IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING THE POWER OF WATER FOR ELEVATING WATER AND OTHER FLUIDS, FOR CONDENSING VAPOURS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES.
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
" IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
UTILIZING THE POWER OF WATER FOR ELEVATING WATER AND OTHER FLUIDS,
FOR CONDENSING VAPOURS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES.". A communication
from abroad by Samuel Marsden, of Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of
America.
Sealed the 8th March 1878, and dated the 8th November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th November 1877.
«
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING THE POWER OF WATER FOR ELEVATING WATER AND
OTHER FLUIDS, FOR CONDENSING VAPOURS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES." [A com-
munication from abroad by Samuel Marsden, of Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
of America.]
'
This Invention relates partly to that class of water engines wherein the pressure
of a head of water acts upon a piston or vane.
To thoroughly utilize the power of the head of water, it has been necessary
hitherto to locate the engine at the bottom of the waterfall, and when the engine
could not be thus arranged, but had to be placed at a higher level, that portion of
the waterfall that was below the level of the engine was not turned to account.
By the present improvements, the engine, if the waterfall is thirty-two feet and
over, can be arranged at any desirable level between the bottom of the fall and a
point thirty-two feet above it, and the entire power of the fall be utilized. If the
fall is less than thirty-two feet, the engine can be located at any point between the
top and bottom of the fall; and if the fall is more than thirty-two feet, and it is un-
necessary to use all the power, the engine can be arranged at any point between the
top of the fall and the thirty-two foot level, according to the power needed; that is,
Price 10d1

page_text: if the power of but thirty-two feet of water is desired, the engine can be put at the
top of the fall; if more power is required, the engine can be put farther down, and
so on until the thirty-two foot level is reached.
The said Invention consists, first, in what I term a low-pressure device that is
attached to any water engine of the class referred to, and by means of which a
vacuum is produced in the exhaust pipe of the engine, enabling the atmospheric
pressure to be exerted upon the engine piston.
It further consists in the means used in cushioning the engine piston. The low-
pressure device consists, chiefly, of a pipe leading from the exhaust pipe of the engine
upward to a level thirty-two feet above the bottom of the waterfall, and another
pipe connected with the first-named pipe at the outer end thereof, and leading
thence to the level of the bottom of the waterfall. The said first pipe, just above
the point of its connection with the second pipe, is preferably enlarged, for the
purpose herein-after stated. There are three valves in the device arranged as
follows-One in the first pipe, and, preferably, near the point of its connection
with the engine; another at the bottom of the second pipe; and a third at the
uppermost point of the device. There is also a cock in the top of the valve chest
of the engine..
The object of enlarging the aforesaid pipe is to provide space to readily receive
the water from the engine. The same result can be effected by enlarging the said
pipe throughout its length. The latter may be termed the "waste pipe," the outer
or upper portion of which constitutes the vacuum chamber. The second pipe may
be styled the "balance pipe" for containing a column of water in height equal to
the pressure of the atmosphere. It is evident that these two pipes form a continuous
pipe, shaped to act as a syphon.
The engine may be a double one, both of its parts connecting with the vacuum
chamber of the said device either by waste pipes uniting just at the vacuum
chamber, or between the latter and the cylinder.
It is evident that when the engine is located more than thirty-two feet above the
foot of the fall, the vacuum chamber may be formed directly within the engine
itself. Air chambers are arranged above the engine, and connect with each end of
the interior of the cylinder. They serve to cushion the piston, and are especially
useful in connection with the low-pressure device.
A check valve, arranged in the balance pipe, serves to prevent the variation in
the weight of the atmosphere from interfering with the action of the said device.
The said Invention also relates to an apparatus for elevating fluids, the operation
of which is based partly upon the maintenance of a vacuum in a chamber, similar to
the above-described chamber, and partly upon the momentum of the column of
falling fluid in the fall pipe that leads down from the said vacuum chamber.
It also comprises a novel method of operating a water or hydraulic engine.
It also comprises a method of maintaining a vacuum within a chamber and pipe
by means of the momentum of the falling column of fluid in the said pipe, and a
method of elevating fluids by forcing, by means of atmospheric pressure, the fluid
from the lower level upward into a vacuum chamber above the level to which it is
desired to elevate the fluid, thence to fall and with sufficient momentum to over-
come the atmospheric pressure to the upper level.
It also comprises a method of drawing beer or other liquid from a cask, keg, or
other enclosed vessel by tapping the keg or vessel on its under side, and conducting
the drain pipe thence to an exhaust pump that is arranged below the level of the
keg or vessel, and then, first, charging the pump and pipe with a liquid to expel the
air therefrom.
