IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF VACUUM, AND FOR EFFECTING THE REMOVAL THEREBY OF SEMI-FLUID AND OTHER LIKE MATTERS, AND IN MEAN OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF VACUUM, AND FOR EFFECTING THE
REMOVAL THEREBY OF SEMI-FLUID AND OTHER LIKE MATTERS, AND IN MEAN
OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED THEREWITH." A communication from abroad by
Auguste Alphonse Duvergier, of Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION .left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th August 1877.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION. OF VACUUM,
AND FOR EFFECTING THE REMOVAL THEREBY OF SEMI-FLUID AND OTHER LIKE
MATTERS, AND IN MEANS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED THEREWITH." A communication
from abroad by Auguste Alphonse Duvergier, of Paris, in the Republic of France,
Engineer.
In raising residues resulting from manufacturing processes and various other
matters, which without being altogether liquid have not a sufficient degree of
consistency to admit of their being removed with a shovel, as for example, the
deposit in cesspools, tar tanks, catch pits, in reservoirs and canals, and the like, the
employment of ordinary pumps is attended with considerable disadvantages. For
example, it is found in practise that solid bodies mixed with these semi fluid
matters disarrange or injure the valves in passing through them, and impede the
working of the pump, which soon becomes imperfect, and even impracticable. Now
this Invention has for its object remedying the before-mentioned defect, for which
purpose it is proposed to employ apparatus constructed and arranged in the manner
herein-after described.
The apparatus is composed of two parts, vizt. :-
A
anneretuo

page_text: One part of the hydro-pneumatic apparatus consists of a pump, which is double-
acting, and provided with two suction and two discharge valves; the piston works
in a brass cylinder, and its rod passes through two stuffing boxes. This arrange-
ment is intended to prevent the entrance of external air to the apparatus. For this
purpose independently of the stuffing boxes the space existing between them is
filled with water by means of an opening, which forms a communication with a
cistern in which the pump is located; by these means an absolutely hermetical joint
is formed.
In order to obviate all difficulty in making a tight joint between these stuffing
'boxes and the side of the cistern, which should be independent of the pump, the
connection is effected by means of a disc of leather. By this arrangement all
liability to injury of the connection between the pump and the cistern, as a result
of want of accuracy in the adjustment, is entirely obviated, as the leather disc
admits of the requisite amount of play to compensate for any inaccuracies in the
fitting.
The pump, which is situate in a cistern full of water, is itself nearly filled with
this liquid; in any case the quantity of water which it contains is such that the
movement of the piston causes the water to rise to the level of the discharge valves,
and never allows it to fall below that of the suction valves. For this purpose the
suction valves, which with the discharge valves are made of india-rubber, are placed
at the end of a pendent pipe in such a manner as to be constantly immersed in the
liquid. The effect of this arrangement is to ensure the immediate closing of the
valves, since as the density of india-rubber is nearly the same as that of water these
valves have no tendency to fall back, and the slightest pressure forces them to their
seat, and as the piston from the commencement of its stroke acts upon an
incompressible liquid it presses on the suction valve, and suddenly closes it.
As the gases draw a certain quantity of water with them in passing through the
pump it is requisite to supply an equivalent quantity to the apparatus, in order
that the working may take place under the conditions herein-before indicated. For
this purpose two valves or cocks of communication are provided between the body
of the pump on each side of the piston and the cistern. By opening these to a
suitable extent a small quantity of water enters the pump and maintains a constant
level therein, any excess of water which may be admitted escaping through the
discharge valves.
The cistern is provided with an aperture, which admits of the piston being
withdrawn for repairs without taking the machine to pieces.
The pump with the boiler and steam engine for driving it may be mounted on
wheels or otherwise arranged, according to circumstances.
The gases extracted by the pump are in some cases of such a nature that when
mixed with air they form a detonating composition, the ignition of any considerable
quantity of which would be a source of danger. In order to obviate this liability
it is proposed to burn such gases in the furnace of the engine as fast as they are
collected, after first conducting them through the two apparatus next herein-after
described.
'One apparatus consists of a reservoir in which the water and other liquid which
the gases may carry with them is deposited, and which liquid would extinguish the
fire if it reached the furnace, the liquid thus deposited may be discharged by means
of a cock.
