IMPROVEMENTS IN PRESSURE GOVERNORS OR REDUCING VALVES FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OF LIQUIDS, GAS, AND AIR."
Year: 1880

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to George Payne Grace, of Lyndhurst Road, Peckham, in the
County of Surrey, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN PRESSURE
GOVERNORS OR REDUCING VALVES FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OF
LIQUIDS, GAS, AND AIR."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Payne Grace at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th August 1880.
GEORGE PAYNE GRACE, of Lyndhurst Road, Peckham, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PRESSURE GOVERNORS OR REDUCING VALVES FOR REGULATING
THE PRESSURE OF LIQUIDS, GAS, AND AIR.”
The Invention has for its object improvements in pressure governors or reducing
valves for regulating the pressure of liquids, gas, and air, at either high or low
pressures.
For this purpose I employ a balance lever mounted on a central pivot, and
provided with two balanced pressure surfaces, arranged so as to be readily acted
upon by the gas, air, or liquid to be regulated.
The pressure surfaces are acted upon by weights or springs to counterbalance the
pressure desired for the gas, air, or liquid, and the pressure of the atmosphere; and
the balance lever carries or operates a pair of shut off valves, one of which is
capable of entirely or almost entirely closing the inlet orifice, whilst the other is
capable of suitably throttling the outlet orifice, but not necessarily of actually
closing it.
The various parts can be all arranged inside the governor or reducing valve, or
for some purposes, some or all of the parts except the shut off valves may be
arranged externally thereof.
If desired, the balance lever can be used with only one pressure surface and one
shut off valve, but such an arrangement would not be so sensitive or accurate in its
action as that above described.
My improved governor or reducing valve will govern or reduce the pressure of
the liquid, air, or gas passing through the same down to any desired pressure above
the friction of the moving parts, either above or below the atmospheric pressure.
The gas, air, or liquid to be regulated may be conducted to the pressure surfaces
rn
•

page_text: through flexible bags or chambers, connecting them with the interior of the
governor, or through ways or passages in connection with the interior of the
governor, and open at one end only to the pressure of the gas, air, or liquid therein,
the pressure surfaces fitting closely in such ways or passages, but with as little
friction as possible.
The springs or weights used to counterbalance the pressures are capable of
variation, and the pressure thereof on the balance lever may be regulated by screws
or other means, and when using weights for such purpose, they may be mounted on
steel yards or levers graduated to facilitate the desired regulation.
When employed as a marine governor, I mount the governor on trunnions
working freely in sockets formed in the connections, and I fix a pendulous weight
thereto so as to maintain the governor always in a vertical position. In the
interior of such governor I mount on a suitable axis a concentric valve working on
the inlet side against bearings formed in the inside of the governor case, and such
concentric valve is also provided with a pendulous weight, to maintain it always in
a vertical position, and with openings to allow the fluid to pass into and through
such concentric valve; the shut off valves are arranged to work in connection with
such openings, to regulate the pressure of the fluid passing through the governor.
By this mode of construction the action of the governor is not influenced by the
motion of the vessel.
In order to lessen as much as possible the friction of the moving parts, I in some
cases, especially in the marine governor, propose to cause a constant supply of oil
under pressure to flow from a fixed reservoir through pipes or passages to all the
friction points.
In some cases I form the pressure surfaces of bells working in water in a similar
manner to a gasometer.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Payne Grace in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
10th February 1881.
GEORGE PAYNE GRACE, of Lyndhurst Road, Peckham, in the County of Surrey.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PRESSURE GOVERNORS OR REDUCING VALVES FOR REGULATING
THE PRESSURE OF LIQUIDS, GAS, AND AIR."
The Invention has for its object improvements in pressure governors or reducing
valves for regulating the pressure of liquids, gas, and air, at either high or low
pressures.
For this purpose I employ a balance lever mounted on a central pivot, and
provided with two balanced pressure surfaces arranged so as to be readily acted
upon by the gas, air, or liquid to be regulated. The pressure surfaces are acted upon
by weights or springs to counterbalance the pressure desired for the gas, air, or
liquid, and the pressure of the atmosphere, and the balance lever carries or operates
a pair of shut off valves, one of which is capable of entirely or almost entirely
closing the inlet orifice, whilst the other is capable of suitably throttling the outlet
orifice, but not necessarily of actually closing it.
