IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY VALVES AND SELF-ACTING APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING EXPLOSIONS OF OR INJURY TO BOILERS OR GENERATORS CONTAINING STEAM OR OTHER FLUIDS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO STEAM AND HYDRAULIC VALVES
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Walter Charles Church, of Lombard Street, in
the City of London, Consulting and Mechanical Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY VALVES AND SELF-ACTING APPARATUS
FOR PREVENTING EXPLOSIONS OF OR INJURY TO BOILERS OR GENERATORS
CONTAINING STEAM OR OTHER FLUIDS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE
APPLICABLE TO STEAM AND HYDRAULIC VALVES."
Sealed the 31st December 1872, and dated the 14th November 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Walter Charles' Church
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 14th November 1872.
I, WALTER CHARLES CHURCH, of Lombard Street, in the City of
London, Consulting and Mechanical Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY VALVES AND
SELF-ACTING APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING EXPLOSIONS OF OR INJURY TO BOILERS
OR GENERATORS CONTAINING STEAM OR OTHER FLUIDS, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO STEAM AND HYDRAULIC VALVES," to be
as follows:-
This Invention relates partly to improvements in the safety apparatus

page_text: fication of my Patent, No. 3169, in the year of our Lord 1868, and has
for its object the preventing any excess of pressure in the boiler or
generator beyond that to which the safety valve is loaded, as the steam
or other fluid under all circumstances will escape as fast as it is
generated, so soon as the pressure in the boiler or generator commences
to open the safety valve. Also the prevention of explosions and injury
to steam boilers or generators and the engines connected therewith
arising from the water level becoming either too low or too high
therein.
According to one part of my Invention I employ a compound safety
valve of a peculiar construction, which can be combined or not as
preferred, in one apparatus with a peculiar self-acting feed apparatus
applicable for working a donkey pump or injector, or for permitting the
boiler to be fed by head pressure alone, or for extinguishing the furnace
fires, and with a peculiar self-acting water-level regulator.
The improved safety valve is partly constructed as described in my
said former Specification, the face of the main valve being of an
annular form and fitting over a corresponding valve seating, also of an
annular form. This valve is loaded to the annular area or opening
which is in connection with the boiler or generator. On the top of the
main valve I apply according to my present Invention a regulating
valve of an annular form and peculiar construction which rests upon
an annular steam outlet in the top of the main valve, and is maintained
in a concentric position on the main valve by a suitable guide. The
steam or other fluid so soon as the main valve begins to be lifted from
its seating by the pressure in the boiler or generator blows off both
externally and internally. The steam which blows off or escapes
internally presses vertically upon the internal area of the main valve,
which vertical accumulated pressure is due to the weight to which the
regulating valve is made or loaded to, so that when the regulating valve
is raised from its seating the accumulated pressure continues to escape
both externally and internally to the atmosphere so long as the main
valve is kept raised from its seating, thereby insuring a free escape of
steam or other fluids from the boiler or generator as quickly as they are
gencrated, thus preventing any accumulation of the same beyond
that to which the main valve is loaded.
The object of the regulating valve is to limit the height to which
the main valve would otherwise be raised by preventing the

page_text: accumulated pressure from exceeding that which is necessary to
maintain the main valve in its elevated position, the said regulating
valve opening and allowing the steam to escape from the interior of the
main valve when the accumulated pressure has obtained its required
force. The regulating valve is weighted independently of the main
valve or may be made of the requisite weight, and is capable of being
lifted by hand when required by a lever of its own, which is fixed to
a fulcrum attached to the lever of the main valve; when a lever is
used for keeping the main valve to its seating or to a bracket or stud
attached to the cover or seating when the main valve is loaded direct or
with springs, a check being provided above the said lever to prevent it
from being fraudulently used for putting any extra weight or pressure on
the main safety valve.
In connection with the lower part of the chamber forming the
seating for the main valve I make a small opening covered by a conical
or other valve which leads into two passages communicating
respectively with a piston ram working in a cylinder and having a
larger area at one end than at the other, and with an escape tap or
valve in connection with a detector, as hereiu-after described. The
stem of the piston ram carries a slide valve or valves as required, which
are in a chest or chamber bolted to the safety valve seating, and are
therefore in constant communication with the steam or other fluids in
the boiler or generator. The said slide valve or valves open or close, as
the case may be, a communication with the boiler furnaces or with a
donkey engine or injector. Or, if preferred, the slide valves may be
employed in the said chest or chamber, the one in communication with
the furnace, and the other with the boiler feeding apparatus. When
the water is at its proper level in the boiler the said slide valve or
valves remain closed, but before the water can become so low as to
endanger the safety of the boiler a float in connection with a counter-
balanced lever in the steam chest, herein-after referred to, will by its
descent draw down the said lever and open the valve, by which steam
or other fluid is admitted to act upon the larger end of the piston ram,
thereby forcing it forward and opening the slide valve or valves before
mentioned, which will remain open until the proper water level has
been restored, or until the attendant has opened the escape tap or valve
before referred to, in doing which he admits steam on to a valve which
is kept closed by resting upon a piece of glass, but so soon as the said
A 2

