Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Mar.. 1888
Complete Left, 28th Apr., 1888
Complete Accepted, 1st June, 1888
A communication from abroad by WARREN SEYMOUR JOHNSON, of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool and 6 Bank Street, Manchester, both in the
County of Lancaster, and 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
The invention relates to the automatic supply and regulation of heat to apart
ments by a system of apparatus in which electricity controls a fluid under pressure
and the fluid under pressure operates the controlling valves of the heating apparatus.
Many patents have been granted to the communicator for devices working in connec-
tion with electricity and fluid pressure, the first as the direct and the second as the
indirect power for the operation of the valves.
The present invention comprehends a more complete system of regulation than has
heretofore been shown, one which is " entirely automatic," and which requires no
attention for long periods of time. To this end sources of power are made use of
which are constant, and which are supplied without the attention of the occupants of
the apartments of which the temperature is to be regulated.
In order to render the system automatic, water supplied from a city main or other
source is employed from which it is delivered constantly and under pressure as a
power for compressing air, and the air applied thus compressed, under the control of
automatic electric devices, to operate the valves on the heating appliances.
A building fitted with the system so that each apartment will have its temperature
automatically regulated from a central source of power, is supplied with four systems
of conductors which operate together to accomplish the final result. First, a system
of heat conductors; second, a system of conductors containing air under pressure;
third, a conductor of water under pressure; fourthi, a series of electrical conductors
or distributors.

page_text: These four systems of distributors bear the following relation to each other:
1. The heat conductors distribute the heat from a central source to the various
apartments.
2. The conductors of air or other gaseous pressure apply the same to control the
action of the heating apparatus.
3. The water conductors apply the pressure to effect the compression of the air.
4. The electric conductors distribute and apply the electrical energy to operate at
stated times valves for governing the compressed air and controlling its action on the
valves which regulate the heating apparatus.
In the apparatus, as will hereinafter more fully appear, the heating system is the
only one of the four conducting or distributing systems, which is normally in action.
The other systems, namely, the liquid pressure, the air pressure and the electrical
energy are normally in a state of potential, and become active or kinetic only at
intervals, and for short periods of time. By this arrangement, valves on the heating
system may be controlled, which require much power to operate them, with a small
expenditure of electrical energy and a small loss of fluid under pressure.
In carrying out the invention the source of heat supply, may be, if desired, a steam
boiler from which the steam is delivered through distributing pipes to radiators located
in the several apartments, or otherwise distributed throughout the building. The
admission of steam to each radiator is controlled by an adjacent valve, hereinafter
explained in detail, which is provided with an expansion chamber and adapted to be
operated by air or other gaseous fluid under pressure. This gaseous fluid is distributed
to the various steam-controlling valves, through a pipe from a reservoir or other
source of supply. The air is compressed into this reservoir by a pump or compressor
which is in turn actuated by the pressure of water or other liquid received, in the
present instance, through a pipe, supposed to connect with the city main or other
source, from which a constant supply of water under pressure may be obtained. It
will be observed that the water acts to compress the air, and that the air acts in turn
to operate the valves and control the admission of heat to the apartments.
The action of the air on each steam-controlling valve, is in turned controlled by an
electric or electro-pneumatic valve, which is applied to the air-pipe. The valves are
controlled through suitable conductors by electric energy derived from a battery or
other generator. The action of the electric currents on the respective air valves is
controlled by thermostats, located in the various apartments, or otherwise suitably
distributed throughout the building. As the temperature rises and falls the ther-
mostats cause the valves to deliver the air to and from the steam valves to effect
the opening and closing of the latter according as the temperature may demand the
admission or the stoppage of the heat.
Under the above arrangement the liquid pressure in the main is converted into a
gaseous fluid pressure, which is in turn, applied to control the admission of heat to the
respective apartments, subject, however, to the control of the thermostatic devices. In
this manner the thermostatic devices requiring but a slight expenditure of electric
energy, are enabled to bring into action at the proper times, the fluid-pressure by
which the steam-controlling valves are positively operated to regulate the delivery
into the apartments of the heat by which the thermostats are themselves actuated.
Thus it will be seen the heat reacts upon itself through the intermediate
powers of electricity and fluid pressure, to control itself and maintain a practically
unvarying temperature.
The principal object in using an intermediate air-compressor between the liquid
supply and the mechanism it is to control, lies in the fact that the water, owing to
its great weight, is of widely different pressures at different heights, while the air,
on the contrary, by reason of its light specific gravity may be carried to any
required height without any appreciable change in pressure. Modern buildings
are frequently of great height, and should it be attempted to use the water pressure
to directly operate the steam-controlling valves in the different stories, it would be
necessary to operate the water at very high and objectionable pressures, for other-
wise it would be found that a pressure ample in the lower stories for the purposes

page_text: in view would be accompanied by a pressure in the upper stories insufficient to
accomplish the desired end. As the valves to be operated require the same power
without reference to their altitude, the direct employment of water would frequently
give a surplus of power in one part of the building, and an insufficient power in
another. These difficulties are entirely overcome by the intervention of the hydraulic
air-compressor between the primary source of power (the water), and the reservoir. The
employment of air is also advantageous in that it may be freely discharged after
performing its duty without providing, receiving, or returning pipes to dispose of it.
