An Improved Meter for Water and other Fluids, also Applicable for Use as a Motor.
Year: 1885

page_text: An Improved Meter for Water and other Fluids, also Applicable
for Use as a Motor.
I, AIMÉ BONNA, of Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer, do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for "AN IMPROVED METER FOR WATER AND OTHER
FLUIDS, ALSO APPLICABLE FOR USE AS A MOTOR to be as follows:-
"
This invention relates to an improved meter for water and other fluids, which
meter, as compared with apparatus of a similar class as heretofore employed-
presents numerous advantages, especially as regards sensitiveness and simplicity
of construction, which ensure the proper working of the meter and obviate the
irregularities which are so frequent in other meters; it can also be used as a
motor.
The improved meter consists essentially of a cylinder in which moves a double-
acting piston, and of a special slide having a double or triple valve for the
distribution of the water in the apparatus, the operation of which valve is effected
by means of a system of levers and a hydraulic spring.
According to the present invention the meter is enclosed in a cast-iron casing
formed in two parts and provided with inlet and discharge apertures.
One part of the casing which forms the cylinder of the ineter is flanged at its
base and closed by a plate. At its upper end it carries the second part of the
casing having likewise a flange. The joints of the said casing are inade tight by
means of india-rubber rings.
The apparatus contains internally a hydraulic spring actuated by a lever peculiar
to this apparatus.
The said bydraulic spring consists especially of a piston or plunger working in a
small cylinder and receiving the pressure of the water in the inlet conduit through
a sinfall pipe. Leakage around the piston is prevented by means of an ordinary
stuffing-box, or of an india-rubber tube connecting the piston with the rim of the
small cylinder. Around the piston is arranged a spiral spring of metal which is
movable in a box enclosing the small cylinder. This spiral spring is designed to
actuate a connecting rod in case the pressure of the water is not sufficient to
operate the hydraulic spring: The metallic spring at one end enters a hollow
cylinder forming a second piston in the said box. This second piston, at every
motion of the spring, strikes against an india-rubber ring, thereby deadening the
1171

page_text: shock produced by the expansion of the metallic and hydraulic springs when the
pressure of the water acts upon the small piston.
The employment of this auxiliary or second piston with its metallic spring can
be obviated by increasing the diameter of the first piston of the hydraulic spring
proportionately to the pressure in the admission conduit.
In the case of small meters a metallic spring may be used alone, without the
hydraulic spring..
The said small pistons are connected to the said connecting rod by a screw-
threaded socket which receives, at its upper end, in a cup provided for the purpose,
the extremity of the said rod.
The hydraulic spring has for its object to control the movements of the
distributing slide through the medium of the connecting rod and a slotted bar.
At the end of each stroke of the main piston, the position of the slidė changes
and thereby causes the alternate rectilinear motion for the piston.
The slide is operated by a system of levers actuated directly by the piston-rod.
This system of levers comprises especially a sector composed of two similar pieces
of metal connected to each other by two bolts. This sector turns freely upon its
central axis. To one extremity of this sector are connected the said connecting rod
and the slotted bar, which latter drives the crank of the slide. The sector is
actuated alternately in opposite directions by the impingement of a lever, driven
directly by the piston rod against one or other of the two bolts of the sector. The
said lever is securely fixed upon the axis or pivot of the sector which pivot turns
freely so that the alternating motions of the said lever are communicated to a train
of gearing so as to register the movements of the piston.
The improved apparatus also comprises a special distributing chamber containing
a device serving as a distributing slide. This device is composed of two parts
connected by a tight joint. Upon the upper external surface of one part and upon
the lower internal surface of the other part of this device are valves provided with
several distributing orifices. These two valves are connected by a rod which moves
them simultaneously and which is actuated by the crank to which the slotted bar
is connected.
The upper valve can move slightly vertically, but the lower valve is held upon
its face by a pin at the extremity of the rod.
In order to constantly maintain the two valves upon their respective faces, the
valve rod carries a shoulder serving as a support for one extremity of a metallic
spiral spring, the other end of which rests upon the upper valve.
Instead of a metallic spring a single-acting piston forming a hydraulic spring
may be employed.
As the lower valve is carried by the valve rod, the spring must be sufficiently
strong to maintain this valve against the corresponding face. At the same time the
upper valve, upon which the spring bears, is kept in contact with its seat either
directly by the pressure of the water or by the metallic spring, in such a manner
that the pressure upon the valves is approximately equal, and is regulated by means
of a single spring.
