IMPROVEMENTS IN RELIEF VALVES AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR FIRE ENGINES, FORCE PUMPS, AND HYDRANTS
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine,
Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN RELIEF VALVES AND APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR FIRE ENGINES, FORCE PUMPS,
AND HYDRANTS."-A communication from abroad by Albert Francis
Allen, of Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America.
Scaled the 5th July 1872, and dated the 18th January 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 18th January 1872.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RELIEF VALVES AND
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR FIRE ENGINES, FORCE
Pumps, and HyóRANTS," a communication, to be as follows:-
Mr Invention consists partly in combining a relief valve with a

page_text: hydraulic lever, or its equivalent, in such a manner that, first, the relief
valve will be kept closed by the current of water as it flows under
pressure acting upon the lever; and, second, the relief valve will be free
to open instantaneously if while the pressure continues the current of
water should from any cause be checked or suspended.
The said Invention further consists in combining with such an
apparatus a signal bell, by means of which a system of communication
may be established between the hose man at the end of the line of hose
and the engincer or person in charge of the fire engine pump or hydrant.
The main chamber of the relief valve is connected with the base of the
air chamber of a pump or with a bydrant. All water forced from the
pump or hydrant under pressure passes through this chamber. The hose
or pipes for conveying the water under pressure are connected to the
main chamber. The relief valve has an auxiliary chamber which com-
municates with the interior of the main chamber, and also with the
suction chamber of a pump, or the barrel of a hydrant, through suitable
pipes. If connected to the suction chamber of a pump a light valve
must be interposed in order that the connection may be perfectly cut off
during the drawing of water when the operation of pumping is com-
menced. Once in operation the valve should then be opened.
The relief valve proper consists of a plain piston valve with a ground
seat. It is interposed between the main and auxiliary chambers. When
the valve is connected with the source of supply under pressure if the
valve be opened a direct communication takes place between the main
and auxiliary chambers and the pump or hydrant. The valve rod of the
relief valve passes upward through the dome of the auxiliary chamber, and
is provided with a suitable stuffing box. A lever pivotted to the top of a
standard has its fulcrum at one-third of its whole length from one of its
ends. The short end of this lever is connected with the upper end of the
valve rod. A hydraulic lever is keyed at its upper end to a shaft pro-
vided with suitable stuffing boxes. On each end of this shaft are arms
set at 'right angles to the lever. The said arms, shaft, and lever constitute
as a whole one lever, with the fulcrum at the bearings of the shaft. A
forked connecting rod has its forked ends pivoted to the outer ends of
the two arms of the said shaft. The upper end of this rod is pivoted to
the long end of the top lever. A latch lever is secured to the end of the
, shaft at an angle oblique to the line of the arms. In the free end of
this lever is a spring latch. Attached to the exterior of the main

page_text: chamber is a gong or bell with a spring hammer. The handle of the
spring hammer is so set with relation to the aforesaid latch that as the
same swings downward it passes freely over the handle, but as it swings
upward the latch engages with the handle and the hammer strikes the
bell. The said bell is sounded at every reciprocating vertical movement
of the valve, and it is the opening of the valve which causes the bell to
sound.
The valve and its stem are constructed of one piece of cast metal.
The stem is turned down to two diameters, there being a shoulder above
which the stem is smaller than it is below that point. The top of the
stem is so formed that it can readily be grasped and turned by the hand.
For the purpose of rendering the relief valve stem air and water tight in
its sleeve it is provided with several circumferential recesses.
using the valve in the usual manner these recesses become charged with
water, which not only thoroughly packs the stem but lubricates it. No
friction is created, nor is any adjustment of packing requisite from time
to time.
After
In a relief valve it is desirable that the action of the valve should be as
free as possible, and at the same time the valves should be not only water-
tight but air-tight. The hydraulic lever is pivoted to the upper side walls
of the main chamber. The long end of the lever is fan-shaped, and when
down completely fills the circumferential outline of the chamber.
The current exercises sufficient force against the lever to enable it to
control the relief valve. With the long end of the lever curved a greater
surface is exposed to the current, and at an angle more nearly "right"
to the longitudinal central line of the main chamber than if straight,
and therefore a lever so curved can exercise a greater force in holding
the valve to its scat. It is essential owing to the direct connection of
the lever to the valve that as much current power be used as can possibly
be employed without materially obstructing the main chamber.
A screw spindle enters a longitudinal threaded recess in the valve stem
passing through the centre of the valve. The lower end of this spindle
is provided with a vertical central slot of sufficient capacity to freely
receive the short end of the hydraulic lever.
The auxiliary valve chamber has a cap provided with a sleeve which
|projects down into the interior of the chamber and upward above the
outside face of the cap. Its interior is fitted to receive the valve stem