The compressor may be of any form adapted to be actuated by water, and to
effect the compression of the air or other gaseous fluid, provided it is adapted to
start automatically when the air pressure falls below the proper limit, and to stop
automatically when the limit is reached. It being the aim of the invention to
produce an apparatus which is strictly automatic, and which will, without attention,
remain in operative condition from year to year, the air-compressing pump must be
of such character that it will stop and start automatically as above mentioned. As
ordinary hydro-pneumatic pumps are not well adapted for this use, although certain
of them may be used, a special pump has been devised for use in the system. This
pump is constructed as follows:
On a suitable base plate are mounted two metal chambers, each divided vertically by
a flexible diaphragm, into an outer water space, and an inner air space. The two
diaphragms are connected by a rod passing through stuffing boxes at the sides of the
chambers. The pipe, constantly supplying water under pressure, has two branches
leading into the respective chambers at the outer sides of the diaphragms. At the
junction of the branch pipes with the main pipe, they are connected by a four-way
valve, with a waste-pipe. This valve is provided with two arms or tappets, and is
connected to one end of a spiral spring, which, passing the center as the valve is
turned to and fro, serves to hold it first in one position, and then in the other. A
pendulous weight attached to the frame in such position that it will swing against,
and move the valve-arms or tappets, has above its fulcrum, a lip adapted to encounter
a collar, on a rod, by which the weight is raised and permitted to fall, and the
diaphragms moved to and fro. An air inlet pipe, has branches leading to the inner
sides or air spaces of the respective chambers. Air inlet pipes lead from the respec-
tive air spaces of the chambers, and present their inner ends or mouths near the
tappets of the valves, the tappets being provided with faces adapted to act against
and close the ends of the pipes alternately.
The operation is as follows:
When the parts are in position, the actuating water passes through the four-way
valve into the outer side of one of the chambers, forcing the diaphragm to the right,
and expelling the air at the opposite side of the diaphragm through an air inlet pipe.
At this time one air inlet pipe is closed and the other is open.
The diaphragm of chamber forces the rod, and thereby the diaphragm to the right,
causing the waste water to escape from said chamber through one of the branch
pipes, and four-way valve, and at the same time causing the chamber to fill with air
on the opposite side of the diaphragm through the pipe. During these actions the
weight, which hangs normally in the intermediate position, is raised, until finally as
the diaphragms complete their movement to the right, the collar releases the weight,
which in falling acts upon and reverses the position of the valve whereupon the water
is delivered into the right hand chamber and out of the left hand chamber, and air
delivered from the right hand and into the left hand chamber.
As soon as the collar has passed the upper end of the weight arm in either
direction the weight falls past the perpendicular and acts upon one or the other
of the valve-arms, but finally assumes the pendent position so that it will again be
raised in the opposite direction by the returning collar. In other words, the
diaphragms moving to the right swing the weight to the left, and nice versa.
The advantages of this form of pump lie in the facts that it is exceedingly simple,
that it will stop whenever the resistance or counter-pressure of the air reaches the
required limit, and that it will start promptly and with certainty from any position

page_text: in which it may have stopped, as soon as the air pressure falls below the limit. Its
action is wholly automatic, being controlled by the changing relations of the water
pressure on the one side to the air pressure on the other.
It is preferable to employ water at a pressure of about ten pounds to the square
inch, and to have the pump adapted to compress the air to a like pressure. When
the proper pressure of the air is attained the pump or compressor stops in consequence
of the resistance. Both pressures remain in potential, and the pump at rest until
the balance is destroyed by a loss of air pressure from its use when the pump will
automatically start and continue its action until the air pressure is again raised to
the proper limit.
Each of the steam-controlling valves is constructed as follows:-The valve proper
of the puppet type, has its spindle projected externally and encircled by a spring,
which tends to open the valve and admit steam to the radiator. The spindle or plate
on its upper end rests beneath a flexible diaphragm, forming the movable wall of a
chamber, into which the air is delivered at the proper time from the pipe. When
thus admitted the air expands the chamber, and, forcing the diaphragm downward,
closes the valve so that further admission of steam to the radiator is prevented.
The air valves through which the air is delivered to actuate the steam valves, are
each of the type known as three-way valves, that is to say, of such construction that
when adjusted in one position, they permit the air to pass forward from the source
of supply into the pipe beyond, but when turned to another position they prevent
the further advance of fluid, and permit that which had already passed to retreat and
flow to waste. When, therefore, either valve is opened it causes the compressed air
to close the steam valve, but when the valve is closed it permits the air to escape
from the expansion chamber of the steam valve, which is thereby permitted to
open.
The air-controlling valve may have a rotary plug or valve proper, which has a port
extended transversely therethrough in an angular direction. The body is provided
with the inlet and outlet ports, and with the waste port. When the plug is turned
into one position air is delivered to the steam valve, but when it is turned in another
direction, the flow of air is stopped and the waste plug opened to allow the discharge
of the air retreating from the steam valve.
The pipe leads from the delivery side of the valve into an expansion chamber,
having its movable wall, of rubber or like material, arranged to act against a rod,
having at its opposite end a rack, which engages a pinion on the valve plug, so
that air admitted through the valve acts in part to expand the chamber and cause
the rack to turn the plug so as to prevent the further admission of air. Thus, the
advancing air is caused to close the valve through which it was delivered. When the
valve is thus closed its waste port is opened and the air permitted to escape from the
expansion chamber, leaving the valve in condition to be again opened by the action of
a spring, which encircles the rack-bar. As, however, it is required to hold the valve
in its opened or its closed position, and thus keep the steam valve in an open or a
closed position as the case may be, until the temperature in the apartment is raised
or lowered, a lock is provided to hold the air valve as soon as it is either opened or
closed, until it is released by the thermostat. This lock consists of an armature,
drawn forward by a spring, and arranged to engage on one side or the other with a
projection on the vaive-plug. The armature stands in the field of an electro-magnet,
the coils of which connect at one end with any of the metal pipes leading to the
ground, or to a special ground wire, and at the opposite end connect with a vibrating
switch, which is carried to and fro as the valve opens and closes by the arms thereon.
