Improvements in Apparatus for Regulating or Controlling the Flow of Fluids, also applicable as a Motor.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 26th May, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 5th Feb., 1892-Accepted, 5th Mar., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Regulating or Controlling the
Flow of Fluids, also applicable as a Motor.
I, JOHN SMITH, of Tighnalister, Venner Road, Sydenham in the County
of Kent, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
-
My invention relates to apparatus for regulating or controlling the flow of fluids
and for other purposes.
One object of my said invention is to provide an apparatus which is specially
applicable for regulating or controlling the flow of fluids through sections or lengths
of pipes or channels and which can be very advantageously employed in connection
with water meters or the like.
My improved apparatus moreover can be employed as a motor and for other
purposes.
In carrying my said invention into practice I provide a suitable cylindrical shaped
casing divided by a diaphragm or partition into two chambers or compartments one
of which is preferably longer than the other. For the convenience of description
I will hereinafter refer to the longer compartment as the upper chamber, and to
the shorter compartment as the lower chamber. The lower or one of the said
chambers or compartments is provided with a suitable inlet aperture which inlet
is preferably situated beneath the said diaphragm or partition and is intended
to be placed in connection with one end of a section of pipe the flow of liquid
through which is to be controlled. The upper or longer chamber or compart-
ment is provided with an aperture at its upper end or that end furthest from
the above mentioned diaphragm or partition, which is intended to be in con-,
nection with the farther or other end of the said section, and with an outlet
aperture at its lower end or in close proximity to the said diaphragm or partition.
The said chambers or compartments are provided inorcover with suitable holes or
apertures closed by fluid tight lids or covers, for permitting access to the interior
thereof.
The upper chamber or compartment is fitted with a piston or with an elastic
partition which in its upward or movement away from the diaphragm or partition,
abuts against a suitable stop so as to prevent it from passing the upper aperture.
A spiral or other spring is moreover provided one end of which spring bears
against the under side of the said piston and the other end whereof bears against
the above mentioned diaphragm or partition or against lugs or projections provided
for the purpose. Or I may employ a weight or equivalent device instead of the
said spring. This spring tends constantly to retain the piston in the upper end of
the said upper chamber or away from the diaphragm or partition. The upper and
lower chambers communicate with one another through an aperture in the above
mentioned diaphragm or partition. This aperture is fitted with a valve having a
rod or stem which extends into and works freely in a tubular extension firmly
secured to or formed on the hereinbefore mentioned piston and is retained therein
in any suitable manner. The said rod and valve are so arranged that when the
piston has reached the end of its stroke in a direction away from the diaphragm or
partition the valve will be closed and communication cut off between the upper
and lower chambers. When however the said piston is moved or actuated as
hereinafter described, and has descended through a portion of its stroke or move-
ment in the other direction or towards the said diaphragm or partition, the
extremity of the above mentioned tubular extension or an enlargement thereon
strikes against the said valve and removes it from its seating. I provide moreover

page_text: in the above mentioned tubular extension a suitable spiral or other spring which
acts as a cushion or buffer between the end of the valve stem or rod and the upper
end of the said tubular extension during the said downward movement of the
piston, and in which energy is stored for completing the removal of the said
valve from its seating as hereinafter mentioned. A hole or holes are formed in
the said annular extension for the admission of fluid from the piston chamber
thereto.
The hereinbefore mentioned sections or branch pipes are connected with a water
main or other supply of water or other fluid at a suitable pressure. The said
water or other fluid under pressure enters the aperture to the upper chamber and
acts upon the upper or one side of the piston to force or move it downwards or
towards the other end of the said chamber (any fluid in the lower part of which
escapes through the outlet aperture) and compresses or stores energy during this
movement in the hereinbefore mentioned spiral or other spring, or equivalent
device. The said piston moreover slides on the rod or stem of the hereinbefore
mentioned valve and stores energy in the spiral or other spring or buffer in the
tubular extension. When the said piston has moved through a certain portion of
its stroke or movement in this direction the herein before mentioned valve is moved
or forced from its seating in the diaphragm or partition by the lower or free end
of the said tubular extension, and the water or other fluid from the lower chamber
passes to the upper chamber, below the piston. The complete removal of the said
valve from its seating effected or ensured as before mentioned by the reaction of
the spring in the tubular extension.
