Improvements in or relating to Fluid Meters.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application. 21st Sept., 1899
Complete Specification Left. 21st July, 1900-Accepted, 21st Sept., 1900.
Improvements in or relating to Fluid Meters.
A communication from RICHARD MAURICE BUCKE, M.D., President of the Gurd
Water Meter Company, of London, in the Province of Ontario, Dominion
of Canada.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in the construction of fluid meters,
adapted for measuring either liquids or gases.
A meter constructed according to this invention comprises two separate valve
chambers, each containing a valve, two measuring chambers, each having a
central flexible diaphragm, connecting passages or tubes between the valve
chambers and the measuring chambers, operative connections between the valves
and the diaphragms, so that the diaphragm of one measuring chamber actuates
the valve which controls, the passage of the fluid to and from the other measuring
chamher, and a registering device operatively connected with one of the
diaphragms.
The following convenient form of meter according to this invention is given
by way of example only and not as confining the invention to the details of con-
struction described.
The valves are arranged one in each end of a casing divided into two distinct
compartments by a central partition and on to a boss on each side of the casing
is connected a discoidal shaped measuring chamber. These bosses are bored
one valve
and form a communication between each measuring chamber and
chamber. Each measuring chamber is formed of two cup-shaped or hollowed
discs, holted together through their peripheral flanges, between which is engaged
a flexible diaphragm, conveniently made of rubber insertion and so arranged
that under the action of fluid pressure it will be closely applied against either
of the curved sides of the chamber according to which side the pressure is applied.
Secured centrally on the diaphragm is a sleeve, which extends through the boss
before referred to into the valve chamber, being supported on a rod fixed by one
end in the valve chamber.
A communication between each valve chamber and a measuring chamber on the
inner side of the diaphragm is provided through the boss before mentioned, a
second communication between the measuring chamber on the outer side of the
diaphragm and the other valve chamber is provided by means of a tube connected
with the outer disc plate of the measuring chamber and the valve chamber. Each
valve chamber thus communicates with both measuring chambers on the inner
side of the diaphragm of one and the outer side of the diaphragm of the other.
Along the under side of the casing are the inlet and outlet tubes for the fluid
cach communicating with both valve chambers. In the end of each valve chamber

page_text: is a conical casing in which is fitted a conical valve the ports in the valve and
casing being so arranged that as each valve oscillates it places the outer com-
partment of one measuring chamber and the inner compartment of the other
alternately in communication with the inlet and outlet tubes.
The valves are actuated by the diaphragms through the sleeves before described.
The neck of the valve projects inwardly into the chamber beyond its casing
and has connected on to it a crank arm, pivotted to a rod, the other end of which
is pivotted on to the diaphragm sleeve."
On the top of the casing is a hollow boss, on to which the registering mech-
anism is screwed. This may consist of the usual clock-work and dials, having
its operating spindle provided with laterally projecting arms and a vibrating
plate arranged to successively engage the arms, the plate being vibrated by
means of a rod fixed on the sleeve of one of the diaphragms.
Dated this 21st day of September 1899.
BOULT, WADE & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicant,
A communication from RICHARD MAURICE BUCKE, M.D., President of the Gurd
Water Meter Company, of London, in the Province of Ontario, Dominion
of Canada.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in the construction of fluid meters,
adapted for measuring either liquids or gases.
A meter constructed according to this invention comprises two separate valve
chambers, each containing a valve, two measuring chambers, each having a
central flexible diaphragm, connecting passages or tubes between the valve
chambers and the measuring chambers, operative connections between the valves
and the diaphragms, so that the diaphragm of one measuring chamber actuates
the valve which controls the passage of the fluid to and from the other measuring
chamber, and a registering device operatively connected with one of the
diaphragms.
The following convenient form of meter according to this invention is given
by way of example only and not as confining the invention to the details of con-
struction described.
The valves are arranged in each end of a casing divided into two distinct
compartments by a central partition and on to a boss ou each side of the casing
is connected a discoidal shaped measuring chamber. These bosses are bored
and form a communication between each measuring chamber and one valve
chamber. Each measuring chamber is formed of two cup-shaped or hollowed
discs, bolted together through their peripheral flanges, between which is engaged
a flexible diaphragm, conveniently made of rubber insertion and so arranged
that under the action of fluid pressure it will be closely applied against either
of the curved sides of the chamber according to which side the pressure is applied.