This switch makes contact alternately with the terminal plates of two conducting wires,
which extend to opposite sides of the appropriate thermostat, the two wires and the
switch forming what is technically known as an "electric cross."
"
The thermostat, which is of familiar form, consists of a bar, composed of two
metallic plates which expand and contract unequally under like changes of tempera-
ture so that the bar is thereby caused to bend to the right or left. At one end this
bar is fixed and united to the battery wire, and at the other end is arranged to vibrate

page_text: between the terminals of the wires and to make contact with the one or the other
according as the temperature runs above or below the fixed limit.
When the thermostatic bar makes contact on either side, it completes the circuit
through one or the other of the wires and the switch, to the magnet and thence to
the ground. The magnet being thus excited attracts the armature and unlocks the
valve, which at once turns from the closed to the open or from the open to the closed
position. In thus moving, the valve turns the switch, breaking the circuit just used,
and allowing the armature to lock the valve in its new position, and, at the same
time, placing the switch in connection with the other wire leading to the thermostat
so that when the changing temperature closes the thermostat on the opposite side it
will complete the newly formed circuit through the magnet and again unlock the
valve. Thus it will be seen the changes in temperature are rendered instrumental in
applying the electric current to effect the opening and closing of the valve, and the
valve caused to open and leave open the circuit after the current has acted momentarily
to perform its office. The operation of the above described system is as follows:-
The boiler being in action, the air valves closed, the steam valves open and the
receiver filled with compressed air, steam flows from the boiler through the pipes to
all the radiators. When the temperature in any room rises to the predetermined
limit, the thermostat closes the circuit to the air-valve, which being open permits the
air to flow through pipe to the steam valve, closing the latter and stopping the supply
of steam to the radiator. In thus acting, the air valve breaks one circuit, and leaves
it open. The parts remain in this condition until the falling temperature in the
room causes the thermostat. to close a circuit. Thereupon the air-valve closes,
allowing the air in the expansion chamber of steam controlling valve to escape,
whereupon the said valve opens and again admits steam to the radiator. This action
is accompanied by the breaking of said circuit, and the restoration of the switch to
such position that the thermostat may next complete the first mentioned circuit. The
waste of air is exceedingly small, and is compensated for from time to time by the
action of the compressor. The reservoir could be dispensed with, and the compressor
arranged to deliver directly into the air-distributing pipes, but its use is advisable on
account of the speedy and uniform action secured, and for other reasons.
The following is a description of a modification of the system composed of the same
members, and having essentially the same mode of action, but differing therefrom in
the arrangement of the heat-distributing apparatus, and consequently in the location
of the controlling devices. The water-supply, air-compressor, air-distribution, air-
controlling valves and thermostatic circuits are essentially the same.
Apartment No. 1 is heated by indirect radiation the air ascending thereto through
a flue from the radiator in the basement. Air is admitted to this radiator, and thence
to the apartment by a valve having an expansion chamber through which the air acts
to close the valve in essentially the same manner as in the steam-controlling valves.
This air valve is of the butterfly type, and provided with a pinion actuated by a
rack-bar, attached to the movable wall of the expansion chamber. The opening of the
air valve by the thermostat effects the closing of the valve.
As an additional means of controlling the heat in apartment No. 1, its radiator is
provided with the steam-controlling valve connected and actuated in precisely the
same manner as the steam-controlling valve heretofore described.
Apartment No. 2, is heated by a radiator having a steam admission valve operated
by air and controlled through a thermostat and air valve in the same manner as the
valves connected with the radiators before described. This radiator is, however, pro-
vided with an additional valve to close its steam delivery side. This valve is
constructed in the same manner as the inlet valve, and connected with the same air
delivery pipe so that it is controlled thermostatically, and operated at the same time,
and in the same manner as the inlet valve. This apartment is further provided as a
means of regulating its temperature with a pivoted ventilating valve or window con-
nected by a lever to the movable wall of an expansion chamber, connected with and
receiving air from the pipe, which connects with the steun controlling valves so that
when the air is admitted to close the steam valves it will expand the chamber, and

page_text: open the ventilator permitting the egress of heated air, and the ingress of
cool air.
Apartment No. 3 is heated in part indirectly by a radiator controlled in precisely
the same manner as the radiator for heating apartment No. 1, and in part by direct
radiation, the radiator located therein being provided with steam-controlling valves
constructed, connected and controlled in the same manner as the valves before
described.
Apartment No. 4 is heated solely by direct radiation, the steam radiator therein
being provided with inlet and outlet valves identical with those in apartment No. 2.
While that form of air-controlling valve has been described, which is considered
preferable to employ, it is to be understood that other air-controlling valves controlled
by electricity may be substituted therefor, and that such valves may be operated either
by the pressure of the air, as in the first example, by a spring, or by other suitable
motors. Modified forms of air-controlling valve which are well adapted for general
use may be adopted.
In the operation of each valve there are two things to be done: first, the valve
proper is to be moved in one direction or the other: and, second, the electric circuit
is to be broken. Now, while the electricity is the initial cause which controls said
valve it may or may not be the power which directly operates the valve or breaks the
circuit, for either or both of these operations may bo performed by the fluid pressure
subject to electric control.
