Improvements in Means for Stopping Leaking Boiler Tubes.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 5th June, 1896-Accepted, 11th July, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Means for Stopping Leaking Boiler Tubes.
I, HOMER JORDAN of 96, Derby Road, Nichols Town, Southampton, Boilermaker,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in connection with boiler tubes, and has
for its object to provide a simple and effective means by which leakages may be
stopped without requiring the removal of the tube.
In carrying out my invention I propose to employ a small plug or stop of asbestos,
rubber, or other similar material preferably of mushroom shape, or formed with a
head which is adapted to partially enter the hole in the tube, and completely close it.
To the stem of this plug a strong spiral spring is fitted, which when free is of greater
length than the diameter of the tube. To close the hole or leakage the plug and
spring are inserted in the tube, the spring being compressed before insertion and
when placed at the proper point and the spring released, the plug will be forced
tightly against the hole, the end of the spring pressing against the other side of the
boiler tube.
To insert the device in the tube I propose to employ an article somewhat similar
to a pair of tongs, the ends of which are adapted to grip the spring which is
preferably provided with lugs for the purpose of holding it in compression, and
releasing it when it has reached the proper position.
In order to brightly illuminate the tube I propose to employ a small lamp carried
on the end of a suitable rod, and adapted to be passed through the adjacent tube and
raised so as to be situated at the end of the leaking tube, throwing the light along
it, and enabling the stopping device to be easily adjusted.
Instead of employing a rod to operate the lamp two wires, chains, or other
connections may be employed, one at each side connected to a cross piece, which will
turn the lamp to either side.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of a
tube showing my stopping device fitted in position,
Fig. 2 shows the device being placed in position and the lamp situated at the end
of the tube,
Fig. 3 shows the lamp as it is passed through the tube, and Fig. 4 shows a modified
form of plug.
The plug A as shown in Fig. 1 is formed with a rounded head adapted to be
pressed into the hole in the boiler tube B, the stem at its lower side projecting into
the tube. Around this stem the strong spiral spring C is placed, adapted to bear
against the opposite side of the tube with considerable pressure. It is formed with
lugs in order to allow it to be compressed more readily for insertion in the tube.
To collapse the spring in the first instance it can be put into a vice, or any other
suitable apparatus may be used, the tongs D serving to hold it in collapsed position.
These tongs are pivoted close to one end and at the other end are provided with
the screw and nut d employed to hold the arms in closed position, causing the
other end to retain the spring.
To release the latter, the nut is unscrewed and the tongs can then be withdrawn
from the tube, leaving the stop in the required position.
The lamp E employed to illuminate the leaking tube is screwed or otherwise fitted

page_text: to a rod fhinged to a long rod F which is passed through a tube adjacent to the
injured one. In the ordinary position the lamp is in line with the rod F, and can be
easily passed through the tube, projecting through the end for a short distance.
To raise it to the required position the arm or jointed rod is raised at right
angles to F by means of the rod or connection G connected to a lug g on the arm f
On pulling this connection the arm is raised to the required position, a stop being
provided at the hinge which prevents it passing the proper angle. The frame is
placed in such a position that when the lamp is raised it will be situated at about
the middle of the tube, causing the light to be thrown in the most efficient manner.
According to the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 the plug which may be formed
from soft rubber is provided with an external case a of copper or any other suitable
metal which completely covers it and protects it from the action of heat. The upper
end of the plug is also formed with a projecting portion which allows the plug
to be more easily inserted in the hole.
As shown in Fig. 5 instead of the rod G the wires or like connections G' are
employed connected to the cross piece gl enabling the lamp to be turned to either
side without turning the rod round.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
(1.) An improved device for stopping leaking boiler tubes consisting of a plug of
asbestos, rubber or like material, having a stem and a strong spring bearing against
the opposite side of the boiler tube substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2.) Jn an improved means for stopping leaking boiler tubes the combination with
a plug of asbestos rubber or like material, and a spring sccuring the plug in position,
of tongs adapted to be passed into the hoiler tube and to compress the spring for
insertion, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(3.) In an improved means for stopping leaking boiler tubes the combination with
a plug of asbestos rubber or like material and a spring securing the same in position,
of tongs adapted to compress the spring for insertion in the tube, and a lamp carried
on the end of a rod adapted to be passed through an adjacent boiler tube and raised
to the end of the leaking tube, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(4.) In an improved means for stopping leaking boiler tubes the combination
with a plug of asbestos, rubber, or like material, and a spring for securing the
same in position, of tongs adapted to compress the spring for insertion in the tube,
a lamp fitted on an arm, a rod adapted to be passed through an adjacent boiler tube
and a second rod or connection by which the lamp is raised to the end of the leaking
tube substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(5.) The improved means for stopping leaking boiler tubes comprising a spring
plug, tongs for inserting the plug in position and an adjustable lamp substantially
as described and shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 of the accompanying drawings and for
the purposes specified.
(6.) In an improved means for stopping leaking boiler tubes the combination of
the plug A' formed from rubber or like material and the metal sheath protecting
the same, substantially as described and shown in Fig. 4 and for the purposes
specified.
Dated this 5th day of June 1896.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.