The other apparatus is composed of a bent pipe, which passes through the sides
of the boiler, and conducts the gases into the furnace.
In order to confine the explosions, two wire gauze partitions are provided in the
pipe, which partitions are supported on a movable foot, admitting of their being
readily placed in position or removed. The addition of these two parts to the
hydro-pneumatic apparatus thus obviates all danger of explosion of the inflammable
gases, which escape with. the products of combustion.
The receiver is constructed and arranged in the following manner :-The receiver

page_text: proper consists of a water-tight vessel of rivetted sheet iron or any other suitable
material capable of resisting external pressure, mounted upon wheels, so as to be
more readily transported. The suction pipe of the pump is connected to the upper
part in a vertical cylinder, and the matters to be removed enter through a pipe into
the lower part of the receiver, the admission being proportionate to the formation of
the vacuum in its interior. This lower opening is arranged in the following
manner, vizt.-A pipe is provided, which is fixed to the receiver, and connected by
flanges to another pipe below, placed at an angle, in order to facilitate the
connection with the pipe for conducting the semi-fluid or similar matters to the
receiver.
Between the two pipes there is formed a chamber for the reception of a circular
plate or disc forming an obturator; this disc is carried upon an axis, which admits
of its being partially rotated, and according to the position of the disc communi-
cation is established or interrupted between the receiver and the reservoir to be
emptied. For this purpose the disc is provided with a circular opening, the
diameter of which is equal to that of the pipe, and which, according as it is placed
opposite the pipes or drawn away from them, allows the matters to pass, or stops
the passage.
The disc is so constructed as to enable the passage to be effectually stopped, for
which purpose it is provided with three inclined circular lugs or projections, corre-
sponding with similar projections formed at the base of the upper pipe. When the
disc is turned so as to open the communication, the extremities of the projections
upon both surfaces come into contact or abut against one another, and stop the disc
at the desired point. When however for the purpose of closing the communication
the disc is rotated in the opposite direction, the projections by reason of their
obliquity ride over one another, and exert a pressure in the same manner as
wedges.
The disc is provided at its centre with a rectangular opening, through which a
square part of its spindle is passed, the latter is thus independent of the plate,
whilst it imparts motion to it.
In order to produce this motion the spindle is provided at its lower end with a
ring, which is fixed to it, and carries an eye on one side, through which a pin may
be passed in order to turn the disc to the right or to the left as required. The
closing of this part of the receiver is completed by a metal stopper, the joint of
which is similar to those of the suction pipe herein-after described.
It should be added that the orifice of the receptacle which serves for filling it
also serves to empty it.
In order to apprise the workmen when the receiver is full the vertical cylinder is
provided with a float, by preference of wood, which is carried on a rod supported at
its upper and lower ends. The upper part of the rod terminates in a point, and
works a small valve, which forms a communication between the interior of the
receiver and the exterior by means of a small inclined hole or slit.
When the reservoir is full the semi-fluid matters entering the cylinder raise the
float, the valve is then opened by the rod, and as the pump continues to draw air
through the conducting pipe the external air is drawn in, which in passing through
the small slit produces a distinct whistling sound or alarm. This alarm serves as a
signal to the workman to stop the pump, and cut off communication with the
receiver, which has been previously closed, and close the opening of the pipe by the
aid of a screw plug, and proceed with another receiver.
The connecting pipe, which leads from the receiver to the pit is entirely free
from contractions or enlargements in order that the matters may not be stopped in
their passage, the lower end being, by preference, made somewhat smaller than the
rest of the pipe as an additional precaution against obstruction.
It is important to be able to connect together the different parts of the suction
pipe in a convenient and rapid manner. For this purpose the union is effected by
means of two metal sockets, one of which is provided with a groove containing a
piece of india-rubber, which prevents all liability of leakage, and also with three

page_text: ་
lateral projections carrying three bolts screwed at their lower part, and terminating
at the opposite end in a claw, whilst the other socket has formed on the periphery
of its base three recesses, which allow the claws to pass when the ends of the two
pieces of tube are brought together. The two bases of the sockets being brought
well into contact one of the tubes is turned round a fraction of a revolution, so as to
bring the claws to bear against the projecting parts, and a turn with a key of nuts
with which the bolts are provided tightens the whole.