1. The secondary three-way valve may be entirely electro-magnetic, that is, the
valve may be turned and the current broken by the magnetic force alone without the
aid of any other force. And in this class, either of two forms may be employed:
viz., one in which there are two or more electro-magnets which operate alternately to
open and close the valve and break the circuit, and the other in which an electro-
magnet or magnets proper, operate a polarized armature. In the latter case while the
current traverses alternately the two conductors, it also traverses the coils of the same
magnets but in reverse directions, dependent upon which branch of the circuit is for
the time being in use.
2. The three-way valve may be directly moved by the fluid pressure, the electricity
serving only to release a detent allowing such movement, and the current may be
broken by the magnetic action.
3. The three-way valve may be directly moved and the circuit directly broken by
fluid pressure, the electricity serving only to allow the fluid pressure to turn the valve
and break the circuit, as in the valve heretofore described.
4. The three-way valve may be directly operated magnetically, but the current
broken by magnetic pressure.
5. The three-way valve may be operated and the current broken by some indepen-
dent power to operate the valve, and the circuit-breaking devices.
Such of these various forms of secondary or three-way valves as are not fully
described in previous patents or applications are described herein. It is to be under-
stood that they are treated simply as equivalents of each other in the combinations in
which they are herein shown, and it is deemed unnecessary to specifically describe
herein those forms which are not novel and which are not specifically claimed herein.
One form of valve has an electro-magnet: a polarized armature being arranged in
front of the magnet and carried by a lever, having an arm which carries at its ends
the contact buttons to which the terminals of the magnet coil or coils are attached.
Immediately under the contact buttons are the two insulated buttons of the conductors,
which conductors are extended to opposite sides of the thermostat in precisely the
same manner as the conductors of the valves heretoforo described. Between the con-
ductors is a third conductor forming the terminal of the battery wire. A spring tends
to draw the armature away from the magnet. The parts are all encased in a body
which serves as an air-receiving chamber. The air entering through the pipe at
one side escapes through the continuation of the pipe at the opposite side.
One end of the armature is provided with a spring arm to close the inlet nort
and also provided on the opposite side with a face to close the outlet or waste

page_text: port. The armature is in contact with the electro-magnet, being held by its
own attraction against the action of the spring. This keeps the supply port closed
and the contact buttons in contact with the buttons. If by a rise in temperature the
thermostatic bar is thrown in contact with the conductor, the electric circuit is
completed through the magnet in such direction that its polarity becomes the same
as that of the armature, the effect is to release the armature and permit it to be
moved by the spring so as to open the inlet port and close the waste port,
whereupon the air under pressure will pass through the valve to the main or steam-
controlling valve. As the armature moves, the lever shifts the buttons breaking the
circuit just employed and establishing connection with the battery wire and the con-
ductor, but when the thermostat is moved in the opposite direction by a diminishing
temperature it makes contact at one of the buttons closing the circuit and directing
the current through the magnet in the opposite direction from that in which it was
previously directed, thus changing the polarity of the magnet so that it attracts the
armature and closes the inlet port, at the same time opening the waste port. In thus
shifting, the armature returns the contact buttons to their first position, breaking the
circuit. The magnetic direction of the armature, however, holds it in its position
notwithstanding the fact that the magnet is discharged.
Another valve like that just described, has a polarized armature and a like device
for breaking and reversing circuits; but, unlike that just described it has two indepen-
dent electro-magnets with their respective coils arranged in the same circuit and of
like polarity. The armature being polarized one end will be attracted by one of the
magnets, and the other end repelled by the other, the attraction and repulsion depend-
ing upon the direction in which the current is passed through the line. The circuit-
breaking devices and their connections are practically identical with those just
described. The inlet and outlet ports are closed alternately by the valve plates on
the armature.
Another valve has a rotary valve-plug, its spindle carrying a pawl and ratchet
mechanism connected with a coiled spring, after the manner of the ordinary winding
mechanism of a clock, so that when wound the spring tends to revolve the valve. A
hub, on the spindle is provided on opposite sides with stop shoulders, which engage
alternately with a shoulder on armature in the field of an electro-magnet, so that when
the armature is momentarily attracted by the magnet, it permits the valve to make a
half revolution and turn from its open to its closed position, or from its closed to its
open position.
An eccentric, on the spindle, operates a vibratory switch constructed and arranged
to control thermostatic circuits.
It is to be particularly noted in connection with the present system, that it is wholly
automatic in its action, and that the water delivered under pressure from a source of
constant supply maintains the required air-pressure at all times, and in all portions of
the valve operating system.
It is to be understood that the present invention does not reside in the thermostatic
devices, the pneumatic valve-operating devices, or the hydraulic air-compressing
mechanism, separately considered, although in the forms described, these devices are,
in the communicator's opinion, original with himself.
The present invention consists essentially in the heat-regulating system considered
as a unit, and comprising an hydraulic air compressor, pneumatic valve-operating
devices and thermo-electric appliances for controlling the action of the pneumatic
devices, the organization being such that said elements co-operate and jointly effect
the automatic control of the heat. The minor details of the apparatus may, of course,
be variously modified, that is to say, hydraulic compressing mechanism, pneumatic
valve-operating mechanism and thermo-electric controlling devices, in other forms
but the mechanical equivalents of those herein described, may be employed.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.L.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster & 323 High Holborn in the county of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer 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 :-
The invention relates to the automatic supply and regulation of heat to apartments
by a system of apparatus in which electricity controls a fluid under pressure, and the
fluid under pressure operates the controlling valves of the heating apparatus. Many
patents have been granted to the communicator for devices working in connection with
electricity and fluid pressure, the first as the direct, and the second as the indirect
power for the operation of the valves.