Secured centrally on the diaphragm is a sleeve, which extends through the boss

page_text: before referred to into the valve chamber, being supported on a rod fixed by one
end in the valve chamber.
A communication between each valve chamber and a measuring chamber on the
inner side of the diaphragm is provided through the boss before mentioned, a
second communication between the measuring chamber on the outer side of the
diaphragm and the other valve chamber is provided by means of a tube connected
with the outer disc plate of the measuring chamber and the valve chamber. Each
valve chamber thus communicates with both measuring chambers on the inner
side of the diaphragm of one and the outer side of the diaphragm of the other.
Along the under side of the casing are the inlet and outlet tubes for the fluid
each communicating with both valve chambers. In the end of each valve chamber
is a conical casing in which is fitted a conical valve the ports in the valve and
casing being so arranged that as each valve oscillates it places the outer com-
partment of one measuring chamber and the inner compartment of the other
alternately in communication with the inlet and outlet tubes.
The valves are actuated by the diaphragms through the sleeves before described.
The neck of the valve projects inwardly into the chamber beyond its casing
and has connected on to it a crank arm, pivotted to a rod, the other end of which
is pivotted on to the diaphragm sleeve."
On the top of the casing is a hollow boss, on to which the registering mech-
anism is screwed. This may consist of the usual clock-work and dials, having
its operating spindle provided with laterally projecting arms and a vibrating
plate arranged to successively engage the arms, the plate being vibrated by
means of a rod fixed on the sleeve of one of the diaphragms.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a central vertical section taken through the valve chambers of a
water meter constructed according to this invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, looking
inwards,
Figure 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 1, looking inwards,
Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, looking inwards.
Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1, looking outwards,
Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6--6 of Figure 1,
Figure 7 is a similar section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 1,
Figure 8 is a central horizontal section taken on the line 8-S of Figure 1.
Figure 9 is a detail view hereinafter referred to,
Figure 9 is a section on the line a-a of Figure 9.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of mechanism hereinafter referred to.
Figure 11 is an underside plan and Figure 12 a plan of the arrangement shown
in Figure 10.
Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
.
In constructing a water meter according to this invention a frame A is pro-
vided, formed with a valve chamber B at each end. These chambers are conical,
and conical valves C are situated therein. Each valve chamber is provided with
four ports (Figures 2 and 3) B1 B2 B3 B4 and the valve is. shaped as shown so
as to be capable of putting either the ports B₁ and 133 and the ports B³ and B'
or the ports 13 and 134 and the ports B and B into communication with one
another. The port B at one end of the meter communicates with a chamber 1)
which is connected by a pipe 1) to the water supply and to a corresponding
chamber at the other end of the meter. The port B2 is connected to a
passage D2 leading to the interior of the meter as hereinafter described. The
port B communicates with a chamber D³ corresponding to the chambers D already
referred to. The port B leads to a chamber D. The chambers D D2 and the
chambers D D are separated by walls d.
The frame A is divided into two main compartments A' A² by means of a
partition A and bosses A are provided upon each side of the frame A. The
bosses A are bored so that each boss communicates with one of the chambers A'A²

page_text: (Figures 6 and 8). The measuring chambers E are secured to the bosses A and
each are formed of two cup-shaped or hollowed parts E¹ bolted together at their
peripheral flanges. A flexible diaphragm F is secured between the flanges of the
parts E in such a manner that under the action of fluid in the chamber E they
will be pressed against one of the parts E according to the side of the chamber
at which the fluid is admitted.