I sometimes use for applying the two valves upon their respective faces or seats
with equal pressure, a special arrangement consisting of two rods, one within the
other.
The inner rod is screw-threaded at its upper extremity for receiving a nut which
bears upon the exterior rod; and at its lower extremity it is provided with a collar
located in a sleeve which bears upon the lower valve.
The two valves are keyed to the hollow rod, whence it follows that they are
moved by the latter, and that, under the pressure due to the nut, the two valves
are held against their faces or seats.
A metallic spring serves to compensate for the accidental loosening of the nut
and the wear of the valves.
The parts of which this distributing apparatus is composed contain, when they
are united, three distinct compartiments; the whole is composed of a small cylinder

page_text: placed in a larger one and contained in an outer casing The space left between
these cylinders is divided by a central partition One of the two compartments
formed by this partition communicates with the upper part and the other with the
lower part of the main cylinder. The interior of the small cylinder or third
compartment communicates with the outlet.
The ends of the said distributing cylinders are provided with an equal number
of holes for the passage of the water; the valves also are formed with similar
orifices and in equal number. When the upper valve uncovers the orifices corre-
sponding with the upper part of the cylinder, at the same moment the lower valve
covers the orifices of the lower part of the cylinder, and vice versa, so that the
changes of distribution are simultaneous and take place very regularly. In the
case of high pressures or counter pressures, a third valve placed upon the upper
face of the lower chamber could be employed if deemed suitable.
The valve-rod is actuated by the crank arm connected thereto and carrying a pin
which engages with the, slot of the said slotted bar.
The chamber enclosing the said distributing apparatus communicates with the
inlet pipe.
The piston of the main cylinder is composed of two circular discs of metal
between which, and a central ring, are clamped two washers of leather or india-
rubber cut according to two concentric circles. In the periphery of the said ring
are formed grooves for increasing the tightness of the piston.
The piston rod of the main cylinder passes through a stuffing box in the main
cylinder. This stuffing-box is packed by means of an india-rubber washer through
the centre of which is formed a hole having a much smaller diameter than that of
the piston-rod, so that by forcing the india-rubber ring over the rod the said ring
is formed into a cup shape. The ring is retained in this position by a metal plate
carrying a ring fitting the stuffing box exactly. To this ring is applied a leather
washer for increasing the tightness.
The inlet pipe is provided with a check-valve for avoiding the return pressure;
and a cylindrical filter is arranged around the distributing apparatus.
The arrangements described may be varied without departing from the nature of
this invention; for instance I may employ a rack attached to the piston rod and
gearing with two toothed pinions for driving the registering train and indicating
the movements of the piston. This rack carries two rolls which alternately
operate a bent lever actuating the hydraulic spring through the medium of a rod
jointed upon the small piston.
The bydraulic spring may also be actuated by a rod bent at its two extremities.
When the piston is near the end of its stroke it pushes the end of the said bent
rod which operates by means of toggle arms two hydraulic or other springs; when
the line of the said arms is passed the springs expand and actuate the slide.
This modification necessitates the adoption of a special mode of distribution
which consists in the employment of two small pistons having an alternate
rectilinear motion in a tube with which end the distributing orifices communicate.
The said bent rod and this distributing apparatus having a piston may be
employed in meters having one double acting cylinder as well as in meters having
two cylinders either single or double acting.
The mechanism can be left in contact with the water or entirely kept dry by
means of tight stuffing-boxes.

page_text: :
An Improved Meter for Water and other Fluids, also Applicable
for Use as a Motor.
:
.?
I, AIMÉ BONNA, of Paris, France, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is, to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:
This invention relates to an improved meter for water and other fluids, which
meter, as compared with apparatus of a similar class as heretofore employed
presents numerous advantages, especially as regards, sensitiveness and simplicity
of construction which ensure the proper working of the meter and obviate the
irregularities which are so frequent in similar apparatus.
The improved meter consists essentially of a cylinder in which moves a double,
acting piston, and of a special slide having either two or three valves for the
distribution of the water in the apparatus, the operation of which slide is effected
by means of a system of levers and a hydraulic spring, which parts characterize
.this invention.
:
The construction and operation of the improved apparatus will be readily
understood from the following description, and by reference to the accompanying
drawing, in which
3
Figure 1 represents a vertical section of a meter constructed according to this
invention, which meter being operated directly from the piston rod by means of a
lever actuating the hydraulic spring.