page_text: valve is pressed upon by the steam it fractures the glass in the act of
opening and thus serves as a tell-tale or detector, indicating that the
water or other liquid level has been allowed to get too low in the boiler
or generator. Should the escape tap not be opened the continued flow
of steam into the boiler furnace would effectually extinguish it. Thus t
it will be seen that provision is made for damping or extinguishing the
boiler fire, starting a donkey engine or injector, and detecting or
indicating the fact by self-acting apparatus which is completely beyond
the control of the attendant, excepting through the detector escape tap.
Should the water level become too high in the boiler the consequent
rising of the float is made to act through a rod and separate lever upon
the before-mentioned counterbalanced lever, when the same result will
be obtained as when the water level becomes too low.
The whole of the above-described working parts in connection with
the self-acting feed and water-level regulator are enclosed in a metal
casing or steam chest at any convenient height above the boiler, and in
order to feed the boiler at any time and to ascertain that the said
apparatus is in proper working order, provision is made for setting the
same at work by hand through the intervention of a lever which is
mounted on a spindle working steam-tight through the side of the
steam chest, a small arm or tappet on the said spindle serving to lift
the counterweighted end of the internal lever when the external lever
is pulled down.
To prevent the internal counterweighted lever from sticking fast it is
mounted upon conical centres in lieu of upon an ordinary joint pin,
the same arrangement being applied for connecting the spindle which
holds the small starting valve up to its seating to the end of the
internal counterweighted lever. At the same time that the steam or
other fluid is acting upon the larger end of the piston ram, it is also
allowed to fill the enclosed chamber under the main safety valve, and
by its accumulated pressure therein to lift the same from its seating,
thus relieving the boiler from pressure, at the same time that the fire
is being extinguished and fresh feed water is being supplied to the
boiler or generator.
According to a modified arrangement of the herein-before described
apparatus I dispense with the piston ram, and substitute therefor two
self-acting compound circular valves (capable of being worked by hand
when required) of different areas mounted on one spindle. Steam or

page_text: other fluid pressure is admitted to the larger valve by the opening of
the before-mentioned starting valve which is connected to one end of
the internal counterweighted lever. The pressure acting on the larger
valve forces it against a seat, at the same time forcing the smaller valve
from off its seat, thereby allowing steam to pass at once by a pipe or
pipes to a donkey pump or injector, or into the furnace for the purpose
of extinguishing the fire, as the case may be, whilst at the same time
the steam by its pressure also opens a compound water valve and allows
water to enter the injector or to pass into the boiler furnace to
extinguish the same, or where a pressure of water in excess of that of
the steam or other fluid in the boiler is attainable, then the water may
be fed into the boiler against such pressure without the intervention
either of a donkey pump or injector. When the water has attained its
proper level the consequent rising of the float restores the apparatus to
its normal position again.
A vent pipe communicating with the atmosphere is provided between
the before-mentioned larger valve or valves and their seats, to relieve
them from any counter-pressure sufficient to destroy their action.
The herein-before described tell-tale or detector escape valve is also
combined with this modification, the whole being self-contained.
The float which is suspended from the internal counterweighted lever
and which serves to open the starting valve when the water level
becomes too low, may in the case of marine or locomotive boilers
be steadied by stays consisting of jointed rods or chains inside the
boiler.
My improved self-acting apparatus for preventing the water level
becoming too high in the boiler, consists of a somewhat similar arrange-
ment of self-acting compound circular valves to that last described, also
brought into action by a small starting valve which is opened by the
steam pressure in the boiler so soon as it is relieved from the weight of
a buoyant float suspended thereto by the water level becoming too high.
When the larger one of the two circular valves is forced up to its seat,
the smaller one is raised from off its seat (the two valves being
connected together) and allows the excess of water in the boiler to
escape until the proper water level is restored, whereupon the dead
weight of the float draws down the starting valve on to its scat and
closes the same. The said starting valve is kept central by a guiding

