IMPROVEMENTS IN LIQUID METERS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LIQUID METERS." A communication from abroad by Johann Nicolaus Friedrich
Valentin, of Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the Empire of Germany.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 4th September 1877.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LIQUID METERS." A communication from abroad
by Johann Nicolaus Friedrich Valentin, of Frankfort-on-the-Maine, in the Empire
of Germany.
This Invention relates to that class of meters for water and other liquids known
as pallet wheel or turbine meters, and has for its object the construction of a meter
which shall fulfil the following conditions, vizt. :-
1st. Accuracy in registering the volume of water (for example) which passes
through it.
2nd. Sensitiveness even at the lowest speed of the flow of water.
3rd. Non-liability to be affected by the disturbing influence of the backward
thrust of the water on a sudden closing of the outlet.
4th. Protection againt the injurious action of sand, rust, or other solid substances
contained in the water upon the working parts.
In carrying out this Invention in order to effect these objects the apparatus is so
arranged that the water in entering the meter passes first through a screen, then
enters an annular space, and passes through a series of oblique holes simultaneously
into an intermediate chamber containing a pallet wheel, which is caused to rotate
by the passage of the water. The pallet wheel consists of a disc carrying 4 or
more vanes or pallets.

page_text: The area of the pallets correspond to the annular space which is formed by the
outer case of the wheel chamber, the outer case of an inner chamber, and a ring or
flange projecting from the under side of the cover. This annular space is closed at
the top by a cover, and at the bottom at, say, four points only, by plates, which are
soldered to a bridge or cross piece. The water is thus allowed to escape freely
downwards out of the pallet wheel chamber, whence it flows into a lower annular
space, and is discharged through a union into the pipes, all sand, rust, and the like
being deposited at the lower part of the meter.
The rotatory motion of the pallet wheel is transmitted to the registering clock-
work by means of a train of worm gearing, operated by a worm, upon the spindle
of the pallet wheel, the spindle of the last wheel of the train passing through a
water-tight stuffing box in an upper cover to the registering mechanism, the wheels
of which are supported between a lower and an upper plate, above the latter of
which is placed the dial plate.
The gearing is made of suitable relative proportions, and a series of dials is
employed, one of which is marked with divisions for, say, from 1 to
cubic meters,
whilst the others are arranged to record respectively tens, hundreds, and thousands,
the requisite multiplying gear being employed for effecting the desired counting.
The dial plate of the water meter is covered with a glass plate; an extra metal
cover is also provided for its protection, with a hinge and bayonet-joint fastening.
The upper annular space
is so arranged as to allow ample room for the water to
flow with the least possible contraction through the oblique apertures, eight of
which, for example, may be employed. The latter direct the water at the most
favorable angle against the pallets of the pallet wheel, the water having a whirling
action, and being so conducted as to facilitate the settling of deposits, and prevent
obstruction.
The directing plates which ensure the circuitous motion of the water also enable
the speed of the rotation of the pallet wheel to be adjusted within certain limits
at the time of gauging the meter by varying their position with relation to the
outlet.
A further advantage of these directing plates is, that in case of a backward flow
of the water they direct it in a parallel direction to the pallets, and any injurious
effect of this action of the water upon the pallet wheel and its mechanism is thereby
prevented.
The pallet wheel is of light construction, its body, to which the pallets are
attached, being a thin disc, which offers no resistance to the water in rotating in
the stationary water in the inner chamber. The spindle of the pallet wheel runs
between hard steel pivots or centres, which prevent it from moving upwards or down-
wards; lateral motion is prevented by pins, which fit exactly into hollows formed
in the ends of the spindle, and enlarged at their central portion for the reception of
oil. The lower pivot or bearing is lubricated with oil flowing from a chamber
through small holes to the steel centres and fills the bearing entirely. The upper
pivot or bearing receives its supply of oil in the same manner from a conical cup
through small holes, which conduct it to the interior of the bearing. The oil being
lighter than water is unable to escape from the cup, except through small holes, for
the purpose of lubricating the bearing.
The lower bearing is protected from the effects of mud, rust, and the like, by a case,
should such substances accidentally gain access to the inner chamber. The spindle of
the pallet wheel passes through a hole bored in the cover, in which it fits loosely, and
which is of conical form, with the larger end upwards. This hole is lubricated
from below from the oil reservoir.
The inner chamber under the disc of the wheel protects the wheel from the
effects of the backward thrust or shock from the water. The chamber is screwed
into the bridge or cross piece, and carries the bearing of the pallet wheel spindle.
The ring before mentioned extends downwards from the cover to the disc of the
wheel, and its external circumference is nearly in contact with the pallets of the

page_text: pallet wheel. Thus the upper central part of the disc works in an enclosed space,
and only, say 4 small projections, carrying the pallets enter the wheel chamber.
The construction of the mechanism for communicating the motion of the pallet
wheel to the registering clockwork has the advantage, by reason of the difference
in the speed obtained by the worm wheels, that the effect produced on the pallet
wheel by the frictional resistance at the point where the spindle passes through a
water-tight stuffing box into the registering apparatus is reduced to a minimum.
The worm wheel, with which engages the worm on the spindle of the pallet
wheel, is made of as large a diameter as possible; and in order still further to reduce
the friction between the teeth of this wheel and its worm the following means of
lubrication are provided:-The wheel is made hollow so as to form a lubricating
chamber, and in the space between two of its teeth is provided with a small hole,
through which the chamber in the wheel is filled with fine oil, which then on the
rotation of the wheel flows continually on to the worm and teeth and lubricates
them. The teeth of another of the worm wheels forming part of the train of
gearing are lubricated by coming in contact with a layer of oil provided for the
purpose underneath the cover above, and which is thus conveyed to the worm.
The vertical spindle of the wheel which transmits the motion to the registering
apparatus is conical, and works in a sleeve or bearing. The central part of the
cone is turned of smaller diameter than the other portions, and the hollow thus
formed is filled with grease for lubricating and preventing leakage. The lower end
of the spindle turns upon a spring bracket of thin metal, which acts both as a
bearing and to exert pressure for maintaining the spindle in its place, and prevent
the conical part from working loose in its bearing.
In order to protect the registering apparatus from external injury the following
arrangement is adopted :-Surrounding the two plates before mentioned in a band,
which is secured by small screws to studs or projections provided for the purpose,
and when the glass cover is screwed on it serves to hold down the case carrying
the clockwork, the latter being maintained in position and prevented from turning
round by suitable studs or projections. The glass is secured to the screwed part of
the case by a screwed ring.
For the protection of the whole a metal cover is provided, turning on hinges
which admit of a slight rotation of the cover so as to cause it to engage in a bayonet
joint. This external metal cover and fastening has the advantage of protecting the
glass cover from injury, and becoming obscured by dirt, fragments, and the like.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th
March 1878.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LIQUID METERS." A communication from abroad
by Johann Nicolaus Friedrich Valentin, of Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the Empire
of Germany.
The said Invention relates to the class of meters for water and other liquids which
are known as pallet wheel or turbine meters, and has for its object the production
of a meter which shall fulfill the following conditions, videlicit :-
First. Accuracy in registering the volume of water (for example) which passes
through it.
Second. Sensitiveness even at the lowest speed of the flow of water.
Third. Non-liability to be affected by the disturbing influence of the backward
thrust of the water on a sudden closing of the outlet.
Fourth. Protection against the injurious action of sand, rust or other solid
substances contained in the water upon the working parts.
These results are attained by the construction and arrangement of ineter herein-
after described with reference to the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 of the Drawings represents a longitudinal vertical section of the
improved meter; Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the same, the section being
taken along the line A, B, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a sectional plan, the section being taken along the line C, D,
Figure 1.
Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8 are details of parts of the water meter.
Figures 6 is a view of the dial plate of the counting or registering apparatus.
Figure 9 is a detail of the pallet wheel and adjacent parts.
Figure 10 shows a train of wheels of the registering apparatus.
The water enters through a pipe A and opening A' provided with a screen a into
an annular space C, whence it passes through a series of oblique apertures c into an
intermediate chamber C¹ containing a pallet wheel D, which is caused to rotate by
the passage of the water. The pallet wheel consists of a disc d carrying four (or any
other suitable number of) vanes or pallets D.
The area of the pallets corresponds to that of the annular space, which is formed
by the outer case of the wheel chamber C¹, the outer case of an inner chamber G,
and a ring or flange f projecting from the under side of the cover F. This annular
space is closed at the top by the said cover F, and at the bottom at four points only,
videlicit, by plates h, h, which are soldered to the bridge or cross piece H, H. The
water is thus allowed to escape freely downwards out of the pallet wheel chamber C',
whence it flows into a lower annular space E, and is discharged through a union B
into the pipe B¹.
The rotating motion of the pallet wheel is transmitted to the registering apparatus
in the following manner:-The spindle L of the pallet wheel carries a worm N,
which imparts motion to a wheel N', the arbor n of which transmits motion to a
wheel O by means of a worm n¹; the spindle o of the wheel O is likewise provided
with a worm o¹, which turns a wheel P, the spindle p of which passes through a
water-tight stuffing|box in an upper cover M to the registering mechanism, the wheels
of which are supported between two plates R and R; the latter likewise supports
the dial plate S.
Figures 7 and 8 are details of the train of gearing, herein-before referred to, for
transmitting the motion of the pallet wheel to the registering mechanism.
A pinion Q (Figures 2 and 10) on the vertical spindle p is in gear with a wheel
Q, the spindle of which carries a pointer travelling over the dial plate I. and the
relative diameters of the wheel Q₁ and pinion Q are so proportioned by trials and

page_text: observations that the passage of five cubic meters of water through the meter causes
the wheel Q', Figures 6 and 10, to make one revolution.
The dial plate I. of the wheel Q' is therefore marked with 5 divisions, each of
which corresponds to the passage of one cubic meter. A small pinion X, provided
upon the arbor of the wheel Q¹, drives an intermediate wheel Z ten times its
diameter, the latter drives a wheel X10 of the same diameter as itself, the arbour of
which carries a pointer travelling over a dial plate II.; the latter is marked
with five divisions, each of which corresponds to ten cubic meters.
The arbor of the last-mentioned pointer actuates by suitable multiplying gear the
pointer of a dial plate III., registering from fifty to five hundred cubic meters, the
arbor of which in a similar manner actuates the pointer of a dial plate IV. registering
from five hundred to five thousand cubic meters.
The dial plate of the water meter is covered with a glass plate S; an additional
cover t, t, of metal is also provided for its protection, with a hinge and bayonet
joint fastening, as herein-after described.
The foregoing is a description of the general construction of the improved water
meter.
The principal points of novelty in the details of the construction are herein-after
described, being divided into eight different heads, videlicit:-
First. The inlet of the water to the pallet wheel.
Second. The outlet of the water from the pallet wheel.
Third. The pallet wheel and its construction.
Fourth. The bearing of its arbor and means for lubricating the same.
Fifth. The special appliances for protecting the pallet wheel against shocks or
concussions and the backward thrust of the water.
Sixth. The construction of the mechanism for communicating the motion of the
pallet wheel to the registering apparatus.
Seventh. The registering apparatus.
Eighth. The arrangement for protecting the indicator or registering mechanism
from external injury.
First. The inlet passage A', Figure 1, is provided with a screen a, as before
mentioned, for the purpose of preventing any large solid substance which may be
accidentally contained in the water, from being carried into the interior of the
meter. In order that the flow of water may not be impeded by the diminished
area of the passage caused by the screen, the passage A¹ is made proportionately
wide at this place. The water then flows into the annular space C, C, which is so
arranged as to allow ample room for the water to pass with the least possible
restraint, and thence through the eight oblique inlet holes c, c. The latter direct the
water at the most favourable angle against the pallets of the pallet wheel
water sets the pallet wheel in rotation, and flows away underneath it.
The
The following advantages result from this construction of the inlet passage:-
The water which is allowed to diffuse itself in the annular space C, C, is directed at
such a favorable angle into the annular passage C¹, in which the pallet D of the
pallet wheel work, that the water has a whirling motion imparted to it, that is to
say, all the atoms of water revolve in a horizontal plane, and describe a circle
almost concentric with the sides of the cylindrical case. The ensuing body of water
then presses that which was previously admitted downwards, where it spreads out
in the passage E, and flows away though the oulet passage B. Sand, rust from the
iron water pipes, and other deposit contained in the water, are prevented by this
arrangement of the inlet from injuring the pallet wheel or the mechanism of the
water meter, as they are allowed to settle in the bottom of the water meter, and all
liability to obstruction is entirely obviated.
Second. The outlet of the water from the pallet wheel is arranged in the
following manner :-As herein-before stated the water flows under the wheel round
the whole circumference of the chamber formed by the annular space E. If the
space under the pallet wheel were quite open the water would flow out, taking
the shortest course to the outlet passage. In order to prevent this, four directing

page_text: plates h, h, are provided, soldered to the four arms of the cross piece H, between
which plates the water is caused to pass into the annular space E, whence it
escapes by the outlet B.
This arrangement also enables the speed of the rotation of the pallet wheel
to be adjusted within certain limits by varying the position of the directing
plates with relation to the outlet. The flow of the water is thus accelerated or in-
peded, and consequently the speed of rotation of the pallet wheel is affected in a
like manner. This property is made available for regulating or gauging the water
meter. A further advantage of these directing plates is that in case of a backward
flow of the water they direct it in a parallel direction to the pallets, and any
injurious effect of this action of the water upon the pallet wheel and its mechanism
is thereby prevented.
Third. The construction and arrangement of the pallet wheel are based upon the
following principles -The lighter the pallet wheel of a water meter is, the more
readily it partakes of the slightest motion of the water, so by reason of its small
amount of metal its rate of rotation may be more quickly accelerated; it likewise is
promptly arrested in its motion when the water ceases to flow. The moving body
of water in this water meter acts only upon the light pallets of the wheel, which,
working between the impervious smooth sides of the annular space C¹, partake of
every motion of the water, and more especially so because the stream always
inpinges against them nearly at right angles. The body of the wheel, which consists
of a thin discs d, d, offers no resistance to the water as it rotates in the stationary
water in a chamber G.
Fourth. The following are the details of the construction and arrangement of the
bearings of the pallet wheel spindle and of the means for lubricating it :-In
mounting the spindle the greatest security against its becoming displaced should
be combined with the least possible frictional surface, and protection should also
be afforded against injury from sand, rust, and the like. The spindle should
also be maintained in a perfectly lubricated condition, whereby the
reduced.
wear is
The spindle runs between hard steel pivots or centres fixed in pins and g
secured to the case of the meter so as to prevent any longitudinal or lateral displace-
ment, the said pivots fitting exactly into hollows formed in the ends of the spindle,
and which are enlarged at their central portion for the reception of oil. The lower
pivot or bearing is lubricated with oil flowing from a chainber d', d', (supplied with
oil for this purpose) through two small holes to the steel centres, and completely
filling the chamber or hollow in which the pivot is placed.
The upper pivot or bearing receives its supply of oil in the same manner from a
conical cup through two small holes which conduct it to the interior of the
bearing.
The oil being lighter than water is unable to escape from the cup except
through the two small holes provided for the purpose of lubricating the bearing.
The want of an efficient means of lubricating the bearings which exists in other
water meters is thus supplied.
The lower bearing is protected from the effects of mud, rust, and the like
by a case g should such substances accidentally find their way into the case G.
The spindle of the pallet wheel passes through a hole bored in the cover F in
which it fits loosely, and which is of conical form with the larger end upwards.
This hole is lubricated from below from the oil reservoir d', d'.
Fifth. The pallet wheel is protected against shocks and the back thrust of the
water in the following manner-The chamber G under the disc of the wheel pro-
tects the wheel from the effects of the backward thrust or shock from the water.
The chamber G is screwed into the bridge or cross piece H, H, and carries the
bearing of the pallet wheel spindle. Impurities sink to the bottom of this chamber
and are excluded from the bearing. The upper part of the chamber is cylindrical;
its periphery extends nearly to the pallets D of the wheel, and its upper edge is
nearly in contact with the disc carrying the said pallets.

page_text: The ring ff, extends downwards from the cover F to the said disc, and its
external circumference is nearly in contact with the pallets of the pallet wheel; thus
the upper central part d', d', of the disc works in a space enclosed by the ring fand
cover F, and only four small projections carrying the pallets D enter the annular
space C in which the pallets work. The pallet wheel thus offers no resistance to
the passage of the water as its pallets are alone in contact with the moving
liquid, and follow its slightest movement as it is caused to impinge against
them nearly at right angles. The remaining portions of the wheel are not
exposed to the action of the thrust of the water.
Sixth. The construction of the mechanism for communicating the motion of the
pallet wheel to the registering apparatus bas the advantage, by reason of the great
difference in the speed obtained by the worm wheels, that the effect produced
on the pallet wheel by the frictional resistance at the point where the spindle p
(Figure 2) passes throught a water-tight stuffing box into the registering apparatus
is reduced to a minimum. The, in itself slight, frictional resistance produced at the
point p is reduced with regard to its effect on the pallet wheel in the same propor-
tion as the speed of the gearing.
In the example illustrated in the Drawing the wheel P contains forty teeth, the
wheel 30, the wheel N¹ 86, and the screws or worms have a single thread;
consequently for one revolution of the axes of the respective worms the cor-
responding wheels are moved forwards for the space of one tooth; thus the spindle L
makes 86+30+40=103,200 revolutions for one revolution of the spindle p. The
frictional resistance at P is thus reduced with regard to its effect upon the spindle
of the pallet wheel to which is an extremely small amount. The wheel N' is
the one which offers the first resistance to the spindle of the pallet wheel. In order
to reduce this resistance as much as possible the wheel N₁ is made of as large a
diameter as possible, and much larger than those in pallet wheel meters as hitherto
constructed. The proportion of the revolutions is 1 to 86; the pressure on the teeth
is consequently very slight.
1
103200
In order to still further reduce the friction between the teeth of this wheel and
its worm an efficient means of lubrication is provided. The wheel N' is made
hollow, so as to form a lubricating chainber N2, as shown in Figure 7, and, in the
interval between two of its teeth, is formed a small pole x, through which the
chamber N2 in the wheel is filled with fine oil, which then, on the rotation of the
wheel, flows continually on to the worm and teeth, and maintains them in a lubri-
cated condition. The teeth of the wheel O are lubricated by coming in contact
with a film or layer of oil provided for the purpose underneath the cover M, and
which is thus conveyed to the worm n³.
The vertical spindle p of the wheel P (Figure 2) is conical, and works in a sleeve
or bearing m; the central part of the cone is turned of smaller diameter than the
other portions, and the hollow thus formed is filled with solid grease for lubricating
the spindle and preventing leakage. The lower end of the spindle turns upon a .
spring bracket p¹ of thin metal, which acts both as a bearing and to exert pressure
for maintaining the spindle in its place, and prevent the conical part from working
loose in its bearing.
In order to obviate all liability of the cone setting fast in its bearing there is
placed in the lower cylindrical part of the bearing a fine leather washer y, which
forms an elastic shoulder bearing against a cylindrical enlargement of the spindle p.
The leather washer y also serves as an additional security against leakage, and
diminishes the liability of the water obtaining access to the gearing of the registering
mechanism.
Seventh. The following are the details of the construction and arrangement of
the registering apparatus.
As herein-before described the pinion on the spindle p gears into a small
wheel Q1, Figures 6 and 10, upon an arbor carrying the pointer over a dial I; the
proportion between the two wheels is such that the pointer is caused to travel once

page_text: completely round the dial when five cubic meters of water have passed through
the meter.
The dial I is marked with five principal divisions, each corresponding to the
passage of one cubic meter. The subdivisions enable tenths of a cubic meter to be
read off with accuracy, and twentieths of a cubic meter or fifty litres to be read off
with a close approximation to exactness.
A dial II., the pointer of which, as herein-before described, travels at one-tenth
the speed of that on the dial I., registers fifty cubic meters, that is to say, its pointer
makes one complete revolution during the passage of fifty cubic meters. This dial
is likewise marked with five principal divisions, each indicating ten cubic meters,
and the section between each two divisions is bisected and also subdivided into
ten parts.
The dial III. registers up to five hundred cubic meters, and is likewise divided
into five parts, each of which principal divisions indicates one hundred cubic meters,
the subdivisions indicate fifty and ten cubic meters respectively.
The dial IV. indicates five thousand cubic meters, and has five principal divisions
indicating each one thousand cubic meters, the semi-divisions (having five subdi-
visions) indicate each five hundred cubic meters.
It is obvious that the apparatus may be adapted to any unit of measure according
to the standard in use at the place where the meter is to be applied.
Eighth. The following arrangements are adopted for the purpose of protecting
the registering apparatus from external injury:-A metal band or hoop 2, 1, is
provided, which surrounds the two plates R', R, herein-before referred to, and is
secured by small screws to studs or projections q, Figure 6. When the glass cover
is screwed on it serves to hold down the case carrying the indicating mechanism.
This case is retained in its proper position by studs or projections 1, 2, Figure 1 ;
two studs or projections 1 serve to maintain it at the proper distance from the
cover M, and two studs or projections, which enter the cover, prevent it from
turning round. The glass S is secured to the screwed part of the case by a screwed
ring 8. For the protection of the whole a metal cover t is provided turning on
hinges t³, t, (Figures 1 and 5) which admit of a slight rotation of the cover in a
horizontal plane, so as to cause it to engage in a bayonet joint, shown at t³ in
Figure 4. This external metal cover and fastening has the advantage of protecting
the glass cover from injury and becoming obscured by dirt, fraginents, and the like.
Water meters are frequently located in a pit where they are liable to be covered
with dirt or seriously injured by falling stones, earth, and the like.
By the use of the protecting cover the inconvenience herein-before referred to is
obviated, the dial plate being maintained clean and unobscured, so that the reading
may be readily taken by the person in charge of the meter on opening the cover.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The annular channel C for conducting the water at a number of points
simultaneously upon the pallet wheel, substantially as herein-before described."
Second. The peculiar arrangement whereby the flow of the water in the meter is
caused to take place in a downward direction in order to effect the deposit in the
lower part of the meter of any extraneous matters which may be contained in the
water, substantially as herein-before described.
Third. The directing plates h, h, which conduct the water from the pallet wheel
to the outlet passage E, and at the same time serve to prevent a backward thrust
of the water from exercising any injurious influence upon the pallet wheel, and also
facilitate the adjustment or gauging of the meter, substantially as herein-before
described.
Fourth. The peculiar construction of pallet wheel, substantially as herein-before
described.

page_text: Fifth. The bearing and means for lubricating the upper and lower pivots of the
spindle of the pallet wheel, substantially as herein-before described.
Sixth. The employment of the chamber G and ring f for the purpose of
protecting the pallet wheel from shocks or concussions, substantially as herein-
before described.
Seventh. The mode of lubricating the wheel N', substantially as herein-before
described.
Eighth. The bearing and means for lubricating the spindle p, substantially as
herein-before described.
Ninth. The employment of a metal protecting cover for the dial plate, substan-
tially as herein-before described.
Tenth. The peculiar construction, arrangement, and combination of parts forming
a liquid meter, substantially as herein-before described, and illustrated by the
accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, the First day of March, One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (LS)