The special object of this part of the said Invention is to provide means for
rapidly and economically elevating fluids. The said apparatus comprises a reservoir
containing a fluid that it is desired to elevate, say to another reservoir. A pipe
leads from the first reservoir upward to a vacuum chamber. The distance from the
surface of the fluid in the said first reservoir to the upper end of the said pipe, or
where the latter enters the said chamber, is less than the height of a column of the

page_text: fluid that can be sustained by atmospheric pressure. Another pipe leads from the
said chamber downward into the second reservoir. There is a ball-cock in the lower
end of the first pipe arranged to open under as the ball rises in the first reservoir;
and in the lower end of the second pipe, which I term a fall pipe, there is a stop-
ccck; and just below the said cock is a check valve seating upward or toward the
vacuum chamber. The distance from the uppermost point of the first pipe to the
surface of the fluid in the second reservoir is less than it is to the surface of the
fluid in the first reservoir. An air pump is connected by a pipe with the lower end
of the fall pipe, and constructed to create a vacuum in the said fall pipe and the
chamber. For this purpose it is suitably provided with valves, a discharge pipe,
and a stop-cock. A cup surrounds the piston rod for the purpose of holding water
to pack the joint around the rod. There is a stop-cock in the upper end of the said
chamber. The latter preferably extends a short distance above the level of the
upper end of the first pipe. The upper end of this pipe is preferably extended
into the chamber, and curved downward therein, and from the upper side of such
extension a small pipe extends upward, opening into the chamber. The fluid is
delivered into the lower reservoir through a pipe which is opened and closed by a
ball-cock arranged to open as the ball falls in the reservoir.
The aforesaid fall pipe is preferably diminished in diameter toward its lower end.
The lower end of the first pipe is preferably curved upward, and its upper end in
the said chamber is preferably arranged to be over the upper end of the fall pipe
to enable the fluid to fall directly into the latter. As the fluid surrounding the said
lower reservoir may vary in height, the reservoir and supply pipe are preferably
arranged so that the latter are below the minimum level of the outlying fluid.
If it is desired to elevate the fluid from the upper reservoir to a still higher level,
say into a third reservoir, a duplicate of the above-described apparatus or device is
employed.
In a modification of my apparatus for forming the vacuum in place of the said air
pump, a drain pipe is used. It extends from the point of its connection with the
fall pipe downward far enough to contain a column of the fluid in height sufficient
to overcome atmospheric pressure, and at its lower end, and which turns upward in
a reservoir filled with fluid above the end of the drain pipe, there is a stop valve.
When the reservoir is used in combination with the drain pipe the latter need
not in all cases extend from its intersection with the fall pipe as far downward as
above described. It is evident that the aforesaid pipes may be either inclined or
perpendicular, as long as they do not contain more fluid than the pressure of the
atinosphere is able to lift. The vacuum chambers may, if desired, be extended
upward to a level above that to which the atmosphere is able to lift the fluid.
The said pipes may be tapered throughout or partly throughout their entire
length. The smaller the exit from the pipes the less will be the resistance from
the atmosphere. An auxiliary air pump may if desired be placed on the top of the
said vacuum chamber to remove any air that may collect therein. A stop-cock to
prevent the liquid from flowing through the air pump may be placed, if desired,
between the pump and fall pipe, or anywhere in the discharge pipe.
It is evident that by employing a number of sizes of pipes the fluid can be
elevated step by step to any desired height. The walls of the said upper reservoir
may be extended suitably upward above the cock, and so that the fluid may surround
the latter in filling the said fall pipe.
When the water engine is placed above the head of water the supply pipe leads
from the water below upward to the engine. There is a check valve in the pipe
seating downward to prevent the descent of the water when the pipe is being
charged.
In a modification of the part of this Invention relating to the connection with
the engine of the air chambers used in cushioning the piston of the water engine,
instead of leading the connecting pipe directly to the cylinder as it passes from the
lower end of the chamber downward below the level of the cylinder, and thence

page_text: upward into the cylinder at the lowest level thereof, an air-cock is arranged in
the top of the cylinder.
The said Invention also comprises novel means by which the piston rod and
valve stem of a water engine are effectually packed against the entrance of air into
the cylinder. This part of the said Invention is based on the fact that air does
not readily descend through water or other fluid. A wall is so arranged outside
and against the end of the cylinder as to enclose a reservoir around the piston rod
and inner stuffing box. This reservoir is filled with a fluid to a point above the level
of the stuffing box. The air above cannot descend through the fluid, and hence the
joint around the rod is securely packed. A stuffing box is arranged in the wall
where the rod passes out. A similar reservoir is enclosed around the valve stem.
The said Invention also comprises a modification of the said Invention forming
a portable device or casket for the transportation of various substances. For this
purpose I use a vacuum chamber, preferably consisting of a cylindrical body and
globular ends, and having openings at both ends that can be closed respectively by
cocks. The drain pipe in this case is of length suitable for containing a column of
fluid of more than sufficient height to balance the atmosphere, and has a stop valve
at its lower end.
When this Invention is to be applied for drawing beer or other liquid from a
'cask or other enclosed vessel, the cask is tapped on its under side, and the pipė
leads thence to the pump, which is arranged below the level of the keg. As the
liquid is drawn off and the vacuum forms in the keg the liquid falls by gravity into
the pipe, and thence into the pump. It is evident that the pump used in connection
with the above-described cask may be employed for the drain or "balance" pipe
for exhausting the liquid from any of the aforesaid vacuum chambers.