page_text: socket in the centre of the larger circular valve; vent holes are also
provided in the end of the guiding socket opening into the chamber
between the circular valve and its seat, such chamber being in com-
munication with the atmosphere by a vent pipe as and for the purpose
herein-before described.
In order to work this apparatus by hand for the purpose of blowing
off the scum from the surface of the water in the boiler when required,
an internal lever worked by hand from the outside, as herein-before
described, lifts the float and by relieving the starting valve of its weight
allows the steam to act upon the larger circular valve, when the same
action takes place to that already described. The said internal lever
when moved in a contrary direction is also made to lift the end of the
internal counterweighted lever herein-before described, and thereby
starts the feed apparatus when required.
The same arrangement of starting valve and self-acting compound
circular valves is applicable as a blow-off valve for discharging the
mud or sediment from the bottom of fresh water boilers, or the salt
from boilers using salt water, and is also applicable as a steam or
hydraulic valve, more particularly in those cases where a sudden and
large opening is required.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Walter Charles Church in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 14th May 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WALTER
CHARLES CHURCH, of Lombard Street, in the City of London, Con-
sulting and Mechanical Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in
the thirty-sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said Walter Charles Church,
Her special license that I, the said Walter Charles Church, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Walter Charles Church, executors, administrators, or assigns,

page_text: "
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and
at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle
of Man, an Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN SAFETY VALVES AND SELF-
ACTING APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING EXPLOSIONS OF OR INJURY TO BOILERS OR
GENERATORS CONTAINING STEAM OR OTHER FLUIDS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVE-
MENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO STEAM AND HYDRAULIC VALVES," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Walter Charles Church,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Walter Charles Church, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is
to say:
My said Invention relates partly to improvements in the safety
apparatus in connection with steam generators or boilers described in the
Specification of my Patent Number 3169, A.D. 1868, and has for its object
the preventing any excess of pressure in the boiler or generator beyond
that to which the safety valve is loaded, as the steam or other fluid under
all circumstances will escape as fast as it is generated so soon as the
pressure in the boiler or generator commences to open the safety valve.
Also the prevention of explosions and injury to steam boilers or generators
and the engines connected therewith arising from the water level
becoming either too low or too high therein.
According to one part of my Invention I employ a compound safety
valve of a peculiar construction, which can be combined or not as pre-
ferred in one apparatus, with a peculiar self-acting feed apparatus
applicable for working a donkey pump or injector, or for permitting the
boiler to be fed by head pressure alone, or for extinguishing the furnace
fires, and with a peculiar self-acting water level regulator.

page_text: And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose
shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed two Sheets of Drawings,
which are drawn to a scale of one quarter the full size, the same letters
of reference indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) represents a longitudinal vertical section of one
arrangement of my improved combined safety apparatus for steam boilers
or generators, parts of which are shown in clevation and taken along the
line 1-2, in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a corresponding plan of the same
with the main safety valve removed from its seat and with the left
hand portion of the cylinders, casing, slide valve, and seating in hori-
zontal section, showing the ram and other parts in elevation. Figure 3
is a transverse vertical section taken along the line 3-4, in Figure 1,
parts of which are shown in elevation. Figure 4 is a horizontal section
taken along the line 5-6, in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a side elevation
corresponding to Figure 1. Figure 6 is a corresponding plan. Figure 7
is an end elevation of the apparatus looking on the left hand end of
Figure 1.
The rest of the Figures are details which I shall herein-after more
fully describe and refer to in the course of my description.
My improved safety valve A shewn in section at Figures 1 and 3, and
in sectional detail and plan at Figures 8 and 9, is partly constructed as
described in my said former Specification, the face a of the main valve
being of an annular form and fitting over a corresponding valve
seating b, also of an annular form shown at Figures 1, 2, and 3. This
valve A is loaded by the lever B, shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, and in
detail at Figure 10, or can be loaded in any other manner either by dead
weights direct, or by springs, and is loaded to the annular area or opening
which is in connection with the boiler or generator through the
passage C, shown in section at Figures 1 and 3 and in plan at Figure 2.
On the top of the main valve A I apply according to my present
Invention a regulating valve D (shown in section at Figures 1 and 3,
and in detail section and plan at Figures 11 and 12) of an annular form
and peculiar construction, which rests upon an annular steam outlet c in
the top of the main valve, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, and is maintained
in a concentric position on the main valve by the tubular guide d which
surrounds the spindle e connected with the lever B, shown in Figures