page_text: at its largest diameter. The lower end of this sleeve serves as a stop to
the upward movement of the valve. The upper end of the sleeve has an
exterior screw thread cut thereon.
I use a valve holding device which consists of a screw cap fitted to
the upper end of the upper sleeve; through this cap the valve stem 5
extends, and to the smallest diameter of the stem above the shoulder the
top of the cap is fitted. A. circular set nut fitted to the screw on the
sleeve is used for securing the screw cap in any desired position.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent 1
Office on the 18th July 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her 1
Letters Patent bearing date the Eighteenth day of January, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special licence
that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, .administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert Lake, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN RELIEF VALVES AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH,
CHIEFLY DESIGNED FOR FIRE ENGINES, FORCE PUMPS, AND HYDRANTS," a com-
munication to me from abroad by Albert Francis Allen, of Providence,
Rhode Island, United States of America, upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their
hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-

page_text: formed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawing forming a part of this Specification:-
My Invention consists partly in combining a relief valve with a
hydraulic lever or its equivalent in such a manner that, first, the relief
valve will be kept closed by the current of water as it flows under
pressure acting upon the lever; and second, the relief valve will be free
to open instantaneously if while the pressure continues the current of
water should from any cause be checked or suspended.
The said Invention further consists in combining with such an appa-
ratus a signal bell, by means of which a system of communication may
be established between the hoseman at the end of a line of hose and
the engineer or person in charge of the fire engine, pump, or hydrant.

page_text: the main chamber at b. B is the auxiliary chamber of the relief valve.
It communicates with the interior of the main chamber and also with
the suction chamber of a pump or the barrel of a bydrant, through
suitable pipes connected at the opening B³. If connected to the suction
chamber of a pump a light valve B' must be interposed in order that the
connection may be perfectly cut off during the drawing of water when
the operation of pumping is commenced. Once in operation the valve
should be opened. C is the relief valve proper. In this instance it
consists of a plain piston valve with a ground scat. It is interposed
between the main and auxiliary chambers. When the valve is connected
with the source of supply under pressure, if the valve be opened a direct
communication takes place between the main and auxiliary chambers
and the several parts of the pump or hydrant to which the openings a
and B are connected. D is the valve rod of the relief valve. It passes
upward through the dome of the auxiliary chamber B, and is provided
with a suitable stuffing box. E is a pronged standard mounted upon the
dome of the auxiliary chamber. F is a lever pivotted to the top of the
standard E. Its fulcrum in this instance is fixed at one-third of its
whole length from one of its ends. The short end of this lever is con-
nected with the upper end of the valve rod D by means of a short rod f.
G is a hydraulic lever keyed at its upper end to a shaft e, which passes
through the upper part of an enlarged portion of the main chamber, and
at right angles thereto. This shaft e is provided with suitable stuffing
boxes, which while they should permit of a frec semi-rotary movement
of the shaft, should also be sufficiently well set to prevent the passage of
water along the shaft. On each end of this shaft e are arms g set thereon
at a right angle to the lever G. It will be observed that the arms 9,
shaft e, and lever G constitute as a whole one lever, with the fulcrum at
the bearings of the shaft e. I is a forked connecting rod. The two
lower or forked ends are pivotted to the outer ends of the two arms y of
the shaft e. The upper end of this rod is pivotted to the long end of the
lever F.
For the purpose of lengthening or shortening the rod H it is con-
structed in two parts, connected by a hollow sleeve, provided with a
right and left hand screw, and arranged in a manner well known to

