IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS
Year: 1878

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 APPARATUS FOR MEASURING WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS."
A communication from abroad by Benaiah Fitts, of Worcester, Massachusetts,
United States of America.
Sealed the 28th May 1878, and dated the 8th April 1878.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th April 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING
WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS." A communication from abroad by Benaiah Fitts,
of Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America.
This Invention consists,-
First. In combining two excentric gear wheels or "gears" of proper construction
with a set of two co-acting pistons, each piston of which set consists of two or more
radial blades or wings, provided at their outer ends with short segmental plates
or faces, by means of which the pistons are compelled to move alternately with
relatively different rates of speed, in order that there should always be contact
between one of the peripheral wing plates of one piston, and the hub of the other at
all stages of their revolution that no water may be allowed to escape unmeasured;
and the two excentric gear wheels must be made of corresponding shape to effect
these objects, oval, where each piston consists of two radial wings; triangular, if of
three wings; and quadrangular, if of four, and so on; but in practice I prefer the
two-winged pistons and oval gears.
Also in mounting or supporting the pistons by means of hubs or standards
removably and adjustably secured to the bottom or bed plate of the meter.
Also in an improved mode of supporting the hubs of the pistons by which

page_text: the latter are firmly held in their proper position at the point of contact of their
gears.
Also in an improved construction of the caps or supports on which the pistons are
suspended. By this improved construction the caps can be easily removed and
refitted or adjusted to compensate for wear on their under side.
Also in a new and improved construction of the cylinder or liquid measuring
chamber, and which consists in forming the internal surface of the cylinder, against
which the peripheral surfaces of the pistons bear with a series of recesses, leaving
only a series of narrow ribs for the pistons to play against, instead of a continuous
surface as heretofore. These ribs must be so arranged in each end of the cylinder
that there shall always be contact next the induction opening, between at least one
of them in each end and one of the piston peripheral surfaces. These recesses
facilitate greatly the running of the apparatus, especially where the water has much
mud and vegetable or gritty matter in suspension, and greatly aid in preventing
the clogging of the apparatus by the deposition of calcareous and other mineral
matter held in solution.
Also in a new and improved mode of driving the registering apparatus, whereby
the latter is protected from rust, and yet can be operated as easily as if driven
under water by worm gearing, and with but little tear and wear or liability to get
out of order, and in various improvements of the details of construction and
arrangement, as herein-after specified.
The said Invention is illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which,
Figure represents a plan of a water ineter, constructed according to this
Invention, with the hinged cover over the register face removed; and Figure 2, a
side elevation of the same, showing the register case cover on and closed.
Figure 3 represents a vertical longitudinal section, taken through the line N*, N*,
of Figure 1, but with the cover on, and showing the gearing for driving the register
mechanism in elevation.
Figure 4 represents a horizontal section of my improved water meter through
the line C*, *, of Figure 2, showing the upper side of the gear wheels that drive
the register in plan, but without the crank arm, through which motion is imparted
to these gear wheels from the rotary "floats" or pistons.
Figure 5 represents a plan of the lower half of the meter from the line E*, F*, of
Figure 2, downwards, showing the gear wheels, which connect the revolving pistons
as they appear above the partition or diaphragm that separates the measuring
chamber from the chamber wherein the driving mechanism of the register is
enclosed. The form of the co-acting revolving pistons and their relation to these
gear wheels is shown by dotted lines, the upper half of the case of the meter which
contains the registering mechanisın being omitted.
Figure 6 represents a horizontal section, taken through the line I*, J*, of Figure 2,
showing the interior construction of the cylinder in which the revolving pistons
operate, and the relation of the supporting standards of the flouts to their hubs ou
that line.
Figure 7 represents a plan taken from the same line E*, F*, as Figure 5, but
showing another position of the gear wheels and pistons.
Figure 8 represents a horizontal section taken through the line C*, H*, Figure 2,
showing the construction of the hubs and standards which support them and the
relation of the standards to the interior circle of their hubs at that point, and also
showing the relation of the peripheral faces of the pistons to the ribs formed on the
inside of the piston cylinder.
Figure 9 represents a purtial section through the line M*, N*, of Figure 1, shewing
the pistons and gear wheels in elevation, the upper part or half carrying the register-
driving mechanism being broken off.
Figure 10 represents a plan of the under side of the gear wheels that drive the
register, and their casing or supporting frame removed from the ineter.
Figure 11 represents a vertical section through the line O*, P*, of Figure 10