page_text: 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7. The steam or other fluid, so soon as the main valve A
begins to be lifted from its seating by the pressure in the boiler or
generator pressing upon the annular area a of the main valve A, blows
off both externally and internally. The steam which blows off or escapes
internally presses vertically upon the total internal area of the main
valve A, which vertical accumulated pressure is due to the weight to
which the regulating valve D is made or loaded to, so that when the
regulating valve D is raised from its seating c the accumulated pressure
continues to escape both externally and internally to the atmosphere so
long as the main valve A is kept raised from its seating b, thereby
insuring a free escape of steam or other fluids from the boiler or
generator as quickly as they are generated, thus preventing any accumu-
lation of the same beyond that to which the main valve A is loaded.
The object of the regulating valve D shown in section at Figures 1
and 3, and in detail section and plan at Figures 11 and 12, is to limit the
height to which the main valve would otherwise be raised by preventing
the accumulated pressure from exceeding that which is necessary to
maintain the main valve A in its elevated position, the said regulating
valve D opening and allowing the steam to escape from the interior of
the main valve when the accumulated pressure has obtained its required
force. The regulating valve D is weighted independently of the main
valve, or may be made of the requisite weight, as shewn in my Drawings,
and is capable of being lifted by hand when required by a forked lever E
of its own shown in Figures 1 and 5, and partly dotted under the main
lever in Figure 6, and shown in detail at Figure 13.
If the steam or fluid is escaping from the boiler or generator below
that pressure to which the main valve A is loaded (which might be
caused by the accumulated pressure acting upon the total internal
area of the main valve A), this accumulated pressure is allowed to
escape to the atmosphere by lifting the regulating valve D from its
seating by means of the lever E, by reason of the annular area of the
seating c on the top of the main valve A being greater than one-half of
the annular area of the seating in connection with the boiler or
generator, whilst at the same time an additional weight is given through
the spindle e on to the main valve A by reason of the position of the
fulcrum of the lever E on the main lever B. The lever E is fixed to a
fulcrum attached to the lever B of the main valve (when a lever is
used for keeping the main valve to its seating, as shewn in my Drawings,

page_text: Sheet 1), or to a bracket or stud attached to the cover or scating when
the main valve is loaded direct or with springs, as shewn on Sheet 2,
and herein-after described, a check being provided in the case of a
lock-up valve above the said lever to prevent it from being fraudulently
used for putting any extra weight or pressure on the main safety
valve.
The lower part of the main valve scating g, as shown in Figures 1 and
3, has a boss formed upon it, which is bored out to receive a conical or
other valve i (shown in section in Figures 1 and 3, and in detail plan at
Figure 14, and herein-after referred to as the starting valve). A small
hole (shown in Figures 1 and 3, Sheet 1) is formed in the bottom of
of the chamber g, forming the main valve seating, and leads into two
passages and l, herein-after referred to. This small hole h is covered
by the conical or other valve i, of small holes or slots being made near
the periphery of the valve, as shown in Figure 14, for the purpose of
allowing the steam to pass through the hole h when the valve i is drawn
away from its seating.
One of the before-mentioned passages / communicates with a piston
ram m, m', working in a cylinder n, n³, and having a larger area at one
end of the ram m³, which is turned to a slightly smaller diameter than
the cylinder n', and has a groove turned in it, into which a piston ring
of an L shaped section is sprung. The smaller end m of the ram is
formed with a collar or junk ring fitting on to the ram, and having an
L shaped packing ring fitted between the junk ring and the body of the
piston ram working in the smaller cylinder n, and shown in Figures 1
and 2, Sheet 1. The action of these rings is described in the Specifi-
cation of Letters Patent granted to me, No. 563, A.D. 1872.
The other passage 1, Figure 3, at right angles to k communicates with
an escape tap or valve o (Figure 3) in connection with a detector, as
herein-after described.
Figure 15 is a detail end elevation of the junk ring or collar on the
smaller end m of the piston ram, having small holes shown for the
purpose of allowing the steam to get to the metallic packing ring.
The stem of the piston ram carries a slide valve or valves as required,
one valve p only being shewn in my Drawings, and illustrated in detail
at Figure 16. This valve is disposed in a chest or chamber F, shown in
section, Figures 1 and 2, in elevation, Figure 5 and 7, and in plan,