Figure 2 is a plan of the same the cover being removed.
Figure 3 and 3bis are a vertical section and plan of the distributing slide that is
to say of the slide having two or three valves.
Figure 4 represents a vertical section of a meter of modified form, and having a
rack engaging with two pinions driving the registering mechanism.
Figure 5 is a plan of the same.
Figure 6 is a vertical section illustrating another modification of the meter in
which the two extremities of a rod are alternately acted upon by the piston, which
moves freely in the cylinder.
Figure 7 is a sectional view of a detail.
Figures 8 and 9 represent a different arrangement for directly operating the
system of levers actuating the hydraulic spring.
Figures 10 and 11 show a vertical section and plan of a modification in which the
slide valve is arranged vertically, operated through the medium of another similar
slide and a double acting hydraulic spring.
Figures 12 and 13 show another modification, the slide of which is similar to
that shown in the preceding figures and is directly actuated by a simple acting
hydraulic spring.
Figure 14 represents a modification of the slide.
The mechanism of the meter shown in Figures 1 and 2 is enclosed in a cast iron
casing formed in two parts and provided with a pipe E for the admission of the
liquid and a pine F for its discharge.

page_text: One part of the casing which forms the cylinder M of the meter is flanged at
its base and closed by a plate N. At its upper end it carries the second part Li of
the casing having likewise a flange. The joints of the said casing are made tight
by means of india-rubber rings.
.
The apparatus contains internally a hydraulic spring actuated by a special lever
peculiar to this apparatus.
The said hydraulic spring consists especially of a piston or plunger p working in
a small cylinder and receiving the pressure of the water in the inlet conduit E
through a small pipe c Leakage around the piston is prevented by means of an
ordinary stuffing-box or of an india-rubber tube connecting the piston with the rim
of the small cylinder. Around the piston is arranged a spiral spring S of metal
which is movable in the box R. This spiral spring is designed to actuate the rod I
in case the pressure of the water is not sufficient to operate the hydraulic spring.
The metallic spring at one end enters a hollow cylinder / forming a second piston
in the said box R. The piston at every motion of the spring strikes against an
india-rubber ring thereby deadening the shock produced by the expansion of
the metallic and hydraulic springs when the pressure of the water acts upon the
piston p.
The employment of this auxiliary piston with its metallic spring can be obviated
by increasing the diameter of the first piston p proportionately to the pressure in
the admission pipe E.
In the case of small meters a metallic spring may be used alone without the
hydraulic spring.
The pistons p and are connected to the said connecting rod by the screw
threaded socket y which has at its upper end a cup provided for the reception of
the extremity of the said rod I.
The hydraulic spring has for its object to control the movements of the
distributing slide through the medium of the connecting rods I and K. At the
end of each stroke of the main piston the position of the slide changes and thereby
causes the alternate rectilinear motion for the piston p.
The slide is operated by a system of levers directly by the piston-rod: This
system of levers comprises especially a sector a composed of two similar pieces of
inetal connected to each other by two bolts v and vl. This sector turns freely upon
its axis . To one extremity b of this sector are connected the rods I and K.
which latter drives the crank of the slide. The sector is actuated alternately io
opposite directions by the impingement of a lever f driven directly by the piston-
rod against one or other of the two bolts and v² of the sector. The said lever.f
is securely fixed upon the pivot d which axis turns freely in its bearings so that
the alternating motions of the said lever are communicated to a train of gearing.
at O, so as to register the movements of the piston.
The improved apparatus also comprises a special distributing chamber containing
a device serving as a distributing slide. This device is composed of two parts,
connected by a tight joint. Upon the upper external surface of one part and upon
the lower internal surface of the other part of this device are valves provided with
several distributing orifices. These two valves are connected by a rod c which
moves them simultaneously and which is actuated by the crank W, to which the
slotted rod K is connected.
The upper valve can move slightly vertically, but the lower valve is held upon
its face by a pin at the extremity of the rod.
In order to constantly maintain the two valves upon their respective faces, the
valve rod carries a shoulder serving as a support for one extremity of a metallic
spiral spring, the other end of which rests upon the valve.
As the lower valve is carried by the valve-rod, this spring must be sufficiently
strong to maintain this valve against the corresponding face. At the same time the
upper valve, upon which the spring bears is kept in contact with its seat, so that
the pressure upon the valves is approximately equal and is produced by means of
a single spring.