page_text: showing the stem gearing and its adjuncts through which motion is imparted to the
register. In this view the register proper and its casing is removed, and only a
small portion of the casing which encloses the mechanism that drives the register
shown.
Figure 12 illustrates a mode of adjusting the standards that support the pistons
to compensate for "wear and tear" on its end.
It will be seen that the above Figures are not all drawn to the same scale.
The mechanism of my improved meter and register are mounted in independent
cases A and B, which are firmly secured the one to the other; the register case A
being superposed upon the meter case B, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
The registering mechanism proper and which is contained in case A need not here
be specially described, as it is similar to that in general use; all that is necessary
to say about it is that the pinion on the unit index stem is made to mesh with the
pinion a, mounted on the spindle b of my improved driving mechanism.
The case B is made in two parts, and is provided with a partition plate or
diaphragm C, which divides it into two compartments, in the upper one D of which
is arranged and secured the register driving apparatus and the two gear wheels,
which connect the hubs of the two sets of pistons, while in the lower one E is
arranged the liquid measuring apparatus.
The diaphragm C fits into a depression or recess c, formed on the upper internal
edge of the lower half of the casing B in the manner shown in Figures 3 and 5.
The two halves of casing B are provided with flanges c, d, of corresponding
shape. The upper one d is made wider internally, so as to fit the other d' externally,
and at the same time extend over the edge of the diaphragm C to keep it in place
when the two are secured together by means of the bolts ƒ, as clearly represented in
Figures 1 and 2.
A packing ring is or may be interposed between the flanges to render the casing
water-tight.
To the upper half of the casing B is secured a flanged plate F, by means of a
screw stud collar I and nut j, see Figures 3 and 11. Within the flange g of the
plate is arranged the driving mechanism of the register.
The plate is provided with a small boss h, having an opening therein, in which
is secured a stud pin i, on which the gear wheel G of the driving mechanism is
mounted, the latter being held in place by a washer or otherwise, suitably
secured in any known way to the outer end of the stud pin. To the inner side
of the gear wheel G is secured a small pinion m, and which turns with the former
on the pin i, and meshes with the other large gear wheel H of the driving
mechanism.
The gear wheel H is firmly secured to the spindle b which carries the pinion a
that imparts motion to the registering mechanism. The spindle 6 has its bearings
in a stud collar I formed on or otherwise secured to the plate F, in the
manner substantially as shown in Figures 3 and 11. The collar I is provided
with a screw thread on its outer periphery, and is passed through an opening
of corresponding size formed in the upper side of the upper half of casing B,
and is fastened to the latter by means of a nut j, a packing ring or washer of
suitable material being first interposed between the upper side of the plate F and
casing B, in order to make it a water-tight joint. The spindle 6 is preferably
enlarged at the point on which the gear wheel H is mounted on it, and for some
distance above, as shown in Figure 11, and is then reduced to a smaller diameter
as it passes through the upper end of its bearing in the collar I and composition
packing o.
The packing o has its seat in a concavity formed in the upper end of the collar I,
and is confined and compressed to make a water-tight joint by a cap piece p, which
screws on the upper end of the stud collar I. The screw cap piece p has an
opening formed therein through which the spindle b passes for the reception of the