The various parts can be all arranged inside the governor or reducing valve, or
for some purposes, some or all of the parts except the shut off valves may be
arranged externally thereof.
If desired the balance lever can be used with only one pressure surface and one
shut off valve, but such an arrangement would not be so sensitive or accurate in its
action as that above described.
My improved governor or reducing valve will govern or reduce the pressure of
the liquid, air, or gas passing through the same down to any desired pressure above
the friction of the moving parts, either above or below the atmospheric pressure.
The gas, air, or liquid to be regulated may be conducted to the pressure surfaces
through flexible bags or chambers connecting them with the interior of the governor
or through ways or passages in connection with the interior of the governor, and
open at one end only to the pressure of the gas, air, or liquid therein, the pressure
surfaces fitting closely in such ways or passages, but with as little friction as
possible.
The springs or weights used to counterbalance the pressures are capable of
variation, and the pressure thereof on the balance lever may be regulated by screws
or other means, and when using weights for such purpose, they may be mounted on
steel yards or levers graduated to facilitate the desired regulation.
When employed as a marine governor, I mount the governor on trunnions
working freely in sockets formed in the connections, and I fix a pendulous weight
thereto so as to maintain the governor always in a vertical position.
In the interior of such governor I mount on a suitable axis a concentric valve
working on the inlet side against bearings formed in the inside of the governor
case, and such concentric valve is also provided with a pendulous weight to maintain
it always in a vertical position, and with openings to allow the fluid to pass into
and through such concentric valve; the shut off valves are arranged to work in
connection with such openings, to regulate the pressure of the fluid passing through
the governor. By this mode of construction the action of the governor is not
influenced by the motion of the vessel.
In order to lessen as much as possible the friction of the moving parts, I in some
cases, especially in the marine governor, propose to cause a constant supply of oil
under pressure to flow from a fixed reservoir through pipes or passages to all the
friction points.

page_text: In some cases I form the pressure surfaces of bells working in water in a similar
manner to a gasometer.
And in order that my said Invention may be more clearly understood and
readily carried into effect, I will describe the same in connection with the
accompanying seven Sheets of Drawings, marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, in all the
Figures of which like parts are marked with similar letters of reference.
On Sheet A. Figure 1 represents a vertical section of my balance pressure
governor, regulator, or reducing valve as adapted for gas mains, showing the parts
hereinafter described; Figure 2 represents a. view partly in section of my pressure
governor, as adapted for house gas, with the flexible bags or surroundings L, L,
shaped by rings or ribs L, L, as hereinafter described, with the covers N and
O off; Figure 3 represents the same with the covers N and O on, shewing the
index I.
On Sheet B Figure 1 represents a view of my governor as adapted for house
gas partly in section, shewing flexible bags or surroundings without the rings or
ribs L, L, shewn on Sheet A at Figure 2; Figure 2 represents an end view of my
governor or reducing valve, as adapted for high pressures, with the counter
balance levers M, M, fixed one to each end of the pivot D, and carrying the
weight W as hereinafter described; Figure 3 represents a side view of the same
with the cover 0, 0, off; Figure 4 represents a vertical section of the same shewing
the constant oil supply U, U; Figure 5 represents a top view of the same.
On Sheet C Figure 1 represents a view of my pressure governor or reducing
valve as adapted for high pressures, enclosed in a circular shell O, O, as hereinafter
described with half the shell O, O, off'; Figure 2 represents a vertical section of
the same shewing the constant oil supply U, U, and the manner in which the socket
for pivot D is kept steam tight without packing..
Figure 3 represents an end view of the enclosed parts of the same; Figure 4
represents a section through the balance of the same; Figure 5 represents a side
view of the same; Figure 6 represents an end view of the same; Figure 7 represents
an elevation of my circular pressure governor or reducing valve as adapted for low
or high pressures, with the atmospheric pressure disposed of as a disturbing
pressure by the left hand lever ML and weight X, hereinafter described.
On Sheet D, Figure 1 represents a view of my pressure governor or reducing
valve with springs W, W, without levers as adapted for compressed air and other
fluids, with half the shell or cover 0, 0, off; Figure 2 represents a vertical section
of the same through the pivot D; Figure 3 represents an elevation of the same;
Figure 4 represents an end view of the same; Figure 5 represents a vertical section
of my pressure governor or reducing valve, with only one pressure surface C and
one shut off B, as adapted for high pressures.
On Sheet E, Figure 1 represents a side view of my pressure governor or reducing
valve with the balance A, A, and the other parts outside, and in duplicate to
prevent wrenching the balance arms A, A, which move the enclosed shut offs B, B,
and also carry the counter balance weights W and X, as hereinafter described.
Figure 2 represents a back view of the same; Figure 3 a transverse section of the
same through one of the pressure surfaces C, C; Figure 4 a top view of the same;
Figure 5 a vertical section of the same.
On Sheet F Figure 1 represents an elevation of my balance pressure governor for
marine engines, shewing the constant oil supply, and pipes and connections U, U;
Figure 2 represents a horizontal section of the same through the central pivot D,
shewing the constant oil supply U, U.
On Sheet G Figure 3 represent a vertical section of the marine governor drawn
on Sheet F, shewing the detached and balanced inlet and outlet J, J, hereinafter
described; Figure 1 represents a horizontal section of my pressure governor or
reducing valve with the lever M, M, outside, carrying springs W and X instead of
weights for marine and other uses; Figure represents an elevation of the
same.

page_text: The following is a description of the various parts shown in the above described
Figures.
A, the balance or balance lever; B, the shut offs; C, the pressure surfaces; D, the
central pivot; E, air chamber and inlet; F, a weight to counter balance the
varying weight of the bells used also as a lubricator; G, the connecting rods;
H, handles to alter counter balance pressures; I, an index to show how far the
inlet is open; J, the balance inlet and outlet for marine engines; K, springs to
ease or stop motion of parts; L, the bags or surroundings through which the fluids
are conducted to move easily and gas tight the pressure surfaces C, C; L', rings or
ribs for the above bags; M, pressure counter balance levers; N, casing or cover to
keep out dust; 0, the shell or cover with its enclosed passage and chambers;
P, screws to move counter balance weights or springs; Q, fixing screws; R, friction
wheels; S, links supporting weights; T, the equilibrium weight for the marine
governor; U, the oil reservoir and connections; V, support and sockets; W, the
weights or springs to counter balance the pressure desired on the pressure
surfaces C, C; X, the weights or springs to counter balance the pressure of the
atmosphere upon the pressure surfaces C, C; Y, rods and sockets not fully shown
to keep springs and connections in one plane; Z, steps to enable attendant to
reach oil reservoir and other parts.
My pressure governor, regulator, or reducing valve consists, firstly, of a balance
or balance lever or cross piece A, A, turning freely round or rigidly with a central
pivot or pivots D, D, placed midway and centrally between the inlet and outlet,
and not below or above the governor or reducing valve.
Secondly. Of one or more, preferably two, shut offs B, B, one for the inlet and
one for the outlet of the pressure governor, or if convenient, one for inlet only,
which can be made of various forms, but I prefer to make them round or square
with curved faces concentric with the central pivot D, as shown on Sheet A,
Figure 1, the one for the inlet moving as close as it can be made to the inlet,
which latter is also formed with a curved end concentric with the shut off face
B, B; or I make them with a flat face at any required angle with or from a line
drawn across the central pivot D of the balance A, A, and in line with such balance
and starting from this line in opposite directions, and the face B next tho inlet
orifice, closing against the slanting end of the inlet (see Sheet B, Figure 1); or I
make them in some cases similar in shape to Watt's throttle valve or otherwise
(see Sheet E).