The present invention comprehends a more complete system of regulation than has
heretofore been shown, one which is "entirely automatic" and which requires no
attention for long periods of time. To this end sources of power are made use of which
are constant, and which are supplied without the attention of the occupants of the
apartments of which the temperature is to be regulated.
In order to render the system automatic, water supplied from a city main or other
source is employed. from which it is delivered constantly and under pressure as a
power for compressing air, and the air applied thus compressed, under the control of
automatic electric devices, to operate the valves on the heating appliances.
A building fitted with the system so that each apartment will have its temperature
automatically regulated from a central source of power, is supplied with four systems
of conductors which operate together to accomplish the final result. First, a system
of heat conductor; second, a system of conductors containing air under pressure;
third, a conductor of water under pressure; fourth, a series of electrical conductors
or distributors.
These four systems of distributors bear the following relation to each other :-
1. The heat conductors distribute the heat from a central source to the various
apartments.
2. The conductors of air or other gaseous pressure apply the same to control the
action of the heating apparatus.
3. The water conductors apply the pressure to effect the compression of the air

page_text: Under the above arrangement, the liquid pressure in the main is converted into a
gascous fluid pressure, which is in turn, applied to control the admission of heat to the
respective apartments, subject, however, in the control of the thermostatic devices. In
this manner the thermostatic devices requiring but a slight expenditure of electric
energy, are enabled to bring into action at the proper times, the fluid-pressure by
which the steam-controlling valves are positively operated to regulate the delivery
into the apartments of the heat, by which the thermostats are themselves actuated.
Thus it will be seen the heat reacts upon itself through the intermediate powers of
electricity and fluid pressure, to control itself and maintain a practically unvarying
temperature.
The principal object in using an intermediate air-compressor between the liquid
supply and the mechanism it is to control, lies in the fact that the water, owing to its
great weight, is of widely different pressures at different heights, while the air, on the
contrary, by reason of its light specific gravity may be carried to any required height
without any appreciable change in pressure. Modern buildings are frequently of great
height, and should it be attempted to use the water pressure to directly operate the
steam-controlling valves in the different stories, it would be necessary to operate the
water at very high and objectionable pressures, for otherwise it would be found that a
pressure ample in the lower stories for the purposes in view would be accompanied
by a pressure in the upper stories insufficient to accomplish the desired end.
valves to be operated require the same power without reference to their altitude, the
direct employment of water would frequently give a surplus of power in one part of
the building and an insufficient power in another. These difficulties are entirely over-
come by the intervention of the hydraulic air-compressor between the primary source
of power (the water) and the reservoir D. The employment of air is also advantageous
in that it may be freely discharged after performing its duty without providing,
receiving or returning pipes to dispose of it.
As the
The compressor, E, may be of any form adapted to be actuated by water, and to
effect the compression of the air or other gaseous fluid, provided it is adapted to start
automatically when the air pressure falls below the proper limit, and to stop auto-
matically when the limit is reached. It being the aim of the invention to produce an
apparatus which is strictly automatic and which will, without attention, remain in
operative condition from year to year, the air-compressing pump must be of such
character that it will stop and start automatically as above mentioned. As ordinary
hydro-pneumatic pumps are not well adapted for this use, although certain of them
may be used, a special pump represented in Figures 20 and 21 has been devised for
use in the system. This pump is constructed as follows :-
On a suitable base plate are mounted two metal chambers at and a³, each divided
vertically by a flexible diaphragm, b, into an outer water space and an inner air space.
The two diaphragms are connected by a rod, et passing through stuffing-boxes at the
sides of the chambers. The pipe F, constantly supplying water under pressure, has
two branches, d' and d³, leading into the respective chambers at the outer sides of the
diaphragms. At the junction of the branch pipes with the main pipe they ure con-
nected by a four-way valve, e with a waste-pipe, f, shown in Figure 21. This valve
is provided with two arms or tappets g, and is connected to one end of a spiral
spring, h, which passing the center as the valve is turned to and fro, serves to hold it
first in one position and then in the other. A pendulous weight, 24, attached to the
frame in such position that it will swing against and move the valve-arms or tappets,
has above its fulcrum, a lip adapted to encounter a collar, j, on the rod c', by which
the weight is raised and permitted to fall, and the diaphragms moved to and fro. An
air inlet pipe, has brauches leading to the inner sides or air spaces of the respective
chambers a³ and a. Air inlet pipes and 15 lead from the respective air spaces of the
chambers and present their inner ends or mouths near the tappets g of the valves e*, the
tappets being provided with faces m' and m³ adapted to act against and close the ends
of the pipes and alternately.
The operation is as follows:-
When the parts are in the position shown in Figures 20 and 21, the actuating water

page_text: passes through the valve e' into the outer side of chamber at forcing the diaphragm to
the right and expelling the air at the opposite side of the diaphragm through pipe 4.
At this time the pipe is closed and the pipe open.
15
The diaphragm of chamber a forces the rod c, and thereby the diaphragme to the
right, causing the waste water to escape from said chamber through pipes and
valve e, and at the same time causing the chamber to fill with air on the opposite side
of the diaphragm through the pipe 7. During these actions the weight, which hangs
normally in the intermediate position shown by dotted lines, is raised as shown in
Figure 20, until finally as the diaphragms complete their movement to the right, the
collar releases the weight, which in falling acts upon and reverses the position of the
valve e, whereupon the water is delivered into the right hand chamber and out of
the left hand chamber, and air delivered from the right hand and into the left hand
chamber.