The ends of the india-rubber tubes are connected to the sockets so as to avoid
contractions or enlargements, the tube being provided with annular projections
on its interior, which enter annular grooves formed around the exterior of the
socket.
The apparatus may be either arranged so as to be portable, or it may be made
stationary or floating, according to the requirements of the work to which it is
destined.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th
February 1878.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF VACUUM, AND
FOR EFFECTING THE REMOVAL THEREBY OF SEMI-FLUID AND OTHER LIKE MATTERS,
AND IN MEANS OR APPLIANCES CONNECTED THEREWITH." A communication from
abroad by Auguste Alphonse Duvergier, of Paris, in the Republic of France,
Engineer.
In raising the residuum resulting from manufacturing processes and other matters,
which, although not absolutely liquid, have not a sufficient degree of consistency
to admit of their being removed with a shovel, as, for example, the deposit in
cesspools, tar tanks, catch pits, reservoirs, and canals, and the like, the employment
of ordinary pumps is attended with considerable disadvantages; for example, it is
found in practice that the valves of the pumps are disarranged or injured by the
passage of solid bodies mixed with these semi-fluid matters, and the pump is thereby
impeded in its working, and soon becomes imperfect and even incapable of
operating. Now the said Invention has for its object remedying the before-
mentioned defect, for which purpose apparatus is employed, which is constructed
and arranged in the manner herein-after described, reference being had to the
Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed.
The apparatus is composed of two parts, videlicit,―
First. A hydro-pneumatic apparatus.
Second. A receiver.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of the hydro-
pneumatic apparatus, with a steam engine for driving it and a receiver, complete;
Figure 2 is a plan of the same, corresponding to Figure 1.
Figures 3 and 4 are vertical sections of the pump, forming the principal part of
the said apparatus (the sections being taken the one at right angles to the other);
Figure 5 is a plan of the same.

page_text: Figure 6 is a section of a safety apparatus for conducting any gases to the furnace
of the boiler.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, are details to be herein-after re-
ferred to.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the Figures.
The principal part of the hydro-pneumatic apparatus consists of a pump (repre-
sented in detail in Figures 3, 4, and 5), which is double-acting and provided with
two suction valves E and two discharge valves G, the piston A works in a
cylinder B, of brass or other suitable material, and its rod C passes through two
stuffing boxes D, D', in order to prevent the entrance of external air to the
apparatus. For this purpose, moreover, in addition to the use of two stuffing boxes
the space existing between them is filled with water through an opening o, which
forms a communication with a cistern B₁ (full of water) in which the pump is
located, an absolutely hermetical joint being thereby obtained.
In order to obviate all difficulty in making a tight joint between the stuffing
boxes and the side of the cistern, which should be independent of the pump, the
connection is effected by means of a disc o¹, of leather or similar flexible material,
as shown in Figure 4. By this arrangement all liability to injury of the connection
between the pump and the cistern, as a result of want of accuracy in the adjustment
is entirely obviated, as the flexible disc admits of the requisite amount of play to
compensate for any inaccuracies in the fitting.
.
The pump, which is situate in the cistern B', is itself nearly filled with water, in
any case the quantity of water which it contains is such that by the movement of
the piston the water is caused to rise to the level of the discharge valves G, whilst
it is never allowed to fall below that of the suction valves E. For this purpose the
suction valves E, which as well as the discharge valves G are made of india-rubber,
are placed at the end of a pendent pipe F in such a manner as to be constantly
submerged in the water. The effect of this arrangement is to ensure the immediate
closing of the valves, since as the density of india-rubber is nearly the same as that
of water, these valves have no tendency to fall back, and the slightest pressure forces
them to their seats, and as the piston from the commencement of its stroke acts
upon an incompressible liquid it presses on the suction valve E and suddenly
closes it.
As the gases draw a certain quantity of water with them in passing through the
pump it is requisite to supply an equivalent quantity to the apparatus, in order
that the working may take place under the conditions herein-before indicated.
