IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID METERS AND IN REGISTERING APPARATUS TO BE USED THEREWITH OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1883

page_text: "
"
ETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake,
and Co, Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London. for an Invention of
IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID METERS AND IN REGISTERING APPARATUS TO BE
USED THEREWITH OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES communicated to him from
abroad by John Thomson of Brooklyn, and Charles Casimir Barton, of the
City of New York, both in the State of New York, United States of America,
Gentlemen.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th March 1883.
"
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co Patents Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID METERS AND IN
REGISTERING APPARATUS TO BE USED THEREWITH OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES
[A communication to him from abroad by John Thomson of Brooklyn, and
Charles Casimir Barton, of the City of New York, both in the State of New York,
United States of America, Gentlemen.].
This invention has for one of its objects a piston meter that shall be practically
frictionless in its action, and will not require that the piston shall be packed nor
the cylinder finished on its inner face.
It is also designed to supply a meter in which the inflow and the outflow shall be
controlled by a system of puppet valves requiring the minimum of parts and of
labour for their construction and the minimum of power to secure certainty of
operation.
Another object is to provide a registering apparatus which shall record volumes
from 1 up to 999,999, volumes and adapted to be attached to said meter or to any
similar device.
To this end the said invention consists for the first part in a piston meter having
a cylindrical shell within which is arranged a filling and collapsing lining both
operating freely without contact with each other.
It also consists in a spring valve action combined with a positive valve action,

page_text: the arrangement being such that the motor springs shall also act as retaining springs
until the instant that a reversal of the valve movement is required; while the
positive action shall not be operative except in the event of a failure upon the part
of the motor springs to actuate the valves.
It also consists in an improved construction of the valves and the valve seats;
the former being provided with a yielding annulus set in and projecting slightly
from the face of the valve, while the latter is formed with V-shaped annular
grooves upon which the valve seats whereby a series of separate concentric contact
surfaces is formed; while at the same time not only is the metallic clinking of the
valves prevented but as the latter do not need to be finely fitted they can be much
more cheaply produced.
The second part of the said invention relates to the construction of the valves;
the manner of operating and locating said valves; the construction of the valve
chamber; the combination of posts, sluices and fluid "ways," and the adaptation of
a compound piston to said cylinder.
The third part of the said invention consists essentially in the combination of a
compound cylinder and compound co-acting. pistons each end of the cylinder and
pistons being set excentrically to each other at opposite sides of a septum wall with
respect to which the cylinders are concentrical and in said septum wall are means
for controlling the direction of the currents, the compound cylinder being divided
into four sub-compartiments by means of the pistons and flexible collapsing linings
attached thereto, each one of the piston rods passing from one sub-compartment to
another in the order in which said compartments are connected by valveless sluices
formed in the septum wall; and this part of the said invention also consists in
certain details of construction as hereinafter more fully set forth.
The fourth part of the said invention consists in a registering apparatus composed
of a toothed dial wheel, rotating under a fixed indicator by which the unitary
rotation is effected; a follower wheel rotating upon the same axis but differentially
toothed and carrying an indicator hand over the dial which registers sums of one
hundred units; and a third indicator, also carried over the said dial actuated by a
disc rotating with the follower wheel and having a single notch into which a pawl
carried by said follower wheel falls each time the dial gains one complete rotation
upon the following wheel and advances said disc one tooth before it is withdrawn
from engagement therewith whereby sums of ten thousand units each are
registered.
It also consists in several details of construction which will be fully described
hereinafter.
The fifth part of the said invention relates to differential registers and consists
substantially in certain changes in or improvements upon the apparatus which
constitutes the fourth part of this invention.
The ordinary construction and operation of piston meters require no explanation
save that the three dominant parts most desirable of accomplishment in their
construction are first cheapness, second, accuracy, and third the least possible
friction in operation. Should the contact of the piston and the cylinder be
imperfect, the measurement of volume will be correspondingly inaccurate. If the
fitting between the piston and cylinder be perfect, sufficient friction will be
engendered to require a considerable degree of energy from the flowing current
and the volume of egress is thus diminished and in direct ratio to the duty
performed.
The theoretically perfect fluid meter is one which measures volume regardless of
the head or pressure upon the inflowing stream and which therefore requires no
energy from the passing current to effect the measurement
In order that the piston may operate it is necessary that the current shall be
alternately from each face of the piston and to accomplish this a system of valves
is required with mechanism for operating them.
In order that these valves may do their duty in the best possible manner it is
required that they shall practically make an instantaneous change of position with

page_text: the least possible expenditure of power. To this end the parts should be as easily
operated as simple and few as possible.
In carrying this invention into practice I first provide a cylinder having a cap
which fits upon said cylinder and is bolted or otherwise attached thereto.
Within
this cylinder which requires no finishing upon its inner face is placed a flexible
lining preferably formed like a bellows and having its upper edge laid between the
said cylinder and the cap whereby the same forms a lining or packing between the
two.
To the bottom of said lining is attached a ring or it may be, a disc which
connects directly with a piston rod which is centrally secured in the cap and which
is provided with two caps or collars. One collar which is the upper collar moves
freely in a vertical bearing formed in the cap of the cylinder. The flexible lining
is provided with rings the former being inner and the latter outer rings, the inner
rings preventing a collapse of the lining from external pressure while the outer
rings prevent the outward rupture of the lining from internal pressure. The
difference in pressure within the meter as between its ingress and egress current is
the sum total of the friction upon the current in passing the sluices and valve
ports and the motive energy required to fill and collapse the lining and to throw
the valves. As in this instance the excess of pressure to be restrained by the
lining is exceedingly slight, the rings may be made of small light wire.
The lining is made of some flexible fluid-proof material either india rubber or
india rubber cloth, or any other textile material and it may be constructed in
sections or it may be woven as a whole.
It will readily be seen that as the piston rod travels up and down, the rings -
being rigid cause the buckling of the lining to be divided equally between each
fold and hence the friction upon the material itself is reduced to the minimum,
while at the same time the loss of space is greatly diminished.
When the piston has nearly completed its downward stroke its collar is brought
into contact with the end of a lever which actuates a spring carriage. There are
two valves both being on the same valve stem. To place the valves in position
the bushing is first forced tightly to the seat formed in the cap. Then the upper
valve and valve stem is inserted and next a double bushing which forms an
accurate bearing for the valve stem; this bushing being forced to a separate seat,
lastly, the lower valve is inserted and secured in place on the valve stem and a
lower bushing is then forced into its scat. In this manner it is simply necessary
that each bushing valve and seat which are in the form of circular steps shall be of
accurate measurement respectively in order to insure a perfect seating of the
double valve actuated by the single stem.
In a certain position of the valve the entering current passes through a lower
opening which connects with a lower valve chamber and finds an outlet to the
upper portion of the cylinder through an open port thereby filling the lining and
forcing the piston down. Meantime the fluid in the lower compartment of the
cylinder which has occupied the space now being filled by the filling lining is being
forced up through a sluice way to an intermediate valve chamber and thence
through a now open port to a final egress sluice valve and thence outward.
It will be understood that the fluid filling the lining is also free to pass around
the valve chamber through a sluice but is prevented from escaping at the upper
part by the upper valve face; thus balancing the valve within itself.
When the valves are reversed and the movement of the piston changed the
inflowing current passes back through a way while the contents of the flexible
lining are discharged through another way and thence out by the final outlet as
in the first instance:
The two valves both being mounted upon a single valve stem and all contained
and acting within a single but sub-divided valve chamber properly form and will
be so termed a compound poppet valve. Aside from the features already described,
as attendant upon this construction of valve and water ways there is a yet more
mportant advantage in that the valve is perfectly balanced within itself in either
ค

page_text: or both positions against excess of pressure from within the meter or back pressure
This function of
from without the meter, as say in the case of "water hammer."
the valve is owing to the following conditions namely.
First. All of the valve ports are of equal area
Second. The pressure of the ingress current is equally divided upon both outside
faces of the valve, or upon both inside faces of the valve as the case may be, the
conditions being reciprocal.
Third. The pressure of the egress current is likewise equally divided upon either
the two outside or inside faces of the valve. The conditions being as stated, it is
evident that the egress sides of the valve may be without pressure or at zero while
the ingress sides may be as 100 above zero without interfering in the slightest
with the operation of the valve in that the excess of pressure between the meter
and inner chambers is resisted by the valve action itself as a whole and not between
the valve faces and the valve seats. Hence the valves with respect to the fluid or
varying pressure within the meter is in a state of perfect equilibrium; its impact
and pressure upon the valve seats being an exact determinable quantity dependent
entirely upon its motor apparatus.
The valve stem upon which the valves are mounted is actuated by springs in the
manner following.
These springs which are preferably V shaped are connected at their outer ends
to a carriage each spring having its own separate connection and being of equal
tension to the other. Their inner ends are connected to the valve stem by a single
connection which is accurately centred upon said stem. The action of these springs
is in the nature of elastic toggles wherein after the "dead point" has been passed
they have a throw either upward or downward according as their inward ends are
above or below the outer points of connection and by this means their operation is
rendered instantaneous or practically so.
The carriage to which the outer ends of said springs are connected is raised and
lowered relatively to the valve stem, by means of an arm or lever which is pivotted
to the cylinder cap and has its forked ends connected to the ends of the carriage by
their forked extremities. The free end of this lever lies directly beneath the collar
of the piston and said end is provided with studs which move in curved slots, said
slots being formed in ears of an idle lever lying directly below said pivotted lever
and having its end beyond the said ears 'connected pivotally with the cylinder.cap
by pivot bearings. The springs are connected at their outer ends with the carriage
by means of bearings journalled in said carriage so that they may turn freely and
thus allow the springs to exert their force of compression merely.
It will now be seen that as the flexible lining fills, the piston rod will be drawn
down and that just before said lining is filled to its capacity, the collar will strike
the end of the pivotted lever carrying said lever down with it and thereby elevating
the opposite end. After the carriage is raised to such a point that the outer ends
of the springs have passed the "dead point" viz the point where the outer and
inner ends of said springs are in the same horizontal plane, the said springs as
their outer ends continue to rise will begin to exert a tendency to throw the valve
stem downward. As said openings pass further from the dead point this tendency
will become stronger until finally they will snap the valve stem downward and
thereby reverse the action of the valves.
The carriage is guided by standards having stop heads and stop collars by which
the movement of the carriage is limited.
In case, however, the springs fail to act, the idle lever will operate the valve stem
in the manner following.
As already described, the pivotted lever has upon its free end studs which run
in slots formed in ears upon the idle lever. As these studs reach the end of said
slots, the piston collar bears directly upon said lever, which being a lever of the
third order draws the valve stem downward and thereby operates the valves
..without the agency of the springs. It should however, be noticed that the moment

page_text: the valve stem is actuated by this idle lever, the springs are called into action and
aid said operation and render it instantaneous.
It will be seen that a great advantage is derived from carrying the heels of
these springs upward instead of having their centres carried downward. Also that
should the springs begin to act before the carriage strikes the upper stops they
will merely throw said carriage against these stops and then throw the valve stem
downward. But the great advantage of this form of construction is, that the
springs, after they have snapped the valves against their seats, will hold them there
until the inflation or collapse of the lining will again operate the pivotted lever by
means of its upper or lower collar thereby holding the valves against their seats
by the force of said springs until the meter again fills.
The pivotted lever has its end constructed with an open loop so that the collars
on the piston rod may pass without actuating said lever the latter being operated
by means of studs thereon which run in slots in the ears upon the idle lever and
which by striking the upper or lower ends of said slots operate the idle lever.
By this construction it is evident that a much lighter set of springs may be used
than if it were first necessary to overcome the resistance of a separate retaining
spring or set of springs, and were also required to always unseat the valves when
said springs were on their "dead points." The advantage of this is increased
durability of the parts and less power to operate.
It will be noticed that the leverage is in favour of the piston in time, while
accumulating force in the springs through the pivotted carriage lever; while in the
case of the idle lever the leverage is against the piston in the operation of the
valves and to this end namely; that as the positive operation of the valves in
the manner described is exceptional, it is required that the reversal shall be effected
in the least possible time, thereby but slightly affecting the proper duty of the
meter.
The idle lever may be formed differently and there may be a slight change in
the form of the springs which may be of a double V-shape with the ends coiled to
form a connection for a pin or other bearing.
In constructing the valves an annular channel is cut in each face thereof and
any suitable yielding material placed therein which is forced into said channel with
its grain towards the valve seat. In the valve seat also is formed a series of
annular V shaped channels or grooves upon which the grain edge of the packing
material impinges thereby forming a number of separate annular contacts which
gives a much more perfect result.
The meter may be connected with any suitable register by means of a rod which
is acted upon by the upper and lower piston rod collars, the upper part of the said
rod being packed through the cap and carrying a pawl which meshes with a ratchet
wheel.
The connection of the toggle springs to the carriage and valve stem may be
formed of journal bearings as they present the greatest wearing surface and yet
operate with slight friction. It is evident however that the toggle springs might
be connected by semi-circular bearings or knife edge contacts.
Referring now to the second part of the said invention I provide an upright
cylinder having solid heads. Said cylinder is divided crosswise in equal sections by
a septum wall, or diaphragm; the two portions of the cylinder being joined by the
attachment of their projecting flanges to the septum wall, the upper and the lower,
by means of bolts.
The cylinder is lined with non-corrosive metal made to form upper and lower
internal fluid ways said ways having passage to the inside of the cylinder through
openings formed in the annular lining as in ordinary practice, and will not require
detailed description. In the cylinder are two pistons both of which are rigidly.
attached to the same piston rod and these pistons divide the cylinder into four.
compartments, an upper and lower on each side of the septum wall.
The valves are of that class known as "puppet" valves, the single valve controls:
the-upper and lower ports of ingress and is made with a double face operating in.

page_text: the internal chamber formed in the septum wall while the single valves controlling
the upper and lower ports of egress operate upon each external side of the septum
wall.
These valves are of the direct acting type, secured to valve stems which latter
are in turn held in the same relative position by yokes, the valves and valve stems
being mainly guided by the bearing of the lower yoke upon the piston rod.
The valves are held to their seats by the tension of the springs which first act
upon the knife edged toggle connections thereby joining as in the present instance
to force the yokes, and through the yokes the valves upwardly. Though all the
springs are exerting their pressure in the same general direction it will be seen that
the thrust upon each valve comes from a separate spring acting upon its end of the
yokes. This will be referred to again further on.
Hitherto the main objection against the use of puppet valves for fluid metres (in
a necessarily combined valve system which must operate synchronously) is that
the slightest inequality of wear upon their faces or seats, or a foreign obstruction
between a single valve face and its seat, causes leakage and consequent imperfect
duty in the meter as a whole.
I obviate this difficulty by loosely connecting the yokes when attached to or
bearing upon the valve stems, the bearings through the yokes being preferably of
an elliptical formation which permit of a limited vibrating movement on the part
of the valve and valve stem approximating that as it were of a ball and socket
joint the bearing of the yoke upon the piston rod is also loosely fitted; but in lesser
degree than that of the valve stems.
In consequence of the distinct pressure exerted upon each end of the yokes by
the separate springs and of the loosely formed valve stem bearings the valve must
"find its seat" and make a perfect face contact even though the valve or its seat,
or both, have become worn from a proper right line.
While I preferably allow for automatic adjustment in the manner just described
rigidly securing the valves to the valve stems as by screws, it will readily be seen
that the connection of the valves to the valve stems may also be constructed in
such manner as to effect the results set forth or may be used if desirable in
combination with the loosely fitted connections of the valve stems.
This action of the springs and the adjustable character of the valves, will be
more clearly understood by assuming that a foreign obstruction has become caught
between say the left hand side of the valve and its seat. Now it is evident that
were the valve stems rigidly attached to the valves and yokes the entire circum-
ference of the valve thus obstructed would be restrained from seating; as also the
other valve. But inasmuch as there is yield in the attachment of the valve stem
bearings through the yokes and furthermore in consequence of the separate but
direct pressure of the co-acting springs the valve will be deflected on the left hand
side or height of the obstructions while the proper action of the other valve is not
disturbed. Hence the proper action of the meter would be but slightly interfered
with during the time of a single stroke and would not be rendered inoperative as
might otherwise be the case. The piston rod' is packed and there are cored sluices,
connecting the upper and lower portions of the cylinder with respect to the pistons
and valves.
The operation of the valves, and passage of fluid through the ports, sluices,
cylinder and fluid "ways" during two rectilinear motions of the compound pistons
will now be described._
The current passes in a certain direction finding egress through the now open
lower port filling the compartments; a valve stopping a direct passage outward
through the lower egress port. But during this time the fluid will have found
further outlet through the slanting cored sluice formed in the septum wall filling
the upper "way" passing into one compartment. Meantime fluid from another
compartment is being forced by the excess of pressure of the ingress current in
two compartments acting upon the compound piston up the lower "way" through
the slanting cored sluice also formed in the septum wall into one compartment

page_text: while from the latter compartment both its previous contents and that escaping
from one of the compartments will find egress through the.open port, being finally
discharged as a known volume at the eduction pipe.
During the latter part of the piston movement the yoke will be carried down-
ward by the fixed collar attached to the piston rod against the tension of the springs
carrying the toggle connections to a straight line.
Up to this point the valves will remain undisturbed being held to their seats
both by the excess of pressure of the incoming current and by the lighter set of
retaining springs which as yet remain in their normal position and act as designed
to hold the valves positively in position during the time in which force is being
gradually accumulated in the motor springs. Now at the instant that the
movement of the piston suffices to carry the motor toggles beyond a straight line
or their dead centres, the tension of the motor springs (which it will be understood
is considerably in excess of that of the retaining springs) will immediately act to
throw the yoke downward which in turn impinges upon the valve stem, collar
heads will carry down the upper yoke against the tension of the retaining toggles
and springs and changing the position of the valves in respect to their ports, to
the direct opposite of that assumed in the figure when the force of the entire set
of springs is again utilized in setting the valves. The ingress current will now
enter through the upper ingress port, first filling one compartment and then
through the open sluice and the lower "way" into the lower compartment while
the charge in another compartment is being forced through the upper way and the
sluice into another compartment being discharged with the previous contents of
this compartment by the lower egress port into the valve chamber, and hence
outward again as a known volume to eduction pipe when the valves are
again changed as hereinbefore described excepting that in this instance the yoke
will be forced upwards by the collar effecting a reversion of the valves to the
assumed position.
It will be observed that the sluices are valveless and continuously open to and
connect the same compartments of the cylinder; the valves acting simply to
alternately change the direction of the current to the compartments into which
said valves open. Hence the advantage derived from this construction enables me
to discharge the full capacity of the cylinder at each single stroke of the piston
without complication in the valve action and for the minimum of valve movement
and friction of parts. Should the valves at, any time become stuck to their seats
beyond the power of the motor springs to unseat, the operation of the meter will
not thereby be stopped, as the continued movement of the piston-allowance
being made in the clearance of the cylinder heads for such a contingency with all
the force of the ingress current would be exerted against the yoke to start the
valves.
The operation of any suitable register may be readily effected by means of the
piston movement.
It may be by means of the piston rod head turned to approximate two frustums
of cones joined at their bases which when near the terminus of each alternate
stroke of the compound piston enters a forked connection having a packed journal
bearing in a dome and communicates to the outside area, the required ratchet step
movement.
The construction of the retaining motor springs may be very considerably
modified without changing the general principle of their operation.
In assembling the parts of the meter the internal valve is first placed in its
chamber and the non-corrosive bushings afterwards forced to their position.
The adjustment of the meter for accurate measurement of volume, is effected by
means of the piston rod collars, which being brought to or from each other as the
case may be, determines the length of stroke of the piston.
Referring now to the third part of this invention the compound cylinder is
divided into four sub-compartments by bellows linings and pistons, said com-
partments being connected with each other, in the order named, by the open

page_text: valveless sluices that are formed in the septum wall. It will be seen that by means
of these sluices each pair of sub-compartments is connected as one. The opposite
ends of the compound cylinder, together with their respective pistons and linings
are excentric to or off centre from each other, but all are concentric to the septum
wall. In consequence of this arrangement of the two ends of the cylinder and the
linings and pistons I am enabled to employ two piston rods in which neither of
their bearings has the slightest packing, instead of being compelled to use a single
central piston rod necessarily requiring a stuffing box. In making the ends of the
cylinder conform in excentricity with the internal linings and pistons, it is with a
view to economy of material and convenience more particularly as it is evident
that by using a cylinder sufficiently large the same result would follow so long as
the internal conditions remained as described.
Two piston rods are placed diametrically opposite each other and each rod
passes alternately from the inner to the outer side of the flexible lining exactly in
Hence it is
the order that the sub-compartments are connected by the sluices.
apparent that the bearings of the piston rods may be as loosely fitted as consistent
with their double function namely to properly guide the piston heads and to operate
the valve and register apparatus.
The piston rods are preferably slotted or recessed the upper rod serving to
actuate an arm that is secured within the cylinder to a shaft, said shaft projecting
out through a packed bearing and thereby connecting as by an arm and pawl to
the register. This is the only packed bearing in the meter and serves a useful
in
of the friction involved in its operation. The packing
purpose even consequence
of this bearing is separate from the case or recess that contains the register and
hence in the event of leakage the drip would simply flow down upon and off from
the cylinder.
The incoming fluid passes continuously to the left hand valve chamber when the
valve being in the position assumed the exit from said chamber is through an
open port thereby filling the sub-compartment and also, through lower sluices,
another sub-compartment while the outgoing fluid passes from another sub-
compartment through the upper sluices into another sub-compartment and thence
through the sluice to the central valve chamber passing on through the now open
right hand valve chamber and thence out as a known volume through the final
sluice of egress. Upon the removal of the valve the ports being thereby closed the
incoming fluid can only find outlet through a left hand internal port to the central
chamber passing from out the septum wall through the sluice filling a sub-compart-
ment and through the upper sluices a sub-compartment when the outgoing fluid
passes back from one sub-compartment through the lower sluices into another sub-
compartment from which there is a free exit by the external valve sluice through
the right hand valve-port to sub-valve chamber and thence out again as a known
volume through the final egress sluice. It will thus be seen that by simply
connecting the central sub valve chamber by the sluice directly with one sub-
compartment and said compartment with another sub-compartment by the upper
sluice or sluices, all of the other valve conditions and methods of construction
remain unchanged, the single balanced compound valve acting to properly control
the entire volume of the ingress and egress fluid to the quadruple set of sub-
compartments within the cylinder. The valve is operated by means of toggle
springs mounted upon a carriage and actuated by a carriage lever. Hertofore the
carriage has been guided by journal bearings having shoulders that act as stops to
the movement of the carriage, the actuating lever being connected to the carriage
by a simple forked connection. In the present instance all guiding bearings are
dispensed with, the carriage having no frictional contact but that of the toggle
springs and the connection to the actuating lever. As a simple forked connection
tends in consequence of the arc described by the lever to transmit a corresponding
irregularity or thrust to the carriage I connect the carriage end of the lever to the
As this link can
carriage by means of an intermediate pivotted link connection.
be of any desirable length it will readily be seen that the angular effect of the