page_text: Attached to the exterior of the main chamber is a gong or bell K, pro-
vided with a spring hammer mounted upon a pivot at or near the hub of
the bell in a well-known manner. The handle m of the spring hammer
is so set with relation to the latch of the latch lever that as the latch
swings downward its inclined plane causes it to freely pass over the
handle m. As it swings upward however the latch engages with the
handle, causing the hammer to swing off from the bell until the latch
passes, when the hammer strikes the bell, actuated by its own spring.
The vibrating of the hydraulic lever G will cause the bell to sound at
every complete vibration. The bell is sounded at every reciprocating
vertical movement of the valve rod D, and it is the opening of the valve
which causes the bell to sound.
is
Having thus described the several parts of one of my automatic relief
valves, I will now explain its operation. For thepurposeof illustration, it
is to be presumed that the apparatus is attached to a steam fire engine,
the openings a and B* having been connected as already described to
the pump and suction chamber respectively, also that hose is attached
to the opening 6 in a line of say five hundred feet. Upon starting the
engine, if it is to draw its water by suction, the valve B³ must be closed
to prevent any induction of air from the relief valve while the
pump
being charged. As soon as water is flowing to the hose this valve
should be opened wide. If the water is discharged at the hose pipe, and
therefore flows rapidly through the main chamber A in the direction of
the arrow in Figure 2, the force of the current will cause the hydraulic
lever G to swing with the current, thereby elevating the connecting
rod H and the long end of the lever F, which in its turn depresses the
valve rod D, and holds the relief valve closely to its seat.
The system of leverage shown and described is such that a light
lateral force expended upon the hydraulic lever G results in a largely
multiplied vertical force or pressure upon the valve seat.
Assuming that the engine was discharging water at the hose pipe,
and that a necessity therefor no longer existed that the hose pipe or
hose adjacent thereto was provided with a stop valve, which was arranged
to cut off the water instead of discharging it through the hose or pipe,
and that the hoseman should cut off the water, as soon as the current
of water ceases to flow in the main chamber A no force will be exerted
upon the hydraulic lever G. The expansive force of the water in the

page_text: chamber which has in the meantime been directed against the relief
valve proper would then be free to open it, allowing the water to pass
from the main cliamber, through the valve, back to the suction chamber
of the pump, and thus circulate without injury to pump or hose.
The capacity of the relief valve should be somewhat greater than the
delivery capacity of the several hose pipes to be employed. Whenever
the opening of the relief valve thus occurs the bell is sounded, giving
the engineer in charge correct knowledge of what has been done at the
end of the line of hose.
Whenever the stop valve in the hose or at the hose pipe is opened
and the discharge of water is resumed, the current acts upon the lever G
and promptly closes the relief valve.
By a pre-arranged system of bell signals the hoseman may commu-
nicate with the engineer and call for more or less water as may be
desired, or for personal assistance in cases where the hosemen have
entered burning buildings at a distance from the engine.
If during the operation of the fire engine any weight should be placed
on the hose, as by running over it with another engine or hose cart,
there exists no danger of its bursting, as the relief valve opens instanta-
neously with the checking of the current of water in its passage through
the main chamber, and is immediately closed when the flowing is
resumed.
Referring to Figures 4, 5, and 6, it will be seen that the valve and
its stem G arc. constructed of one piece of cast metal. The stem is
turned down to two diameters, there being at da shoulder, above which
the stem is smaller than it is below that point. The top of the stem is
so formed that it can readily be grasped and turned by the hand.
For the purpose of rendering the relief valve stem air and water tight
in its sleeve, it is provided with several circumferential recesses, as
clearly shown in the Drawing. After using the valve in the ordinary
manner these recesses become charged with water, which not only
thoroughly packs the stem but lubricates it. No friction is created,
nor is any adjustment of packing requisite from time to time.
In a relief valve it is desirable that the action of the valve should be
as free as possible, and at the same time the valve should be not only
water-tight but air-tight, as will be hereafter more fully explained.

page_text: G' represents the hydraulic lever pivotted to the upper side walls of the
main chamber A. The long end of the lever is fan-shaped, as shown
in Figure 7, and when down completely fills the circumferential outline
of the chamber A.
P
With a system of levers, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the current
exercises sufficient force against the lever to enable it to control the
relief valve. With the long end of the lever curved as described, a
greater surface is exposed to the current, and at an angle more nearly
right" to the longitudinal central line of the main chamber than if
straight, and therefore a lever so curved can exercise a greater force in
holding the valve to its scat. It is essential, owing to the direct con-
nection of the lever to the valve, that as much current power be used as
can possibly be employed without materially obstructing the main
chamber. L represents a screw spindle which enters a longitudinally
threaded recess in the valve stem & passing through the centre of the
valve. The lower end of this spindle is provided with a vertical central
slot of sufficient capacity to freely receive the short end of the hydraulic
lever. M represents the cap of the auxiliary valve chamber; it is pro-
vided with a sleeve which projects down into the interior of the chamber
and upward above the outside face of the cap. Its interior is fitted to
receive the valve stem G at its largest diameter. The lower end of this
sleeve serves as a stop to the upward movement of the valve. The
upper end of the sleeve has an exterior screw thread cut thereon. N
represents a valve-holding device, which consists of a screw cap fitted
to the upper end of the upper sleeve; through this cap the valve stem G
extends, and to the smallest diameter of the stem above the shoulder d
the top of the cap is fitted. O represents a circular set nut fitted to the
screw on the sleeve; it is used for securing the screw cap N in any
desired position. B² represents the relief port already referred to in
connection with the auxiliary chamber B.
Having thus described the several parts of this valve in detail, I will
now explain their operation. For the purposes of illustration it will be
assumed that a valve like that herein described is attached to a steam
fire engine, and that water is flowing under pressure from a to b through
the valve from the pump to a line of hose. As shown in Figure 6, the
relief valve will be held to its seat by the force of the current acting
against the curved face of the hydraulic lever G¹. So long as the
current flows and exercises a certain force upon the lever the valve