page_text: Figure 6, bolted to the casting containing the safety valve seating, and
is in constant communication with the steam or other fluids in the
boiler or generator through the steam chest or chamber G, and pas-
sage C, C. The said slide valve p opens or closes by self-action as the
case may be, and can be set up so as to have a communication through
the pipe q, as shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, Sheet 1, and in detail,
Figure 17,) with the boiler furnaces or with a donkey engine (or with
an injector, as herein-after described) with reference to Sheet 2. Or if
preferred two slide valves may be employed in the said chest or chamber,
the one in communication with the furnace, and the other with the
boiler feeding apparatus. Or a single slide valve may be used com-
municating through one orifice with two or more branch pipes leading
to a donkey engine, and to the boiler furnaces. When the water is at
its proper level in the boiler the said slide valve or valves p remain
closed, but before the water can become so low as to endanger the safety
of the boiler a float connected at r with a shackle, Figure 1, Sheet 1, to
the counterbalanced lever H, shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, and in detail
at Figure 18 in the steam chest G will by its descent draw down the said
lever H, and open the starting valve I, by which steam or other fluid is
admitted through the passage k and the small hole z, as shown in
Figure 1, Sheet 1. The object of making the hole z small is for the
purpose of allowing the steam to enter slowly on to the larger arca of
the ram m³, so as to prevent it from being jerked or forced forward
too suddenly when opening the slide valve p.
Any steam that may escape past the metallic packing rings of the
large or small end of the piston ram by leakage when first put to work
is allowed to escape through the annular groove j, shown in Figures 1
and 2, Sheet 1, turned in the flange of the larger cylinder n³, and
through the small holes bored through the side of the flanges, to the
atmosphere, as shown in Figure 1, Sheet 1. The steam or fluid acting
upon the larger end m³ of the piston ram forces it forwards against the
pressure that exists on the smaller end of the piston ram m, thereby
opening the slide valve or valves p, before-mentioned, which will remain
open until the proper water level has been restored, or until the
attendant has opened the escape tap or valve o before referred to.
The object of the escape tap or valve o is to enable the attendant to
prevent the steam from putting out the fire (if the apparatus is so
arranged for that purpose) and thereby supplying the deficiency of

page_text: water in the boiler, but by opening the tap or valve o he admits steam
through the holes or passages 11, 12, (shown in Figure 3, Sheet 1) on to a
valve s. The area of the holes 1, 2, is double the area of the hole h
before referred to, leading into the passages & and 1, so that when the
escape tap or valve o is opened the steam is allowed freely to escape to
the atmosphere, thereby relieving the pressure from the area of the
ram m', and the pressure of steam or fluid in the chamber F acting on
the area of the small end m of the ram will force it back to its normal
position, and thus close the slide valve p, as shown at Figures 1 and 2,
Sheet 1.
The steam will continue to blow out to the atmosphere through the
passages, Figure 3, on the detector until the water is again restored to
its proper level in the boiler or generator, whereupon the weight of the
float being relieved from the lever H the counterbalancing weight falls
and closes the starting valve i, as herein-before referred to.
The valve s is kept closed by resting upon a piece of glass t, but so
soon as the said valve s is pressed upon by the steam it fractures the
glass in the act of opening, allowing the steam to escape by the lateral
apertures or holes u, shown in Figures 3, 5, and 7, and thus serves as a
tell-tale or detector, indicating that the water or other liquid level has
been allowed to get too low in the boiler or generator. The glass
cannot be replaced without detection, as the nut t¹ securing the glass in
its place is screwed home by means of two holes in the nut (shown in
Figure 3, Sheet 1) which are afterwards filled with lead and marked
with a private stamp. Should the escape tap or valve o not be opened
the continued flow of steam into the boiler furnace through the pipe q
would effectually extinguish the fire. Thus it will be seen that provision
is made for damping or extinguishing the boiler fire, starting a donkey
engine (if set up for that purpose) and detecting or indicating the fact
by self-acting apparatus which is completely beyond the control of the
attendant, excepting through the detector escape tap or valve o.
The whole of the above described working parts in connection with
the self-acting feed and water level regulator are enclosed in metal
casings at any convenient height above the boiler, and in order to feed
the boiler at any time, and to ascertain that the said apparatus is in
proper working order provision is made for setting the same at work by
hand through the intervention of a lever I, shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5,