The said Invention may be used in connection with a pneumatic tube where the
fluid used in filling the vacuum chambers is taken from a higher level. In this
case the aforesaid chambers are arranged at the ends of the pneumatic tube. Both
of the chambers by means of a pipe are connected with the vacuum chambers. The
latter are provided with drain pipes leading from the lower ends of the chambers
downward into reservoirs. There are valves in the lower ends of the drain pipes,
and there are supply pipes through which the fluid is introduced into the vacuum
chambers, also furnished with cocks.
In another modification of the Invention, the rise and fall of the tides (where the
difference exceeds 34 feet or the height of a column of water that balances the
The vacuum
weight of the atmosphere) can be utilized for creating a vacuum.
chamber in this case is preferably a long cylinder or series of cylinders or pipes
suitably supported so as to be submerged at high water, and having a pipe or
pipes leading downward far enough to enter the water at its minimum depth.
There is a stop valve in the upper end of the said pipe, and an air pipe in the upper
part of the vacuum chamber that extends above the highest water, and is provided
with a valve. The said vacuum chamber in practice may be made very long, as
the supply of fluid required for forming the vacuum is in this connection virtually
inexhaustible.
The said Invention also comprises a form of condenser applicable for condensing
the vapor discharged from the escape pipes of steam engines, steam pumps, or
vacuum pans.
In this case the arrangement is similar to that of the vacuum
chamber and pipes above described, with the addition of a steam supply pipe, which
A flow of cold water
may lead from any source that gives out condensible vapors.
is maintained through the condenser, and the hot water is withdrawn from the same
without the aid of an air pump, and the condensation of the steam or vapor is
effected at a nominal cost. A check valve is used to prevent back action.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th May
.1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR ŪTILIZING THE POWER OF WATER FOR ELEVATING WATER AND
OTHER FLUIDS, FOR CONDENSING VAPOURS, AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES." A com-
munication from abroad by Samuel Marsden, of Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
of America.
This improvement relates partly to that class of water engines wherein the
pressure of a head of water acts upon a piston or vane.
To thoroughly utilize the power of the head of water, it has been necessary
hitherto to locate the engine at the bottom of the waterfall, and when the engine
could not be 'thus arranged but had to be placed at a higher level, that portion of
the waterfall that was below the level of the engine was not turned to account.
By means of the present improvements, the engine, if the waterfall be thirty-two
feet and over, can be arranged at any desirable level between the bottom of the
fall and a point thirty-two feet above it, and the entire power of the fall may be
utilized. If the fall is less than thirty-two feet, the engine can be located at any
point between the top and bottom of the fall; and if the fall is more than thirty-two
feet, and it is unnecessary to use all the power, the engine can be arranged at any
point between the top of the fall and the thirty-two foot level, according to the
power needed. I use a low-pressure device that is attached to any water engine of
the class referred to, and by means of which a vacuum is produced in the exhaust
pipe of the engine, enabling the atmospheric pressure to be exerted upon the engine
piston. I also use peculiar means for cushioning the engine piston.
In the Drawing,―
Figure 1 is a section of the said low-pressure device; Figure 2 is an elevation of
the engine.
A represents the low-pressure device. As shown, it is arranged as when the
engine is located below the thirty-two feet level. In this case the device consists
chiefly of a pipe a leading from the exhaust pipe of the engine B upward to a
level a thirty-two feet above the bottom of the waterfall, and a pipe b connected
with the pipe a at the outer end thereof, and leading thence to the level of the
bottom of the waterfall. The pipe a, just above the point of its connection with the
pipe b, is preferably enlarged for the purpose herein-after stated. There are three
valves in the device, arranged as follows:-One c in the pipe a, and preferably near
the point of its connection with the engine; another d at the bottom of the pipe b;
and a third e at the uppermost point of the device, as shewn. There is also a cock f
in the top of the valve chest of the engine.
The operation is as follows:-The valves c and d are closed and the cocks e and f
are opened. The supply valve g is then opened, preferably gradually admitting
the water through the pipe h to the engine B. The air is expelled from the cylinder
through the cock f and the engine is filled with water; the air-cock f is then
closed. The low-pressure device A is filled with water admitted through the pipe e¹
past the cock e. The water is introduced gradually, allowing the air that is in the
device to escape through the pipe e¹. When the device A is filled and the air
expelled, the cock e is closed and the foot valve d opened.
The additional weight of water in the device above that sustained by atmospheric
pressure, and which is contained in the pipe a above the pipe b, and in that part of
the device termed the "vacuum chamber," forces the water below out of the device,
creating a vacuum in the pipe a. The valve c is then opened, allowing the water.
to flow from the cylinder or engine B into the vacuum into the pipe a. This
enables the atmospheric pressure to be exerted upon the front of the engine piston

page_text: in addition to the hydrostatic pressure of whatever head of water there may be
above the engine, and the latter is worked with as much efficiency as if it were
located at the bottom of the waterfall. In this manner the engine is set in
motion.