page_text: cannot be opened. Should the current be obstructed in the hose or
cut off by a valve at the hose pipe the lever exercises no power upon the
valve, which is of course speedily opened by the pressure in the main
chamber, and the water passes through the valve and auxiliary chamber
by the way of the port B² back to the suction chamber of the pump, and
circulates through and through the pump without causing any strain
whatever, cither upon the pump or upon any of the adjacent parts, nor
upon the line of hose. As soon as the obstruction in the hose is removed
or the valve at the hose pipe re-opened the current acting upon the lever
closes the relief valve, which so remains until another occasion for its
being opened, when the operation will be repeated as before described.
When the pump is drawing water it is of course essential that the
pump and all its communicating parts should be air-tight.
In connection with Figures 1, 2, and 3, I have described an auxiliary
valve which is interposed between the relief valve and the pump for the
purpose of preventing air from entering the suction chamber by the way
of the relief valve. In this modification the relief valve in itself is
capable of performing this function. The screw cap N by being turned
down to bear upon the projection d of the valve stem so holds the valve
to its seat that no air can enter.
Other means may be employed for holding the valve to its seat.
It is evident that the power which the lever G' will exert upon the
valve in holding it to its seat will depend upon the angle at which the
lever rests when the valve is closed, as for instance, if when the valve is
closed the lever is but half raised the current exercises a greater force
against it than it would if it were raised to a higher point. I regulate
the power of the lever by the screw spindle L which is tapped into the
valve stem. By turning the valve stem the spindle is projected or with-
drawn, moving with it the short end of the lever, raising or lowering the
long end and holding it firmly at any desired point without in any
manner affecting the relative positions of the valve and its seat. By the
screw cap N the relief valve can also be limited in its capacity and
allowed to open much or little as desired. A signal bell can be
connected with the valve stem, substantially as described in connection
with Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Relief valves as heretofore constructed have been controlled by

page_text: weights. This improved automatic relief valve differs from all heretofore
known in the application of current power or the momentum of water
flowing under pressure for keeping the relief valve closed during the
continuance of the flow, and permitting it to open by pressure when the
flowing has ceased.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,―
First. The combination of a hydraulic lever and relief valve, when the
two are so connected and arranged that a current of water flowing under
pressure by acting upon the lever will hold the relief valve to its seat as
herein described.
Second. The combination of the relief valve and signal bell, the two
being so connected and arranged that the opening or closing of the valve
will cause the bell to sound as and for the purposes specified.
Third. The combination of the hydraulic lever G and signal bell as
described, the two being so connected and arranged that the bell will be
sounded by the vibration of the lever when moved by the force of a
current of water as and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. In combination with the auxiliary chamber of an automatic
relief valve, the valve B³ set between it and the suction chamber of the
pump for the purpose of preventing the induction of air by way of the
relief valve while the pump is being charged as herein described.
Fifth. The relief valve and hydraulic lever connected within the walls
of the main chamber as and for the purposes described.
Sixth. The curved face lever G' in combination with the relief valve,
as and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. The combination of the relief valve with the independent
valve holding device for confining the valve to its seat and cutting off
communication with the pump during the operation of drawing water,
as herein described.
Eighth. The combination of the valve stem, screw spindle, and
hydraulic lever, by which the lever may be set at any desired angle
by turning the valve stem as herein described.

page_text: Ninth. The stem of an automatic relief valve, its surrounding sleeve,
and the annular recesses, combined and arranged as herein described for
the purposes specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of July, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
tavo
Witness,
CHAS. J. Goocш.
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)`