As soon as the collar has passed the upper end of the weight-armi in either
direction, the weight falls past the perpendicular and acts upon one or the other of the
valve-arms, but finally assumes the pendent position shown by dotted lines so that it
will again be raised in the opposite direction by the returning collar. In other
words, the diaphragms moving to the right, swing the weight to the left, and
vice versa.
The advantages of this form of pump lie in the facts that it is exceedingly simple;
that it will stop whenever the resistance or counter-pressure of the air reaches the
required limit, and that it will start promptly and with certainty from any position in
which it may have stopped, as soon as the air pressure falls below the limit. Its action
is wholly automatic, being controlled by the changing relations of the water pressure
on the one side to the air pressure on the other.
It is preferable to employ water at a pressure of about ten pounds to the square
inch, and to have the pump adapted to compress the air is attained the pump or com-
pressor stops in consequence of the resistance. Both pressures remain in potential,
and the pump at rest, until the balance is destroyed by a loss of air pressure from
its use, when the pump will automatically start and continue its action until the air
pressure is again raised to the proper limit.
Each of the steam-controlling valves B is constructed as shown in Figure 3. The
valve proper c of the puppet type, has its spindle projected externally and encircled by
a spring d, which tends to open the valve and admit steam to the radiator. The spindle
or plate on its upper end rests beneath a flexible diaphragm, e, forming the movable
wall of a chamber f, into which the air is delivered at the proper time from the
pipe C. When thus admitted the air expands the chamber, and, forcing the diaphragm
downward, closes the valve, so that further admission of steam to the radiator is
prevented.
The valves G, through which the air is delivered to actuate the steam valves, are
each of the type known as three-way valves, that is to say, of such construction that
when adjusted in one position they permit the air to pass forward from the source
of supply into the pipe beyond, but when turned to another position, they prevent
the further advance of fluid, and permit that which had already passed to retreat and
How to waste. When, therefore, either valve Gis opened, it causes the compressed air
to close the steam valve, but when the valve G is closed it permits the air to escape
from the expansion chamber of the steam valve, which is thereby permitted to open.
In Figures
to 10 the preferred form of air-controlling valve is represented. The
rotary plug or valve proper, g, has a port extended transversely there-through in an
angular direction. The body is provided with the inlet and outlet ports h and i, and
with the waste port j. When the plug stands as in Figure 9, air is delivered to the
steam valve, but when it is turned as in Figure 10, the flow of air is stopped and
the waste plug opened to allow the discharge of the air retreating from the steam
valve.
The pipe leads from the delivery side of the valve into an expansion chamber 4,
having its movable wall, m, of rubber or like material, arranged to act against a rod n,

page_text: having at its opposite end a rack o which engages a pinion p. on the valve plug, so
that air admitted through the valve acts in part to expand the chamber and cause the
rack to turn the plug, so as to prevent the further admission of air. Thus, the advan-
cing air is caused to close the valve through which it was delivered. When the valve
is thus closed its waste port is opened and the air permitted to escape from the expan-
sion chamber, leaving the valve in condition to be again opened by the action of a
spring, which encircles the rack-bar. As, however, it is required to hold the valve
in its opened or its closed position and thus keep the steam valve in an open or a closed
position, as the case may be, until the temperature in the apartment is raised or
lowered, a lock is provided to hold the air valve as soon as it is either opened or closed,
until it is released by the thermostat. This lock consists of an armature », drawn
forward by a spring, s, and arranged to engage on one side of the other with a projec-
tion t on the valve plug. The armature stands in the field of an electro-magnet, u,
the coils of which connect at one end with any of the metal pipes leading to the
ground, or to a special ground wire, and at the opposite end connect with a vibrating
switch, v, which is carried to and fro as the valve opens and closes by the arms w and w¹
thereon. This switch makes contact alternately with the terminal plate of two conducting
wires a and a¹, which extend to opposite sides of the appropriate thermostat I,
the two wires and the switch forming what is technically known as an
" electric
cross."
32
The thermostat, which is of familiar form, consists of a bar, y, composed of two
metallic plates which expand and contract unequally under like changes of temperature,
so that the bar is thereby caused to bend to the right or left. At one end this bar is
fixed and united to the battery wire, and at the other end is arranged to vibrate
between the terminals of the wires a and as shown in Figures 1 and 5, and to make
contact with the one or the other according as the temperature runs above or below
the fixed limit.
When the thermostatic bar makes contact on either side, it completes the circuit
through one or the other of the wires and and the switch, to the magnet and
thence to the ground. The magnet being thus excited attracts the armature and
unlocks the valve, which at once turns from the closed to the open, or from the open
to the closed position. In thus moving, the valve turns the switch, breaking the
circuit just used, and allowing the armature to lock the valve in its new position,
and, at the same time, placing the switch in connection with the other wire leading
to the thermostat, so that when the changing temperature closes the thermostat on the
opposite side, it will complete the newly formed circuit through the magnet and again
unlock the valve. Thus it will be seen the changes in temperature are rendered
instrumental in applying the electric current to effect the opening and closing of the
valve and the valve caused to open and leave open the circuit after the current has
acted momentarily to perform its office.
The operation of the above described system is as follows:-
The boiler A being in action, the air valves G closed, the steam valves B open and
the receiver D filled with compressed air, steam Hows from the boiler through the
pipes a to all the radiators. When the temperature in any room rises to the
predetermined limit, the thermostat closes the circuit through to the air-valve G,
which being open permits the air to flow through pipe to the steam-valve B,
closing the latter and stopping the supply of steam to the radiator. In thus acting
the air-valve G breaks the circuit and leaves it open. The parts remain in this
condition until the falling temperature in the room causes the thermostat to close
circuit Thereupon the air-valve G closes, allowing the air in the expansion
chamber of valve B to escape, whereupon the valve B opens, and again admits steam
to the radiator. This action is accompanied by the breaking of circuit and the
restoration of the switch to such position that the thermostat may next complete the
circuit x. The waste of air is exceedingly small, and is compensated for from time
to time by the action of the compressor E. The reservoir D, could be dispensed with
and the compressor arranged to deliver directly into the air-distributing pipes, but its

page_text: use is advisable on account of the speedy and uniform action secured, and for
other reasons.
In Figure 2 is represented a system composed of the same members and having
essentially the same mode of action as that shown in Figure 1, but differing therefrom
in the arrangement of the heat-distributing apparatus and consequently in the location
of the controlling devices. The water-supply, air-compressor, air-distribution, air-
controlling valves and thermostatic circuits are essentially the same as in Figure 1.
Apartment No. 1 is heated by indirect radiation; the air ascending thereto through
a flue from the radiator in the basement. Air is admitted to this radiator, and
thence to the apartment by the valve B, having an expansion chamber through which
the air acts to close the valve in essentially the same manner as in the steam-
controlling valves. This air valve is of the butterfly type, and provided with a
pinion c actuated by a rack-bar, d² attached to the movable wall of the expansion
chamber. The opening of the air-valve C by the thermostat effects the closing of the
valve B¹.
As an additional means of controlling the heat in apartment No. 1, its radiator a is
provided with the steam-controlling valve B connected and actuated in precisely the
same manner as the steam-controlling valve in Figure 1.
Apartment No. 2 is heated by a radiator having a steam admission valve B operated
by air and controlled through a thermostat I and air valve G in the same manner as
the valves connected with the radiators in Figure 1. This radiator is, however,
provided with an additional valve B₁, to close its steam delivery side. This valve is
constructed in the same manner as the inlet valve B, and connected with the same air
delivery pipe so that it is controlled thermostatically, and operated at the same time
and in the same manner as the valve B. This apartment is further provided, as a
means of regulating its temperature with a pivoted ventilating valve or window k
connected by a lever d² to the movable wall of an expansion chamber e² connected
with and receiving air from the pipe C, which connects with the steam controlling
valves, so that when the air is admitted to close the steam valves, it will expand the
chamber e², and open the ventilator permitting the egress of heated air and the ingress
of cool air.
Apartment No. 3 is heated in part indirectly by a radiator controlled in precisely
the same manner as the radiator for heating apartment No. 1, and in part by direct
radiation, the radiator located therein being provided with steam-controlling valves
constructed, connected, and controlled in the same manner as the valves in Figure 1.
Apartment No. 4 is heated solely by direct radiation, the steam radiator therein
being provided with inlet and outlet valves identical with those in apartment
No. 2.
It will be observed that in the system represented in Figure 2 the method of
thermostatically-controlling the temperature through the action of water compressing
air and air thermostatically controlled and applied to actuate the heat-regulating
valves, is essentially the same as in the system described in Figure 1, the difference
residing simply in the form and arrangement of the heating apparatus.
While that form of air-controlling valve has been described which is considered
preferable to employ, it is to be understood that other air-controlling valves controlled
by electricity may be substituted therefor, and that such valves may be operated either
by the pressure of the air, as in the first example, by a spring, or by other suitable
motors. In Figures 11 to 19 are represented modified forms of this valve which are
well adapted for general usc.
In the operation of each valve there are two things to be done: first, the valve
proper is to be moved in one direction or the other; and, second, the electric circuit
is to be broken. Now, while the electricity is the initial cause which controls said
valve it may or may not be the power which directly operates the valve or breaks the
circuit, for either or both of these operations may be performed by the fluid pressure
subject to electric control.
1. The secondary three-way valve may be entirely electro-magnetic, that is, the

page_text: valve may be turned and the current broken by the magnetic force alone without the
aid of any other force. And in this class, either of two forms may be employed, viz. :
one in which there are two or more electro-magnets which operate alternately to open
and close the valve and break the circuit, and the other in which an electro-magnet or
magnets proper operate a polarized armature as in Figures 11 and 13. In the latter
case while the current traverses alternately the two conductors it also traverses the coils
of the same magnet or magnets but in reverse directions dependent upon which branch
of the circuit is for the time being in use.
2. The three-way valve may be directly moved by the fluid pressure, the electricity
serving only to release a detent allowing such movement, and the current may be
broken by the magnetic action.
3. The three-way valve may be directly moved and the circuit directly broken by
fluid pressure, the electricity serving only to allow the fluid pressure to turn the valve
and break the circuit, as in the valve heretofore described and illustrated in
Figures 4 to 10.
4. The three-way valve may be directly operated magnetically, but the current
broken by magnetic pressure.
5. The three-way valve may be operated and the current broken by some independent
power to operate the valve, and the circuit-breaking devices, as illustrated in
Figures 12 and 14.
Such of these various forms of secondary or three-way valves as are not fully
described in previous patents or applications, are described herein. It is to bc
understood that they are treated simply as equivalents of each other in the combinations
in which they are herein shown and it is deemed unnecessary to specifically describe
herein those forms which are not novel and which are not specifically claimed
herein.