For this purpose two valves or cocks of communication (not shewn in the Drawing)
are provided between the body of the pump on each side of the piston and the
cistern. By opening these to a suitable extent a small quantity of water is allowed
to enter the pump, so as to maintain a constant level therein and prevent the
formation of objectionable air spaces, any excess of water which may be admitted
escaping through the discharge valves G.
The cistern is provided with an aperture closed by a door or cover H, which
admits of the piston being withdrawn for repairs without taking the machine to
pieces.
The pump (enclosed in its cistern B¹) with the boiler A¹ and the steam engine
and its appurtenances may be mounted on a wheeled carriage B2, as shown in the
Drawing, or otherwise arranged, according to circumstances.
The gases extracted by the pump are in some cases of such a nature that when
mixed with air they form a detonating composition, the ignition of any considerable
quantity of which would be a source of danger. In order to obviate this liability
the said gases are consumed in the furnace of the engine as fast as they are collected,
after first conducting them through the two apparatus marked with the letters I
and J respectively in Figure 1, and next herein-after described.
The apparatus I consists of a reservoir in which the water and other liquid
which may be carried along with the gases is deposited, and which liquid. would
}

page_text: extinguish the fire if it reached the furnace; the liquid thus deposited may be
discharged by means of a cock K.
The other apparatus J, which is shown in detail in the enlarged sectional view.
Figure 6, is composed of a bent pipe, which conducts the gases into the furnace by
passing through the sides of the boiler at L.
In order to confine the explosions two wire gauze partitions T, T¹, are provided
in the pipe, the effect of which is similar to that of the gauze of a Davy lamp in
preventing the passage of the flame. These partitions are supported on a removable
foot S, admitting of their being readily placed in position or removed. The addition
of these two parts I and J to the apparatus thus obviates all danger of explosion
of the inflammable gases, the waste products of which escape with the other
products of combustion.
The receiver, shown in Figures and 2, consists of a water-tight vessel M, of
rivetted sheet iron or other suitable material capable of resisting external pressure,
mounted upon wheels M', so as to be more readily transported. The suction
pipe F¹ of the pump is connected to the upper part in a vertical cylinder N, and
the matters to be removed enter through a pipe into the lower part of the
receiver at P, the admission being proportionate to the formation of the vacuum in
its interior. The lower opening at P is arranged in the following manner, reference
being had to the detached views, Figures 9, 10, and 11:-It is composed of a pipe a
fixed to the receiver, and connected by flanges to another pipe 6 placed at an angle,
in order to facilitate the connection with the pipe for conducting the semi-fluid or
similar matter to the receiver.
Between the two pipes there is formed a chamber for the reception of a circular
plate or disc c, constituting an obturator; this plate is carried upon an axis d, which
admits of its being partially rotated, and according to the position of the disc com-
munication is established or intercepted between the receiver and the reservoir to
be emptied. For this purpose the disc is provided with a circular opening e, the
diameter of which corresponds to that of the pipes a and b, and which, according as
it is brought opposite the pipes (as shewn in the Drawing or drawn away from
them, allows the matters to pass, or intercepts their passage.
The disc c is so constructed as to enable the passage to be effectually stopped,
for which purpose it is provided, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, with three inclined
circular lugs or projections 1, 1, 1, corresponding with similar projections, 2, 2, 2,
formed at the base of the upper pipe a. When the disc is turned into the position
shewn in the Drawing, so as to open the communication, the extremities of the
projections upon both surfaces come into contact or abut against one another, and
stop the disc c at the desired point. When, however, for the purpose of closing the
communication, the disc is partially rotated in the opposite direction, the projection,
by reason of their obliquity, ride over one another, and exert a pressure after the
manner of wedges.
The disc c is provided at its centre with a rectangular opening, in which fits a
portion c¹ of the spindle d made of corresponding form, so as to enable the disc to
be partially rotated by the act of turning the spindle.
In order to facilitate this operation the spindle has fixed to its lower end a ring f
carrying on one side an eye g, through which a pin may be passed in order to turn
the disc to the right or to the left, as required, the pin being removed if desired
after the operation.