page_text: lever in actuating the carriage and springs tending to deflect from a right line is
practically nil, while the friction of the bearing points of the link is exceedingly
slight in comparison with that of a forked connection. The locking of the carriage
lever against the thrust of the valve springs when the springs have passed beyond
their dead points and the springs act to reverse the position of the valve is
provided for by slotting the standard upon which the carriage lever is mounted
and inserting a pin or leaving a suitable projection upon the lever to act within
the said slot.
To provide for accurate and ready adjustment of the meter for measurement of
volume the lower end of the carriage lever acted upon by the piston rod is slottod
and an adjusting screw inserted. When first assembled the screw is turned up
until the divided ends of the lever are slightly drawn toward each other, then by
afterwards turning the screw in or out as the need may be, the proper adjustment
may be readily secured. This has the effect of increasing or decreasing the
breadth or spread of the end of said lever. The upper piston rod makes contact
with the arm at the same time that the lower piston rod makes contact with the
carriage lever. This is so designed in order that there may be no cramping
tendency upon the piston rods in their bearings through the septum wall, the
friction developed in the packed bearing approximately balancing that developed
in the valve action.
The carriage may be adapted to a set of poppet valves mounted upon separate
valve stems. In this instance the carriage lever becomes the spring lever, the
centres of the springs themselves instead of the carriage being carried back or
forth by the direct movement of said lever, the thrust of the springs in their action
upon the valves being communicated first to the carriage which sustains the direct
pressure of the spring as in the previous instance and in consequence of the indirect
thrust of the springs from the carriage to the valve stems. In order to develop
the least amount of friction in the movement of the spring the forked end of the
spring lever is provided with friction rollers. It will be seen that in lieu of the
friction roller a double or single link connection might be readily substituted in
many respects similar to the instance hereinbefore described.
In placing the motor apparatus of the valve wholly upon one side of the septum.
wall the machine work and labour in assembling the parts are reduced to a
minimum. This is also the case in situating the register upon the same side of the
septum wall as the valve apparatus and also thereby the entire meter does not
need to be taken apart in order to get at the valve or the valve and register
mechanism. By placing the valve entirely within the septum wall economy of
space and material is secured and the valve is brought into the most intimate
relations with the different sluices. Referring now to the fourth part of this
invention I provide a dial wheel having a graduated annulus which has one
hundred equal graduations marked thereon. The periphery of said dial wheel is
provided with one hundred teeth of equal pitch which are adapted to engage with
a worm mounted in bearings so that it may be revolved freely and thereby
impart a slow and regular rotation to the dial wheel. The latter is supported upon
a central shaft or stud bearing, and rotates beneath a fixed hand or pointer by
which registration from 1 to 99 is indicated.
Behind the dial wheel and supported by the same bearing is a follower wheel
of equal diameter with the dial but having upon its periphery one hundred and
one teeth.of equal pitch with the teeth on wheel 1, both of which mesh with the
worm. Now it is evident that if the worm shaft is rotated as for instance by a
ratchet and pawl, it will rotate the dial wheel 1 and the follower wheel in the
same direction. But as the follower wheel has one more tooth than the dial wheel
it is plain that as both are turned by the same worm the dial will gain upon the
follower one tooth in each revolution. Thus the dial will by passing under a
band register one with said hand, for each turn of the worm, and after one
hundred turns of said worm it will stand at the zero point.. But in the same time

page_text: the follower wheel has been rotated by the same worm but at each revolution
thereof the dial gains upon it by the space of one tooth during a single revolution
of the said dial.
The follower wheel is mounted rigidly upon a sleeve on a bearing and to the
outer end of said sleeve is secured a hand or pointer which travels with said
sleeve. The dial moves under this hand and as the former gains a single tooth
upon the follower it will be seen that in a single revolution of the dial the hand
will be removed one units space towards the right on the graduate. This hand
registers sums of one hundred, and will therefore in connection with the indicator
régister up to and including 99 such volumes together with 99 units registered by
the hand, or iu other words a sum of 9.999 units which is their utmost limit.
The next step is to advance these readings by separate indications of ten
thousand units each. To effect register readings from 10.000 up to 1.000.000, or in
that vicinity, ordinarily requires considerable and complicated mechanism but by
this invention this is accomplished in the following manner. The mechanisın is as
follows.
To the inside of the dial wheel is secured a disc or blind wheel in the periphery
of which is formed a single notch, both dial and blind wheel being secured together
to turn as one. Between this blind wheel and the follower wheel is placed a
spring washer and a ratchet wheel is placed between it and the follower. The
periphery of the ratchet wheel is divided into one hundred equal teeth and the
wheel itself is slightly less in diameter than the blind wheel. This ratchet wheel
is rigidly mounted upon a sleeve which rotates upon a sleeve and upon the outer
extremity of said sleeve is mounted rigidly a hand wheel or pointer turning with
said sleeve and ratchet wheel As the dial wheel and blind wheel rotate upon, but
not with, the ratchet wheel sleeve the spring washer tends to keep them apart
from the ratchet wheel and also creates sufficient frictional resistance to prevent
movement upon the part of the ratchet wheel except as it is actuated by the
mechanism.
Upon the inside face of the follower wheel is pivotted a pawl actuated by a
light spring which throws it down. The point of this pawl rides upon the
periphery of the blind wheel which is of somewhat greater diameter than the
ratchet wheel. Now it will be remembered that the consequence of the
differential movement of the dial and the follower wheel is that for each revolution
of the dial it gains one hundredth part of a revolution on the follower and it will
there fore require ninety nine rotations of the dial wheel before the pawl will reach
the notch in the blind wheel. The hand meantime travels with the dial
undisturbed but at the ninety ninth revolution the pawl will reach the notch, will
be sprung down into it, and thereby into engagement with a tooth in the ratchet
wheel and during the one hundredth revolution it will give the said ratchet and
thereby the hand a relative movement of one one-hundredth of a revolution at the
end of which the pawl will be drawn out of engagement with the ratchet wheel by
riding up on the inclined edge of the notch. During its engagement it will have
caused the hand to register a single space upon the graduate, but as said hand
registers only sums of 10.000 units cach, this space will indicate such a
registration.
The pawl will not again engage with the notch until a second series of ninety-
nine revolutions of the dial have been accomplished when the operation just
described will be repeated and a second sum of 10.000 units will be registered and
this may be continued until the registration reaches a final sum of 999,999 units.
The dial wheel which is stamped out by a die is also made with an annular
recess stamped or otherwise formed in the face. I then print, stamp, or make in
any suitable manner, the necessary graduations upon an annulus of such dimensions
as to exactly fill the recess in the dial wheel. This annulus is formed of any
suitable material such as paper, celluloid, rubber, etc and is inserted and secured
within the recess, the proper relative position thereof being indicated by a register

page_text: point stamped on the wheel and printed on the annular dial. This forms a cheap
but perfect dial flush with the face of the wheel, thereby permitting the hands to
lie close to the graduations and reducing the liability of error in reading.
Should it be desired, as it frequently is, to rest all the hands at zero this may
be readily effected by loosening a screw when a slot of a worm bearing and a
pivotted bearing will permit the worm to be withdrawn from mesh with the wheels
when the hands and the dial, the latter with relation to the stationary hand may
be instantly reset as required, after which the worm may be reset to engage as
before.
The blind wheel though described as separate and distinct may be stamped in
the dial wheel and the notch formed therein, in a manner analogous to that
described for. forming the recess for holding the dial graduate. By such a con-
struction the whole number of wheels would be reduced to three.
The worm is thought to be the construction best adapted for meters, where a
The proper
number of strokes may be required to register a single volume.
rotation of the screw would then be determined by the ratchet connection to the
worm which latter forms no necessary part of this invention.
But where a single stroke should be correspondingly registered by an indication
of one unit on the dial I substitute for the worm a direct pawl connection. Said
pawl is-mounted upon a vibrating lever or pivotted pawl carrier pivotted upon the
same centre on which the dial revolves. In this form of construction a safety pawl
may also be pivotted to the base.
The operation in this instance is the same as that already described except that
each movement of the lever causes an indication of one upon the dial. The machine
is also simplified thereby.
The proportions herein given may be changed to suit varying purposes. For
example the dial might be made to read 10-500 or 1000 instead of 100.
In this invention all the parts may be made of stamped metal and the work of
assembling the register is very simple in consequence of the arrangement and of
the small number and simplicity of the parts.
In a different form of this apparatus the register dials having a single comple-
ment of graduations and three hands or pointers are caused to indicate in
geometrical progression; the sum of the units of the graduation being the multiplier.
Thus the ultimate or aggregate indication of the hand of the second valve with a
dial having say a graduation of 100 units would be the sum of 100 x 100 = 10.000 ;
for the hand of first or highest value the ultimate sum i.e. the aggregate of the
different like sums of its indication would be 100 x 100 x 100 1.000.000. This
ratio of indication is effected first by the fixed unit hand under which rotates
the disc second by the hand which is fast to and may be considered as a part of
the follower wheel and third by the hand which is fast to the friction gear
wheel, but may be considered as a fixed part of the dial wheel during 99 parts of
time.
In the dial wheel used in the present instance there are formed 100 teeth and in
the differential follower wheel 101 teeth both of which engage with the same
motor, as say, a worm; hence one hundred turns of the worm will cause one
complete rotation of the dial wheel gaining upon a hand one hundredth part of one
revolution, or the space of one graduation upon the dial. This gives the second
indication, for obtaining which the means so far described are well known.
The third indication but first in point of value is that of another hand and forms
the most important feature of this invention. In the foregoing description this is
described as being effected by securing the hand to a ratchet wheel in which are
formed 100 teeth, a blind wheel and a friction being interposed between the said
hand or ratchet wheel, and the dial wheel. A pawl and spring are attached to the
follower wheel and operate in effect to lock the follower wheel with the hand of
highest value during the time of one revolution; thus permitting the dial to travel.
under the said hand the amount of the differential gain of one complete rotation..

page_text: •
In the present instance I entirely obviate the use of the blind wheel, the extra
friction clutch, the pawl, and the spring, and substitute therefor a positive move-
ment which drives the hand over the graduations instead of stopping the hand
from moving with the dial.
In
As already stated, the hand is rigidly secured to the friction gear, wheel.
this wheel are formed one hundred teeth and a number of arms, the alternate arms
of which are separated from the rim of the wheel and slightly bent inward beyond
the plane surface of the wheel. Hence when the hand and collar are secured to
each other the friction developed by the spring of the separated arms will clutch
and hold the hand wheel and pinion with any degree of firmness desirable at any
relative position to which they may be turned upon the dial wheel. Thus the two
functions of gear wheel and friction clutch are performed by one part, the friction
gear wheel.
'
Meshing with the wheel is a freely pivotted pinion having ten leaves but is
considerably thicker and projects farther outward from the surface of the dial
wheel than that of the friction gear wheel. The said pinion is secured to, and may
also be considered as a part of, the dial wheel.
Projecting from the face of the follower wheel is a fixed detent or spur the
point of which, is formed to a gauge approximating that of the teeth of the wheel,
its relative position upon the follower wheel being such as to engage with the
projecting pinion so that for each single revolution gained by the dial wheel upon
the follower wheel, the said detent will turn the pinion the space or pitch of a
single tooth. Hence, as it will be borne in mind that the differential gain of the
dial wheel over the follower wheel, for each revolution is one hundredth of one
revolution, and as it requires 100 turns of the dial wheel to gain one relative
rotation upon the follower wheel, it will be seen that during the time of one
hundred revolutions, the detent will only be in contact with the pinion during the
time of one revolution, or one hundredth part of time. The consequence of this
contact is that the pinion is caused to turn one tenth of a revolution and thereby
the wheel one hundredth of a revolution; thus the hand being moved the distance
of a single space of the graduation indicates a reading of 10.000 units.
The reason for forming the pinion of thicker material than the friction gear
wheel which thereby projects beyond the outer face of said wheel is that the detent
may engage from between the bearing of the pinion and the centre upon which the
driven gear wheel turns, as in this way the hand is caused to move over the
graduations in an opposite direction to that of the movement of the dial itself.
Therefore as the band is caused to move over the dial, and the dial is caused to
gain relatively under the other hand, the apparent effect is the same as if the dial
was restrained from rotation and both hands were driven in the same direction
over the graduations of the dial.
It will readily be seen that the friction gear wheel might be made solid and the
frictional means be interposed after the manner set forth in a previous part of this
invention or that the friction might be applied to the hand, to the pinion, or by a
yielding detent interlocking either the teeth of gear wheel or pinion.
The detent may be attached separately or formed from the body of the follower
wheel of which it is a part.
In the said previous part of this invention the unit hand is described as being
secured to a separate and distinct standard. In the present instance the unit
hand is secured to an axis upon, and about, which the entire structure of the
register rests and revolves; hence all of the hands radiate from the same centre.
This construction dispenses with the extra standard; permits the use of a uniform
length and style of hand; locks the mechanism as a whole upon the axis and is
more economical of space.
Also in said previous part of the invention, the dial is described as a flat annulus
contained within and upon the face of the dial wheel. In the present instance the
dial is a "cupped" annulus formed of any suitable material which being properly

page_text: graduated is secured to the dial wheel by screws. In this way the outer portion
of the dial is made to clear the teeth of the dial wheel and the motor apparatus, to
any extent desirable or necessary, and may also extend unrestrictedly beyond the
perimeter of the dial wheel. The advantages of this are that the graduations may
be made much larger and therefore more distinct, and that the whole work of the
register apparatus proper may be constructed of the minimum size regardless of the
diameter of the dial and length of the hands to be carried. Hence in manufacturing,
a single size of register mechanism may be adapted for a plurality of discs and sets
of hands respectively of varying diameters and radiants; the duty for which the
register may be intended as say for a meter or for a printing press, being entirely
determined by the size of its dial and hands.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th September 1883.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID METERS, AND IN
OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES,"
REGISTERING APPARATUS TO BE USED THEREWITH
"
A communication to me from abroad by John Thomson, of Brooklyn, and Charles
Casimir Barton of the City of New York, both in the State of New York, United
States of America, Gentlemen,
This Invention relates to fluid meters and to registering apparatus to be used
therewith, or for other purposes
The said Invention has for one of its objects to provide a piston meter which
shall be practically frictionless in its action and will not require that the piston
shall be packed or the cylinder finished on its inner face
It is also designed to supply a meter in which the inflow and the outflow shall
be controlled by a system of puppet valves requiring the minimum of parts and
of labor for their construction and the minimum of power to secure certainty of
operation.
Another object is to provide registering apparatus, which shall record volumes
from 1 up to 999999 and which is adapted to be attached to said meter or to any
similar device
To this end one part of the said Invention consists in constructing a piston meter
with a cylindrical shell, within which is arranged a filling and collapsing lining
both operating freely without contact with each other
It also consists in arranging a spring valve action in combination with a positive
valve action, in such a manner that the motor springs shall also act as retaining
springs until the instant that a reversal of the valve movement is required; while
the positive action shall not be operative except in the event of a failure upon the
part of the motor springs to actuate the valves.
It also consists in an improved construction of the valves and the valve seats;
the former being provided with a yielding annulus, set in and projecting slightly
from the face of the valve, while the latter is formed with V-shaped annular
grooves upon which the valve seats, whereby a series of separate, concentric
contact surfaces is formed while, at the same time, not only is the metallic clinking
of the valves prevented, but as the latter do not need to be finely fitted, they can
be much more cheaply produced.
Another part of the said Invention relates to the construction of the valves ;
the manner of operating and locating the said valves; the construction of the valve
chamber; the combination of ports, sluices and fluid " ways " and the adaptation
of a compound piston to the said cylinder
Another part of the said Invention consists essentially in the combination of a
compound cylinder and compound coacting pistons, each end of the cylinder and
pistons being set eccentrically to each other at opposite sides of a septum wall with
respect to which the cylinders are concentrical, and in the said septum wall are
means for controlling the direction of the currents, the compound cylinder being
divided into four sub-compartments by means of the pistons and flexible collapsing
linings attached thereto, each one of the piston rods passing from one sub-
compartment to another in the order in which the said compartments are connected
by valveless sluices formed in the septum wall; and this part of the said Invention
also consists in certain details of construction as hereinafter more fully set forth.

page_text: Another part of the said Invention consists in registering apparatus composeu
of a toothed dial wheel, rotating under a fixed indicator by which the unitary
rotation is effected, a follower wheel rotating upon the same axis but differentially
toothed and carrying an indicator hand over the dial which registers sums of one
hundred units and a third indicator, also carried over the dial, actuated by a disc
rotating with the follower wheel and having a single notch into which a pawl
carried by the said follower wheel falls each time the dial gains one complete
rotation upon the following wheel and advances said disc one tooth before it is
withdrawn from engagement there with whereby sums of ten thousand units each
are registered.
It also consists in several details of construction which will be fully described
hereinafter
Another part of the said Invention relates to differential registers and consists
substantially in certain changes in, or 'improvements upon, the apparatus which
constitutes the fourth part of this Invention.
In the accompanying drawings..
Figure 1 is an elevation of a piston meter constructed according to this
invention
Figure 2 is a central vertical section of the same.
Figure 3 is a central vertical section of the inner lining of the cylinder
detached
Figure 4 is a view of part of the valve operating mechanism detached.
Figure 5 is a view of a modified form of the parts shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an underside view of the cylinder showing the valve actuating
mechanism and the water passages.
Figure 7 is an end view of part of the valve actuating mechanism detached
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the mode of operation of the motor valve
springs
Figure 9 is a view showing a modified form of spring.
Figure 10 is a view of a motor spring bearing with its journals.
Figure 11 is an underside view of the cylinder cap.
Figure 12 is a section on the line 1-1 Figure 11, showing the valves in a reverse
position to that shewn in Figure 1.
Figure 13 is a central vertical section drawn to an enlarged scale of one of the
valves.
Figure 14. is a central vertical section also drawn to an enlarged scale of one of
the valve seats.
The second part of this Invention is shown in the following figures.
Figure 15 is a front elevation of the improved meter a portion of the cylinder
being cut away to show the valves and the septum wall, in which the said valves
are situated
Figure 16 is a sectional elevation as viewed from the right hand side of
Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a section of the septum wall on the line 5-5 of Figure 15 shewing
the port and sluice openings.
Figure 18 is a sectional view illustrating the manner in which the valves
accommodate themselves to the valve seats.
Figure 19 is an elevation of the valve-action detached also showing a modified
form of the operating springs
Figure 20 is a detached view of the apparatus for operating the register.
Figure 21 is a plan view of the improved meter showing the position of the
register apparatus.
Figure 22. is a vertical longitudinal section on the line i, i Figure 21.
Figure 23. is a vertical transverse section on the line h, Figure 21. Figure 24
is a vertical transverse section showing the reverse side of the parts shown in
Figure 23 part of the cylinder being removed

page_text: -
Figure 25 is a horizontal section of the septum or partition wall on the line c, c
Figure 23.
Figure 26 is a vertical section of the same on the line a, a Figure 23
Figure 27 is a partial section of the septum wall on the line e e Figure 23.
Figure 28. is an end view of the carriage and valve springs.
Figure 29 is a view drawn to an enlarged scale of a piston rod, showing the
slot for actuating the register and carriage levers.
Figure 30 shows a modification in the form of the piston rod slot or recess
Figure 31 is a plan illustrating the attachment of the carriage and valve springs
to a set of double valves, .and.
.
Figure 32 is a detached view of the carriage lever, showing the manner of
adjusting it for the stroke, and also a modification of the connection to the motor
springs.
Figure 33 is a front elevation of the registering mechanism.
Figure 34 is a side elevation of the same
Figure 35 is a view of the follower wheel with the blind wheel, and ratchet
wheel with pawl.
Figure 36 is a view of the dial wheel, with modified devices for imparting
movement thereto
Figure 37 is a central section drawn to an enlarged scale of some of the parts
shown in Figure 33.
Figure 38 is a central transverse section on the line x, x Figure 33.
Figure 39 is a front elevation of another form of registering apparatus.
Figure 40 is a side elevation partially in section on the line ii Figure 39. For
clearness of illustration the apparatus shown in this figure is represented
considerably thicker than it would be in practice
Figure 41 is an inside plan view of the dial, dial wheel and device for operating
one of the hands
Figure 42. is a front view of the follower wheel with detent
Figure 43 is a view of the hand or pointer detached as adapted to a raised
pointer, and
Figure 44. is a plan of a portion of a wheel with a modified form of friction
clutch
The ordinary construction and operation of piston meters require no explanation,
save that the three dominant parts most desirable of accomplishment in their
construction are 1st cheapness, 2d accuracy, and 3d the least possible friction in
operation. Should the contact of the piston and the cylinder be imperfect, the
measurement of volume will be correspondingly inaccurate. If the fitting between
the piston and cylinder be perfect, sufficient friction will be engendered to require
a considerable degree of energy from the flowing current, and the volume of egress
is thus diminished in direct ratio to the duty performed.
The theoretically perfect fluid meter is one which measures volume regardless
of the head or pressure upon the inflowing stream and which therefore requires
no energy from the passing current to effect the measurement.
In order that the piston may operate it is necessary that the current shall be
alternately from each face of the piston and to accomplish this a system of valves
is required with mechanism for operating them.
In order that these valves may do their duty in the best possible manner it is
required that they shall practically make an instantaneous change of position
with the least possible expenditure of power. To this end the parts should be as
simple and few as possible and easily operated
In carrying this part of the said invention which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 14
into practice I provide a cylinder having a cap 8 which fits upon the said cylinder
and is bolted or otherwise attached thereto. Within this cylinder, which requires
no finishing, upon its inner face, is placed a flexible lining 3, preferably formed like
a bellows and having its upper edge 4 laid between the said cylinder and the cap,

page_text: whereby the same forms a lining or packing between the two as shown in
Figure 2.
To the bottom of the said lining is attached a ring 2 or it may be a disc 2,
which connects directly with a piston rod 5 centrally secured in the cap 8; and
which is provided with two caps, or collars 6, and 51, the functions of which will
be hereinafter explained. The collar 6 which is the upper collar, moves freely in a
vertical bearing 7, formed in the cap of the cylinder, as shown in Figure 2. The
flexible lining 3 is provided with rings 9 and 10, the former being the inner and
the latter outer rings, the rings 9 preventing a collapse of the lining from external
pressure while the rings 10 prevent the outward rupture of the lining from internal
pressure. The difference in pressure within the meter, as between its ingress and
egress current, is the sum total of the friction upon the current in passing the
sluices and valve ports, and the motive energy required to fill and collapse the
lining and to throw the valves. As in this instance the excess of pressure to be
restrained by the lining is exceedingly slight, the rings 9 and 10 may be made of
small, light wire.
The lining 3 is made of some flexible, fluid-proof material, either india rubber or
india rubber cloth, or any other suitable textile material, and it may be constructed
in sections, or woven as a whole.
It will readily be seen that as the piston rod travels up and down, the rings 9
and 10 being rigid, cause the buckling of the lining to be divided equally between
each fold, and hence. the friction upon the material itself is reduced to the
minimum, while at the same time, the loss of space is greatly diminished
The arrangement of the parts mentioned is shown in Figure 2 wherein the
piston is represented as having nearly completed its downward stroke, its collar 6
being brought into contact with the end of the lever 11 which actuates the
spring carriage 12, (see also Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7):
Two valves 13 and 14 as shown in Figure 2 are both attached to the same valve
stem 15. To place the said valves in position, the bushing 16 is first forced
tightly, to the seat formed in the cap 8; then the upper valve and valve stem is
inserted, next the double bushing 17, which forms an accurate bearing for the
valve stem (this bushing being forced to a separate seat) and lastly the lower
valve is inserted and secured in place on the valve stem, and the lower bushing 19
is then forced into its seat. In this manner it is simply necessary that each
bushing, valve and seat; which are in the form of circular steps as shown in
Figures 2, 12, 13 and 14 shall be of accurate measurement, respectively, in order
to ensure a perfect seating of the double valve actuated by the single stem:
In the position of the valve shown in Figure 2. the entering current passes
through the lower opening 20 which connects with the lower valve chamber. 21
and finds an outlet to the upper portion of the cylinder through the open port 23,
thereby filling the lining 3 and forcing the piston down. Meantime, the fluid in
the lower compartment 24, of the cylinder, which has occupied the space now
being filled by the filling lining 3, is being forced up through the sluice way 25
to the intermediate valve chamber 26, and thence through the now open port 27
to the final egress sluice 28 and thence outward
It will be understood that the fluid filling the lining 3 is also free to pass around
the valve chamber through the sluice 45, but is prevented from escaping at the
upper part by the upper valve face 13 thus balancing the valve within itself, as
will be shown further on.
When the valves are reversed and the movement of the piston changed, the
inflowing current passes back through the passage 25 while the contents of the
flexible lining are discharged. through the passage 45 Figure 11 and thence out by
the final outlet 28 as in the first instancė
As herein shown and described the two valves both being mounted upon a single
valve stem and all contained and acting within a single but sub-divided valve
chamber, properly form, and will be so termed, a compound puppet valve. Apart
from the features already described, as attendant upon this construction of: valve
ני

page_text: and water ways there is a yet more important advantage, in that the valve is
perfectly balanced within itself in either, or both, positions against excess of
pressure from within the meter or back pressure from without the meter, as say in
the case of a "water hammer."
This function of the valve is owing the following conditions, that is to say.
First. All of the valve ports are of equal area. Second. The pressure of the
ingress current is equally divided upon both outside faces of the valve or upon
both inside faces of the valve as the case may be, the conditions being reciprocal,
and Third. The pressure of the egress current is likewise equally divided upon
either the two outside or inside faces of the valve. The conditions being as stated
it is evident that the egress sides of the valve may be without pressure, or at zero
while the ingress sides may be as 100 above zero. without interfering in the
slighest with the operation of the valve, in that the excess of pressure between
the meter and inner chambers is resisted by the valve action itself as a whole and
not between the valve faces and the valve seats. Hence the valves with respect
to the fluid or varying pressure within the meter is in a state of perfect equilibrium;
its impact and pressure upon the valve seats being an exact determinable quantity
dependent entirely upon its motor apparatus.
The valve stem 15 upon which the valves 13 and 14 are mounted, is actuated
by springs 29 and 30 (see Figures 6 and 7) in the manner following, that is to
say These springs which are preferably V-shaped are connected at their outer
ends to a carriage 12, each spring having its own separate connection and being of
equal tension to the other. Their inner ends are connected to the valve stem 15
The
by a single connection 32, which is accurately centred on the said stem.
action of these springs is in the nature of elastic toggles, wherein after the "dead
point" has been passed they have a throw either upward or downward according
as their inward ends are above or below the outer points of connection and by this
means their operation is rendered instantaneous or practically so.
The carriage 12 to which the outer ends of the said springs are connected, is
raised and lowered relatively to the valve stems, by means of an arm or lever 34"
which is pivotted to the cylinder cap at 34. and has its forked ends connected to
the ends of the carriage 12 by thin forked extremities 34ª. The free end of this
lever which is shown at 11. Figures 2 and 4, lies directly beneath the collar 6 of
the piston 5, and the said end is provided with studs 41 which move in curved
slots 42, the said slots being formed in ears of a lever 39 lying directly below the
said lever 34b, and having its end, beyond the said ears, connected pivotally with
the cylinder cap 8, by pivot bearings 40. The springs 29 and 30 are connected at
their outer ends with the carriage 12, by means, of bearings 31, journalled in the
said carriage 12 that they may turn freely and thus allow the springs to exert
their force of compression merely.
.}
It will now be seen that as the flexible lining 3 fills the piston rod 5 will be
drawn down and that just before the said lining is filled to its capacity, the collar 6
will strike the end 11 of the lever 34b, carrying the said lever down with it and
thereby elevating the opposite end. Now by reference to Figure 8 it will be seen
that after the carriage 12 is raised to such a point, the outer ends of the springs 29
and 30 have passed the "dead point" viz:-the point where the outer and inner
ends of the said springs are in the same horizontal plane; the said springs, as
their outer ends continue to rise will begin to exert a tendency to throw the valve
stem downward as shown in dotted lines in the said Figure S. As the said springs
pass further from the dead point which is indicated by the line 37 Figure 8 this
tendency will become stronger until finally they will snap the valve stem 15
downward and thereby reverse the action of the valves 13 and 14. It will be
noticed that in Figure 7 the carriage 12 is guided by standards 33 having stop
heads 33 and stop collars 36 by which the movement of the carriage is limited In case,
however, the springs 29 and 30 fail to act the lever 39 will operate the valve stem
in the following manner
о
.
As already described the lever 34b has upon its free end 11, studs which run in

page_text: slots 42 formed in ears upon the said lever 39. As these studs reach the end of
the said slots, the piston collar 6 bears directly upon the said lever which, being a
lever of the third order, draws the valve stem downward and thereby operates the
valves without the agency of the springs 29 and 30. It should, however, be
noticed that the moment the valve stem is actuated by this lever 39, the springs
are called into action and aid the said operation and render it instantaneous.
Also
It will be seen that a great advantage is derived from carrying the heels of
these springs upward instead of having their centres carried downward.
that should the springs begin to act before the carriage strikes the upper stops 36,
they will merely throw the said carriage against these stops and then throw the
valve stem downward. But the great advantage of this form of construction is
that the springs, after they have snapped the valves against their seats, will hold
them there until the inflation or collapse of the lining 3 will again operate the
lever 34b by means of its upper or lower collar 6 or 51, thereby holding the
valves against their seats by the force of the said springs, until the meter
again fills.
By reference to Figure 6 it will be seen that the lever 34 has its end con-
structed with an open loop, so that the collars 6 and 51 on the piston rod may
pass without actuating the said lever, the latter being operated by means of the
studs 41 thereon, which run in slots 42 in the ears upon the lever 39, and which
by striking the upper or lower ends of the said slots operate the said lever 39.
By this construction it is evident that a much lighter set of springs may be
used than if it were first necessary to overcome the resistance of a separate
retaining spring or set of springs, and were also required to always unseat the
valves when the said springs were on their "dead points." The advantages of
this construction are increased durability of the parts and a reduction of the
power required to operate them.
It will be noticed that the leverage is in favor of the piston, in time, while
accumulating force in the springs through the carriage lever 34b; while in the
case of the idle lever 39, the leverage is against the piston in the operation
of the valves and to this end, namely. That as the positive operation of the
valves in the manner described, is exceptional, it is required that the reversal
shall be effected in the least possible time, thereby but slightly affecting the proper
duty of the meter.
In Figure 5 a different form of the idle lever 39 is shown the operation however
is so apparent that it requires no description Figure 9 also shows a slight change
in the form of the springs which are of a double V-shape with the ends coiled to
form a connection for a pin or other bearing.
In constructing the valves 13 and 14 au annular channel 47 is cut in each face
thereof, and any suitable yielding material 48, is placed therein, which material is
forced into the said channel with its grain towards the valve seat as shown in
Figure 13. In the valve seat also is formed a series of annular V-shaped channels
or grooves, as shown in Figure 14, upon which the grain edge of the packing
material 48, impinges, thereby forming a number of separate annular contacts
which gives a much more perfect result.
The meter may be connected with any suitable registering mechanism by ineans
of a rod 50, Figure 2, which is acted upon by the upper and lower piston rod
collars 6 and 51 the upper part of the said rod being packed through the cap and
carrying a pawl 52 which engages with a ratchet wheel 53.
The connection of the toggle springs to the carriage and valve stem are shown
as formed of journal bearings, as they present the greatest wearing surface and
yet operate with slight friction. It is evident however, that the toggle springs
might be connected by semi-circular bearings or knife edge contacts.
Referring now to Figures 15 to 20 which illustrate the second part of the said
invention 7 and 8 indicate an upright cylinder having solid, heads 9, 10. The said
cylinder is divided transversely in equal sections, by a septum
wall, or

page_text: diaphragm 11, the two portions of the cylinder being joined by the attachment of
their projecting flanges 7 and 8 to the septum wall, by means of the bolts 12.
The cylinder is lined with non-corrosive metal 13, 13, made to form upper and
lower internal fluid ways 14, 14, the said ways having passage to the inside of the
cylinder through openings formed in the annular lining 13, as in ordinary
practice, and will not therefore require detailed description. In the cylinder are
two pistons 15. 16, both of which are rigidly attached to the same piston rod 17
and these pistons divide the cylinder into four compartments, an upper and lower
on each side of the septum wall, respectively 18, 19, and 20, 21.
"
The valves are of that class known as puppet" valves, the single valve 22,
controls the upper and lower ports of ingress 23, 24, and. is made with a double
face operating in the internal chamber formed in the septum wall, while the
single valves 25, 26, controlling the upper and lower ports of egress 27, 28,
.operate upon each external side of the septum wall.
.
These valves are of the direct acting type, secured to valve stems 29, 30, which
latter are in turn held in the same relative position by the yokes 31, 32, the
valves and valve stems being mainly guided by the bearing of the lower yoke upon
the piston rod.
The valves are held to their seats by the tension of the springs 33, 34, which
first act upon the knife edged toggle connections 35, 36, thereby joining, as shown
in the present instance, to force the yokes and through the yokes the valves,
upwardly. Though all the springs are exerting their pressure in the same general
direction it will be seen that the thrust upon each valve comes from a separate
spring acting upon its end of the yokes. This will be referred to again hereinafter.
Hitherto the main objection against the use of puppet valves for fluid meters (in
a necessarily combined valve-system which must operate synchronously) is, that
the slightest inequality of wear upon their faces, or seats, or a foreign obstruction
between a single valve face and its seat causes leakage, and consequent imperfect
duty in the meter as a whole. I obviate this difficulty, as will be seen more fully
in Figures 18 and 19 by loosely connecting the yokes when attached to or bearing
upon the valve stems, the bearings through the yokes being preferably of an elliptical
formation as 37, which permit of a limited vibrating movement on the part of the
valve and valve stem approximating that, as it were of a ball and socket joint, the
bearing of the yoke upon the piston rod is also loosely fitted; but in lesser degree
than that of the valve stems. Now suppose one of the valve seats to have been
worn to an angle, were the valve stems rigidly attached to the yokes, the contact
of the valves upon its seat would necessarily be as assumed in the full lines of
Figure 15 but, in consequence of the distinct pressure exerted upon each end of the
yokes by the separate springs 33, 34, and of the loosely formed valve stem bearings,
the valve must "find its seat" and make a perfect face contact, even though the
valve or its seat have both become worn.
While I preferably allow for automatic adjustment in the manner just described,
rigidly securing the valves to the valve stems as by screws 56, it will readily be
seen, as indicated in the drawings, that the connection of the valves to the valve
stems may also be constructed in such manner as to effect the results set forth, or
may be used if desirable in combination with the loosely fitted connections of the
valve stems.
'
كاء
This action of the springs and the adjustable character of the valves, will be
more clearly understood by assuming that a foreign obstruction has become caught
between, say the left hand side of the valve 26 and its seat. Now it is evident
that were the valve stems rigidly attached to the valves and yokes, the entire
circumference of the valve thus obstructed, would be restrained from scating; as
also the valve 22. But inasmuch as the attachment of the valve stem bearings
through the yokes is enabled to yield and furthermore in consequence of the
separate but direct pressure of the co-acting springs, the valve will be deflected on
the left hand side, or height of the obstructions while the proper action of the

page_text: valve 22 is not disturbed. Hence the proper action of the meter would be but
slightly interfered with during the time of a single stroke and would not be
rendered inoperative, as might otherwise be the case.
In Figure 17 which shows a plan view of the septum wall, with the cylinder in
section, are five openings; 55 is the bearing for the piston rod which is packed,
23 and 27 the upper faces of the ports of ingress and egress and 38 and 39 cored
sluices, connecting the upper and lower portions of the cylinder with respect to the
pistons and valves.
The operation of the valves and the passage of fluid through the ports, sluices,
cylinder fluid "ways" during two rectilinear inotions of the compound piston will
now be described.
Starting with the arrow 40, Figure 15 indicating the attachment of the
induction pipe, the current passes in the direction of the arrows 41, 41, through
the open lower port 24, filling the compartiments 20; the valve 26 stopping a
direct passage outward through the lower egress port 28. But during this time
the fluid will have found further outlet through the slanting cored sluice 39,
forined in the septum wall 11, following the course indicated by the arrows 42, 42,
«
filling the upper way" passing into the compartment 18. (as indicated by the
arrows 42, 43). Meantime fluid from the compartment 21, is being forced by the
excess of pressure of the ingress current in compartments 18, 20, acting upon
the compound piston 15, 16, up the lower "way" 14 through the slanting cored
sluice 38, also formed in the septum wall, into compartment 19 (as shown by the
arrows 44) while froin the latter compartment both its previous contents and that
escaping from the compartment 21, will find egress through the open port 27 in the
direction of the arrows 45 being finally discharged as a known volume at the
eduction pipe.
During the latter part of the piston's movement the yoke 32 will be carried
downward by the fixed collar 46, attached to the piston rod, against the pressure
of the springs 34, carrying the toggle connections 36 to a straight line, as in
Figure 19.
Up to this point the valves will remain undisturbed being held to their seats
both by the excess of pressure of the incoming current and by the lighter set of
retaining springs 33, which as yet remain in their normal position, and act as
designed, to hold the valves positively in position during the time in which force
is being gradually accumulated in the motor springs 34. Now at the instant that
the movement of the piston suffices to carry the motor toggles 36, beyond a straight
line or their dead centres, the tension of the motor springs 34 (which it will be
understood, is considerably in excess of that of the retaining springs 33) will
immediately act to throw the yoke 32 downward, which in turn impinging against
the collar heads 47, will carry down the upper yoke 31, against the tension of the
retaining toggles 35, and springs 33, thereby changing the position of the valves
in respect to their ports, to the direct opposite of that assumed in the figure, when
the force of the entire set of springs is again utilized in holding the valves. The
ingress current will now pass through the upper ingress port 23, first filling com-
partment 19, and then through the open sluice 38, and the lower "way" 14, into
the lower compartment 21, while the charge in the compartment 18 is being forced
through the upper way, and the sluice 39, into the compartment 20, being discharged
with the previous contents of this compartment 20, by the lower egress port 28;
into the valve chamber, and thence outward again as a known volume to the
eduction pipe 46, when the valves are again changed as hereinbefore described,
excepting that in this instance the yoke will be forced upwards by the collar 48
effecting a reversion of the valves to the assumed position of Figure 15.
It will be observed that the sluices 38, 39 are valveless and continuously open
to and connect the same compartments of the cylinder; the valves acting simply
to alternately change the direction of the current to the compartments into which
the said valves open. Hence the advantage derived from this construction enables
me to discharge the full capacity of the cylinder at each single stroke of the piston

page_text: without complication in the valve action and for the minimum of valve movement
and friction of parts. Should the valves at any time become stuck to their seats
beyond the power of the motor springs to unseat, the operation of the meter will
not thereby be stopped, as the continued movement of the piston (allowance being
made in the clearance of the cylinder heads for such a contingency) with all
the force of the ingress current would be exerted against the yoke to start the
valves.
The operation of any suitable registering mechanism may be readily effected by
means of the piston movement.
That shown in Figures 15 and 20 is by means of the piston rod head turned to
approximate two frustums of cones, joined at their bases 50, 51, which, when near
the terminus of each alternate stroke of the compound piston enters the forked
connection 55, having a packed journal bearing in the dome 53, and communicates
to the outside area, as 54, the required ratchet step movement.
As shown in Figure 19 the construction of the retaining motor springs may
be very considerably modified without changing the general principle of their
operation.
In assembling the parts of the meter the internal valve 22 is first placed in its
chamber and the non-corrosive bushings indicated in the drawings afterward forced
to their position.
The adjustment of the meter for accurate measurement of volume, is effected by
ineans of the piston rod collars 46, 47, which being brought to or from each other,
as the case may be, determines the length of stroke of the piston.
Referring now to the third part of this invention, illustrated in Figures 21 to 32
it will be seen that the compound cylinder 1, 2, is divided into four sub-compart-
ments.by the bellows linings 3, 4, and pistons 16, 17, Figure 22, the said compart-
ments 5, 6, 7, and 8 being connected with each other, in the order named, by
the open valveless sluices 9, 10. Figures 23, 24, and 27, that are formed in the
septum wall. By means of these sluices each pair of sub-compartments is connected.
The opposite ends 1, 2, of the compound cylinder, together with their respective
pistons and linings are eccentric to each other but all are concentric to the septum
wall. In consequence of this arrangement of the two ends of the cylinder 1, 2,
and the linings 3, 4, and pistons 16, 17, I am enabled to employ two piston rods
14, 15, in which neither of their bearings 12, 13, has the slightest packing, instead
of being compelled to use a single central piston rod necessarily requiring a
stuffing box. In making the ends of the cylinder conform in eccentricity with the
internal linings and pistons, it is with a view to economy of material and convenience
more particularly, as it is evident that by using a cylinder sufficiently large the
same result would follow so long as the internal conditions remained as described.
Two piston rods 14, 15, are placed diametrically opposite each other, and each
rod passes alternately from the inner to the outer side of the flexible lining exactly
in the order that the sub-compartments are connected by the sluices 9. 10. Hence
it is apparent that the bearings of the piston rods may be as loosely fitted as
consistent with their double function, namely to properly guide the piston heads
16, 17, and to operate the valve and registering apparatus..
The piston rods 14, 15 are preferably slotted or recessed as shown at 18, 19,
Figures 22, 29 and 30 the upper rod 14 serving to actuate the arm 20 which is
secured within the cylinder to the shaft 21, the said shaft projecting out through a
packed bearing 22, and thereby connecting, as by the arm and pawl 23 to the
registering apparatus. This is the only packed bearing in the meter and serves a
useful purpose even in consequence of the friction involved in its operation. The
packing of this bearing is separate from the case or recess that contains the registering
apparatus and hence in the event of leakage the drip would simply flow down upon
aud off from the cylinder.
The construction of the valve, valve seats and chambers enclosed in the septum
wall is shown in Figures 25 and 26.
The incoming fluid passes continuously to the left hand valve chamber 24 when

page_text: the valve being in the position assumed, the exit from the said chainber is through
the open port 25 whereby the sub compartment 51 is filled and also through the
lower sluices 9 to the sub-compartment 6; while the outgoing fluid passes from
the sub compartment 7 through the upper sluices 10 into the sub compartment 8
and thence through the sluice 26 to the central valve chamber 27 passing on
through the now open right hand valvé chamber 29 and thence out as a known
voluine through the final sluice of egress. Upon the reversal of the valve the
ports 25 and 28 being thereby closed, the incoming fluid can only find outlet
through the left hand internal port 30 to the central chamber 27 passing from
out the septum wall through the sluice 26 filling the sub-compartment 8 and
through the upper sluices 10 to the sub-compartment 7 when the out going fluid
passes back from the sub compartment 6 through the lower sluices 9 into the sub-
compartment 5 from which there is a free exit by the external valve sluice 31'
through the right hand valve port 32 to sub-valve chamber 29 and thence out
again as a known volume through the final egress sluice. It will thus be seen
that by simply connecting the central sub-valve chamber 27 by the sluice 26
directly with the sub-compartment 8 and the said compartment with the sub-
compartment 7 by the upper sluice or sluices 10 all of the other valve conditions
and methods of construction remain unchanged, the single balanced compound
valve acting to properly control the entire volume of the ingress and egress fluid
to the quadruple set of sub compartments within the cylinder.
The valve is operated by means of the toggle springs 33 imounted upon the
carriage 34 and actuated by the carriage lever 35 Figures 22, 23, and 28. Here-
tofore the carriage has been guided by journal bearings having shoulders that act as
stops to the movement of the carriage; the actuating lever being connected to the
carriage by a simple forked connection. In the present instance all guiding
bearings are dispensed with, the carriage having no frictional contact but that of
the toggle springs and the connection to the actuating lever. As a simple forked
connection tends in consequence of the are described by the lever to transinit a
corresponding irregularity or thrust to the carriage I connect the carriage end of
the lever to the carriage by means of an intermediate link connection 36 pivoted as
at 37, 38. As this link can be of any desirable length, it will readily be seen
that the angular effect of the lever in actuating the carriage and springs tending to
deflect from a right line is practically nil, while the friction of the bearing points
of the link is exceedingly slight in comparison with that of a forked connection.
The locking of the carriage lever against the thrust of the valve springs when the
springs have passed beyond their dead points and the springs act to reverse the
position of the valve, is provided for by slotting the standard as 39 upon which the
carriage lever is mounted and inserting a pin as 40 or leaving a suitable projection
upon the lever to act within the said slot as will readily be understood from the
drawings.
To provide for accurate and ready adjustment of the meter for measurement of
volume, the lower end of the carriage lever acted upon by the piston rod is slotted
as 41 and an adjusting screw 42 inserted as shewn. When first assembled the
screw is turned up until the divided ends of the lever are slightly drawn toward
each other, then, by afterwards turning the screw in or out as the need may be, the
proper adjustinent may be readily secured. This has the effect of increasing or
decreasing the breadth or spread of the end of the said lever. It will be seen that
the upper piston rod 14 makes contact with the arm 20 at the same time that the
lower piston rod 15 makes contact with the carriage lever. This is so designed in
order that there may be no cramping tendency upon the piston rods in their
bearings through the septum wall 11 the friction developed in the packed
bearing 22 approximately balancing that developed in the valve action.
Figures 29 and 30 show detailed views of that portion of the piston rods
containing the slots or flattened portion where the arm and lever are situated and
whereby they are operated.
In Figures 31 and 32 I shew the adaptation of the carriage 34 to a set of puppet

page_text: valves mounted upon separate valve stems. In this instance the carriage lever 35
becomes the spring lever, the centres of the springs themselves instead of the
carriage, being carried to or fro by the direct movement of the said lever, the thrust
of the springs, in their action upon the valves being communicated first to the
carriage which sustains the direct pressure of the spring, as in the previous instance
here shown and in consequence of the indirect thrust of the springs from the
carriage to the valve stems.
In order to develop the least amount of friction in the movement of the springs
the forked end 43 of the spring lever is provided with friction rollers 44. It
will be seen that in lieu of the friction roller a double or single link connection
might be readily substituted, in many respects similar to the instance hereinbefore
described.
In placing the motor apparatus of the valve wholly upon one side of the septum
wall, the machine work and labor in assembling the parts are reduced to a
minimum. This is also the case in situating the registering apparatus upon the
same side of the septum wall as the valve apparatus, and also thereby the entire
meter does not need to be taken apart in order to get at the valve or the 'valve and
register mechanism. By placing the valve entirely within the septum wall
economy of space and material is secured and the valve is brought into the most
intimate relations with the different sluices.
Referring now to the fourth part of this invention illustrated in Figures 33 to 38
1, indicates a dial wheel having a graduated annulus which has 100 equal
graduations marked thereon. The periphery of the said dial wheel is provided
with one hundred teeth of equal pitch which are adapted to engage with a worm 3
mounted in bearings 19 and 20 so that it may be revolved freely and thereby
impart a slow and regular rotation to the dial wheel. The latter is supported
upon a central shaft or stud bearing 13 and rotates beneath a fixed hand or
pointer by which registration from 1 to 99 is indicated.
4
Behind the dial wheel and supported by the same bearing is a follower wheel 2
of equal diameter with the dial, but having upon its periphery one hundred and
one teeth of equal pitch with the teeth on wheel I both of which wheels engages
with the worm 3. Now it is evident that if the worm shaft 3 is rotated, as for
instance, by a ratchet and pawl it will rotate the dial wheel 1 and the follower
wheel 2 in the same direction. But as the follower wheel has one more tooth than
the dial wheel it is plain that as both are turned by the same worm the dial
will gain upon the follower one tooth in each revolution. Thus the dial will by
passing under the band 4 towards the left hand of Figure 33 register one with the
said hand for each turn of the worm and after one hundred turns of the said
worm 3 it will stand at the zero point, as indicated by said Figure of the drawings.
But in the same time the follower wheel 2 has been rotated by the same worin,
but at each revolution thereof the dial gains upon it by the space of one tooth
during a single revolution of the said dial. By reference to Figure 37 it will be
seen that the follower wheel 2 is mounted rigidily upon a sleeve 12 on the
bearing 13 and to the outer end of the said sleeve is secured a hand or pointer 6
which travels with the said sleeve. The dial moves under this hand, and as the
former gains a single tooth upon the follower 2 it will be seen that in a single
revolution of the dial the hand 6 will be removed one units space toward the right
on the graduate. This band registers sums of one hundred, and will, therefore in
connection with the indicator 4 register up to and including 99 together with
99 units registered by the hand 4 or in other words a sun of 9,999 units, which is
their utmost limits.
The next step is to advance these readings by separate indications of ten thousand
units each. To effect register readings from 10,000 up to 1,000,000, or in that
vicinity, ordinarily requires considerable and complicated mechanism, but by my
invention this is accomplished in the following mi ɩnner.
The mechanism is as follows that is to say-To the inside of the dial wheel is
secured a disc or blind wheel 7 in the periphery of which is forined a single notch 8

page_text: both dial and blind wheel being secured together to turn as one. Between this
blind wheel and the follower wheel 2 is placed a spring washer 9 and a ratclict
wheel 10 is placed between it and the follower 2. The periphery of the ratchet
wheel 10 is divided into one hundred equal teeth and the wheel itself is slightly
less in diameter than the blind wheel, as seen in Figure 34. This ratchet wheel is
rigidly mounted upon a sleeve 11, which rotates upon the sleeve 12 as shown in
Figure 37 and upon the outer extremity of the said sleeve is mounted rigidly a
hand wheel or pointer 14 turning with the said sleeve and ratchet wheel.
dial wheel and blind wheel rotate upon but not with the sleeve 11 the spring.
washer 9 tends to keep them apart from the ratchet wheel and also creates
sufficient frictional resistance to prevent movement upon the part of the ratchet
wheel except as it is actuated by the mechanism.
As the
Upon the inside face of the follower wheel 2 is pivoted a pawl 15 actuated by a
light spring which throws it down. The point of this pawl rides upon the
periphery of the blind wheel 7 which is of somewhat greater diameter than the
ratchet wheel. 10. Now it will be remembered that the consequence of the
differential movement of the dial and the follower wheel is that for each revolution
of the dial, it gains one hundredth part of a revolution on the follower 2 and it will
therefore require ninety nine rotations of the dial wheel before the pawl 15 will
reach the notch 8 in the blind wheel. The hand 14 meantime travels with the dial
undisturbed, but at the ninety ninth revolution the pawl will reach the notch and
spring down into it thereby engaging with a tooth in the ratchet wheel 10 and
during the one hundredth revolution it will give the said ratchet and thereby the
hand 14 a relative movement of one one-hundredth of a revolution, at the end of
which the pawl 15 will be drawn out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 10 by
riding up the inclined edge of the notch 8. During its engagement it will have
caused the hand 14 to register a single space upon the graduate, but as the said
hand registers only sums of 10,000 units each, this space will indicate such a
registration.
The pawl will not again engage with the notch 8 until a second series of ninety
nine revolutions of the dial 1 have been accomplished, when the operation just
described will be repeated and a second sum of 10,000 units will be registered, and
this may be continued until the registration reaches a final sum of 999,999 units.
The method of forming the dial is shown in Figure 38. I first stamp out the
dial wheel by a die the said dial wheel is made with an annular recess 16 stamped
or otherwise formed in the face. I then print stamp or mark in any suitable
manner, the necessary graduations upon an annulus of such dimensions as to exactly
fill the recess in the dial wheel. This annulus is formed of any suitable material
such as paper celluloid india rubber, or the like and is inserted and secured within
the recess the proper relative position thereof being indicated by a register point
stamped on the wheel and printed on the annular dial. This forms a cheap but
perfect dial, flush with the face of the wheel, thereby permitting the hands to lie
close to the graduations and reducing the liability of error in reading.
Should it be desired (as it frequently is) to set all the hands at zero, this may be
readily effected by loosening the screw 17 when the slot 18 of the worm bearing 19
and the pivoted bearing 20 will permit the worm to be withdrawn from engagement
with the wheels 1 and 2 when the hands 6 and 14 and the dial the latter with
relation to the stationary hand 4 may be instantly reset.as required, after which the
worm may be adjusted to engage as before.
The blind wheel 7 though shown in the figure as separate and. distinct may be
stamped in the dial wheel 1 and the notch formed therein in a manner analogous
to that shown and described for forming the recess 16 for holding the dial graduate.
By such a construction the number of wheels would be reduced to three.
The worm 3 is thought to be the construction best adapted for meters where a
number of strokes may be required to register a single volume. The proper
rotation of the screw would then be determined by the ratchet connection to the
worm, which latter forms no necessary part of. this invention; and is not therefore

page_text: shown. But where a single stroke should be correspondingly registered by an
indication of one unit on the dial I substitute for the worm a direct pawl connection
such as that shown in Figure 36. The said pawl is shown at 21 and is mounted
upon a vibrating lever, or pivoted pawl carrier 22 pivoted upon the same centre on
which the dial revolves. In this form of construction a safety pawl 23 may also
be pivoted to the base 5.
The operation in this instance is the same as that already described except that
each movement of the lever, 22 causes an indication of one upon the dial. The
machine is also simplified thereby.
The proportions herein given may be changed to suit varying purposes. For
example the dial might be made to read 10 to 500 or 1000 instead of 100.
In this invention all the parts may be made of stamped metal and the work of
assembling the register is very simple in consequence of the arrangement and of
the small number and simplicity of the parts..
A modified form of this apparatus is shown in Figures 39 to 44 wherein the
register dials have a single complement of graduations, and three hands or pointers
are caused to indicate in geometrical progression; the sum of the units of the
graduation being the multiplier. Thus the ultimate or aggregate indications of
the hand of second value with a dial having, say a graduation of 100. units would
be the sum of 100 x 100=10,000; for the hand of first or highest value, the
ultimate sum i,e the aggregate of the different like sums of its indication would be
100 x 100 x 100=1,000,000. This ratio of indication is effected first by the fixed
unit hand C under which rotates the disc 1, second by the hand B which is fast to
and may be considered as a part of the follower wheel 2 and third by the hand A
which is fast to the friction gear wheel 3 but may be considered as a fixed part of
the dial wheel 4 during 99 parts of time.
In the dial wheel shown in the present instance there are formed 100 teeth and
in the differential follower wheel 101 teeth both of which engage with the same
motor as say the worm 5 hence one hundred turns of the worm will cause one
complete rotation of the dial wheel gaining upon the band B one hundredth part
of one revolution, or the space of one graduation upon the dial. This gives
the second indication for obtaining which the means so far described are well
known.
The third indication but first in point of value, is that of the hand A. and forms
the most important feature of this part of this invention. In the foregoing
description this is shown as being effected by securing the hand A. to a ratchet
wheel in which are formed 100 teeth, a blind wheel and a friction being interposed
between the said hand or ratchet wheel and the dial wheel, a pawl and spring are
attached to the follower wheel and operate in effect to lock the follower wheel
with the hand of highest value during the time of one revolution; thus permitting
the dial to travel under the said hand the amount of the differential gain of one
complete rotation. In the present instance I entirely obviate the use of the blind
wheel the extra friction clutch, the pawl and the spring and substitute therefor a
positive movement which drives the hand over the graduations instead of stopping
the hand from moving with the dial.
As already stated the hand A is rigidly secured to the friction gear wheel 3. In
this wheel are formed 100 teeth and a number of arms 6 the alternate arms of
which are separated from the rim of the wheel as at 7 and slightly bent inward
beyond the plane surface of the wheel. Hence when the hand A and collar 8 are
secured to each other, the friction developed by the spring of the separated arms
will clutch and hold the hand A wheel and pinion 9, with any degree of firmness
desirable, at any relative position to which they may be turned upon the dial
wheel. Thus the two functions of gear wheel and friction clutch are performed by
one part viz the friction gear wheel 3.
Engaging with the wheel 3 is a freely pivoted pinion 9 having ten leaves, but
considerably thicker and projecting farther outward from the surface of the dial

page_text: wheel than that of the friction gear wheel. The said pinion is secured to and may
also be considered as a part of the dial wheel.
Projecting from the face of the follower wheel is a fixed detent or spur 10 the point
of which is formed to a gauge approximating that of the teeth of the wheel 3 its
relative position upon the follower wheel being such as to engage with the projecting
pinion so that for each single revolution gained by the dial wheel upon the
follower wheel, the said detent will turn the pinion the space or pitch of a single
tooth-Hence as it will be borne in mind that the differential gain of the dial
wheel over the follower wheel for each revolution is one-hundredth of one
revolution and as it requires 100 turns of the dial wheel to gain one relative
rotation upon the follower wheel it will be seen that during the time of 100
revolutions the detent will only be in contact with the pinion during the time of
one revolution, or one hundredth part of time. The consequence of this contact is
that the pinion is caused to turn one tenth of a revolution and thereby the wheel 3
one hundredth of a revolution; thus the hand A being moved the distance of a
single space of the graduation indicates a reading of 10,000 units.
The reason for forming the pinion of thicker material than the friction gear
wheel, which thereby projects beyond the outer face of the said wheel is that the
detent may engage from between the bearing of the pinion and the centre upon
which the driven gear wheel turns, as in this way the hand A is caused to move
over the graduations in an opposite direction to that of the movement of the dial
itself. Therefore as the hand A is caused to move over the dial and the dial is
caused to gain relatively under the hand B the apparent effect is the same as if the
dial was restrained from rotation and both hands were driven in the same direction
over the graduations of the dial.
It will readily be seen that the friction gear wheel might be made solid and the
frictional means be interposed after the manner set forth in a previous part of this
invention, or that the friction might be applied to the hand to the pinion, or by a
yielding detent as 14 Figure 44 interlocking either the teeth of gear wheel 3 or
pinion 9.
The detent 10 may be attached separately or formed from the body of the
follower wheel of which it is a part.
In the said previous part of this invention the unit hand C is described, as being
secured to a separate and distinct standard. In the present instance the unit hand
is secured to the axis 11 upon and about which the entire structure of the register
rests and revolves; hence all of the hands radiate from the same centre. This
construction dispenses with the extra standard; permits the use of a uniform
length and style of hand; locks the mechanism as a whole upon the axis and is
more economical of space.
Also in said previous part of the invention the dial is described as a flat annulus,
contained within and upon the face of the dial wheel. In the present instance the
dial 1 is a "cupped" annulus as at 12 formed of any suitable material which being
properly graduated is secured to the dial wheel by screws as at 13. In this
inanner the outer portion of the dial is made to clear the teeth of the dial wheel,
and the motor apparatus as 5 to any extent desirable or necessary and may also
extend unrestrictedly beyond the perimeter of the dial wheel. The advantages of
this are that the graduations may be made much larger, and therefore more
distinct, and that the whole work of the register apparatus proper may be
constructed of the minimum size regardless of the diameter of the dial and length
of the hands to be carried. Hence in manufacturing a single size of registering
mechanism may be adapted for a plurality of discs and sets of hands respectively
of varying diameters and radiants; the duty for which the register may be
intended as say-for a meter or for a printing press being entirely determined by
the size of its dial and hands.
Having thus fully described the said invention as communicated to me by my
Foreign Correspondents and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim

page_text: First. In a fluid meter; the combination with a piston rod having stop collars
thereon, of a spring carriage, springs mounted thereon, and a valve stem connected
with said springs, substantially as described.
Second. In a fluid meter, the combination with a piston rod having stop collars
thereon, of a carriage actuating motor and retaining springs, and a valve stem,
substantially as described.
Third. In a fluid meter, the combination with a piston rod having stop collars
thereon, of a spring carriage, springs mounted thereon, a valve stem connected with
the said springs, and an idle lever having an independent connection with the said
valve stem, substantially as described..
Fourth In a fluid meter, the combination with the valve stem, of a carriage
actuating V-shaped springs which connect at one end with the said carriage and
at the other end with the said valve stem of the movable carriage, whereby the
said springs act both as motor and as retaining springs, substantially as described.
Fifth. In a fluid meter, a valve having set in its face a plane faced annulus of
yielding material, and a valve seat having V-shaped annular grooves formed
therein, whereby when the valve is seated a number of separate annular contacts
between the said two parts will be made, substantially as described.
Sixth. The combination with the piston rod having an upper and a lower collar,
of a register rod packed through the cylinder cap and actuated by the collars upon
the said piston rod, substantially as described.
Seventh. The combination with the cylinder having the water ways 20, 25
and 28, of the valves 13 and 14, the spring carriage actuated by the piston rod 5
and the flexible lining 3, substantially as described.
Eighth In a fluid meter, the bushings 16 17 and 19, fitted within the cap 8 in
the manner described, and the valve stem passing through the said bushings and
carrying valves which work between the bushings, substantially as shown and
specified.
Ninth In a fluid meter, the bushings 16, 17 and 19 arranged to form sub-
compartments within the cap 8, the valve stem passing through the said bushings
carrying a compound valve which works within the said sub-compartments, and
the open sluice 45, substantially as shown and described.
Tenth. The combination in a fluid meter, of a balanced compound puppet valve
consisting of two valves mounted upon a vertically moving valve stem, and valve
ports of equal area, the pressure of the ingress current being equally exerted upon
both outside faces of the two valves, at the same time that the pressure of the
egress current is exerted between both inside faces of the said valves or vice versa,
substantially as described.
Eleventh. In a fluid meter, the combination with a cylinder, a co-acting
compound piston, and a septum wall within and upon which are valves for changing
the direction of the current, of open valveless sluices which continuously connect a
pair of compartments with each other as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twelfth. In a fluid meter, the combination with a cylinder, a co-acting piston,
and a septum wall 11 in which are formed open valveless sluices 38, 39, of direct
acting puppet valves which operate upon and within the said septum wall, for the
purpose specified.
Thirteenth In a fluid meter having a system of puppet valves, the combination
with the said valves and their stems of loosely fitted bearings for the stems,
independent but co-acting springs 33, 34, and connections between the said springs
and the valve stems operating to effect, a proper seating of the valves, substantially
in the manner described and shown.
Fourteenth. In fluid meter having a system of puppet valves, the combination
with the valve mechanism of independent but co-acting retaining and motor
springs 33, 34, and toggle connections 35, 36, for the purpose specified.
Fifteenth. In a fluid meter having a cylinder, a compound piston, and a septum
wall, the combination with the valves 22, 25, 26 and yokes 31, 32, of the knife;

page_text: edged toggles 35, 36, and springs 33, 34, substantially as, and for the purpose,
specified.
Sixteenth In a fluid meter, the combination of a compound cylinder and a
compound co-acting piston enclosed therein, each end of the said cylinder and
piston being set excentric to the other at opposite sides of the septum wall,
substantially as described.
Seventeenth. In a fluid meter, the combination with a compound cylinder and a
septum wall having valveless sluices and means for controlling the direction of the
currents, of the flexible expanding and collapsing linings and two pistons, the said
pistons and flexible linings being set excentric to each other, and adapted to co-act
by means of the piston rods, each one of the said rods passing from one sub-
compartment of the cylinder to another in the order in which the said sub-
compartments are connected by the said valveless sluices, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. In a fluid meter, the combination with a cylinder, a septum wall
in which are enclosed means for controlling the direction of the current, and a
compound co-acting piston, of two piston rods, one of the said rods being adapted
to operate the valve mechanism, and the other of the said rods being adapted to
operate the registering apparatus.
Nineteenth In a fluid meter, the combination with the sub-compartment 8, of
the sub valve chamber 27, and sluice 26, substantially as described.
Twentieth. In a fluid meter, the combination of the valve spring 33, carriage 31,
carriage lever 35, and link connection 36, substantially as described.
Twenty-first In a fluid meter, the combination with the valve operating
mechanism, of a slotted standard, and a lever having a stop piece adapted to act
within the said slot, substantially as described.
Twenty-second. In a fluid meter in which the valve is, or valves are, operated
by a lever, means for increasing or decreasing the spread of the said lever, whereby
the length of the piston stroke is accurately adjusted for measurement of volume,
substantially as described.
Twenty-third. In a fluid meter, the combination with its valve or valves, and
motor apparatus, of a valve operating lever having a slotted end 41, and adjusting
screw 42, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Twenty-fourth. Registering apparatus indicating measurements of units and.
sums of units, the said indication being effected for single units, by a rotating
dial passing under a fixed hand; for sums of one hundred units by a hand rotating
over the said dial but retarded by a differentially toothed wheel engaging with the
same motor as the dial; and for sums of ten thousand units each by a hand
actuated by a ratchet and pawl, the latter being carried by the differentially
toothed wheel, and the former by the dial wheel, or a wheel rotating with it and
provided with a single notch, the said pawl being held out of engagement with the
said ratchet until it reaches the notch, substantially as described.
Twenty-fifth. The combination with the rotating dial, of the differentially
toothed follower wheel, the ratchet wheels interposed between, a blind wheel,
or equivalent device, having a single notch, and rotating with the said dial next
the ratchet, and a pawl pivoted to the follower wheel and riding upon the periphery
of the blind wheel, substantially as described.
Twenty-sixth. The combination with the ratchet wheel, of a spring washer
interposed between the same and the blind wheel or dial, substantially as
described.
Twenty-seventh. The combination with the follower wheel, of the blind wheel
having a single notch with an inclined edge, the ratchet wheel, and the pawl
pivoted to the follower wheel, substantially as described.
Twenty-eighth. Registering mechanist indicating units and sums of units, the
said indication being effected for single units by a dial rotating under a fixed
hand; for the ultimate sum of the unit indication by a hand revolving with the
said dial, but retarded, in the ratio of one unit to the ultimate sum of the unit
indications, by a differentially toothed wheel connected with the same motor as

page_text: the dial; for the ultimate sum of the second indication by a hand, also revolving
with the said dial, the ratio of whose indication and movement is as the ultimate
sum of the unit indication to the ultimate sum of the second indication, and the
operation of which is effected by means of the aforementioned differentially toothed
wheels causing the said hand to indicate upon the dial only during the time
in which the final aggregate of the sums of the second indication is being
registered.
Twenty-ninth. The combination with a rotating dial carried by a dial wheel 4,
a differential follower wheel 2, and a motor for operating the same, of a hand A,
a wheel 3, a pinion 9, frictional means for clutching the same, and a detent 10,
substantially as, and for the purpose set forth.
Thirtieth. In registering apparatus, the wheel 3, formed to effect the double
function of a gear wheel and friction clutch, substantially as shown and
described.
Thirty-first. In registering apparatus, the combination with a revolving dial
mounted upon a rigid journal bearing 11 and means for operating the said dial,
of the fixed unit hand C when attached to and radiating from the same bearing
as that upon which the dial is caused to rotate, substantially as shown and
described.
**
Thirty-second In registering apparatus, the dial 1 formed as a cupped"
annulus when adapted to extend above and beyond the perimeter of the dial
wheel, substantially as herein described and shown, and for the purpose set
forth.
In witness whereof I the said William Robert Lake have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twenty-fifth day of September in the year of Our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and eighty three.