In Figure 11, a³ is an electro-magnet; 6³ a polarized armature arranged in front of
the magnet and carried by a lever having an arm d³, which carries at its ends the
contact buttons e³ and f³, to which the terminals of the magnet coil or coils are
attached. Immediately under the contact buttons are the two insulated buttons . and a¹
of the conductors indicated by the same letters, which conductors are extended to
opposite sides of the thermostat in precisely the same manner as the conductors of
the valves heretofore described. Between the conductors & and is the third
conductor forming the terminal of the battery wire 23. The spring & tends to draw
the armature away from the magnet. The parts are all encased in a body which
serves as an air-receiving chamber. The air entering through the pipe C at one side
escapes through the continuation of the pipe at the opposite side as indicated by the
arrows. One end of the armature is provided with a spring arm to close the inlet
port and also provided on the opposite side with a face m³ to close the outlet or waste
port n³. As shown in Figure 4 the armature is in contact with the electro-magnet,
being held by its own attraction against the action of the spring k. This keeps the
supply port closed and the contact buttons e and f³ in contact with the buttons a
and 3. If by a rise in temperature the thermostatic bar is thrown in contact with
the conductor the electric circuit is completed through the magnet in such direction
that its polarity becomes the same as that of the armature, the effect is to release the
armature and permit it to be moved by the spring so as to open the inlet port and
close the waste port, whereupon the air under pressure will pass through the valve
to the main or steam-controlling valve. As the armature moves, the lever shifts
the buttons and es, breaking the circuit just employed and establishing connection
with the battery wire and the conductor as plainly shown in Figure 16: but when
the thermostat is moved in the opposite direction by a diminishing temperature, it
makes contact at ¹, closing the circuit and directing the current through the magnet
in the opposite direction from that in which it was previously directed, thus changing
the polarity of the magnet so that it attracts the armature and closes the inlet port,
at the same time opening the waste port. In thus shifting, the armature returns the
contact buttons to their first position, breaking the circuit. The magnetic direction

page_text: of the armature, however, holds it in its position notwithstanding the fact that the
magnet is discharged.
In Figure 13 a valve like that in Figure 11 has a polarized armature and a like
device for breaking and reversing circuits, but, unlike that shown in Figure 11
it has two independent electro-magnets with their respective coils arranged in the
same circuit and of like polarity. The armature being polarized one end will be
attracted by one of the magnets and the other end repelled by the other, the attraction
and repulsion depending upon the direction in which the current is passed through
the line. The circuit-breaking devices and their connections are practically identical
with those shown in Figure 11. The inlet and outlet ports are closed alternately by
the valve plates 13 and m³ on the armature.
Figures 12 and 19 show the details of a valve in which a spring is used as the motive
power. This valve like that shown in Figures 4 to 10, has a rotary valve-plug, its spindle
carrying a pawl and ratchet mechanism connected with a coiled spring o³ after the
manner of the ordinary winding mechanism of a clock, so that when wound the
spring tends to revolve the valve. A hub p³ on the spindle is provided on
opposite sides with stop-shoulders which engage alternately with a shoulder on
armature in the field of an electro-magnet, so that when the armature is
momentarily attracted by the magnet it permits the valve to make a half revolution
and turn from its open to its closed position, or from its closed to its open position.
An eccentrics on the spindle operates a vibratory switch constructed and arranged
to control thermostatic circuits in a manner identical with that shewn in Figure 5.
It is to be particularly noted in connection with the present system that it is wholly
automatic in its action, and that the water delivered under pressure from a source of
constant supply maintains the required air-pressure at all times and in all portions of
the valve-operating system.
It is to be understood that the present invention does not reside in the thermostatic
devices, the pneumatic valve-operating devices, or the hydraulic air-compressing
mechanism, separately considered, although in the forms shown these devices are in
the communicator's opinion original with himself.
The present invention consists essentially in the heat regulating system considered
as a unit, and comprising an hydraulic air compressor, pneumatic valve-operating
devices and thermo-electric appliances for controlling the action of the pneumatic
devices; the organization being such that said elements co-operate and jointly effect
the automatic control of the heat. The minor details of the apparatus may, of course,
be variously modified, that is to say, hydraulic compressing mechanism, pneumatic
valve-operating mechanism and thermo-electric controlling devices, in other forms
but the mechanical equivalents of those herein shown may be employed.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me by my foreign
correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An automatic heat-controlling system substantially as described, the same
embracing a heat-controlling valve or valves, pneumatic devices for actuating the
same, an hydraulic apparatus for compressing the air and thermo-electric devices
controlling the action of the air upon the valves, said members adapted to co-operate
substantially as described.
2. A heat-regulating system wherein the heat-regulating valve or valves are
operated by a gaseous fluid, as air, which gaseous fluid is in turn compressed through
the medium of a liquid, and in which the action of the gaseous fluid is controlled by
thermo-electric devices, the construction and organization being substantially such
as herein set forth.
3. In a heat-regulating system, and in combination with a heat-controlling valve,
a pneumatic device to actuate the same, and an automatically starting and stopping
hydraulicly actuated pump to compress the air, said pump connected with a source of

page_text: constant water supply, as a city main, and thermo-electric devices controlling the
action of the air upon the pneumatic valve-operating devices.
4. In a heat-regulating system and in combination with a series of main valves in
a system of heating pipes, said valves adapted to be operated by fluid pressure,
conductors through which fluid under pressure is delivered to actuate said main valves,
electric secondary valves on the last named conductors, to control the fluid which
actuates the main valves, and an electric controlling system for said secondary valves
comprising a generator, main conductors, a series of pairs of cross-conductors located
between the main conductors and connected with the secondary valves, and
thermostatic circuit-controlling devices which close the circuits through the two
cross-conductors alternately.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool,
Agents for the Applicant.