The
The piston then rises or moves in a direction away from the diaphragm or
partition under the reaction of the spring which was compressed, or in which energy
was stored during its downward movement. The water or other fluid which was
admitted through the upper aperture above the piston retreats, returns, or escapes
through the said aperture during the said upward movement of the piston. When
the piston attains its normal or original position the valve is closed thereby and
the communication between the lower chamber and upper chamber is cut off.
fluid admitted to the underside of the piston is discharged through the lower or
outlet aperture as hereinbefore mentioned. When the apparatus is intended for
regulating or controlling the flow of fluids I provide upon the lower end of the
herein before mentioned tubular projection a conical or other suitable enlargement
adapted to close, or partially close the communication between the said chambers
and throw the apparatus out of action as hereinafter mentioned when the flow
of water or other liquid through the said apparatus is sufficient to cause the
desired effect.
When used for the above purpose in connection with a water meter, and the
outlet or supply cock or valve is so opened or adjusted that the quantity of
liquid which escapes from the outlet pipe in the upper chamber is equal to the
quantity of liquid required to pass in a constant flow through the apparatus the
action is as follows, that is to say :-The herein before mentioned piston is forced
downwards and brings the enlarged part of the tubular projection or extension
into the aperture which communicates with the upper and lower chambers, and
into contact with the valve, and compels the said valve to leave its seating, the
liquid then passes from the lower chamber through the annular space between
the sides of the enlarged part and the said aperture at a velocity less than that
of the liquid which escapes from the outlet aperture the piston meantime con-
tinues slowly its downward course until the said tubular extension has passed
into the lower chamber sufficiently far for the conical or other enlargement to
clear the aperture between the chambers or to bring a smaller part of the said
enlargement into, and opposite the sides of the said aperture, when a sufficient
quantity of fluid will pass into the upper chamber to cause the increase of
pressure necessary to arrest and balance the piston. A slight preponderance of
pressure in the upper or lower chamber will cause the piston to alternately rise
and fall. In its passage downwards its velocity will be proportional to the

page_text: amount of water admitted, usually small compared to its velocity upwards. Its
velocity upwards depends largely on the strength of the spring and is fairly
constant. The intermittent flows of liquid into the apparatus through the inlet
aperture in this case are at a comparatively high velocity, and depend on the
upward velocity of the piston. When used in conjunction with a water meter
the whole volume of water delivered through the outlet or exhaust passes through
the meter, but the intermittent admissions from the meter are at a higher velocity
than that of the water delivered by the outlet pipe of the apparatus. It is well
known that with many meters a very much greater accuracy of registration is
obtained at higher velocities than at lower velocities. With my apparatus I am
enabled to measure all the water passing through the meter at a high velocity,
thereby attaining much greater accuracy of registration with small flows.
I prefer to place the said meter in the branch or pipe communicating with the
lower chamber.
My improved apparatus is more especially advantageous in the case of water
meters of the rotary type which, owing to the parts thereof being necessarily
loosely fitted admit of a certain amount of water passing or leaking through,
without operating the mechanism, consequently fraudulently disposed persons by
partially turning or opening the delivery cock or valve and drawing the said water
in a small stream are enabled to obtain a supply of water without actuating the
meter or recording the consumption. By the use of my improved apparatus the
above fraudulent consumption is effectually prevented.
My improved apparatus can also be advantageously employed for flushing, or
wherever it is desirable to change a constant flow of water or other fluid into an
intermittent flow.
When my improved apparatus intended for use as a motor the hereinbefore
mentioned enlargement upon the tubular extension is preferably dispensed with and
I secure to the hereinbefore mentioned piston, and at the opposite side thereof
from the said tubular extension, a suitable rod arranged to extend through the end
or cover of the upper or piston chamber, a stuffing box and gland or other suitable
This piston
means being provided for forming a fluid tight joint around the same.
rod may be connected in the usual or ordinary manner to a crank shaft, or fitted
with a ratchet or pawl adapted to engage with and drive or operate a ratchet wheel
or toothed wheel or the like, or it may be suitably connected to any other
mechanism whereby the reciprocating movements of the piston can be utilized.
My improved apparatus when arranged as a motor can be very advantageously
employed for blowing church organs or the like.
Although I have herein before described a convenient and advantageous method
of carrying my said invention into practice it is obvious that I can somewhat modify
the construction of my improved apparatus without departing in any way from the
nature of my said invention. For instance I sometimes arrange the hereinbefore
mentioned piston in an inner cylinder or tube and I provide a suitable casing or
other cylinder fitting over the same so as to leave a clearance or space between the
upper end of the said inner cylinder and the inner surface of the said outer
cylinder or casing and an annular space between the said inner and outer cylinders.
The upper end of the said inner cylinder moreover is left open. The inlet
aperture to the upper piston chamber is so arranged that the fluid will be dis-
charged into the said aunular space between the cylinders which serves as a
receptacle for any impurities or deposits that may be contained in the said fluid
thereby preventing the clogging of the piston and the failure of working thereof
In some cases
by accumulations of deposit in the said upper or piston chamber.
I till the said space between the cylinders with oil or the like.
D
1 1. 001
J
1901
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Regulating or Controlling the Flow
of Fluids, also applicable as a Motor.
I, JOHN SMITH, of Tighnalister, Venner Road, Sydenham, in the County of
Kent, 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 :-
My invention relates to apparatus for regulating or controlling the flow of water,
air and other fluids, which apparatus can also be adapted to serve as a motor.
My said invention comprises a method of converting a continuous flow of fluid
from the source of supply into an intermittent flow through a pipe or passage for
the purposes hereinafter specified, by utilizing the pressure of the fluid to alternately
and automatically interrupt and permit the flow of the fluid through the said pipe
or passage.
The main object of my said invention is to provide for automatically regulating
or controlling the action of fluid-meters, so as to prevent any unrecorded flow of
the fluid through the same, such as frequently occurs with the fluid-meters usually
employed, especially when leakage takes place from the pipes for conducting the
fluid from such meters.
I accomplish the desired result by providing for the automatic conversion of a
constant or continuous flow of water or other fluid from the source of supply, into
an intermittent flow thereof through the meter. For this purpose I find it
advantageous to provide an apparatus comprising a valve arranged to be operated
automatically in such a manner as to alternately permit and interrupt the flow of
the fluid, that is to say, when the flow of the fluid is insufficient to actuate the
meter, the valve will be kept closed until a quantity of the fluid has accumulated
in a chamber provided with a piston or its equivalent, which piston will then open
the valve and cause the discharge of the fluid through the meter in such a manner
as to operate the same, and the valve will then be closed until a further quantity of
fluid has accumulated in the said chamber. The said apparatus is, however, so
constructed that, so long as the flow of the fluid is sufficient to actuate the meter,
the valve is held open and the fluid can flow continuously through the said meter.
