IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COUPLING OF PIPES AND IN THE FITTINGS THEREOF, AND IN VALVES TO TISE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES.”
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Goode Messenger, of Loughborough, in
•
the County of Leicester, Hydraulic Engineer, Valve Manufacturer,
and Horticultural Builder, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE COUPLING OF PIPES AND IN THE FITTINGS THEREOF, AND IN VALVES TO
TISE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES.”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Goode Messenger
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 21st May 1872.
I, THOMAS GOODE MESSENGER, of Loughborough, in the County of
Leicester, Hydraulic Engineer, Valve Manufacturer, and Horticultural
Builder, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN THE COUPLING OF PIPES AND IN THE FITTINGS THEREOF, AND IN
VALVES TO USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES," to
be as follows :—―
I cast or otherwise form the socket at one or both ends of each length
of pipe with a flange (or with a ring) having one, two, or more lugs,
ears, or tabs, or their equivalent, and having holes or slots in it at the

page_text: outer end. Or instead of a flange I sometimes form the socket with one
or more pairs of tabs or ears. The interior of the socket may be of the
same diameter for the whole of its length, or I divide it into two lengths
of two different diameters. In such case the length of socket nearest
the pipe which forms a part thereof is of such diameter that it will allow
the end of the next adjoining pipe to be slipped into it. The outer end
of the socket is made of somewhat larger diameter to receive one or
more rings or a coil, collar, washer, or packing which encircles the pipe
inserted in the socket. Previously to inserting the pipe in the socket
the flange with holes in its projecting part, or the flange or ring with
tabs or ears on its outer circumference, is slipped on the end of the pipe,
the holes in the two flanges or the spaces formed by the tabs or ears being
then brought opposite to each other screw bolts are placed in the holes
or spaces; nuts or equivalents are placed on the bolts, and screwed or
forced up.
The smallest part of the flange is forced into the enlarged diameter of
the socket and compresses the packing, thus forming a tight joint; or
I cast the end entering the socket with a ring, lugs, or their equivalent,
in order to compress the packing, so as to dispense with a loose ring or
collar. I employ a double socket having one or both ends prepared to
receive loose rings with lugs or their equivalent to enable me to connect
two or more spigot ends together. These ends are composed of iron,
brass, copper, glass, or other convenient tubes, not specially prepared,
or a single socket prepared at one end to receive packing with a metal
ring placed between it, and the packing, upon which loose ring with lugs
or their equivalent fitting in the other end, presses to answer the same
purpose as a double socket in some situations.
I use a casting have a chambered water, fluid, or liquid space with a
number of sockets in the same to receive two or more pipes, and having
a casting with a corresponding number of rings cast on it with two or
more lugs or their equivalent, so that a number of joints may be made
with one operation, or any required number of castings with rings may
be used where the number of sockets on water or liquid space or
chambers be too great for one casting with rings, such as coils, tubular
boilers, or a series of pipes joined together. These water spaces or fluid
or liquid spaces may be provided with a valve or valves to admit or
regulate the flow of water or other liquid into chambers, thence to pipes
attached to the same; or I make a water space or chambers with valve

page_text: or valves working in it or them, to which is attached sockets, flanges,
or other connections, or their equivalents to connect therewith pipe
or pipes on either side or both sides thereof, or in any other desired
position. These valves I open and close by worm and quadrant outside
the water or fluid space, the spindle attached to the quadrant working
through a gland into the said chamber to which would be attached a
valve or valves; or I may open and close the valve or valves by a screw
working through the gland direct.
To attach a socket or valve to a flat surface, such, for instance, as
tanks, or to attach to the side of another pipe to form a branch, or what
is called "tee," I cut a hole out of the existing pipe or tank, and secure
the said socket, flange, valve, or other connection to it by means of
screw bolts or their equivalent without drilling and tapping the existing
pipe, or having any external strap or other equivalent means as here-
tofore employed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Thomas Goode Messenger in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 20th November 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
GOODE MESSENGER, of Loughborough, in the County of Leicester,
Hydraulic Engineer, Valve Manufacturer, and Horticultural Builder,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Thomas Goode Messenger, Her special
license that I, the said Thomas Goode Messenger, my executors, admini-
strators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thomas Goode
Messenger, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter 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 THE COUPLING OF PIPES AND IN THE FITTINGS THEREOF,

page_text: AND IN VALVES TO USE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND FOR OTHER SIMILAR
PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas
Goode Messenger, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, 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 Thomas Goode Messenger, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say :-
I cast or otherwise form the socket at one or both ends of each length
of pipe with a flange, or with a ring, having one, two, or more lugs,
ears, or tabs or their equivalent, and having holes or slots in it and the
outer end; or instead of a flange I sometimes form the socket with one
or more pairs of tabs or ears. The interior of the socket may be of the
same diameter for the whole of its length, or I divide it into two lengths
of two different diameters. In such case the length of socket nearest
the pipe, which forms a part thereof, is of such diameter that it will
allow of the end of the next adjoining pipe to be slipped into it. The
outer end of the socket is made of somewhat larger diameter to receive
one or more rings, or a coil, collar, washer, or packing which encircles
the pipe inserted in the socket. Previously to inserting the pipe in the
socket the flange with holes in its projecting part, or the flange or rings
with tabs or ears on its outer circumference, is slipped on the end of the
pipe, the holes in the two flanges or the spaces formed by the tabs or
ears being then brought opposite each other, screw bolts are placed in
the holes or spaces; nuts or equivalents are placed on the bolts, and
screwed or forced up.
The smallest part of the flange is forced into the enlarged diameter
of the socket and compresses the packing, thus forming a tight joint; or
I cast the end entering the socket with ring, lugs, or their equivalent, in
order to comprise the packing so as to dispense with the loose ring or
collar. I employ a double socket having one or both ends prepared to

page_text: receive loose rings with lugs or their equivalent to enable me to connect
two or more spigot ends together. These ends are composed of iron,
brass, or other convenient tubes not specially prepared, or a single
socket prepared at one end to receive packing with a metal ring placed
between it and the packing, upon which loose ring with lugs or their
equivalent fitting in the other end pre to answer the same purpose
as a double socket in some situations.
I use a casting having a chambered water, fluid, or liquid space with
a number of sockets in the same to receive two or more pipes having a
casting with a corresponding number of rings cast on it with two or
more lugs or their equivalent, so that a number of joints may be made
with one operation, or any required number of castings with rings may
be used where the number of sockets on water or liquid space or
chambers be too great for one casting with rings, such as coils, tabular
boilers, or a series of pipes joined together. These water spaces or fluid
or liquid spaces may be provided with a valve or valves to admit or
regulate the flow of water or other liquid into chambers, thence to pipes
attached to the same; or I make a water space or chambers with valve
or valves working in it or them, to which is attached sockets, flanges, or
other connections, or their equivalent to connect therewith pipe or pipes
on either side or on both sides thereof, or in any other desired position.
These valves I open and close by worm and quadrant outside the water
or fluid space, the spindle attached to the quadrant working through a
gland into the said chamber, to which would be attached a valve or
valves; or I may open and close the valve or valves by a screw working
through the gland direct.
To attach a socket or valve to a flat surface, such, for instance, as
tanks, or to attach to the side of another pipe to form branch, or what
is called tee, I cut a hole out of the existing pipe or take and secure
the said socket, flange, valve, or other connection to it by means of
screw bolts or their equivalent without drilling and tapping the existing
pipe, or having any external strap or other equivalent means as here-
tofore employed.
In carrying out this manifold and highly valuable Invention
constructed as it is upon a large and comprehensive view, both of
arrangement and of detail. I would wish to set forth clearly that

page_text: Figure la is a longitudinal section of a spigot and socket joint for hot
water or other pipes; Figure 1b is a transverse section of same. Thus
it will be seen the socket (A) is formed with two recesses on the inside;
the innermost one for the reception of the end of the spiggot (B); the
other recess for a ring (C) of elastic or other suitable material. This
ring is compressed by a sliding metal collar (D), which is screwed up to
the socket by means of bolts (E) and nuts (F) working on the lugs or
tabs (G) cast on the socket and collar, thus forming the joint. I do not
confine myself to this or these arrangements.
Figure 2 represents my method of coupling two spigots (B), and may
be used for a stuffing box joint. In this case a loose socket (A) having
recess for ring (C) of elastic or other material at each end is run over
the pipes at their juncture, and two elastic rings or rings of other
suitable material, and two sliding metal collars (D) are used after the
same manner as before. Each collar and elastic or other ring working
against the socket at each end of same respectively, with any slight
relaxation.
Figure 3a is a longitudinal section of a socket (A) and spigot (B)
suitable for steam piping or any other piping liable to contraction.
Here a tab (H) is cast on the spigot, as shewn (also in Figure 3b),
which being run through an eye to receive same made in a fillet (I)
cast on the inside of the socket, and then turned round till it bears
against the fillet, prevents the parting of the pipes, or of the spigot
being drawn out of the socket by contraction. In other respects the
joint is similar to Figure 1, but not confined to the particulars
mentioned.
Figure 4 is a jointing for two spigots, being somewhat similar to
Figure Two, only that one loose socket and but one metal collar are used,
but a plain metal ring (K) covers the joint inside the socket, and at
each end of this ring an elastic or other ring is placed. The socket
and metal collar then being screwed up act upon both the elastic rings,
pressing them against the iron ring or rings of other material and the
surface of the spigot and interior of the socket so forming the joint.
Figure 5 indicates the application of the joint to coils or a series
of pipes. Sockets are formed in the end of coil or continuous water

page_text: space (L) to receive pipes and the elastic rings. Tabs or lugs are cast
on the outside pipes, and the water space fillets (I) are also cast round
the pipes, which on the pipes being screwed up press against the elastic
or other ring, making each joint water-tight.
Figure 6 is a joint for lead, copper, or other malleable metal pipes;
for this joint the metal is burned up at the end of each pipe forming a
fillet (I) or flange against which an elastic or other ring on each pipe
works with a loose socket and sliding collar, similar to Figure 4.
Figure 7a is a longitudinal section of a coupling for a small cast-iron
or wrought pipe if made double; 7b and 7c are a transverse section
and elevation of same. Here instead of the metal collar being brought
up to the socket by screws and nuts, the collar having two hooks or
claws (M) works on a widening fillet (N) cast on socket, and by turning
it round on same brings it up to the socket, compressing the india-
rubber or other rings.
Figure 8 is a screw joint for small pipes, being in principle the same
as last, but instead of a widening fillet the collar and socket (either loose
or fixed) are brought up by means of worm and thread (O); either one
or two elastic or other rings and one plain metal ring are used.
Figure 9a is an illustration shewing the coupling applied to and in
connection with a series of triangular tubes or pipes so arranged as to
form a boiler for heating with hot water. A return pipe here brings the
water into the water space (L) at the end of the furnace bars and tubes,
which alternate the width of the boiler by means of the spigot and
socket jointing, Figure la, or other application of the joint; the water
then flows up the above-mentioned tubes, and into the water space at
the back, and thence into the saddle-shaped water space, and by it into
all the tubes connected with some, and also by means of a connection
similar to Figure 9b at each corner of the saddle into the upper layer of
tubes. These and the saddle portion are connected at front, as shewn
by above-mentioned coupling as represented by Figure 9b. The water
thence passes into the flow pipe by a socket and spigot coupling, as
Figure 1 on this illustration, and as shewn in section 9b, are indicated
blank socket or caps (P) on the water space. These blank sockets are
for the purpose of taking out the water tubes to be cleaned, or in case
any should become fractured to substitute new ones; they fit into sockets
cast on the water spaces, into which a ring of india-rubber or other

page_text: packing is inserted a T shaped iron (Q) with worm at end for nut is
then introduced into the socket until its feet rest against the inside of
the water space; the nut is then screwed on to it, having a small metal
collar and india-rubber or other packing by which the blank socket or
cap is screwed up, thus making at all points a sound joint. The central
coupling of Figure 9b is made in this wise, sockets are cast on the water
spaces at top and bottom for the double spigot piece with elastic or
other rings at each end. The joints are then made by means of the
screw bolts and nuts working on the lugs, ears, or tabs cast on the
lockets.
Figure 10 shews the coupling applied to a water space having a
valve (R) attached to a quadrant.. This is worked by a screw spindle (S)
with wheel at end, turning which the water or other liquid may be
regulated to any extent. The advantage of this arrangement is that the
water space being recessed on the inside, and so allowing the valve
when open to fall back therein, admits of the water circulating the full
bore of the pipes without the slightest impediment.
Figure 11 illustrates the same arrangement of coupling, &c., applied
to two pipes in conjunction, and having water space with valves to
⚫ each pipe worked at same time by one quadrant and spindle, thereby
completely regulating the flow of water or other liquid in both pipes in
conjunction.
Figure 12 is a section of a T shaped connection with the coupling at
each branch, and having one valve which may be used for regulating
flow of liquid in either of two of the branches. The plates of the valves
have rings (C) of india-rubber or other material at outside of each
surface, which are kept in their place by small circular plates tightened
by means of screw bolt and nut. These elastic or other rings when the
valve is closed fit against the edge of water space at juncture with pipe,
thus making a water-tight joint.
Figure 13 is an illustration of the couplings applied to a number of
sockets cast on a water space, having one or more valves to regulate flow
of water in some.
Figures 14 and 15 indicate the application of the coupling when a T
or other shaped connection (T) is required to be made in an existing
pipe. To do this a hole is cut in the pipe and a T shaped iron or other
metal (Q) is inserted; this T shaped metal has a worm at long end

page_text: passing through a gland in the branch connection, and having iron
collar, elastic or other ring and nut for screwing up; the branch con-
nection has also a flange at end fitting against pipe, between which and
the pipe elastic or other packing is compressed by means of the screw T
and nut, thereby making a tight joint at both points.
Figure 16a, 16b, are a section and plan respectively of a similar branch
to that last described, but having a cross iron (Q) with two screw ends,
and two gland collars and packings. This plan is suitable where a
straight connection is required, and by the connection being shaped,
as shewn on plan, the full water space is preserved throughout.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner of performing the same, I would have it understood that what I
claim in this my present Invention is, "the coupling and in the fittings
thereof, and in the valves to use in connection therewith, substantially
as herein described and set forth."
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Goode Messenger, do here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of November, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two.
THOMAS GOODE MESSENGER. (L.S.)
Witness,
GEO. JON. ROBINSON,
Patent Office,
Nottingham.