page_text: The two parts, of which this distributing apparatus is composed contain, when
they are united, three distinct compartments, formed by a small cylinder placed in
a larger one and a partition across the space left between these cylinders and
dividing the said space into two compartments. One of these compartments
communicates with the upper part, and the other with the lower part of the
cylinder M. The interior of the small cylinder or third compartment communicates
with the outlet F.
An examination of figures 1, 2, 3 and 3 bis will enable the construction and
arrangements of this distributing apparatus to be understood. The ends of the
said small cylinder are provided with a number of holes for the passage of the
water; the valves also are formed with similar orifices and in equal number. When
the upper valve uncovers the orifices communicating with the upper part of the
cylinder M, the lower valve at the same time covers the orifices of the lower part
of the said cylinder M and vice versa so that the changes of distribution are
simultaneous and take place very regularly. In the case of high pressures or
counter pressures a third valve placed upon the upper face of the lower chamber
could be employed if deemed suitable.
The valve rod is actuated by the crank arm W carrying a pin which engages with
the slot in the connecting rod K.
The distributing apparatus thus described is enclosed in a chamber U with which
the induction pipe E communicates.
The piston of the cylinder M is composed of two circular discs of metal between
which and a central ring are clamped two washers of leather or india-rubber. In
the periphery of the said ring are formed grooves for increasing the tightness of
the piston.
In the position of the piston represented in Figure 1, the upper valve a covers
the orifices of the compartment g and uncovers those of the compartment gl. The
space above the piston P is in communication with the admission chamber U,
whilst the space below the piston P is in communication with the discharge
orifice F.
If the efflux of water is permitted the piston is set in motion and a quantity of
water equal to the cubical contents of the space below the piston will be expelled
from the cylinder through the outlet pipe F. In its descending movement the
piston-rod actuates the lever f, the latter striking the tappet v and imparting a
circular motion to the sector, which, acting in its turn upon the lever I, compresses
the hydraulic spring until the pivot b has passed beyond the line of the axes d, y.
At the moment when the piston P reaches the end of its stroke the pivot b¸ has
passed slightly beyond the line d, y, the spring then, expands and actuates the
connecting rod K which rapidly displaces the slide by acting upon the crank W.
This movement of the slide causes the pressure.to act upon the lower surface of
the piston P so that the latter is again set in motion but in the opposite direction,
and forces out a fresh quantity of water equal to that of the previous stroke.
The piston rod of the main cylinder passes through a stuffing-box. This stuffing-
box is packed by means of an india-rubber washer through the centre of which is
formed a hole of much smaller diameter than that of the piston rod, so that when
the rod is passed through the india-rubber ring the latter is formed into a cup
shape. The ring is retained in this shape by a metal plate carrying a ring fitting
the interior of the stuffing box exactly. To this ring is applied a leather washer
for increasing the tightness.
A check valve for avoiding back pressure is placed in the inlet pipe, and a
cylindrical filter is arranged around the distributing apparatus.
The arrangements described may be varied without departing from the nature of
this invention, for instance I may employ arrangements represented in Figures 4, 5,
6, 7, 8 and 9 for actuating the valves. Figures 4 and 5 shew a rack attached to
the piston rod and gearing with two toothed pinions for driving the registering
train and indicating the imovements of the piston. This rack carries two rods x

page_text: and y which alternately operate a bent lever Q actuating the hydraulic spring
through the medium of a rod jointed upon the small piston p..
Figures 6 and 7 represent another modification of the means for actuating the
hydraulic spring by a rod bent at its two extremities, this bent rod being peculiar
to this apparatus. When the piston is near the end of its stroke, it pushes the end
of the said bent rod which operates by means of toggle arms two hydraulic or
other springs. When the line of the said arms is passed the springs expand and
actuate the slide rapidly changing the position of the valves.
This modification necessitates the adoption of a special mode of distribution
which consists in the employment of two small pistons having an alternate
rectilinear motion in a tube with which the distributing orifices communicate.
The said bent rod and this distributing apparatus having a piston may be
employed in meters having a double acting cylinder as well as for meters having
two cylinders either single or double acting.
-
Figure 8 shews a system of levers giving the same results as those shewn in
Figure 1.
The arrangement of levers shewn in Figure 9 gives the same results as the lever
shewn in Figure 4.