My said invention is more especially advantageous for use in connection with
fluid-meters of the rotary type, the moving parts of which are necessarily some-
what loosely fitted, and which consequently require a full or copious flow of fluid
to actuate them, the fluid in the case of a sinall or fine How thereof, in meters of
this kind or class as heretofore constructed, passing or leaking through the meter
without operating the same. By my invention, I provide for preventing the
passage of fluid through the meter in this manner and for ensuring the registration
of any fluid that may leak through the cocks or valves on the pipes which conduct
the fluid from the meter. Moreover, I provide for preventing the fraudulent
drawing of the fluid through the meter in a small stream or flow so as to obtain a
supply of such fluid without the consumption thereof being recorded.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 2 a vertical central section on the line a, a, Figure 1, showing one form
of my improved apparatus.
and
Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 2, showing the parts in a different position,
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the application of my said invention to a
fluid-meter.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

page_text: A is a casing formed in two parts which are firmly secured together by means
of bolts or otherwise so as to form a fluid-tight joint between them. The interior
of the casing A is divided by a partition or diaphragm A' into two chambers or
compartments A2, A. The chamber or compartiment A is provided with a suitable
inlet aperture A which is connected with one end of a pipe B. The chamber or
compartment A³ is provided with an inlet aperture A' which is connected by means
of a branch pipe B with the said pipe B. An inner cylinder C is secured, by
screw-threads or otherwise, to the partition or diaphragm A, and is so arranged
as to leave an annular space between its outer surface and the inner surface of the
casing A, and a clearance or space between the upper end of the said inner
cylinder and the top of the said casing. The upper end of the cylinder C is open,
and is, therefore, in communication with the branch-pipe B through the inlet
aperture A. The annular space between the cylinder C and casing A serves as a
receptacle for the deposit of any impurities that may be contained in the fluid
piston D is arranged to work in the cylinder C, and is provided with a cup-
leather or packing D₁ secured in position by a plate D and screw D³. The lower
end of the cylinder C communicates through an outlet-aperture A with the
discharge-pipe. B, which is usually provided with a suitable stop cock or valve.
A
E is a spiral spring which is enclosed in the cylinder C and piston D, and
which bears at one end against the said piston D and at its other end against
the partition or diaphragm A'. This spring tends to retain the piston D
at the upper end of its stroke or movement in the said cylinder in the
position shown in Figure 2, and effects the return of the said piston to this position
when, after the said piston has been moved downward, the equilibrium of pressure
is restored as hereinafter set forth.
A valve F is combined with the piston D and is fitted to a seating G of vulcanite
or other suitable material secured in an aperture A' in the diaphragm A To
permit the insertion of this valve in the casing A, the said casing is formed with
an aperture A closed by a screw-plug A. The valve F is provided with a rod or
stem F, which extends into and works freely in a tubular extension D' of the
piston D, and is retained therein by means of a collar F fitted to slide easily in
an enlarged part of the said tubular extension; or it may be retained in the said
extension in any other convenient manner. A spiral spring H is arranged in the
enlarged part of the tubular extension I between the valve-stem F and the inner
end of the screw D³, which is secured in the said tubular extension; the parts are
so arranged that this spring will be compressed during the downward movement of
the piston D, and energy will thus be stored in the said spring for completing the
removal of the valve F from its seating Gas hereinafter described. The tubular
extension D may be perforated with one or more holes D* to permit the flow of
the fluid into and out of the same. The said extension D' is provided with an
enlargement, collar or disc D³ adapted to partially close the aperture through the
valve-seat G, when the piston D is a short distance from the lower end of its stroke
or movement, and thus regulate the action of the said piston as hereinafter
specified.
When the apparatus is to be used in connection with a fluid-meter, the said
meter is connected to the pipe B as at M in Figure 4. The operation of the
apparatus, when thus arranged, is as follows, viz. So long as the cock or valve
on the discharge-pipe B' is tightly closed, the valve F will be held against its
seat by the fluid-pressure and by the spring E, the piston D being held at the
upper end of its stroke or movement by the said spring, and a shoulder De in the
extension D bearing against the underside of the collar as shown in Figure 2.
When the cock or valve on the outlet-pipe B2 is fully opened so as to permit a
sufficient flow of the fluid to actuate the meter, the piston D is forced downward
by the fluid-pressure acting upon its upper surface, the springs E and H being com-
pressed, and the fluid beneath the piston being discharged through the said pipe 12.