The diaphragms F on being forced from one side of the chamber E to the
other. as hereinafter described, communicate their motion to the valves Cin
the following manner:
(As each of the measuring chambers and its connections are similarly con-
structed it will suffice to describe one). A rigid guide rod G is secured to the
wall of the chamber A¹ and a sleeve is situated upon the guide G and is
flanged at or about its middle at G2. A second sleeve G3 flanged at Gt is situated
upon one end of the sleeve G and the diaphragm F perforated at its centre is
grasped between the flanges G2 G* of the sleeves G¹ G³, the sleeve G³ being rigidly
connected to the sleeve G¹ by means of a screw G. The sleeve G³ is supported
in a perforated bush or bearing G. A loose sleeve H is placed upon the sleeve G¹
which is then provided with a flange at its inner end. This flange is conveniently
constructed by forming a peripheral recess G in the sleeve G¹, placing therein
a split ring G8 and slipping an overlapping ring or collar G2 over the ring G8:
the ring G is provided with an internal annular recess in which the ring G8 is
situated. A projection H¹ is formed upon that end of the sleeve H nearer to
the diaphragm F. and a connecting rod J is hinged or pivotted to the projection H¹
by means of a pin J the pin J is formed at each end with a proiection of
smaller diameter than the intermediate portion and is secured in place by means
of a spring clin J2 sprung over the ends of the pin J and embracing the sleeve H
(Figures 9 and 9). The other end of the connecting rod J is hinged or pivotted
to a crank arm C¹ secured to the valve C by a split collar C2 and screw C³. Thus
reciprocations of the diaphragm F will be communicated to the loose sleeve H
by means of the flanges G2 G. whilst the sleeve H in turn communicates these
reciprocations to the valve C through the connecting rod G and crank arm C¹.
Rigidly secured to either of the sleeves H is a vertical rod K which will be
reciprocated by the diaphragm F. Reciprocations of the rod K are converted
into continuous rotary motion by means of the mechanism illustrated in Figures 10
11. and 12. The upper end of the rod K is furnished with an antifriction roller K¹
and engages with a forked arm L (Figures 1 and 11) fastened to a short shaft L¹
passing through a stuffing box L2. The upper end of the shaft L' has secured
An escape-
to it a pallet L³, which is provided with concentric projections L'.
ment wheel M connected with any desired form of recording instrument is
arranged between the projections L' of the pallet L³ as shown in Figure 12 in
such a manner that as the pallet is vibrated by the reciprocations of the 'dia-
phragm F (communicated by the sleeve H, rod K, forked arm L, and shaft L')
rotary motion in a constant direction will be imparted to the escapement wheel M.
The inlet pipe D' passes through a boss formed on the lower part of the valve
chamber B communicating with the chamber D as hereinbefore described. The
nipe D is then continued beneath the chambers A¹ A2 and terminates in a similar
boss communicating with the corresponding chamber D at that end of the meter.
An exit pipe D5 is provided and is arranged symmetrically with the inlet pipe D'
being secured to a boss beneath the valve chamber B at the inlet end of the meter
and communicating with the chamber D³. Thence the pipe D³ is continued to
hoss beneath the other valve
the other end of the meter passing through a
chamber B and being connected with a chamber D3 corresponding with the
chamber D at the other end of the meter.
Communication between the valve chambers B and the measuring chambers E
on the exterior of the diaphragms F is afforded by means of pipes D6 which are
a continuation of the chambers D and which lead to the outer parts E of the
measuring chambers E (Figure 8), the fluid finding its way to the interior of the

page_text: measuring chambers E through the perforations of the bushes G. The valve
chambers B are connected to the interior of the measuring chambers E on the
inner side of the diaphragms F by way of the chambers D2 which lead to pas-
sages 7 communicating with the chambers A¹ A². It will be seen that the valve
chamber B at the inlet end of the meter is connected with the chamber A² nearer
to the exit end and vice versa (Figures 1 and 6).