The mechanism can be left in contact with the water or kept dry by means of
tight stuffing-boxes.
The driving of the dial train is effected by a rod fixed upon the axis & which
receives an alternating circular motion from the lever f. This motion when
communicated to the dial train indicates the course of the piston.
It is evident that I can likewise make use of a double acting cylinder or of two
or more single acting ones.
The two modifications of the apparatus shown in figures 10 and 11 and figures 12
and 13 are based upon the same principle of distribution as the apparatus herein-
before described. They likewise comprise three contiguous chambers for effecting
the distribution which chambers are separated by partitions having orifices which
are opened and closed by valves, at suitable moments, for causing the ingress and
egress of liquid to and from the cylindera.
The only points in which these modifications differ from those which have been
described are that the said chambers, instead of being placed horizontally and
superposed, are arranged vertically and juxtaposed, which arrangement necessitates
some modifications of detail in the mode of operation; and that the operation of
the distributing devices is effected by means of hydraulic springs of different forms.
The principle of these modified forms of apparatus is, however, always the same, as
will be understood from the following description.
The mechanism of the meter represented in figures 10 and 11 is enclosed in a
cast iron casing composed of two parts S and C connected by means of tight joints.
The lower part C which forms a cylinder serves to measure the volume of water
passing through the meter and the upper part or cover S which is provided with
the admission and discharge orifices for the water, contains the distributing
mechanism.
The apparatus comprises as an essential part a double acting piston P moving
freely in the cylinder C. This piston is composed of two circular discs d d of
metal clamping between them two leather washers and a ring h¹. These two discs
each carry an external crown w serving as a guide for the piston. At the centre
of the piston is formed a chamber in which the piston rod carrying at its
extremity a piston h of bronze, freely moves.
For strokes greater than the height of the piston, the chamber n can be
prolonged on each side of the two discs, so that the piston can move freely for a
greater distance than otherwise. We obtain by this means the proper equilibrium
of the piston which is not the case in some forms of apparatus, where it is deemed
sufficient to prolong the chamber in the lower part of the piston only.
The said apparatus also comprises two distributing devices A and B having
valves performing the functions of slides.

page_text: These distributing devices are each composed of three compartments united by
means of tight joints.
In the case of the distributor A, the central chamber r, which is constantly in
communication with the admission E or the up-stream pressure through the
pipe E E (figure 11), contains two valves vv applied internally upon the sides
of the chamber which form slide faces. The lateral chambers of oil are likewise
provided with valves t t applied upon the face opposite to the central admission
chamber.
When the apparatus A regulates the distribution of the water in the cylinder
and is actuated directly by the double acting hydraulic spring, the chamber o is in
communication with the bottom of the cylinder, and the chamber o" with top of
the same.
In case the other distributing apparatus B regulates the distribution of the
water for the operation of the hydraulic spring, which apparatus is actuated
directly by the piston rod, the chamber u¹ is in communication with one of the
sides of the spring K, and the other with the opposite side x¹ of the same
spring which can move in both directions.
The exterior of these apparatuses, that is to say the interior of the cover S is in
constant communication with the discharge for the 'water.
The position of the valves is so arranged that they always receive the up-stream
pressure for obtaining their constant application upon their respective faces. In
the case of counter pressure, the valves can if required be duplicated, that is to say
placed one on each side of each partition. I say, if required because the counter-
pressure cannot have much effect upon the valves, owing to the means which have
been adopted for ensuring tightness upon the axis of the said valves, and which
consists in putting india-rubber washers e corresponding exactly to the shape of
the slide-rod and which forms also springs, by reason of the compression, between
the two valves of the central chamber and between the valves and the opposite
faces of the lateral chambers.
The examination of figures 10 and 11 will enable the construction and the
special arrangements of the distributing devices A B to be understood. The
partitions are each provided with an equal number of sector shaped holes for
the passage of the water. The valves have an equal number of correspondingly
shaped orifices. The rod actuating the valves has a rectangular shape. The valves,
the central apertures of which are likewise rectangular, are keyed upon this rod at
different angles relatively to each other.
In each apparatus two valves are placed in such a manner that the diagonals of
the rectangle of the rod pass through the axes of the orifices, and the other two
are keyed at an angle of 35° to 45° with respect to these diagonals according to the
movement which it is desired to obtain.