page_text: 6, and 7, and in detail at Figure 19, which lever is mounted on a
spindle K, shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and in detail
Figure 20, working steam tight through a stuffing box L in the side of
the steam chest G, a small arm or tappet on the said spindle (as
shown in Figure 1, and in detail at Figure 20) serving to lift the
counterweighted end of the internal lever H when the external lever I
is pulled down by hand.
To prevent the internal counterweighted lever H from sticking fast,
it is mounted upon conical centres formed inside a bracket M (shown in
Figures 1, 3, and 4, and in detail at Figure 21), in lieu of upon an
ordinary joint pin, the said bracket being secured to the steam chest G
by a nut w. The same arrangement of conical centres is applied (as
shewn in detail at Figure 22) for connecting the spindle x which holds
the small starting valve i up to its seating to the end of the internal
counterweighted lever H. At the same time that the steam or other
fluid is acting upon the larger end m³ of the piston ram (if the pressure
in the boiler is insufficient to lift the main valve A through the annular
seating direct from the boiler), the steam which fills the chamber g
presses upon the total internal area of the main valve A, entering by
the small hole or orifice y (shown at Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1), and
lifts the main valve A from its seating, thereby relieving the boiler from
pressure, but by raising the regulating valve D with the lever E, the
main valve A is again allowed to fall to its seating at the same time that
the fire is being extinguished, and fresh feed water is being supplied to
the boiler or generator.
Figure 1 (Sheet 2) is a longitudinal vertical section of a modified
arrangement of my improved combined safety apparatus for steam
generators or boilers taken along the line 1-2, in Figure 2. Figure 2 is
a corresponding plan thereof partly in section, with the main safety
valve removed to shew the seating, and with the upper mitre valves
exposed; Figure 3 is an end elevation looking on the left hand end of
Figure 1; Figure 4 is a similar view of the opposite end of the
apparatus; Figure 5 is a vertical section taken along the line 3-4, in
Figure 1; Figure 6 is a similar section taken along the line 5-6, in
Figure 1; Figure 7 is a horizontal section taken along the line 7-8,
in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a vertical section taken along the line 9-10, in
Figure 1.

page_text: Ine TCST OF the Figures are detans which I shall herein-alter more
fully describe and refer to in the course of my description of this
apparatus.
According to this arrangement of the apparatus I dispense with the
piston rams m, m³, as shown on Sheet 1 of my Drawings, and substitute
therefor two self-acting compound circular or mushroom valves m, m²,
(capable of having steam admitted to them by hand when required, as
herein-after described) of different areas mounted on one spindle. Steam
or other fluid pressure is admitted to the larger valve m¹ by the opening
of the before-mentioned starting valve i (shown in Figures 1 and 5, and
in detail plan at Figure 9, Sheet 2) which is connected by a small pin to
the spindle x, such spindle being connected to one end of the internal
counterweighted lever H by conical centres (as herein-before described
in reference to Sheet 1, and shown in Figures 1 and 5, and in detail,
Figure 10, on Sheet 2). The pressure acting on the larger valve m¹ by
the opening of the valve i, caused by a deficiency of water in the boiler
or generator, hercin-before described, forces it against a scat m¹, at the
same time forcing the smaller valve m from off its scat. The area of the
smaller valve scating m must be greater than the area of the pipe or
pipes q, so that the pipe or pipes q will not carry off the pressure passing
along the passage G", and so that the pressure in the passage G" will
also raise or force the compound valve n¹ against its seating n", and the
mitre valve n from off its seating, so as to allow the water to pass down
the pipe o' and along the pipe q', the smaller valve m being forced from
its seat allows the steam to pass round by the pipe G¹and passage Gч, as
shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Sheet 2, and thence by a pipe or pipes
(one pipe only being shown) at q to a donkey pump, or to an injector,
or into the furnace (in conjunction or not with a donkey pump or
injector), for the purpose of extinguishing the fire as may be required,
whilst at the same time the steam by its pressure also opens a compound
water valve, consisting of two valves n, n³, Figures 1 and 8, secured to
one spindle, the valve n being of larger area than the valve n, as shewn
clearly in the sections, Figures 1 and 8. The lifting of the valve n' by
the pressure of the steam in the passage G" opens the valve n, and
allows water from the pipe o' to enter the injector or to pass into the
boiler furnace to extinguish the same by the pipe or pipes q¹, or where
a pressure of water in excess of that of the steam or other fluid in the
boiler is attainable from a reservoir or accumulator then the water may

page_text: be fed into the boiler against such pressure without the intervention
either of a feed pump, donkey pump, or injector. When the water has
attained its proper level again, the consequent rising of the float causes
the end of the lever H to rise, to which is attached the spindle x and
starting valve i, thereby closing the hole h. As soon as the starting
valve i is closed the mitre valve m is then forced to its seating by the
pressure of steam from the boiler or generator in the pipe G¹, pressing
upon the area of the back of the mitre valve m, as shown in section at
Figures 1 and 5, Sheet 2.
As soon as the mitre valve m is closed, thereby shutting off the steam
pressure from the passage G", the water valve n closes by the pressure of
the water acting upon the back of the mitre valve n, as shown in section
in Figures 1 and 8, Sheet 2. The consequent rising of the float restores
the apparatus to its normal position, as shown by the Drawing on
Sheet 2.
It is obvious that the compound water valves n, n¹, (Sheet 2) may be
combined with the apparatus herein-before described and illustrated on
Sheet 1, whereby such apparatus will be rendered capable of feeding the
boiler or generator. Vent pipes p', as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 8,
communicating with the atmosphere are provided between the before-
mentioned larger valves m¹ and n¹ (see Figures 1, 2, 3, and 8, Sheet 2)
and their seats m" and n" in order to relieve them from any counter
pressure being realised between the valves m², n', and their seats m¹¹, n",
sufficient to destroy their action.
The herein-before described tell-tale or detector escape valve o and s
is also combined with this modification of my apparatus, as shown at
Figures 1 and 3, the entire apparatus being self contained. Figure 19
is a detail place of the screwed nut which holds the glass of the detector
in its place, shown in Figure 1, the use of which has been herein-before
described. The float which is suspended from the point r on the
internal counterweighted lever H, and which serves to open the starting
valve i when the water level becomes too low may in the case of marine
or locomotive boilers be steadied by stays (not shown in my Drawings)
consisting of jointed rods or chains inside the boiler.
My improved self-acting apparatus for preventing the water level
becoming too high in the boiler consists of a somewhat similar arrange-
ment of self-acting compound circular valves r, r, (Figures 1 and C), to

page_text: that last described, also brought into action by a small starting valve i
which is opened by the steam pressure in the boiler so soon as it is
relieved from the weight of a buoyant float (suspended thereto), by the
fact of the water level becoming too high.
The stem of the starting valve is connected by a shackle to a slotted
link s¹, the lower end of which is connected to a rod or chain (not shewn
in my Drawings) having a buoyant float attached thereto.
When the larger one r¹ of the two circular valves is forced up to its
seat, the smaller one is raised from off its seat (the two valves being
connected together) and allows the excess of water in the boiler
escape by the bent pipe ¹, and out by the branch " until the proper
water level is restored, whereupon the weight of the float hanging to
the link s¹ draws down the starting valve on to its seat and closes the
same. As soon as the valve is closed the mitre valve is then forced
to its seating by the pressure in the boiler or generator acting upon the
area of the valve as shown in Figures 1 and 6, Sheet 2. The said
starting valve ¹ is kept central by a guiding socket in the centre of the
larger circular valve ; vent holes are also provided in the end of the
guiding socket as shown in section in Figure 1 opening into the chamber
between the circular valve r¹ and its seat 11, such chamber being in
communication with the atmosphere by a vent pipe p" (Figures 1
and 2), as and for the purpose herein-before described. In order to
work this apparatus by hand for the purpose of blowing off the scum
from the surface of the water in the boiler, when required an internal
lever v mounted on the spindle K, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7, and in detail at- (Figure 12), which is worked by hand from a
weighted lever I, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and in detail
at (Figure 13), on the outside, as herein-before described, lifts the float by
bearing against the upper end of the slot in the link s¹, and by relieving
the starting valve of the weight of the said float allows the steam to
act upon the larger circular valve ¹, when the same action takes place
as that already described. The opposite end of the said internal
lever v', when moved by hand in a contrary direction, is also made to lift
he end of the internal counterweighted lever H, herein-before described,
and thereby starts the feed apparatus, donkey engine, injector, or
extinguishes the boiler fires without in any way interfering with the
tell-tale o and s, as herein-before described, and by such means indicating
whether all the parts are in working condition.

