, and it is carried along the bottom, and thence into the waste
water box. In this arrangement, so soon as the water fills the chambers of
the hydraulic valve, as before described, it will flow down the dip pipe, and in
this case into the fountain, until the fountain be filled, when by a suitable
arrangement of parts the water then flows into the drum case, and when the
proper level is attained, it passes through the overflow pipe into the waste
water box, but the water will never flow into the drum case until the fountain
is filled. The equilibrium chamber is a small rectangular chamber extending
from the top of the fountain to a short distance below the proper water line,
having a communication with the drum case at the top end, and therefore
subject to the outlet pressure. The object of this chamber is to prevent the
water in the fountain from flowing into the drum case at every variation of
pressure or temperature. The conicully shaped pipe being attached to the side
of the equilibrium chamber, at the water level, admits gas in small globules into
the fountain when the water in the drum case through evaporation falls
below the proper level, and continues in action until that level be obtained,
and by that means the water in the fountain passes into the drum case through
a small nozzle provided for that purpose, or through the opening or bore of the
drum spindle bearing. The construction of the parts of this meter with its
arrangements, is such, that fraud by tilting or otherwise is entirely prevented.
When the meter is thrown a little forwards, the outlet or discharge pipe is
sealed; if thrown backwards, the water in the drum case is discharged through
the overflow pipe into the waste water box, and the water level in front of the
meter being too low, and therefore below the conically shaped pipe or gas
nozzle, gas is admitted into the fountain, and water from the fountain into the
drum case, and thence into the waste water box until the water level in the
fountain falls below the mouth of the dip pipe, when the equilibrium of the
columns of water in the hydraulic valve is destroyed, and an immediate
stoppage of gas from the meter ensues.
In another modification of this compensating meter, the fountain equilibrium
chamber, hydraulic valve, and combinations, are placed at the back end of the
meter, and on the front are the registering apparatus, inlet pipe, gas siphon,
overflow pipe, and waste water box. The common meters now in use being,
totally inadequate to the requirements of the new Sale of Gas Bill, only require
that they be furnished with the hydraulic valve, which, if properly attached
to the back end of such meters make them equal in every respect to
the

page_text: requirements of the said Act, no alteration being necessary in the front chambers
of such meters. They will give a full supply of gas to the consumers until the
water level is reduced to register three per cent. against sellers, fraud by tilting
being at the same time prevented.
The herein-before described arrangements for the maintenance or preservation
of the levels of liquids, are also well suited for the preservation of the levels of
liquids in steam boilers, cisterns, and other apparatus.
And in order that my said Invention of improvements in gas meters may be
properly understood, I shall now proceed to describe the several illustrative
Figures on the explanatory Sheet of Drawings, which I have hereunto ap-
pended, for the purpose of showing certain modifications under which my
improvements may be judiciously carried out in practice, that is to say,-
Figure 1, on the accompanying Drawings, is a vertical section of a gas meter
taken through the front box of the meter, into which the gas issues from the
main; Figure 2 is a partially sectional view of the back of the meter taken
through the hydrostatic valve box, into which the gas issues after being
measured, and passes from thence to the outlet pipe; Figure 3 is a transverse
sectional plan, corresponding to Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a back view of
a meter having another modification of my hydrostatic valve box applied
thereto; Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of a compensating meter, arranged
according to my improvements in this class of meters, the sectional line passing
longitudinally through the valve box at the back of the meter; Figure 6 is a
transverse section of a portion of a meter corresponding to Figure 5. In the
arrangement delineated in Figures 1 to 3, the meter case A, containing the
measuring drum, is of the ordinary kind. The gas as it flows from the street
main passes down the inlet pipe B into the front box C, which is divided into
two compartments by a horizontal partition, the lower compartment D serving
as a receptacle for the waste water. The water is prevented from rising beyond
the predetermined level by the overflow pipe E, which carries the surplus water
down into the chamber D. The gas which is displaced by the overflow of
water to the chamber D passes up the pipe F. The overflow pipe E is für-
nished with a lateral branch, which conveys the gas into the measuring.
chamber A; the rotation of the measuring drum being indicated by means of
the ordinary clockwork movement connected with the wheel G. Any excess of
water in the chamber D may be allowed to flow off when necessary by the
curved pipe H. To the back of the meter is screwed or formed thereon a rect-
angular box I, which is divided by means of partitions into four compartments.
One partition J extends upwards nearly to the top of the box I, and into this
compartment the filling tube K opens; the top of this filling tube being per-