The operation of the meter is as follows:-
Assuming the diaphragms to be in the position shown in Figure 8, the valve
on the inlet end of the machine will be in the position shown in Figure 8
and the other valve will be as shown in Figure 2. Water admitted through the
pipe D will pass on to the valve chamber B at the outlet end of the meter, for
although the chamber D at the inlet end will be open to it, the valve C being
in the position shown in Figure 3, the only passage available will be by way of
the ports B 13, the chamber D and pipe De to the outer side of the diaphragm F,
shown on the right-hand side of Figure 8. The diaphragm F being in its extreme
position against the inner face of the measuring chamber no further water can
be admitted and the water will therefore pass along the pipe D₁ to the valve
chamber B on the outlet end of the meter. The water will find its way into the
chamber and through the ports 11 B, chamber D and pipe De to the outer
side of the diaphragm shown on the left-hand side of Figure 8. This diaphragm
will be pressed against the inner plate E¹ of the measuring chamber whilst the
water which was on the inner side of the diaphragm will be forced into the
chamber A along the passage 17 (Figure 1) to the valve chamber B at the outlet
end of the meter, the water passing out by way of the chamber D², ports 12 B3,
chamber and pipe D. In its movement from the outer to the inner part of
the measuring chamber E the diaphragm F will operate the valve C on the inlet
end of the meter by means of the connecting rod J and crank arm C as herein-
before described. Thus by the time the diaphragm F is in contact with the
inner part E the valve C will have been turned through an angle of 90° so as
to put the port 13' in communication with B2 and the port 133 with 13. Water
will now pass from the pipe D1 through the chamber and port 13 at the inlet
end of the meter (Figure 2) through the port B to the chamber D² and by way
of the passage 17 (Figure 6) to the chamber A2 where it will exert
pressure against the inner side of the diaphragm F shown on the right
hand side of Figure 8. This diaphragm will be moved over to the
outer part E and the water which was
on the outer side of
the diaphragm will be forced along the pipe D6 through the ports B B of the
valve at the inlet end of the meter to the chamber 13 and outlet pipe D³. It
will be seen that the diaphragm F shown on the right hand side of Figure 8
will operate its valve C in a manner similar to that already described with refer-
ence to the other diaphragm in order to admit water to the inner side of the left
hand diaphragin, which will thus be returned to the position shown in Figure 8,
the water which was situated on its outer side being expelled through the pipe D",
chamber and valves 134 133 at the outlet end of the meter. Thus the diaphragm
of each measuring chamber operates its valve to control the passage of fluid to
and from the other measuring chamber.
It will be seen that the pallet L is only operated by the left-hand. diaphragm
of Figure 8, and that as the two measuring chambers are alternately filled it
follows that the pallet L³ will be operated once for the filling and emptying of
the two chambers.
Although the pipe I) has been described as the inlet pipe, the meter would
operate in a precisely similar manner if the pipe D³ were used as the inlet pipe
and D as the outlet.
If desired the measuring chambers E and flexible diaphragms F
replaced by cylinders and rigid pistons.
may be
The construction of measuring chambers in the form of cylinders containing

page_text: pistons may be advantageous where the meter is used for measuring large quanti-
ties of water at high pressure.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said in-
vention as comniunicated to me by my foreign correspondent and in what manner
the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a fluid meter two measuring chambers each containing a movable dia-
phragm operating a valve to control the passage of fluid to or from the other
ineasuring chamber.
2. In a fluid meter the combination with two measuring chambers of two
valves and connecting passages substantially as and for the purpose described.
3. In a fluid meter the combination with two valve chambers each containing
an oscillating valve of two measuring chambers each containing a movable dia-
phragm operating the valves substantially as and for the purpose described.
4. In a Huid meter the combination with a measuring chamber containing a
movable diaphragm of a valve, a guide such as G and a connection between the
diaphragm and the valve substantially as and for the purpose described.
5. In a fluid meter the combination with the diaphragm F of the flanged
sleeves G¹ and G³ and the guides G and G6 substantially as and for the purpose
described.
6. In a fluid meter the combination with a sleeve such as G¹ having a peripheral
recess such as G7 in it of two rings such as G and G forming a flange substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
7. In a fluid meter the combination with a sleeve such as H of a connecting
rod such as J and spring clip such as J2 substantially as described.
8. In a fluid meter the complete mechanism for imparting the oscillations of
the diaphragm to the valve substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 1,
8, 9 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
9. In a fluid meter the combination with a movable diaphragm of a sleeve such
as H and a connection such as K L L L L between the sleeve and a recording
instrument substantially as described.
10. In a fluid meter the combination with a vibrating pallet such as L³ having
concentric projections such as L+ of an escapement wheel operated thereby and
connected to a recording instrument substantially as described.
11. In a fluid meter the complete mechanism for converting reciprocating
motion into rotary substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 10 11
and 12 of the accompanying drawings.
12. The complete fluid meter substantially as described or illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BOULT, WADE & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicant,