Improvements in and relating to Means for Automatically Feeding or Supplying Waterito Boilers.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Nov., 1895-Accepted, 21st Dec.,
י.
1895*
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Means for Automatically Feeding
or Supplying Waterito Boilers.
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We, ROBERT GORDON MCAULEY, a citizen of, the United States, residing at
246 Meyran Avenue, in Pittsburgh, in the County of Allegheny, State of Penn-
sylvania, Mechanical Engineer, and LOUIS BROWN FULTON, also a citizen of
the United States, doing business at 28 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, in the County
of Allegheny, State of Pennsylvania, Manufacturer, 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 stateinent :-
This invention contemplates certain new and useful improvements in boiler
feeders.
The principal object of the invention is to provide an automatic feeder the
operation of which is controlled by the water in the boiler, whereby it will be
antomatically set in motion as soon as the water in the boiler falls below the low
water mark and stops when the proper supply has been 'obtained.
A further object is to provide a feeder all the parts of which will be outsides of
the boiler shell, whereby access can be readily had thereto for the purpose of
repairing, cleansing, and the like, and the movement of the operating lever will be
.visible.
'
A further object is to provide simple and efficient means for maintaining a constant
but variant supply to a boiler.
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A further object is to obtain a graduated supply of water to the feeder.
A further object is to simplify the construction and arrangement of the parts and
insure accuracy of operation.
These objects we accomplish by connecting a water-column and an injector or
pump, or other feeder, to a boiler, and two valves which are normally kept closed
by the boiler-pressure, one of said valves being unseated by a pivotally 'mounted
operating lever which latter is hollow and communicates with the interior of the
water-column and is raised and lowered by the water and steam therein. The
auxiliary-valve being opened the boiler-pressure unseats the primary-valve allowing
steam from the boiler to pass to the feeder. When the proper supply of water is
bad to the boiler the enlarged end of the operating-lever is filled with water,
causing the lever to tilt, and said end is emptied when the low-water mark in the
boiler is reached. When an injector is used the same is connected by a suction' or
supply-pipe direct to the water-supply or water-main and a valve located in said
pipe is held firmly closed by the water-pressure when the injector is not in operation,
but is automatically unseated by the creation of a vacuum in said suction pipe
when steam is admitted to said injector. This valve is graduated so as to control
the quantity of water admitted to the supply-pipe, the 'admission of water being
regulated by the suction in said supply-pipe. In some instances, as where a pump
or accumulator is used, it is desired to maintain a constant but variant feed-supply
-to the boiler, and for this purpose the primary-valve can be adjusted so as to limit
its movement and prevent the full seating thereof. A drain-valve in the suction-
pipe between the feeder and the vacuum-valve permits any water remaining in said
pipe to escape after the feeder ceases to operate. A steam-pipe leads from the
.). 1
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page_text: water-column to the operating-lever to effect the return of the water therein to the
water-column as soon as the low-water mark is reached. The auxiliary and relief-
valves are surrounded by enclosing casings provided with apertures so that the
pressure will be direct against said valves and bold them firmly to their seats, the
downward movements of the valves being in the direction of the passage of
the boiler pressure.
The invention will be hereinafter fully set forth and particularly pointed out in.
the claims.
In the accompanying drawing :-
..:
Fig. 1 is a view in perspective, parts being shown in dotted lines.
Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view.
Fig. 3 is a view on line 3--3, Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view on line 4-4, Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is a detail plan view, parts being omitted.
Fig.
6 is a vertical sectional view of the primary valve.
Fig. 7 is a similar view of the vacuum valve..
Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are sectional details thereof.
Fig. 11 is a view in perspective of said valve.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the auxiliary valve.
Referring to the drawing, A designates a boiler, a portion of which is shown in
outline; a a water-column which may be located at any convenient point and is
connected, at its lower end, to the boiler by a pipe at which opens therein below
the water-line. Into the top of the column is screwed a water-pipe a. In the:
column, near the top thereof, is a horizontal partition a³. A steam-pipe a leading
from the steam-dome of the boiler opens into the water-column immediately
beneath this partition, and, with one side of the latter is.. formed a vertical right-
angular partition which extends down into the column below the danger-line w
so that its lower end will always be submerged in the water. This right-angular
partition constitutes a continuation of the water-pipera Into a central threaded
opening in the partition a³ are screwed the threaded ends of sections of a steam-
pipe B, the lower end of which latter extends to the low-water line w', while its
upper end fits in, and is enclosed by, a depending hollow plug a' of a T-coupling a
screwed on the top of water-pipe a³. Within this steain-pipe is a smaller pipe ..
which extends through plug a' and is screwed into a second hollow plug b'. From
the upper end of this plug b' a pipe 6 extends to a steam-whistle b³. The lower
end of pipe is carried to the danger-line w. Into the water-column along the
danger-line opens the lower end of a thermostatic copper-pipe.", which is con-
nected at its upper end to the whistle b, the same, being designed to effect the.
operation of the whistle when the water falls below the danger-line.,
"
The horizontal branch of coupling as is exteriorly threaded to accommodate a
flanged nut 6 which holds a flanged ring b' and packing 68 within said branch, the
same encircling a rotatably coupling-tube 6, on the projecting end of which is
screwed a T-coupling C of an operating lever D. A skeleton-like yoke bo, having
an inner ring ¹³ held by bolts b¹³ to lateral flanges & of coupling a³, at its outer
end supports an adjustable screw 18, the inner rounded end of which fits in a
corresponding opening of coupling C and serves to support the latter.
In this way
the operating lever is free to move on its fulcrum, the coupling-tube 6 being held in
coupling a steam and water-tight. The arm d of lever D is made hollow and upon
its outer end is a hollow ball or sphere d', while upon the other, or solid arm, d, is
a counter-balancing weight ³. From the hollow plug a' extends a continuation.d
of steam-pipe B which passes centrally through the hollow arm of the lever and
extends upwardly into the ball or sphere to near the upper end thereof. A vent-
valve d' is connected to the top of said ball or sphere. When the boiler is filled
the water passes up through the water-passage,. formed by the right-angular
partition and the pipe a², through the hollow arm of the lever to the ball or-
sphere, entirely filling the latter, the air therein escaping through vent-valve d
and causing the lowering of that end of the lever as against the weight on the

page_text: other end. When, however, the water passes below the low-water line w' and
hence beyond the lower end of the steam-pipe B, steam will enter through said
pipe to the ball or sphere and aid in effecting the emptying thereof through the
water passage, and hence the raising of that end of the lever. This will operate
the mechanism for starting the feed-supply. When the ball or sphere is filled
with water the lever occupies. an approximately horizontal position, but when
emptied it is inclined. The movement of the lever in either direction is limited by
a stop, which is shown as consisting of an inclined cross-bar E attached to the
lower member of yoke.b, said cross-bar having flanged ends e with either one of
which the lever always contacts when at rest.
The yoke has an upper transverse tubular portion, e diametrically above
cross-bar E, said. tubular portion being preferably made integral with the upper
bar of said yoke. To the ends of this tubular portion are connected valve-
casings, and e³, the former accommodating what we will hereafter term the
auxiliary valve F, and the latter a relief valve f. The stems of these valves
extend above and below the latter the upper portions moving in removable plugs f*
and the lower portions being extended downwardly beyond the casings, said lower
portion of the relief-valve stem being slightly longer than that of the auxiliary
valve. With each of the plugs f' is formed a cylindrical extension f³ having a
series of holes f* therein for the admission of pressure above the valves so that it
will bear directly down upon the latter and insure the firm seating thereof. The
lower ends of these extensions fit snug upon the valve-seats and the downward
movements of the valves to their seats being in the direction of the passage of the
boiler-pressure the seating of said valves is insured. To the casing of the
auxiliary valve is coupled one end of a pipe f the other end of which opens into
plug 6' above and near the upper end of pipe b. In this way the boiler-pressure is
constantly exerted against the auxiliary-valve and firmly holds the latter to its
seat save when acted upon by the operating-lever, the pipe b being of small
diameter, the water in the column will under pressure rise therein and bear ou
the auxiliary-valve, but when the water in the boiler and column reaches the
danger line steam will pass up through said pipe to the whistle, etc..
G designates an injector of any preferred construction; g the steam-supply pipe
lending from the boiler to the injector; g' the return or delivery pipe; g² the.
overflow; and g³ a suction or water-supply pipe, which is connected to a water
main g, or to any supply tank. In the steam-supply pipe is located the primary-
valve..which is normally held to its seat in casing by boiler-pressure. The
valve-rod his extended upwardly. through the casing and is connected to a
diaphragm ³ in a chamber of a skeleton-like extension of the valve-casing.
A spring located in a hollow sleeve * depending from the bottom of chamber h
tends to constantly hold the valve against its seat. In some instances in using a
pump or accumulator it is desirable to prevent the complete reseating of this valve
in order that a continuous but variant feed-supply may be maintained. For this.
purpose we form the underside of valve.H with a hollow extension *** in which
the flanged end of a screw-rod is designed to be held by a removable screw-
plug The rod ' has an externally threaded flange which engages au
internally threaded chamber 10 of a lower plng of the valve casing, a
hand-wheel 13 on the lower end of said rod permitting of the easy adjustment
thereof. By adjusting this rod the valve can be prevented from reseating under
the action of the diaphragm and a continuous but variant supply to the boiler is
bad. Into the chamber A, above the diaphragm, opens one end of a pipe, the
other end.of which, opens centrally into the tubular portion el of yoke 6. This
pipe i, pipe and tubular-portion el constitute substantially one continuous
pressure-pipe forming a passage between the water-column and the primary valve,
with the interposed auxiliary valve, or, in other words, a direct communication
is thus established between the interior of the boiler (the water-column being to all
intents and purposes a part thereof) and. the chamber of the primary valve. The
boiler-pressure is.. constantly, maintained in the pipe and firmly .holds .the.

page_text: auxiliary-valve to its seat, that is, when the ball or sphere of the operating lever is
filled with water. When, however, the supply in the boiler falls below the lower
end of the steam-pipe B in the water column the water in the ball or sphere is
immediately displaced by the steam entering therein and returns to the column
through pipe a. The raising of this end of the lever causes the unseating of the
auxiliary-valve and the firm seating of the relief valve. The
pressure then passes
from the tubular portion e' through pipe i to the chamber of primary valve H, and
acting upon the diaphragm will effect the unseating of said primary valve. Steam
will thus bo permitted to pass from the boiler to the injector, or it may be a
feed-pump or accumulator, and after the proper quota of water has been supplied
to the boiler the ball or sphere will be again filled with water and by the tilting of
the oporating-lever the auxiliary-valve is immediately reseated, and when the
lever unseats the relief valve pressure on the diaphragm of the primary-valve is
relieved allowing the resenting of the latter and the consequent cessation of the
feeding operation, the valve being held firm to its sent, as before, by the boiler-
pressure and the spring. Should the water level reach the danger-line steam will
pass up through pipes h, b³, to the whistle and the copper pipe being expanded a
signal will be given.
In connection with an injector we employ a vacuum valve J, which is located in
suction or water-supply-pipes g. This valve is normally held firm against its seat j
in casing by the main pressure, and its rod is connected to a diaphragm in an
upper chamber, the top of the casing having an air inlet hole therein. It is
well known that in starting an injector that a vacuum is created in the suction or
water chamber as soon as the steam passes through the overflow. Hence the
vacuum in the suction pipe relieving the pressure beneath the diaphragm, the
atmospheric pressure on the top thereof will cause the unseating of valve J,
allowing the uninterrupted flow of water to the injector. As soon as the latter
ceases to work, destroying the vacuum in the suction pipe the valve J is instantly
reseated and so held by the water-pressure. This vacuum valve is graduated, that
is, it has ports of different lengths so as to control the admission of water to the
suction-pipe and make it commensurate with the suction therein. One side k of the
valve is the first to admit water upon the unseating of said valve, and with the three
remaining, sides at the lower ends of their ports are formed circular portions k³, k³, k³
of graded lengths or heights, so that as the further the valve is opened the greater
the quantity of water admitted through its ports. Each circular-portion acts like
a piston and while in alignment with the hole in the valve-seat prevents water from
passing through the porta at that point. If the pressure is or should become low
and the suction in the pipe is increased the vacuum-valve will be opened until the
necessary supply is had! If the demand is not so great and there is a high-pressure
supply the extent to which the valve is opened is. not affected by the pressure
controlled entirely by the suction in the suction-pipe. Adjoining this valve and
between it and the injector is a small drain-valve. The object of this valve is to
permit any water remaining in the suction pipe to escape after the injector ceasus
to work. Should this water remain in the pipe and continue hot before the injector
is again started it would be impossible to create a vacuum in said pipe and thus
unseat the vacuum valve, and hence we have provided this drain-valve to permit
of the escape of this water. An ordinary valve may be operated for entirely
cutting off the water supply.
but
The advantages of our invention are apparent. It will be particularly noted
that all the working parts of our feeder are outside of the boiler and hence access
can be easily had thereto for the purpose of cleansing, repairing and the like. It
will also be seen that the height of the water in the boiler controls the movement
of the operating lever, and that the latter is itself operated by the water which
enters thorein and is confined in the enlarged end thereof while the boiler is supplied
with the proper quota of water. If, however, for any cause the feeder is not
operated at the proper time, a signal is given when the danger line is reached.
The position of the lever relative to the auxiliary and relief-valves insures the

page_text: positive operation of the latter and by forming the water column with the interior
water passage-way the return of the water to the column from the lever does not iu
any way interfere with the passage of steam to the ball or sphere. The lower end
of said passage-way is always kept submerged. A. feeder thus constructed is
extremely simple and inexpensive, positive in operation; and not liable to readily
get out of order or be deranged.
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Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is
↑
1. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, primary and auxiliary-valves located
between the boiler and the feeder and both. normally closed by the boiler. pressure,
and a hollow lever for operating directly on said auxiliary-valve and having a
hollow enlarged end, said lever communicating with the interior of said boiler and
operated by the water therein, said primary valve being unseated when said
auxiliary-valve is acted upon by said lever, substantially as set forth..
"
2. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, primary and auxiliary-valves located
between the boiler and the feeder both normally closed by the boiler pressure, a
hollow lever for operating said auxiliary-valve and having a hollow enlarged end.
provided with a vent-valve, a steam pipe opening into said hollow end, said lever
and steam-pipe communicating with the interior of the boiler; substantially as set
forth..
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3. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, primary and auxiliary valves located
between the boiler and the feeder and both normally closed by the boiler pressure,
a water-column opening into the boiler and having a water-pipe extending
downwardly therein, a lever for operating said auxiliary-valve, said lever being
hollow and communicating with said water-pipe to which it is pivotally connected,
a ball or sphere on one end of said lever provided with a vent-valve, and a steain-
pipe having its inner end opening into said water-column and extending through
said column and lever, and at its other end opening into said ball or sphere,
substantially as set forth.
4. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a primary valve between said feeder
and the boiler normally held to its seat by the boiler pressure, a diaphragm to
which said valve is connected; a pressure-pipe communicating with the interior of
the boiler and opening into the casing of said primary valve above said diaphragm,
an auxiliary valve in said pressure-pipe, and a hollow lever having a spherical end
and communicating with the interior of said boiler, said lever being designed to
operate said auxiliary-valve, substantially as set forth.