Whenever it is desired to stop the engine, the valves g and d, or the latter
only, will be closed, and the vacuum is maintained until the engine is started again
by reopening the valves g and d.
°
The object of enlarging the pipe a at al is to provide space to readily receive
the water from the engine. The same result can substantially be reached by
enlarging the pipe a throughout its length. It is evident that the pipes a and b
virtually form a continuous pipe, shaped to act as a siphon, and if the pipe b exceeds
thirty-two feet in height and the supply of water be cut off by closing the valve c,
a vacuum will be formed in the pipe a.
When the engine is located at a level at or more than thirty-two feet above
the bottom of the fall, the pipe a extends either horizontally or downward.
In such case, the air-cock is arranged suitably at the uppermost part of the
pipe a.
The engine B may be a double one, both of its parts connecting with the vacuum
chamber of the device A, either by waste pipes uniting just at the vacuum chamber,
or between the latter and the cylinder.
It is evident that when the engine is located more than thirty-two feet above the
foot of the fall, the vacuum chamber may be formed directly within the engine
itself; but in all cases the air-cock e must be at the highest part of the pipe or air
chamber a.
When the vacuum chamber is within the engine, the valve c is dispensed
with.
C, C, represent air chambers arranged above the engine and connecting respec-
tively with each end of the interior of the cylinder. They serve to cushion the
piston, and are especially useful in connection with the low-pressure device A.
D represents a check valve seating upward arranged in the balance pipe b; it
serves to prevent the variation in the weight of the atmosphere from interfering
with the action of the device A.
When the atmosphere is sufficiently heavy to balance a column of water more
than thirty-two feet high, say thirty-four feet, the vacuum chamber in the device A
must be suitably adjusted to correspond therewith.
In Figures 3 and 4 is shown a device for elevating fluids, the operation of which
device is based partly upon the maintenance of a vacuum in a chamber similar to
the chamber a¹ of Figures 1 and 2, and partly upon the momentum of the column of
falling fluid in the fall pipe corresponding to the pipe b of Figures 1 and 2, and that
leads down from the vacuum chamber.
Figure 3 is a side elevation of this device, a portion of the reservoirs being broken
away, and Figure 4 is a sectional elevation.
In Figures 3 and 4 A represents a reservoir containing a fluid that it is desired
to elevate, say, to the reservoir B. A pipe C leads from the reservoir A upward to
a vacuum chamber D. The distance from the surface of the fluid in the reservoir A
to the upper end of the pipe C, or where the latter enters the chamber D, is less
than the height of a column of the fluid that can be sustained by atmospheric
pressure. A pipe E leads from the chamber D downward into the reservoir B.
There is a ball-cock c in the lower end of the pipe C arranged to open wider as the
ball rises in the reservoir A, and in the lower end of the pipe E there is a stop-
cock e, and just below the cock is a check valve e', seating upward or toward the
vacuum chamber D. The distance from the uppermost point of the pipe C to the
surface of the fluid in the reservoir B is less than it is to the surface of the fluid
in the reservoir A. F represents an air pump connected by the pipe f with the
lower end of the pipe E, and constructed to create a vacuum in the pipe E and
chamber D in the manner herein-after described. For this purpose it is provided
with valves f¹, f¹, f¹, f¹, a discharge pipeƒ2, and in the latter a stop-cock f³; a cupf|

page_text: surrounds the piston rod fo for the purpose of holding water to pack the joint
around the rod. There is a stop-cock d in the upper end of the chamber D. The
latter, as seen, preferably extends a short distance above the level of the upper end
of the pipe C, and preferably to a distance exceeding that to which the fluid can be
raised by the atmosphere from the reservoir A. The upper end of the pipe C is pre-
ferably extended into the chamber D, and curved downward therein, as shown, and
from the upper side of such extension a small pipe d' extends upward, opening into
the chamber. The fluid is delivered into the reservoir A through the pipe G. The
latter is opened and closed by the ball-cock g, the cock being arranged to open as
the ball falls in the reservoir.
The operation of the device as thus far described is as follows:-Let the reser-
voir A be arranged so that the top of its walls are above the fluid outside, and let
the remaining portion of the device be arranged relatively thereto, as above
described; then fill the reservoirs A and B to a level below the inlets of the pipes C
and E respectively; and then close the supply valve g and open all the remaining
cocks and valves throughout the apparatus. The air must now be expelled from the
pipes C and E, chamber D, and pump F. To accomplish this the liquid is intro-
duced through the pipe d², and the vacuum chamber D into the pipe E and reser-
voir B until the latter is filled up to the stop-valve e.
The last-named valve is now
closed, and the introduction of the fluid continued until the air pump is filled.
The cock f is then closed, and the introduction of the fluid continued until
the remainder of the pipe E and the vacuum chamber D as far as the uppermost
part of the pipe C are filled. As the fluid enters the last-named pipe the air therein
escapes through the pipe d. The fluid is allowed to run down the pipe C into.
the reservoir A until the latter is filled up to the level of the cock. The latter is
then closed, and the filling continued until the fluid appears at the highest point.
The air now being expelled from the pipes C and E, chamber D, and parts imme-
diately therewith connected, the cock d is closed, leaving the fluid above it in the
pipe d². A vacuum must now be created in the chamber D; this may be done by.
means of the air pump F. The cock is opened and the pump worked until the fluid
is withdrawn from the chamber D and the pipe E down to the intersection of the
drain pipe therewith. The stop valve fs is then closed and the valve e opened.
Atmospheric pressure acting on the fluid in the reservoir B operates to close the
check valve el, and prevent the ascent of the fluid into the pipe E. The device is
now ready to be utilized for elevating the fluid from the reservoir A into the reser-
voir B. The cock c is opened. The pressure of the atmosphere upon the fluid in.
the reservoir A acts to force it upon the pipe C, and to discharge it into the
chamber D. From this point the fluid falls down the pipe E, and as it falls its
momentum increases, and it presses upon the check valve e¹ sufficiently to keep the
latter open when the check valve is at a level considerably above the surface of the
fluid in the reservoir A. The fluid continues to flow from the reservoir A. The
vacuum in the chamber D and pipe E is maintained, and the fluid continues to fall
into the reservoir B.
The pipe E is preferably diminished in diameter toward its lower end, as shown.
in Figure 4.
The lower end c¹ of the pipe C is preferably curved upward, as shown, and its
upper end in the chamber D is preferably arranged to be over the upper end of the
pipe E to enable the fluid to fall directly into the latter.
As soon as the device is put in operation the fluid in the reservoir A commences
to fall, and with it the floats of the cocks c and g. As the latter fall the flow of
fluid into the pipe C is gradually checked, and the flow into the reservoir A gra-
dually increased. As the floats rise more fluid is admitted into the pipe and less.
into the reservoir. The quantity of fluid elevated from the reservoir A is therefore
regulated by the quantity passing through the supply pipe G.
The reservoir and supply pipe are preferably arranged so that the latter will be
below the minimum level of the outgoing fluid.
If it is desired to elevate the fluid from the reservoir. B to a still higher level, say,
:
:

page_text: into the reservoir H, a duplication of the above-described device is employed; that
is to say, there is an elevating pipe C through which the atmospheric pressure
forces the fluid from the reservoir B upward into the vacuum chamber D', and a fall
pipe E', through which the fluid falls from the chamber D' downward into the
reservoir H. A modification of the means used in forming the vacuum is shown at
F'. In place of the air pump F, a drain pipe F1 is used. It extends from the
point of its connection with the pipe E¹ downward, far enough to contain a column
of the fluid in height, sufficient to overcome atmospheric pressure; and at its lower
end (which turns upward in a reservoir I that is filled with fluid above the end of
the pipe F¹) there is a stop valve i. After the pipes C', E¹, F', and chamber D¹
have been filled with fluid, the cock i is opened, and the water drained from the
chamber D' and pipe E¹ down to the intersection of the pipe F'. The cock i is
then closed, and the cock c² in the lower end of the pipe C¹ is opened, and the fluid
then flows upward through the pipe C¹, and thence falls through the chamber D¹
and pipe E¹ into the reservoir H. The lower end c³ of the pipe C¹ is in diameter
large enough to include the lower end of the pipe E, and it is preferably arranged
to come directly under it, as shewn. The lower end of the pipe E may be curved
upward, as shown at e, in the reservoir H, in which case it may be arranged
within the part cs, and the fluid will be discharged still more effectually into the
pipė C¹.
"When the reservoir I is used in combination with the drain pipe F¹, the latter
need not in all cases extend, from its intersection with the pipe E¹, as far down-
ward as above described, for when the cock i at the foot of the pipe F¹ is suddenly
opened, the momentum of the falling fluid is sufficient to cause the fluid to force its
way against the pressure of the atmosphere out of the pipe into the surrounding
reservoir, and until the fluid column within the pipe is much less in height than is
capable of being sustained by the atmosphere when the fluid is in a state of
quietude. If the valve is left open, the atmospheric pressure ultimately
causes the fluid to return into the pipe, until the height of the fluid column within
the pipe is sufficient to balance the atmosphere. But the valve i can be made
to close.
The pipes E and E¹ may be tapered throughout their entire length, or partly so.
The smaller the exit from the pipes the less the resistance from the atmosphere. At
the same time a column of falling fluid naturally contracts as it falls, and hence
an exit that is smaller in diameter than that of the upper end of the pipe is amply
sufficient.
In addition to the stop valves e, a stop valve might be arranged in each of the
pipes C and C. An auxiliary air pump may be placed on the top of the chamber D
(and also on the chamber D²) to remove any air therefrom that from time to time
during the operation may collect therein.