In the central chamber one of the faces has its orifices uncovered at, the same
time that those of the opposite faces are closed. In the same manner in the lateral
chambers when the orifices of the admission faces are open those of the exterior or
emission face are closed and vice versa. The changes of distribution are simultaneous
and take place very regularly by means of a single rod.
The valves shown in the drawings are placed vertically, but I may place them in
any other position according to requirements.
The apparatus also comprises a double-acting hydraulic spring which actuates the
devices regulating the distribution of the water in the cylinder. This hydraulic
spring, placed vertically, is composed of a diaphragm or membrane K of leather or
other substance receiving on the one hand the up stream or admission pressure by
means of a small conduit alul, figure 11, and on the other hand is in communication
with the discharge through the conduit 11 11; and reciprocally when a change of
distribution takes place.
The distribution of the water to this hydraulic spring is regulated by the slide
which is directly actuated by the piston-rod by means of the crank q.

page_text: The motion of the spring is very small, because the displacement to be produced
for causing the reversal of the slide for regulating the supply of water to the
cylinder is itself very small; consequently the wear and tear are reduced to a
minimum.
In some forms of apparatus membranes or diaphragms serving the part of pistons.
having considerable motions are employed. In this meter this membrane performs,
fits the functions of a hydraulic spring, its action is rapid and it has no other object
than to rapidly effect the change of distribution of the water in the cylinder.
The application to meters having a single cylinder, of this hydraulic spring.
composed of a membrane or diaphragm constitutes an especial feature of this
invention, as this application has not yet been made under analogous conditions.
It is to be understood that although the position of the membrane is vertical,
as. indicated in the drawings, I can place it horizontally at the upper part of the
cover or in any other manner, for regulating by its vertical rod the distributing
slide.
.:
The apparatus also comprises mechanism for actuating the train of gearing, of
the registering devices which mechanism is composed of a forked lever actuated
by the piston rod figure 11, the alternate rectilinear motion of which lever is
transformed into continuous rotary motion by means of two pawls and a.ratchet
wheel.
I will now.consider the operation of the meter having a double-acting hydraulic
spring.
.
In the position represented in figures 10 and 11, one of the valves of the central
or admission chamber r of the distributor A covers the orifices of the chamber o¹¹
whilst the other uncovers those of the chamber o¹.. At the same time the orifices
of the chamber o¹ are closed. to the emission by the interior. valve whilst they are
open to the chamber o!!.
The space below the piston P is in communication with the admission and the
space above the same with the discharge that is to say with the space within
the.cover.
If the meter is allowed to operate, the water entering the meter through the
grating, or any filter, is conveyed through the conduits E E¹ and E E" into the.
central chambers of the distributing apparatus, in order to flow out afterwards
through the uncovered orifices.
The entrance of the water sets the piston in motion, and a quantity of water
equal to the volume of the space above or below the piston will be expelled through;
the emission pipe S.
In its ascending motion the piston-rod actuates the crank of the slide B, and at
the moment when it arrives at the end of its stroke, the distribution to the
hydraulic spring is reversed. The latter is thereby set in motion, and acting in its
turn upon the distributor A through the crank q¹, it rapidly reverses the distribution
of the cylinder.
The change of distribution destroys the equibrium, and the pressure acting
upon the upper surface of the piston, the latter is again set in motion in the
opposite direction and displaces a fresh and equal quantity of water.
The piston rod traverses the cover of the cylinder through the medium of a
stuffing box g.
As regards the meter having a single acting spring, represented in figures.12
and 13 I would observe that the piston, the cylinder, and the valve-distributing.
apparatus are the same as for the meter having a double-acting spring. The
difference exists only in the hydraulic spring being single acting and in its mode
of operation. This spring has for its object to actuate the lever system L and to
govern the distributing slide by the slotted rod K. At each stroke of the piston
the lever system alters the distribution and thereby ensures an alternate rectilinear:
motion to the piston:
The hydraulic spring consists especially of a membrane or diaphragm y of leather
or other material receiving on the one the up-stream pressure through the small

page_text: conduit e¹ and on the other hand the pressure from the interior of the cover which
is that of the discharge as for the meter shown in figures 10 and 11.
In connection with this membrane is a small metallic spiral spring e, for
facilitating the passage over the dead point, in case the small pressure of the
water does not set the hydraulic spring sufficiently in motion. The metallic spring
is maintained in a hollow cylinder J in which moves a cup shaped device m,
the axis of which is fixed to the membrane y and which is actuated by the toggle
lever L.