"
5. A boiler feeder connected' with a boiler, a valve between said feeder and the
Hoiler, normally. held to its seat by the pressure in the latter, a pressure-pipe
communicating with the interior of the boiler connected to the casing of said valve,..
an auxiliary valve located in said pressure-pipe, and a hollow operating lever
having a spherical end and communicating with the interior of said boiler and
designed to operate said auxiliary valve, whereby said primary valve will be
operated, as set forth.
6. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a valve between said feeder and the
boiler normally held to its seat by the boiler pressure, a diaphragm to which said
valve is connected, a pressure-pipe communicating with the interior of the boiler
and opening into the casing of said valve above said diaphragm, an auxiliary valve
in said' pipe baving a projecting rod, and a hollow lover having a sphericaltend and
communicating with the interior of said boiler, said lever being located beneath
said auxiliary valve and designed to engage said rod, substantially as set forth.
7. The combination with a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting said feeder to
the boiler, a water-column opening into said. boiler, a hollow operating lever
having an enlarged end, said lever communicating with the interior of, and pivotally..
connected to, said water-column, the steam-pipe leading from said water-column

page_text: to said enlarged end of said lever, a primary-valve located in said connecting-
pipe and normally closed by the boiler-pressure, the pressure-pipe leading from
said water-column to the casing of said valve, and an auxiliary-valve located in
said pressure-pipe and designed to be unseated by said lever, whereby said former
valve will be unseated, substantially as set forth.
8. The combinationu with a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting said feeder to
the hoiler, a water-column opening into said boiler, a hollow operating lever having
an enlarged end, said lever communicating with the interior of aud pivotally
connected to said water-column, the steum-pipe leading from said water-column to
said cularged end of sid lever, a primary-valve located in said connecting-pipe'
and' normally closed by the boiler pressure, the pressure-pipe leading from said
water-column to the casing of said valve, the relief-valve located in said pressure-
pipe, an auxiliary-valve also located in said pressure-pipe, both said latter valves
being designed to be operated by said lever, substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting said feeder to
the boiler, a water-column opening into said boiler, a hollow operating-lover having
an enlarged end, said levor communicating with the interior of, and pivotally
connected to, said water-column, the steam-pipe. leading to said enlarged end of
said lever, a valve located in said connecting-pipe normally closed by the boiler
pressure, the pressure-pipe leading from said water-column to the casing of said
valve and extending substantially parallel with and above said lever, a relief-valve
normally held to its sent and located in said pressure-pipe, and an auxiliary-valve
also located in said pressure-pipe, said relief and auxiliary-valves having downwardly
extended rods designed to be alternately engaged by said lever, substantially as
Bet forth.
10. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a primary-valve between said feoder
and the boiler and normally held towards its seat by the boiler-pressure, a pressure-
pipe communicating with the interior of the boiler and connected to the casing of
said valve, an auxiliary-valve located in said pressure-pipe, a hollow operating-
lever having a spherical end and communicating with the interior of said boiler
and designed to operate said auxiliary-valve, and means for adjusting said primary-
valve whereby the reseating thereof will be prevented, as and for the purpose set
.forth..
11. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a primary-valve between said feeder
and the boiler normally held towards its seat by the boiler-pressure, a diaphragm
to which said valve is connected, a spring acting on said diaphragm, said valve
having a lower hollow extension, and an adjustable-rod having one end fitted in
said hollow extension, a pressure-pipe communicating with the interior of the boiler
and connected to the casing of said valve, an auxiliary-valve located in said
pressure-pipe, and a hollow operating-lever having a spherical end and communi-
cating with the interior of said boiler, and designed to operate said auxiliary-valve,
substantially as set forth.
12. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steam thereto,
a suction or water-supply-pipe opening into said feeder and connected to the water-
supply, and a graduated valve located in said pipe and held firmly to its seat by
said water-supply when said feeder is not in operation, said valve being unseated
when a vacuum is created in said suction pipe when steam is admitted to said
feeder and the latter is operated, the extent to which said valve is unseated being
controlled by the suction in the water-supply-pipe, as set forth.
13. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, imeans for supplying steam thereto;
a suction or water-supply pipe opening into said feeder and connected to the
water-supply, and a graduated valve located in said pipe and held firmly to its
seat by said water-supply when said feeder is not in operation, a valve-casing
having an opening therein, and a diaphragm to which said valve is connected, said
valve being unseated when a vacuum is created in said suction pipe when steam
is admitted to said feeder and the latter is operated, the extent to which said,

page_text: valve is unseated being controlled by the suction in the water-supply-pipe, asibet:
forth.
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14. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steam thereto,
a suction or water-supply-pipe opening into, said, feeder, and connected to the
water-supply, and a valve located in said pipe having a series of ports of different
lengthe, and normally held firmly to its seat by said water-supply when said feeder
is not in operation, said valve being unseated when a vacuum is created in said
suction pipe when steam is admitted to said feeder and the latter is operated, the
extent to which said valve is unseated being controlled by the suction in the water-.
supply-pipe, as set forth.
15. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steam thereto,.
a suction or water-supply-pipe opening into said feeder and connected to the water-
supply, and a valve located in said pipe having a series of ports and curved portions
of different lengths, and normally held firmly to its seat by said water-supply when
said feeder is not in operation, said valve being unseated when a vacuum is created
in suid suction pipe when steam is admitted to said feeder and the latter is operated,.
the extent to which said valve is unseated being controlled by the suction in the
water-supply pipe, as set forth.
16. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steam thereto,.
a suction pipe opening into said feeder and connected to the water-supply, a valve
designed to be automatically unseated when a vacuum is created in the suction-
pipe, and a valve in said pipe between the feeder and said former valve to permit
the escape of any water remaining in said pipe after the feeder ceases to operate,
substantially as set forth.
17. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column and primary and
auxiliary-valves, of a hollow operating-lever for operating said auxiliary-valve
communicating with anid water-columu, a yoke attached to said column and supporting
said lever, and a stop for said lever extended in line therewith and with the ends of
which stop said lever is designed to contact, as set forth.
18. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column, of a hollow-
operating-lever communicating with said water-column, a primary-valve, a.
pressure-pipe leading from said water-column to the casing of said primary-valve,.
a yoke on said water-column pivotally supporting said lever, said yoke having an
apper tubular portion above said lever forming part of said pressure-pipe, relief
and auxiliary-valves located in said tubular portion and having depending rods
designed to be engaged by said lever, and a stop for said lever extended in line
therewith and with which said lever is designed to engage, substantially as set
forth.
19. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column, an operating-lever,
and a primary valve, of a pressure-pipe leading from said water-column to said
primary-valve, the auxiliary and relief-valves located in said pressure-pipe and
designed to be forced to their seats by the pressure therein, and the cylinders.
enclosing said latter valves having holes or perforations therein above the valves,.
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
20. The combination with a boiler, of a water-column opening therein, a hollow
lever pivotally connected thereto and communicating therewith, and having an
enlarged end, a weight on the other end of said lever, a steam-pipe located in said
water column and leading to said enlarged end of said lever, a second pipe located
in said water-column and having its inner end beneath the inner end of said steam
pipe, a whistle, or the like, with which said second pipe.communicates, a thermostat
connecting said water-column to said whistic, a feeder, a pipe connecting the latter
to the boiler, a primary valve located therein norinally held to its seat by the boiler
pressure, a diaphragm to which said valve is connected, a pressure-pipe leading
from said water-column to the casing of said primary-valve above said diaphragm,
auxiliary and relief-valves located in said pressure-pipe above said lever and having
downwardly projecting rods designed to be engaged by said lever, a suction-pipe