page_text: The same arrangement of starting valve and self-acting compound
circular valves r, r¹, is applicable as a blow-off valve for discharging the
mud or sediment from the bottom of fresh water boilers, or the salt from
boilers using salt water; the arrangement as shown acting as a scum
valve, which can be used as often as required, and as herein-before
described. It is also applicable as a steam or hydraulic valve, more
particularly in those cases where a sudden and large opening is required.
This apparatus may also be obviously applied to or combined with the
safety apparatus herein-before described, and illustrated on Sheet 1 of
my Drawings.
The regulating valve D, shown in section at Figure 1, and in detail at
Figures 14 and 15, is constructed similarly to that herein-before described
with reference to Sheet 1 of my Drawings, and is capable of being lifted
by hand when required by the lever E, shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, and
in detail at Figure 16. This lever is forked at its inner end, and
embraces the upper end of the guide d. In the central part of the
annual regulating valve D it works on a fulcrum e¹ in a stud outside the
valve casing, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, and is prevented from being
lifted so as to increase the pressure on the main safety valve A by the
check or stop f¹, situate above the lever E, shown in Figures 3 and 4.
The main safety valve A, shown in section at Figure 1, and in detail at
Figures 17 and 18) is also of a similar construction and action to that
already described for Sheet 1; but on Sheet 2 I have represented the
safety valve as a "lock-up" valve, it being inclosed within the casing N,
and weighted direct by the weights B resting on a collar on the spindle e
in lieu of by the lever B, as herein-before described for Sheet 1. O is the
blow-off pipe of the safety valve on Sheet 2.
The various apparatus herein-before described for effecting self-acting
feed, and for damping or extinguishing the boiler or furnace fires, also
the compound safety valve, and the high water indicator or scum valve,
can be combined, as shown on the Drawings, or can be used separately
as and for the purposes herein-before set forth and illustrated by my
Drawings.
In comparing the advantages to be obtained by the use of my com-
pound annular safety valve A, as shown on Drawings Sheets 1 and 2,
with a 4-inch ordinary mushroom valve, I can blow off or relieve the
boiler or generator from the steam or pressure as quickly as it is
generated, which is not accomplished by an ordinary mushroom valve.
B

page_text: The circumferential length of the outer annular area of my compound
safety valve seating 6 is about 2 feet 9 inches, and the circumferential
length of the inner annular area is about 2 feet 7 inches, or the total
circumferential lengths of the outer and inner safety valve seating b is
about 5 ft. 5 inches, as shown one quarter the full size in Figure 2,
Sheets 1 and 2. The total annular area of the main valve seating b
exposed to the vertical pressure in the boiler or generator is about
12 square inches, as shown in Figure 2, Sheets 1 and 2. In an ordinary
mushroom valve of 4 inches diameter the circumferential length of the
seating is about 1 ft. and inch, and the total area of the valve seating
is about 12 square inches, thereby showing from these dimensions that
my compound annular safety valve A will blow off more steam than five
ordinary 4-inch mushroom valves will do, both being slightly raised the
same distance from their respective seatings, as in ordinary practice, and
also that my compound annular safety valve A requires a less weight or
power of spring tension to keep it to its scating than an ordinary mush-
room valve of 4 inches diameter, both being subject to the same pressure
of steam or fluid in the boiler or generator. Most of the required parts
of the herein-before described valves, as shown on Sheets 1 and 2, can be
faced, bored out, and turned in a lathe, consequently its construction is
rendered both simple and economical.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that I do not claim
any of the improvements previously described in my said Specification
of the Letters Patent granted to me, and dated October, 16th 1868,
Number 3169, but what I claim as novel and original and as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The application of an open annular regulating valve to an
annular seating on the top of the main safety valve when arranged and
operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein-before
described, and illustrated on Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings.
Second. The use of a slide valve or valves actuated by a piston ram
with unequal areas, the said ram being actuated by steam or other fluid
admitted through a contracted aperture from a starting valve, when
arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purposes
herein-before described and illustrated on Sheet 1 of the Drawings
annexed.

page_text: Third. The peculiar construction and arrangement of combined self-
acting safety apparatus for boilers or generators containing steam or
other fluids substantially as herein-before described and illustrated on
Sheet 1 of the Drawings annexed.
Fourth. The use of the compound circular or mushroom valves m, m³,
of unequal areas in combination with the vent pipe p¹, and starting
valve, when arranged and operating substantially in the manner and
for the purpose herein-before described and illustrated on Sheet 2 of the
Drawings annexed.
Fifth. The use of the compound circular or mushroom valves n, n¹, of
unequal areas, with their vent pipe p', in combination or not with the
last-mentioned compound, circular, or mushroom valves m, m³, in the
manner and for the purposes herein-before described and illustrated on
Sheet 2 of the Drawings annexed.
Sixth. The use of the compound, circular, or mushroom valves r, r¹,
of unequal areas, in combination with the vent pipe p", starting valve i,
and its guiding socket, having vent holes therein, when arranged and
operating substantially in the manner and for the purposes bercin-
before described and illustrated on Sheet 2 of the Drawings annexed.
Seventh. The peculiar construction and arrangement of combined self-
acting safety apparatus for boilers or generators containing steam or
other fluids, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated on
Sheet 2 of the Drawings annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Walter Charles Church, have to
this my Specification set my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of
May, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.