The flow of the fluid through the device may be arrested by closing the valves
c, c². The stop-cock to prevent the liquid from flowing through the air pump may
be placed between the pump and fall pipe E, or anywhere in the discharge pipe f
By employing a number of series of pipes, the fluid can be elevated step by step to
any desired height. The walls of the reservoir A may be extended above the
cock c, and so that fluid may surround the latter in filling the pipe E. When the
fluid in the reservoir is above the end of the pipe E, the air cannot enter the pipe
without first passing downward through the fluid.
Figure 5 represents the construction and arrangement of the supply pipe to the
water engine, when the latter is placed above the head of water. In such case the
supply pipe A leads from the water below upward to the engine B. There is a
check valve a in the pipe seating downward to prevent the descent of the water
when the pipe is being charged through the cock a¹. The latter is arranged in the
uppermost part of the pipe, and the air escapes through it as the pipe is
being filled, b represents a governor valve, the usual upper works not being
shown.
In Figure 5 is also shown a modification of the connection with the engine of

page_text: the air chambers C, C₁, used in cushioning the piston of the water engine. It is
intended tobe used when the vacuum chamber is formed directly within the cylinder
itself.
Instead of leading the connecting pipe directly to the cylinder, as in Figure 2, it
passes from the lower end of the chamber downward below the level of the cylinder,
and thence upward into the cylinder at the lowest level thereof. An air-cock c is
arranged in the top of the cylinder.
The operation is as follows:-The pipe and chamber are filled with water until
the latter is nearly full; that is, the air-cock is kept open until the air is nearly
expelled from the chamber (leaving only a sufficient amount for suitably cushioning
the piston), when it is closed. As the piston moves toward, say, the chamber CT;
the water is forced into the chamber, compressing the air in the upper part thereof.
As the piston moves in the opposite direction, the air expands, but never enough
to entirely expel the water from the pipe, for the pipe E¹ and chamber C¹ are pro-
portioned and extended, so that the air even when expanded to its greatest limit
cannot expel the water from the pipe; the pipe is made to contain a column of
fluid of sufficient height to overbalance this pressure, and thus the water cannot be
ejected from the pipe, and as the pipe is below the engine the force of gravity causes
the water to remain within the pipe.
In Figures 5, 6, and 7 is shown a provision by which the piston rod and valve
stem of a water engine are effectually packed against the entrance of air into the
cylinder. It is based on the fact that air does not readily descend through water or
other fluid. A represents a wall arranged outside and against the end of the
cylinder B, and so as to enclose a reservoir around the piston rod and inner stuffing
box C*. This reservoir is filled with a fluid to above the level of the stuffing box.
The air above cannot descend through the fluid, and hence the joint around the rod
is securely packed. A stuffing box D is arranged in the wall A, where the rod
passes out.
A similar reservoir E³ is enclosed around the valve stem E, Figures 6.
As the movement of the stem is but slight in comparison with that of the piston
rod the stem may be bent, as shown, so as to clear the wall of the reservoir.
and 7.
In Figure 8 is shown a portable device or casket for preserving animal or vegetable
substances, and that can be used for transportation. A represents a vacuum chamber
having openings at both ends that can be closed by the cocks a and u¹; B repre-
sents a drain pipe of length suitable for containing a column of fluid of more than
sufficient height to balance the atmosphere, and having a stop valve b at its lower
end.
In operation either globular end of the casket is removed, and the substances to
be preserved are placed within the casket. The globular end is then replaced, and
the drain pipe is attached, say, to the cock a¹; the foot valve b is closed, and the
valves a and a opened. A fluid is then introduced through the opening a into the
chamber until the latter and pipe are filled. The upper cock a is then closed, and
the cock b opened. The fluid flows out of the pipe until the chamber A is emptied,
and the vacuum forined therein in the usual manner. In drawing the fluid from
the device the foot of the pipe should be placed under the surface of the fluid in
some form of reservoir so as to prevent the entrance of air into the pipe. When the
vacuum is formed the cock a¹ is closed, and the drain pipe detached, leaving the
chamber containing the substances to be used by itself, and for transportation or
otherwise.
Figure 9 represents an improved construction for drawing beer or other liquid
from a keg or other enclosed vessel. The keg A is tapped on its under side, and
the pipe B leads thence to the pump C, which is arranged below the level of the
keg. Now as the beer is drawn off, and the vacuum forms in the keg, the beer falls
by gravity into the pipe, and thence into the pump. Whenever the keg can be
located at a level sufficiently high a drain (or balance) pipe may be used in place
of the pump.

page_text: It is evident that the pump used in connection with the above-described keg may
be substituted for the drain or balance pipe for the purpose of exhausting the
liquid from any of the vacuum chambers, and in case it is used to withdraw the
liquid from the portable casket, Figure 8, it is desirable to prime it with the same
kind of liquid that is used in filling the casket.
In Figure 10 is shown an adaptation of the Invention to a pneumatic tube for
the dispatch of parcels. This is intended to be used where the fluid used in filling
the vacuum chambers is taken from a higher level. A and B represent chambers
connected by pipes a, a', with vacuum chambers D, D, and arranged at each end of
the pneumatic tube C, and that are used for delivering and receiving the articles
transmitted. The chambers D, D, are similarly provided with drain pipes E, E,
Jeading from the lower ends of the chambers downward into reservoirs F, F. The
pipes E, E, in height are sufficient to contain a column of fluid that balances the
weight of the atmosphere. There are valves d, d, in the lower ends of the pipes
E, E, operated by means of the rods e, e, which extend upward suitably to be reached.
G, G, represent supply pipes, through. which the fluid is introduced into the vacuum
chambers; they are similarly furnished with cocks g, g. There are also cocks h, h,
in the pipes a, a².
The operation of the device is based on the formation of a vacuum in the chambers
D, D; for instance, let it be desired to dispatch from the chamber A to the chamber B.
In such case the foot valve d is closed, and fluid admitted through the pipe G until
the pipe E and vacuum chamber D are filled. The cocks g and are then closed,
and the valve d opened. The fluid then flows out of the pipe E until an equilibrium
with the atmosphere is established, at which time the chamber D is empty, and a
vacuum formed therein. The foot valve d is now closed, and the cock h opened,
establishing communication between the chambers B and D, and causing a flow of
air from the former to the latter. This induces the desired current in the tube C,
and the transmission therein is effected in the usual manner. The cock h is kept
open only until the transmission is accomplished, and is then closed to preserve the
vacuum in the chamber D. The transmission in the opposite direction is effected in
a similar manner by forming a vacuum in the chamber D¹. The vacuum in the
chambers D, D, is re-formed by repeating the above-described operation. The parcels
are introduced into the chambers A and B through the openings i, i, that are then
closed by air-tight covers.
Figure 11 represents a central cross section of the chamber A. It is evident that
during the time taken in transferring a parcel from one station to another station,
the vacuum in the vacuum chamber at the first station may be formed.
In Figure 12 is shown a modification of the Invention, by which the rising and
falling of the tides (where it exceeds 34 feet, or the height of a column of water
that balances the weight of the atmosphere) can be utilized for creating a vacuum.
A represents a vacuum chamber in the form, preferably, of a long cylinder or series
of cylinders or pipes, suitably supported so as to be submerged at high water, and
having a pipe or pipes a leading downward therefrom far enough to enter the
water at its minimum depth. There is a stop valve a¹ in the upper end of the
pipe a, and an air pipe a² in the upper part of the vacuum chamber that extends
above the highest water and is provided with a valve a³.
The operation is as follows:-The chamber is arranged with a pipe a leading
down into the sea, and the cocks a¹ and a³ are opened. Then as the tide rises, the
water flows upward through the pipe a into the chamber, filling the latter and
expelling the air through the cock a³. As soon as the tide begins to fall, the latter
is closed. When the tide has fallen to such an extent that the pipes a contain more
water than the atmospheric pressure can sustain, it begins to drain out of the
chamber A; and when the water ceases to flow out of the chamber, the valve a' is
closed.
The device can be utilized in any suitable manner by connecting it, say, with a
chamber B. The connecting pipe b is provided with a stop-cock b¹ that is closed

page_text: when the vacuum is being formed in the chamber A, and opened when it is desired
to establish communication with the chamber B. The chamber A may be made
very long.
The preferable form, in cross section, of the chamber A is shown at C. On this
plan pneumatic tubes can be operated along a coast or between two coasts, at the
cost simply of operating the valves. The above-described vacuum chambers
may also be used to receive the exhaust water from the water engine, shown in
Figure 2.
Figure 13 shows a form of condenser applicable to condensing the vapor discharged
from the escape pipes of steam engines, steam pumps, or vacuum pans. A represents
the condenser; B, the drain or balance pipe; C, the supply or cold-water pipe;
D, the hot-water well; E, a gauge indicating the weight of water in the balance
pipe; F, a foot valve; and G, a check valve.
The vacuum once created in the usual way within the chamber A is maintained
therein by the flow of cold water from the pipe C into the chamber A, and thence
downward through the pipe B. The latter is made of sufficient height to contain
a column of fluid in weight greater than the atmospheric pressure; and the fluid
therefore falls therein by gravity in the manner herein previously described. By this
means a flow of cold water is maintained through the condenser, and the hot water
withdrawn from the condenser without the aid of an air pump, and the condensation
of the steam or vapor is effected at a nominal cost.
Before turning on the supply of cold water, I close the foot valve F until the
gauge indicates sufficient weight of water in the balance pipe B to overcome
atmospheric pressure; now I open the foot valve F. Any additional water in the
condenser will cause the water from the pipe F to flow into the hot well D. The
check valve G is used to prevent back action.
In Figure 9 the cup D for containing a fluid to pack the piston rod is attached
directly to the cylinder head, and forms an extension of the wall of the stuffing box,
and the follower d is screwed into the bottom of the cup.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim for the purpose of my Invention and for the special or particular pur-
poses above set forth.
First. In combination with a water engine, a waste pipe having a vacuum
chamber therein, as above described.
Second. In combination with a water engine, a waste pipe having a vacuum
chamber therein and a discharge pipe leading out of the vacuum chamber, the latter
being in height sufficient to contain a column of water that balances the weight of
the atmosphere, as above described.
Third. The combination of the low-pressure device and the water engine, as above
described.
Fourth. The combination of the engine, the pipes, and the valves, as abovo
described.
Fifth. The combination of the water engine, the low-pressure device, and the
chambers, as above described.
Sixth. The combination of the water engine, low-pressure device, and check valve,
with or without the air-cock, as above described.
Seventh. The method of operating a water or hydraulic engine, as above
described.
Eighth. The combination of a waste pipe with a water or hydraulic engine,
arranged to have the vacuum chamber formed directly within it, in the manner
above set forth.
Ninth. The method of maintaining a vacuum within the chamber and pipe shewn
in Figures 3 and 4, by means of the momentum of the falling column of fluid in the
pipe, as above described.
Tenth. The method of elevating fluids by forcing by means of atmospheric pressure

page_text: the fluid from the lower level upward into a vacuum chamber above the level to
which it is desired to elevate the fluid, thence to fall (with sufficient momentum
to overcome the atmospheric pressure) to the upper level, as above described.
Eleventh. In a fluid elevator, an elongated vacuum chamber, as shewn in Figures
3 and 4, for the purpose specified.
Twelfth. In a fluid elevator, a vacuum chamber, the height of which exceeds
that of a column of falling fluid whose momentum is greater than the atmospheric
pressure upon the bottom of the falling column, as above described.
Thirteenth. The combination of the pipes and vacuum chamber, shewn in
Figures 3 and 4, and with or without the air pump, as above set forth.
Fourteenth. The air pump with the cup, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, and as
above set forth.
Fifteenth. The combination of the pipe having the stop-cock c, the chamber, the
cock d, the pipe having the cock e, the check valve e¹, and the air pump and pipe f,
as above described.
Sixteenth. The combination of the reservoir, the pipe having the ball-cock 9, and
the pipe having the ball-cock c, as above described.
Seventeenth. The air pipe in the pipe C, as above described.
Eighteenth. The combination of the pipes C and C, E and E', and the chambers
D and D¹, as shewn, and of the chamber D' pipe E' and drain pipe F¹ provided with
the stop-cock, as above described.
Nineteenth. The fall pipe E provided with the check valve, for the purpose of
preventing the flow of the liquid into the vacuum chamber in the upper end of the
pipe, as above described.
Twentieth. The extension d², Figures 3 and 4, above the stop-cock of the vacuum
vacuum
chamber, for the purpose of containing fluid to pack the stop-cock and prevent the
entrance of air into the vacuum chamber.
Twenty-first. The combination of the pipe E and the reservoir B, shewn in
Figures 3 and 4, as above described.
Twenty-second. The combination of the engine and the supply pipe A, shewn in
Figure 5, with the check valve a and the cock a¹, or other suitable devices, as above
set forth.
Twenty-third. The combination of the engine B, the wall for enclosing the
reservoir around the piston rod, and the stuffing boxes C* and D, as shewn in
Figure 5, and as above described.
Twenty-fourth. The combination of the engine, the air chamber, and the pipes
E, E', constructed as shewn in Figure 5, and as above set forth.
Twenty-fifth. The combination of the valve chest, the reservoir, and the stem,
as shewn in Figure 7, and as above described.
Twenty-sixth. The combination of the portable casket provided with the cocks.
and the drain pipe provided with the valve, as shewn in Figure 8, and as above
described.
Twenty-seventh. The combination of the keg, the pipe, and the pump, arranged
as shewn in Figure 9, and operated as above described.
Twenty-eighth. The combination of parts, shown in Figure 10, comprising the
chambers A, B, D, D, the tube C, the pipes a, a¹, E, E, and G, G, and the valves, as
above described.
Twenty-ninth. The combination of parts, shewn in Figure 12, comprising the
chamber A, pipes a and a², and the valves, arranged and operated as above set
forth.
Thirtieth. The combination, shewn in Figure 13, comprising the condenser A, the
pipes B, C, and H, reservoir D, and valves, as above described.
Thirty-first. The method of drawing beer or other liquid from a keg or other
enclosed vessel, by tapping the keg or vessel on its under side and conducting
the drain pipe thence to an exhaust pump arranged below the level of the said
keg or vessel, and then first charging the pump and pipe with a liquid to expel
the air therefrom, as above described.

page_text: Thirty-second. The combination of the pump C, the cup D, and follower d,
arranged as shewn in Figure 9, and operated as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
W. ROB. LAKE.
(L.S.)