Thirdly. Of one or more, preferably two, moveable pressure surfaces C, C, with
one side only acted upon by the pressure at any time in the governor. These
pressure surfaces C, C, can be of various forms, but I prefer to make them round;
and I connect them with opposite sides of the arms A, A, of the balance or balance
lever described above by curved or straight connecting rods G, G, at any convenient
distance from the central pivot D; and I also connect each of them with orifices
on opposite sides of the passage 0, 0, through the governor for the passing fluids
by flexible bags or surroundings L, L, (see Sheet A, Figure 2, and Sheet B, Figure 1),
or by chambers or cylinders O, O, (see Sheet B, Figure 3, and other Sheets), through
which the fluids pass to operate the pressure surfaces C, C, as hereinafter described,
in such a way that they can be moved freely, and gas or steam tight, by a variation
of pressure at any time in the governor above or below the pressure required.
This variation or difference of pressure upon the above pressure surfaces C, C, above
the required pressure overbalances by the connections the counterbalance weights
or springs W, W, hereinafter described, and thus closes by the connections the
inlet and throttles the outlet; and a variation below the desired pressure reduces
the pressure of these surfaces C, C, and thus allows the weights or springs W, W,
by their reaction to fall and open, or partially open, the inlet and outlet.
Fourthly. Of one or more weights or springs W and X connected or not connected
with levers M, M, rigidly fixed to the central pivot D, so arranged as to counter-
balance the fixed pressure required upon the pressure surface or surfaces C, C,

page_text: and also, when convenient, the pressure of the atmosphere upon the outsides of the
same.
Lastly. Of one or more inlets and one or more outlets, in most cases only one
inlet and one outlet, at each end of the passage 0, 0, for the fluids passing through
the governor, which passage is formed by and enclosed from the air by a shell or
cover 0, 0, with or without a casing or cover N, N, to keep out dust, both
necessarily somewhat modified in form, but not in purpose, for the various pressures
and uses to which they are adapted.
The action of this pressure governor, regulator, or reducing valve, while pressure
of supply is above or equal to the pressure required, which it of course should
always be, is as follows:-A variation of pressure in the governor above the
pressure required, as stated above, raises the upper pressure surface C, C, and
counter balance weight W (see Sheet A, Figure 1), and depresses the lower pressure
surface C, C, and if continued would thus fully close the inlet. The pressure
therefore with the smallest outlet cannot continue above the pressure required, and
as a variation below the pressure required, if continued, allows the counter balanco
weight W to fall and fully open the inlet and outlet, consequently the pressure
cannot continue below the required pressure; therefore the pressure in my governor
or reducing valve not being either above or below the desired pressure, must be the
desired pressure, less the small variation from friction of parts.
This pressure governor, regulator, or reducing valve will govern or reduce from
any pressure down to any pressure below atmospheric pressure, above friction of
moving parts, and can most simply be adapted in the manner hereinafter
described.
For gas at the main and house (see Drawing, Sheet A and B), and for water,
steam, compressed air at high and low pressures (see Drawings, Sheets B, C, D, E,
and G), and for marine engines (see Drawings, Sheets F and G).
The shut off B next the outlet should not in any position quite close the outlet,
as it would not then, when the pressure of supply was high and the passage
reduced considerably, allow sufficient passage for the fluids at the reduced pressure
and expanded bulk.
In very low pressures (see Drawings, Sheet A, Figure 2, and Sheet B, Figure 1)
I make the above described pressure surfaces C, C, move gas tight and freely by
surrounding them, as stated above, with flexible leather bags L, L, or any other
flexible and gas proof material, so arranged as to be compressed with as little
pressure as possible. I find that by stretching the bags alternately round and over
a number of light rings or ribs L', L', of one size, and under and through rings or
ribs L, L', of a smaller size, this end is completely attained.
If the pressure surfaces are not round but square, or some other form, the rings
or ribs L, L, to shape the surroundings should be of the same form. Either one
or other of the above rings or ribs should be the same size and diameter as the
pressure surfaces to which its surrounding flexible material is attached. The
smaller of the ribs L', L', might perhaps with advantage be taken off after the
material is shaped. I fasten the above described leather or flexible material bags
or surroundings to orifices 0, 0, on opposite sides of the passage O, O, and also to
the edges of each pressure surface C, C, by spring rings L, L, or otherwise.
In other cases I use bells similar to gasometers dipping into water or suitable
fluid. When large bells are used a counter balance weight F should be placed over
the central pivot D to neutralize the slight variation in the weight of the bells
resulting from their rise and fall in the fluids, which can also be used as a lubricator
(see Drawings, Sheet A, Figure 1).
In high pressures I make them move freely steam tight through curved or
straight chambers or cylinders 0, 0, on opposite sides of the balance lever A, A,
(see Sheets C and E).
The above described balance A, A, and attached shut offs B, B, pressure surfaces
C, C, central pivot D, and connecting rods G, G, can be conveniently cast in one

page_text: piece (see Sheet D, Figure 1), or the pressure surfaces C, C, and rods G, G, may be
jointed on to the balance A, A, (see Sheet C, Figures 1, 3, and 4), and all I enclose
in a flat circular shell or cover 0, 0, formed of two halves or pieces, which when
bolted together enclose steam tight the passage for the passing fluids and the
5 chambers for the free movement of the pressure surfaces C, C, and also when
required spaces for springs (sec Sheet D) and for the constant oil supply to the
centre pivot D, as hereinafter described, the ends of which move steam tight in the
centre of each half of the shell O, O, when levers M, M, are rigidly fixed outside to
one or both ends. When levers M, M, are used on only one side of the governor
no packing of any kind is required, as the pressure of the fluids on the enclosed
end of the pivot D would keep the flange shown (see Sheet C) pressed steam tight
against the half through which the central pivot D passes.
In constructing this governor for the regulation of gases at low pressures, as the
difference between friction and the variation of pressure is the motive power to
upset the balance and cut off or open the inlet and outlet, this has most to be
considered, and the two pressure surfaces C, C, (see Sheet A, Figures 1 and 2, and
Sheet B, Figure 1), in this case of equal size and weight and of a circular form
can most simply be managed by connecting one to each arm of the balance A, A,
by rods G, G, at equal distances from the central pivot D and the pressure desired
balanced when the passage O, O, for the gas is perpendicular by a small counter
balance weight W and lever M, described above, rigidly fixed inside the governor
to the central pivot D (see Drawings, Sheet A, Figure 2); or when the passage
for the gas is for convenience horizontal such pressure is balanced by a small
weight W attached to the upper pressure surface C, C, equal to the pressure required
on the total area of the pressure surfaces C, C, (see Sheet B, Figure 1).
In constructing my pressure governor regulator or reducing valve for water,
steam, and other fluids under much higher pressure than the above, the proportion
of friction of parts compared with the variation of pressure being inconsiderable,
the management of the counterbalance weights or springs W has most to be
considered, inasmuch as the pressure of the fluids in these cases being very much
greater, the weights or springs W must therefore be proportionately heavier, and
cannot be placed directly upon one of the surfaces C, C, as described above. I find
it best to use a lever M, M, outside, rigidly fixed to the central pivot D, with or
without a graduated scale and with a weight W, so attached as to screw or
otherwise move up and down if necessary along the lever M, M, and by its leverage
to counterbalance the fixed pressure required on the governor at any period (see
Sheet C, Figure 5).
In cases where the pressure is reckoned from zero pressure below atmospheric
pressure, I get rid of the varying pressure of the atmosphere upon the outside of
the pressure surfaces C, C, as a disturbing pressure, by another lever M, M, with a
moving weight or spring X, X, (see Sheet C, Figure 7), so placed that it can
counterbalance this pressure upon the pressure surfaces C, C, at any period, in a
similar manner to the lever described above, and, if necessary, graduated to shew
inches and fractions of inches of mercury. This leaves the pressure from zero to be
counter balanced by the lever and weight M and W, as described above.
The atmospheric pressure can also be got rid of by making, when convenient, a
vacuum above the pressure surfaces C, C.
When my pressure governor or reducing valve is used for the regulation of
luids below atmospheric pressure, the pressure desired on the pressure surfaces C, C,
can, if convenient, be counterbalanced without the aid of the weight or spring W,
above described, by the other weight or spring X, which I use to dispose of the
atmospheric pressure on the outsides of the same, as described above, the pressure
or leverage of the weight or spring being made equal to the difference between the
Atmospheric pressure on them and the pressure below atmospheric pressure required
on them in the governor, and not to the full pressure of the atmosphere as above;

page_text: but this arrangement would not be so accurate as the above described arrangement,
where I use two separate weights or spring W and X.