page_text: register-driving pinion a. Thus constructed the case B is made perfectly water-
tight with the driving pinion a of the register on its outer side.
The lower end of the spindle bis prolonged below the gear or gear wheel H.
This end is also reduced in diameter, and has a small pinion q loosely mounted
thereon so as to turn freely upon without turning the spindle b or gear wheel H.
To the under face of the pinion q is rigidly secured a crank lever 7, see Figures 3
and 10. The lever and pinion are then securely held in position on spindle b
in any suitable and well-known way, but so as to turn freely upon it; as, for
instance, by a washer secured on the lower end of the spindle b.
J'
The gear wheels G and H are of the same size, and likewise the pinions m and q.
The relative sizes of these gear wheels with respect to the pinions are regulated
according to the capacity of the meter, that a given number of revolutions of the
pistons may through them record a single unit of the register. For this purpose
the crank lever is operated by a pin 8, see Figures 3 and 9, secured to the upper
side of the gear wheel J of the variable gear wheels J and K, which connect the
two measuring pistons L and M, and cause them to rotate with a proper relative
movement to each other. Each revolution of the gear wheel J, and which corre-
sponds to one revolution of the pistons L and M, causes the pinion q through the
pin & and crank lever to perform one revolution also, which acting in turn upon
the gear wheel G causes both it and the pinion m to perform a partial revolution,
and the latter acting on the gear wheel H imparts motion to the spindle b and
pinion a, and through the latter to the pinion on the spindle of the unit index of
the registering mechanism. By this mode of connecting the registering with the
measuring mechanism it will be seen that the motion of the spindle is made very
slow, and consequently involves but little friction between it and its bearings, and
but very little wear and tear on its composition packing o, and hence reduce the
tendency to leakage at that point to the very lowest point, all of which are features
of the greatest practical importance.
Land M represent the two co-acting pistons, each of which consists of two
wings 5, 5, and a peripheral plate face or rim 6 cast with or otherwise secured to a
hub u or u. They are so constructed, arranged, and mounted on their supporting
standards O and O¹ that when in position at least one of the peripheral faces 6 of
one of the wings 5 of one of the pistons will always be in contact with the hub of
the other, as illustrated in Figures 6 and S of the Drawings. This is ensured by
the use of the excentric gears J and K, sec Figures 5 and 7, both of which are
rigidly secured to the hubs of their respective pistons. In the Drawings each
piston is illustrated as only having two radial blades, and consequently I make the
gears oval, but had they had three the gear would have been triangularly constructed,
and if they had four quadrangularly constructed; but I prefer the two-bladed
variety.
Now reverting to the construction of the pistons and gear shown in Figures 5
and 6, it will be apparent that any movement of the piston, say L, will be accom-
panied by a corresponding movement of its gear wheel J, and inasmuch as it gears
with the other gear K at the point of its own greater diameter, and at the point of
the shorter diameter of the other, it will be apparent the result must be that the
piston M. will be made to move with a correspondingly increased rate of speed as
compared with the piston L, the object of which is to bring the lateral end of the
peripheral face of piston M. in contact with the hub of the piston L before the
rearward end of the peripheral face of the latter leaves the hub of the piston M.
From this point the piston M will gradually move slower and slower, and the
piston L faster and faster, until the gear wheel K in the line of its major axis is in
gear with the gear wheel J in the line of its conjugated axis, after which the piston L
will begin to move slower and slower, and the piston M faster and faster, until they
again assume the position shewn in Figure 5, they meanwhile, among others, having
assumed the position shewn in Figures 7 and 8, when the relative speed of both are
about the same. The object of these relative movements are, as before stated, to

page_text: ensure contact between at least one of the peripheral faces 6 of one of the radial
wings 5 of one of the pistons and the hub of the other, that no water may be passed
unmeasured.
26
These pistons L and M are mounted and supported upon two standards O and O¹,
constituting stationary axes, around which they revolve. For this purpose each
piston is provided with a hub; the piston L with a hub u, and the piston M with a
hub . These standards O and O' are constructed of a length sufficient to pass
entirely through the corresponding hub and bear against the under side of a cap
piece secured to the upper end of the latter. In other words the piston L is
supported by its hub u and cap piece v, and the piston M by its hub u' and cap
piece v', and each in such manner as to fit snugly against the interior surface of the
casing and diaphragm without actually impinging or rubbing on either. To the
upper end of the hubs u and u¹ are secured the gear wheels J and K, the cap pieces
vand v³ fitting over them and holding them in place, they in turn being secured by
screws to the hubs. By this method of supporting the hubs by a firm and rigid
standard bearing at the point opposite the contact of the "gears" or gear wheels
great stendiness is imparted to the running of the pistons, despite irregularities in
the running of the gear wheels, arising from unequal wear and tear or other causes.
By reference to Figures 3 and 12 it will be seen that the standards or supporting
studs O and O' are made comparatively large at their lower end, where they form the
lower spindle bearings of the aforesaid hubs. From that point upwards they
gradually taper in the manner of a cone until within a short distance of the upper,
bearings of the hubs, where they become comparatively small. This construction
gives great strength and rigidity to the standards, and also lessens the friction of
the hubs upon them, more especially as the bearing opening of each hub is enlarged
in the centre, as shown at w, Figures 3 and 12, thereby lessening what would other-
wise be an unnecessary length of friction surface in slowly moving pistons.
In the Drawings the lower bearing of the hubs is represented as being cone
shaped; but they may if desired be of the usual cylindrical form, just as the upper
may if desired be also made slightly tapering or conical.
Each of the studs O, O', is provided with a circumferential flange or projection x,
which rests upon the inner face of the bed plate P of the casing B. The lower end
of each stud is passed through an opening of corresponding size and shape formed in
the bed plate P, and having a screw thread cut thereon; a nut R serves to firmly
secure it to the bed plate, through the assistance of the flange x, in the manner
shewn in Figure 3.
The cap pieces v, v¹, which form the actual support of the pistons and hubs, it
will be seen, are so secured to the hubs that they can be readily removed, if desired,
either for the purpose of being replaced by a new one, or refitted and dressed down
to compensate for wear, otherwise when worn on their under face the lower ends or
edges of the pistons would rub and chafe against the face of the bed plate P. Again
the standards or studs O, O¹, are by this construction also made removable and re-
newable when their upper end becomes so much worn as to allow the lower ends of
the pistons and hubs to chafe against the face of the bed plate P, or the gear wheel
J, K, to come in contact with the face of the partition plate C. Or instead of
discarding the worn studs, a thin washer 8', of the thickness required to compensate
for the wear on their ends, may be inserted between their flanges x and the bed
plate, and the standards then screwed tight to the bed plate as before. This con-
trivance is shown in the detail view, Figure 12, which is a sectional elevation of a
portion of one standard and hub, and part of the bed plate P; or a washer may be
interposed between the cap piece v or v¹ and the upper end of the standard.
By reference to Figures 6 and 8 it will be seen that the internal construction of
the lever or liquid measuring chamber E is radically different from the usual con-
struction, wherein the contacting surface of the cylinder with the pistons extends
uniformly throughout the cylinder from the inlet to the outlet openings of the
measuring chamber.