The closing of this part of the receiver is completed by a metal stopper h con-
nected thereto in a similar manner to the lengths of the suction pipe, the one
with the other, as herein-after described.
The orifice of the receiver, which serves for filling it, also serves to empty it.
It is necessary that an indication should be given to the attendants when the
receiver is full; for this purpose there is employed, in combination with the
vertical cylinder N, the arrangement of apparatus, shown in detail in Figures 7
and 8, and next herein-after described.

page_text: is a float, by preference composed of wood, carried on a rod k supported by
guides at its upper and lower ends 3, 4, respectively. The upper part of the rod
terminates in a point, and works a small valve m, which regulates the communication
between the interior of the receiver and the external atmosphere through a small
inclined hole or slit n.
When the receiver is full, the semi-fluid matters entering the cylinder N raise
the float, the valve m is then opened by the rod k, and as the suction of air through
the pipe p under the action of the pump continues, the external air is drawn in,
which in passing through the small slit n produces a very distinct whistling sound
or alarm. This alarm serves as a signal to the workman to stop the pump, cut off
its communication with the receiver after having previously closed the latter, and
by the aid of a screw plug q close the opening of the pipe p, and then proceed with
another receiver.
The connecting pipe, which leads from the receiver to the pit, is entirely free
from contractions or enlargements in order that the matters may not be stopped in
their passage, the lower end being by preference made somewhat smaller than the
other portions of the pipe as an additional precaution against obstruction.
It is highly important to be able to connect together the different parts of the
suction pipe in a convenient and rapid manner, and for this purpose the method illus-
trated in Figures 12, 13, and 14 is adopted. According to this arrangement the union
is effected by means of two metal sockets pl and q', one of which (viz. that q¹ in
the example shewn) is formed with a groove for containing a piece of india-rubber n¹,
which prevents any liability of leakage. The socket q₁ is also provided with three
lateral projections carrying a corresponding number of bolts i screw-threaded at
their lower ends for the reception of nuts j, and each terminating at the opposite
end in a claw . The socket p' has formed on the periphery of its base threo
recesses m², which allow the claws to pass when the ends of the two pieces of
tube are brought together.
In order to form the connection, the two bases of the sockets having first been
brought into intimate contact, one of the tubes is turned round a fraction of a
revolution, so as to bring the claws to bear against the projecting parts, and a
turn with a key of the nuts j with which the bolts are provided tightens the
whole. By these means there is obtained a firm union not liable to leak, and the
parts of which may be rapidly connected together.
Figure 13 also illustrates the mode of connecting the ends of the india-rubber
tubes to the sockets, so as to avoid contractions or enlargements.
The apparatus, herein-before described and illustrated in the Drawing, is portable;
but it is obvious that it may be made stationary or floating, according to the require-
ments of the work to which it is destined.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect,
I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The peculiar arrangement and combination of parts constituting an
apparatus for the removal of semi-fluid and other like matters, whereby valves in
the passage of the said matters are dispensed with, substantially as herein-before
described, and illustrated by the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. The system or mode of closing the lower orifice of the receiver,
substantially as herein-before described.
Thirdly. The peculiar mode of uniting the parts of the suction pipes, whereby a
firm joint is obtained, and the connection is rapidly effected, substantially as herein-
before described.
Fourthly. The application and use of a warning float for the purpose of pre-
venting the liability of the semi-fluid or other like matters entering the pump, the
said float being constructed and arranged so as to operate, substantially in the
manner herein-before described,

page_text: Fifthly. Arranging the suction valves submerged in water, substantially as herein-
before described.
Sixthly. The system or mode of preventing the formation of objectionable air
spaces by a regulated supply of water to the pump, in order to compensate for loss,
and maintain a constant level of water, substantially as herein-before described.
Seventhly. The employment of two stuffing boxes for the rod of the pump piston,
with a hydraulic joint interposed between them, the outer stuffing box being
attached to the side of the cistern, in which the pump is located by a flexible
connection, substantially as herein-before described.
Eightly. The arrangement for conducting the gases from the pump to the
furnace of the boiler, and retaining the liquid conveyed with the said gases,
substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal, the Twelfth day of February, One thousand.
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (LS.)