In this downward movement, the collar or head D³ comes in contact with the
valve F and forces it from its seat G, and the said valve F, when thus forced from

page_text: its seat, is rapidly moved into the position shown in Figure 3, by the reaction of
the spring H. The fluid can then flow freely through the meter, and then through
the annular passage between the small part of the tubular extension above the
collar or disc D and the valve-seat G, and through the discharge-pipe B2. If the
area of the discharge-opening exceeds that of the said annular passage, the fluid
Howing through the latter will be freely discharged and will not rise into the space
within the piston D; the said piston will, therefore, be held down by the pressure
of the fluid above it, and there will be a continuous flow of the fluid from the
discharge-pipe so long as the cock or valve thereon is kept open. If the area of
the said annular passage should exceed that of the discharge-opening, the fluid
flowing through the said passage will rise into the space within the piston and, by
increasing the pressure beneath the said piston, will, in conjunction with the
spring E, raise the said piston more or less, and thus reduce the area of the said
annular passage until the same is less than that of the discharge-opening, thereby
diminishing the flow of fluid through the said passage and preventing the closing of
the valve by the movement of the piston to the upper end of its stroke or travel.
The collar or disc D should be of such diameter that, when it is within the
valve-seat G, the area of the annular passage between it and the bore of the said
valve-seat will be just sufficient to permit such a flow of the fluid as will operate
the meter; when the said collar or disc is so proportioned, and providing the
discharge cock or valve is kept open to such an extent that the area of the
discharge-opening is the same as or exceeds that of the said annular passage, there
will be a continuous flow of fluid through the meter sufficient to actuate the same,
and such flow will consequently be properly recorded.
Should the discharge cock or valve leak when closed, or should the said cock
or valve be only partially opened, so that the flow of the fluid would not, under
ordinary conditions, be sufficiently large to actuate the meter, the piston D is
moved slowly downward by the fluid pressure, the velocity of the piston in its
downward movement being proportional to the amount of fluid escaping through
the outlet pipe B2, and the fluid entering through the pipe B' accumulates in the
chamber A3 and cylinder C. When, in such downward movement, the collar or
disc D strikes the valve F and compels the said valve to leave its seat, the fluid
passes from the lower chamber or compartment A2 into the space beneath the
piston D, flowing through the contracted annular space between the periphery of
the collar or disc D and the bore of the valve-seat more rapidly than the said fluid
is discharged from the pipe B²; consequently the fluid rises into the space within
the piston and equilibrium or approximate equilibrium of pressure above and below
the said piston is produced. The spring E then reacts and raises the said piston,
thus causing a sudden flow of the fluid from the space above the piston through the
meter into the space beneath the piston. The operation of the said meter when there
is but a small or fine flow of the fluid from the discharge pipe or passage is thus
effectually ensured. When the shoulder D strikes the collar F, it closes the valve F,
which is kept closed by the fluid-pressure until again opened by the descent of the
piston. If the cock or valve on the discharge-pipe B2 is tightly closed, the valve F
will be held to its seat by the pressure of the fluid and by the spring E.
It will, therefore, be seen that my apparatus, whilst permitting a continuous flow
or causing an intermittent flow of fluid such as is sufficient to operate the meter,
prevents any small or fine flow of the fluid through the said meter, the aperture
through the valve-seat being opened to the required extent immediately the valve F
is removed from its seat, and the piston D being moved upward as soon as
equilibrium of pressure above and below the same is re-established, and closing the
valve F when the shoulder D of the tubular extension D' strikes the collar Fon
the valve-stem F'.
I sometimes dispense with the inner cylinder or tube C, and arrange the piston
to work in the outer cylinder or casing A. In this case, the inlet-aperture A³
should be at the upper end of the said cylinder or casing A.