page_text: ⚫ In this improved construction I form a series of recesses, only leaving two or
more narrow ribs y, according to their width to form the contacting surface for the
pistons. The contacting face of the ribs is made concave to correspond with and
fit the convex surface of the floats, as shown.
The manner of arranging and constructing theso recesses and ribs is clearly
illustrated in the Figures above referred to.
Ordinarily I prefer to use in each end of the measuring chamber three or four
of these ribs, and to have the same comparatively narrow to lessen friction and the
deposition of calcareous or other foreign matter held in solution in the water on
their faces.
I prefer to arrange one of these ribs on each side of the inlet pipe, and in its in-
mediate vicinity. The next one is then arranged in such near proximity to it as
that the advancing edge of the peripheral end 6 of the piston shall at least come
fairly in contact with it, or over it, before the other edge leaves the face of the first
rib. The next rib is arranged in like manner, and so on for as many as it may be
deemed advisable to use.
The only point to be observed in arranging these ribs and their number is to
employ enough of them to ensure on the inlet side of the meter constant contact at
each end of the chamber between the face 6 of at least one of the pistons and one of
the ribs that no water may pass unmeasured.
8 represents the inlet or induction opening, and 9, the eduction or outlet opening
of the meter.
The recesses greatly facilitate the running of the apparatus, especially where the
water is muddy or holds in suspension gritty or vegetable matter.
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 two excentric gear wheels, constructed as described,
with two co-acting rotary pistons, each consisting of two or more radial wings,
having a curved outer end, and a hub provided with two or more curved portions,
as and for the purposes set forth.
Second. The combination of a rotary piston provided with a hollow hub, and two
or more radial wings, having a curved outer end with a standard or stationary
axis rigidly but removably and adjustably secured to the bottom plate of the
casing, in the manner and for the purposes set forth.
Third. The combination of two hubs of co-acting rotating pistons, which hubs
carry variable gear wheels that mesh with each other, and two standards con-
structed to support the pistons from a point above, and to brace them against
lateral thrust in the plane of contact of the gear wheels, in the manner and for the
purposes set forth.
Fourth. The combination of a removable cap piece with the hub of a rotating
piston and its supporting stud, as and for the purpose set forth.
Fifth. The combination of an adjustable standard with the hub and supporting
cap piece of a rotating piston, as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. The combination of a supporting stud with the hub of a rotating piston
having an enlargement in its bearing opening, as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The combination of a conical supporting stud with the hub of a
rotating piston having an enlargement in its bearing opening, for the purpose set
forth.
Eighth. The combination of two co-acting rotating pistons, constructed as shown
and described, with a cylinder or measuring chamber provided with an induction
and an eduction opening, and with two or more ribs and recesses, as and for the
purposes set forth.
Ninth. A measuring chamber or cylinder provided at each end on its interior
face between its induction and eduction openings with two or more ribs and re-
cesses, in the manner and for the purposes described.

page_text: Tenth. The combination of the crank lever, the loose pinion, the gear wheel G,
the pinion m, the gear wheel H, the spindle and the pinion a with the registering
mechanism of a water meter, as above set forth.
Eleventh. The combination of a flanged plate having a bearing collar, the nut, and
the screw cap piece, with the casing of a liquid measuring apparatus, as and for the
purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
WM. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)