In cases where the diameter of the supply pipe or passago is large, in order to
prevent a wrenching or twisting pressure through a heavy weight being hung
outside, and on one side only, of my governor, I place a similar lever or levers M, M, 5
to those described above, on the other side also, and support the weights or springs
W and X by both (see Sheet B, Figure 5, and Sheet F).
By having the balance A, A, outside, the counter balance levers M, M, above
described, can be done away with, and the weights or springs W and X to counter
balance the pressures made to hang, and, if convenient, move upon the arms A, A, 1
which can be graduated or otherwise, the balance A, A, in such case opening or
closing the balanced shut offs B, B, (placed inside the governor and of a similar
form to Watt's throttle valve, or otherwise) by means of small cranks on their
pivots working in connection with each arm A, A, of the balance A, A, and the
same arrangement I use on both sides to prevent wrenching (see Sheet E).
In order to apply my pressure governor to marine engines where the movement
of the vessel would tend to close or open the inlet and outlet by altering their
relative position with regard to the balance A, A, and its shut offs B, B, I propose
that a detached inlet and outlet J, J, should be formed together and balanced upon
the same central pivot D as that of the balance A, A, and its shut offs B, B, and
kept horizontal by an equilibrium weight T, fixed to it underneath; this would
prevent an alteration of their relative positions with regard to the balance A, A,
and its shut offs B, B, by the oscillation of the governor. The shell or cover O, O,
I make to turn freely, and almost steam tight, round the balanced inlet and
outlet J, J, without closing the supply of steam. The governor, as a whole, turns
and is supported at each end freely and steam tight in sockets V, V, on top of
rigid supports V, V, and kept vertical by an equilibrium weight T fixed below it,
assisted by the suspended counter balance weights W and X; the balance A, A,
itself being kept from moving in sympathy with the motion of the shell or
cover 0, 0, by the inertia of the suspended heavy counter balance weights W
and X (see Sheets F and G). In order to lessen as much as possible the friction in
propose that a
my marine balance pressure governor, and in the others also,
constant circulation of oil under pressure, or otherwise, should flow from a fixed
reservoir U, U, through pipes or connections U, U, where required, to all or some
of the points of friction in the way shown (see Sheets C, F, and G).
When it is desired to ascertain how far open the inlet shutt off B is at any time,
and to judge by this the amount of gas or other fluid passing through the governor,
I rigidly fix a small index I outside to the end of the central pivot D so as to
move with it and show its position at any moment (see Sheet A, Figure 2).
My balance pressure governor, regulator, or reducing valve can, as above described,
be used with only one pressure surface C, and one shut off B, but would not be so
sensitive or accurate in working (see Sheet D, Figure 5).
The above described pressure governor can also easily be used for weighing or
trying the pressure of gas, water, or steam, by allowing either of them to pass into
a governor, and by moving the counter balanceweights or springs W and X along
a graduated lever, as described above, till they balances the pressure of the fluid to
be weighed or tested. The governor may be used also for various other purposes.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the mode in which
I carry the same into effect, I wish it to be understood that what I claim, is,—
The above described balance pressure governor, regulator, or reducing valve
consisting principally of a balance lever A, A, operating one or more shut off's B, B
and connected by one or more connecting rods G, G, with one or more moveable
pressure surfaces C, C, which surfaces are acted upon by the pressure variations
of the fluids passing to them, gas or steam tight, through flexible bags o
surroundings L, L, constructed with or without rings or ribs L', L', as described
above, or in other cases passing to them through chambers or cylinders formed by

page_text: the shell or cover O, O, as above described. All of the above moving parts, with or
without the balanced inlet and outlet J, J, are made and placed so that when
working, and counterbalanced for any desired pressure, they will turn freely round
or on the central pivot D.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Payne Grace, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this First day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
GEORGE PAYNE GRACE. (L.S.)