This system of levers is actuated directly by the piston rod. When the piston
commences its stroke, its rod pushes the extremities of the levers L and slotted
rod K at their point of articulation o until the horizontal line or the medium
position of the axes are exceeded. During this motion, the rod K having one of
its extremities fixed to the support H with which it is likewise articulated, drives
back the rod L, whose point of support is movable, and consequently the hydraulic
and metallic springs are compressed.
When the line of the axes has once been passed, the spring expands and actuates
the lever L and rod, which, actuating the crank S of the slide, rapidly reverse the
distribution of the water in the cylinder.
I have stated above that the india-rubber discs e e formed springs for applying
the valves of the slide against their faces..
In case the meter is to measure hot liquids, the india-rubber would be of little
use and would soon be destroyed.
In order to obviate this inconvenience, I employ the modification shown in
Figure 14, in which the india-rubber is dispensed with.
In this modification the shaft of the slide is polygonal and is divided into four
independent sections bb61 6111 corresponding respectively to the valves v v¹ t t .
These latter are soldered to sleeves b₁ b₁₁₁₁ each of which encloses the two
opposite extremities of two adjacent sections.
These sleeves are each soldered upon one extremity and free upon upon the
other. Thus b and b¹, b¹ and b¹, 6 and 6, 6 and 6, are soldered together.
Lastly the sleeves b₁ b₁₁ 611, 611 pass freely through the walls of the three
compartments of the slide.
By reason of this arrangement the pressure of the fluid presses the valves firmly
upon their faces thereby preventing any escape.
In the admission pipe of the meters I have placed a check valve for preventing
any back pressure, and also a special filter for preventing any matters suspended in
the water from entering the meters.
It is to be understood that the arrangements which I have described for meters
having a hydraulic spring, double or single acting, are not absolute; I can for
instance replace the double-acting hydraulic spring by a small cylinder with a
double acting piston. My invention especially consists in the general arrangements
and the form which I have adopted for the apparatus care being taken to reduce
the bulk of the apparatus to a minimum and to preserve its cylindrical form.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First. The improved meter for water or other fluids or any modification thereof,
substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the said
meter being also applicable for use as a motor.
Second. In a fluid meter one or more single or double-acting cylinders, the
distribution of fluid to which is effected by a distributor having two or three
valves, these valves being operated by means of a hydraulic or other. spring
actuated by the piston-rod through the medium of a system of articulated rods or
levers, in combination with a sector having tappets as described.
Third. The hydraulic spring composed of a small piston placed in an auxiliary
cylinder with elastic packing, this piston being constantly under the action of the

page_text: water in the inlet conduit, under pressure; and an auxiliary hollow piston acted
upon by a spring for assisting or in some cases replacing the hydraulic piston.
Fourth. The distributing apparatus formed of three concentric circular chambers,
the central chamber being divided into two distinct compartments serving respec-
tively for the distribution to the upper and the lower parts of the cylinder, the
upper or lateral chamber being constantly in communication with the water inlet,
and the lower or other lateral chamber with the discharge orifice; the partitions
between these chambers forming valve faces and being provided with sector shaped
orifices, valves being held against these faces by the aid of springs or by the
pressure of the fluid, the shaft carrying the valves being discontinuous and the
valves having sleeves, as described.
Fifth. The hydraulic piston provided with a grooved ring for increasing the
tightness.
Sixth. The stuffing-box packing composed of a ring of india-rubber, combined
with a leather ring and pressed into its place by a metallic disc fitting the india-
rubber ring.
Seventh. The modification of my invention wherein I provide for effecting the
distribution with distributing pistons operated by means of a bent rod the extre-
mities of which extend into the two ends of the cylinder, in combination' with
a system of springs and articulated rods for causing a sudden reversal in the
distribution as described above.
Eighth. The arrangement of rods and levers and rack and wheels serving for
actuating the distributing slides, as described and represented in the drawings.
Ninth. In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 the
distributor A, B, the latter being actuated directly by the piston P and actuating
a bydraulic spring having a diaphragın K and the other by the hydraulic spring k
and actuating the piston P of the meter, as described and represented in the
drawings.
Tenth. In the modification shewn in Figures 12 and 13 effecting the distribution
by a distributor actuated by a single acting hydraulic spring y through the medium
of two rods L and K articulated together, and whose axis of articulation O is raised
and lowered by the prolongation of the piston rod, as described.
AHAL
1. 1000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.