When my improved apparatus is intended for use as a motor, a suitable rod is

page_text: secured to the upper side of the piston D and is arranged to work in a stuffing-
box in the upper end of the casing A; this rod is connected with any suitable
mechanism for utilizing the power of the motor. In this case the collar or disc D'
upon the tubular extension D' may be dispensed with. My improved apparatus,
when arranged as a motor, can be very advantageously employed for organ blowing
and for other purposes where a slow operative stroke and a rapid return stroke
are desirable. The action of the motor can be very accurately regulated and con-
trolled by the adjustment of the cock or valve in the discharge-pipe B
My improved apparatus can, moreover, be employed for flushing purposes, or for
other purposes where it is necessary or desirable to change a constant or continuous
flow of water or other fluid from the source of supply into an intermittent flow
thereof through a suitable pipe or passage.
When the said apparatus is to be used for flushing purposes, for instance for the
periodic and automatic flushing of sewers or the like, the outlet or discharge-pipe
should be kept fully open and need not be furnished with a stop cock or valve, and
provision should be made for the admission of air to the space beneath the piston,
so that the liquid may flow freely from this space. The operation of the apparatus
when thus modified, is as follows, that is to say:-The piston is moved downward
by the fluid-pressure above it until the extension D' comes in contact with the
valve I and forces it from its seat, the said valve is then completely opened by
the reaction of the spring H.
The spring E is then able to raise the said piston and thus force the liquid
above the piston through the pipes B, and through the aperture in the valve-seat
into the space beneath the piston, whence it escapes through the discharge-pipe.
The valve is then closed and remains closed until the piston has been again moved
downward by the fluid-pressure. The action of the apparatus can be regulated, if
desired, by means of a cock or valve on the pipe B, the branch pipe B' being
connected with the pipe B at a point between this cock or valve and the controlling
apparatus. In this manner the apparatus may be caused to automatically effect
the flushing of sewers or the like at regular intervals of any predetermined length.
It is evident that my improved apparatus may, if desired, be somewhat further
modified without departing from the nature of my said invention. For instance
the apparatus may be inverted and a weight be used instead of a spring for effecting
the return movement of the piston. Moreover instead of a piston, a flexible
diaphragm or other equivalent device may be used, connected with the valve
substantially in the manner above described with reference to the piston.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
First. The herein described method of providing for the automatic conversion
of a continuous flow of fluid from the source of supply into an intermittent flow
through a suitable pipe or passage, for the purposes above specified.
Second. The herein described method of providing for the operation of a fluid-
meter when but a small or fine flow of the fluid is taking place from the discharge
pipe or passage, by the automatic conversion of a continuous flow of such fluid
from the source of supply into an intermittent flow through the meter.
Third. The combination, with a fluid meter, of an apparatus which operates
automatically to prevent the passage of fluid through the said meter when the flow
is insufficient for actuating the same, and to permit the continuous passage or
cause the intermittent passage of a larger flow of the fluid through the said meter,
substantially as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fourth. An apparatus wherein a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through
a pipe or passage is arranged to be opened by the fluid pressure acting upon a
piston or its equivalent connected with the said valve, and to be closed by the
return movement of the said piston or diaphragm under the action of a spring or
weight, substantially as, and for the purposes, above specified.

page_text: Fifth. In an apparatus such as I have hereinabove described the employment
of a spring between the valve and the piston or its equivalent whereby the said
valve when started from its seat will be moved rapidly away from the same, for
the purpose above specified.
Sixth. The combination, with a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a
pipe or passage and with a piston or diaphragm and a spring or weight for
automatically operating the said valve for the purposes above specified, of a collar
or disc connected with the said piston or diaphragm and adapted to partially close
the aperture in the valve-seat and thus regulate the action of the said piston or
diaphragm, substantially as herein before described.
Seventh. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to the accompanying, drawings and operating as, and for the purposes,
above specified.
Eighth. The modification of my apparatus wherein I provide for its use as a
motor, substantially as described.
Ninth. The modification of my apparatus wherein I provide for its use for
flushing purposes, substantially as described.
Dated this 3rd day of February 1892.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.