page_text: forated with small holes opening to the interior of the box I, so as to allow the
air or gas to escape while the meter is being charged with water.
The space
between the partition J and the opposite side of the box I is divided by the
arched partition L, and below this is a smaller rectangular compartment.M,
which communicates with the interior of the meter case A. Rising above the
cover of the compartment M is the vertical tube N, which extends close up to
the arched partition L, but not so close as to prevent water from flowing down
the tube. The lower portion of the tube N extends downwards a very short
distance below the proper water level required to be maintained in the meter.
When water is poured into the meter by the filling tube K, the water fills the
compartment and flows over the partition J into the next compartment. The
water passes under the arched partition L, and as it rises upwards therein it
drives the contained gas or air down the tube N, and having expelled the whole
of the gas or air, the water flows down the tube and into the drum or meter
case A.
As the water is filled into the drum it flows into the front box C, and
having reached the predetermined, level, the surplus quantity runs down the
overflow pipe E into the chamber D. The gas, after being measured by the
rotatory movement of the measuring drum flows through the opening O in
the box I, and passes off to the burners by the outlet pipe P; this pipe P,
where it enter the second compartment of the box I, is curved, to keep it
clear of the arched partition L, and it terminates within a very short distance
of the surface of the water contained in the compartment. The lower end of
the outlet pipe P is shaped into a conical figure and flattened, sufficient area
being preserved for the due emission of the gas to the burners.
Another modification of this mode of arranging and constructing wet gas
meters is shown in Figure 4 on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings; the
Figure shows the arrangement of the hydrostatic valve box at the back of the
meter. The metal box I is of a rectangular figure, and an internal compart-
ment is formed therein by the partition J. In the space formed between the
side of the box I and the partition J, the filling tube K is fitted, which extends
low down into the meter. Extending from the partition J is a second par-
tition L, which is carried downwards in an angular direction and then vertically,
terminating within a short distance from the bottom of the box I. The central
compartment M, which is formed by the enclosing partition J, communicates
directly with the meter case, and the water is conveyed thereto by means of
the tube N, which, as in the last modification, extends very nearly up to the
partition L.
With this arrangement, when water is poured into the meter by
the pipe K, it flows into the compartment between the box and the partition J,
and flows over the top of it and down the partition L. As the water continues

page_text: to be poured in, it rises up into the compartment enclosed by the partition L,
and having driven out the enclosed air or gas, the water flows down the tube N
into the compartment M, and from thence into the body or measuring chamber
of the meter. The water having access to the front box of the meter, it con-
tinues to rise therein until it reaches the overflow pipe, which stops its further
ascent. The level of the water is now the same within the front box, the
meter case, the compartment M, and the space external to the partition L. The
gas, after being measured, flows into the compartment M, and passes off by
the tube O into the box I. The gas flows off by the pipe P into the small com-
partment Q, in which is fixed or cast on the box I a horizontal diaphragm R,
to prevent the introduction of any instrument for the purpose of drawing off
the water, and so causing the meter to register against the company. From
the compartment Q the gas passes off by the outlet pipe S to the burners. With
these arrangements of wet gas meters it is impossible to fill them beyond the
proper level so as to cause them to register against the consumer, consequently
they afford perfect protection to the public.
.
On the other hand the improved arrangements also prevent fraud on the
part of the consumer, for if the meter be tilted forward a portion of the water
will flow down the overflow pipe into the waste water chamber. The effect of
this diminution of the water in the meter will be to unseal the tube N, and
this will destroy the hydrostatic equilibrium, and so cause the water enclosed
by the partition L to fall and seal the pipe P, and thus prevent the flow of
gas to the burners. And this state of things will continue until the meter is
restored to its level, and a supply of water poured in equivalent to the quantity
which has run off by the overflow pipe. So also if the meter be tilted in a
backward direction, the water being thereby thrown out of the level, it rises in
the compartment outside the partition L, and so seals the pipe P and stops the
flow of gas to the burners. In this way gas meters of the ordinary kind may
be readily altered to meet the requirements of a recent Act of Parliament for
regulating the sale of gas, by simply fixing one of these hydrostatic valve
boxes to the back of the meter. In cases where it may be expedient to seal
the waste water pipe, the gas tube F is introduced into the front chamber of
the meter, its lower end leading into the waste water box.
which carries off the surplus water, is to be of sufficient
column of water greater than the pressure of the inlet gas.
to be altered are "high spouted," the spouts would require to be cut down to
the true water line, and a waste water box to be attached to the meter.
Another mode of applying the hydrostatic valve box is to arrange it in the
front box of the meter, and in order to prevent tilting the overflow pipe is
The bent tube H,
length to contain a
When the meters

page_text: arranged at the back of the meter, and is carried along the bottom and thence
into the waste water box. In this modification the gas is conveyed first into
the waste water box, and then by a gas siphon into the measuring drum. By
this means a corresponding water level is obtained in the front chamber and
in the drum case, both being subject to the same pressure of gas.
Figures 5 and 6 on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings represent a
partially sectional elevation and plan of one arrangement of my improved wet
gas meters, constructed upon what is known as the compensating principle, in
which a uniform water level is maintained by means of a reservoir attached to
the meter. To the back of the meter is attached or is formed thereon the
valve box I, one portion of which is divided off by the vertical partition J. At
the upper part of this partition is a laterally projecting piece through which
passes the filling pipe K, the arrangement of which is similar to those herein-
before described. Extending laterally from the top of the partition J towards
the right-hand side of the box I is the partition L, which is curved downwards
and terminates near the bottom of the chamber I. The space thus far
enclosed is again divided by the partition M, which is made with a bend at
the centre through which passes the tube N. In filling this meter with water
it flows from the filling tube K along the compartment above the partition L
downwards into the space in, which the outlet pipe P is arranged, and as the
water rises it completely fills the compartment between the partitions Land M.
The air or gas is expelled, down the pipe N, and the water then flows down
and fills the compartment into which the pipe N opens at the. lower part:
This central compartment being closed at the upper part it is completely filled
with water, the air or gas previously contained therein escaping by the small
vertical chamber or division Q. This being an open fountain the water flows
under the partition J, and rises in the equilibrium chamber R, the water
flowing from this compartment into the measuring chamber through the
orifice O, and thence into the front box where the overflow pipe is arranged.
The object of the equilibrium chamber R is to prevent water from the
fountain passing into the drum case at every variation of the pressure. The
gas passes from the measuring chamber through the aperture O and away by.
the pipe P to the burners. In the partition J there is fitted a short conically-
shaped tube S, which is arranged in a slot or other contrivance, so that it may
be easily moved up and down. This tube is placed at the proper water level;
so that as the water evaporates small bubbles of gas pass through the tube S
from the equilibrium chamber R and into the reservoir; these bubbles of gas
displace a corresponding quantity of water which flows through an aperture

page_text: made for the purpose, and communicating with the measuring chamber. In
this manner the evaporation of the water is fully compensated for, and a con-
stantly uniform water level is maintained by self-acting means, which are free
from liability to error. The arrangement of this meter also effectually prevents
fraud by tilting, for if the meter be thrown forward a portion of the water in
the drum case escapes by the overflow pipe into the waste water chamber, the
water level at the back being then too low, the conical tube R becomes opened,
so that gas passes into the reservoir. This admission of the gas causes a
portion of the water to flow into the drum case, and from thence into the front
box and down the overflow pipe. This continues until the water in the
reservoir falls below the mouth of the tube N, which destroys the equilibrium
of the columns of water, and the immediate stoppage of gas to the burners
This compensation valve chamber may be as readily attached to a
meter of the ordinary kind, as the arrangements shown in Figures 1 to 4, on
the accompanying Drawings.
ensues.
In another modification of my compensating meter, the open rectangular
chamber is arranged above the waste water box in front of the meter as a
fountain, and in this chamber the hydrostatic valve and its appurtenances are
fitted. The gas passes by the inlet pipe first into the waste water box, and
then by a siphon pipe into the measuring drum. But in order to prevent
fraud by tilting, the overflow pipe is carried from the back of the meter along
the bottom and thence into the waste water box. These improvements in
apparatus for measuring gas are adapted to ensure an accurate and equitable
registration of gas between the supplier and consumer.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the heren-
before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the general arrangement and construction of meters or apparatus for
measuring and registering the consumption of gas, as herein-before described
and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Second, the system or mode of arranging and constructing wet gas meters
with hydrostatic valve boxes, which are so arranged as to ensure the proper
water level in the meter, and the prevention of fraud by the sealing of the
outlet pipe upon the meter being tilted either forwards or backwards, as herein-
before described and shown in the accompanying Drawings, or any mere
modification of the same.

page_text: Third, the system or mode of arranging and constructing gas meters of the
compensating class, in which the hydrostatic valve box with its reservoir and
appurtenances are arranged to compensate for the diminution of the water,
and to prevent the tilting of the meter for fraudulent purposes, as herein-before
described and delineated in the accompanying Drawings or any mere equivalent
therefor.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Zuill Kay, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty.
JOHN ZUILL KAY. (L.S.)