Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 18th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 18th Nov., 1899-Accepted, 28th July, 1900
I, FRANK MARION CHAPPELL, of 406, Grant Street, Pittsburg, in the County of
Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., Mechanic, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The herein-described invention relates to certain new and useful improvements
in automatic feed-water regulators, and more particularly to that class in which
a thermostat is employed.
The invention has for its object to construct an apparatus of the above-referred-
to class that will automatically regulate the water-line in water-tube or other
boilers and retain such line at any predetermined point or level.
The invention further aims to construct an automatic feed apparatus that will
be of the simplest construction, with no delicate parts that can be easily put out
of order, and an apparatus that will effectively maintain the water at a certain
level as fast as it evaporates.
Furthermore, the invention aims to construct an apparatus of the above-
referred-to class that may be manufactured at a comparatively small cost.
With the above and other objects in view the invention finally consists in the
novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter
more particularly described, and specifically pointed out in the claims.
In describing the invention in detail reference is had to the accompanying
drawings, forming a part of this specification, wherein like numerals of reference
indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views thereof, and in which-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a horizontal tubular boiler, showing my im-
proved apparatus attached thereto. Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the
thermostat and controlling-valve. Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the
same. Figure 4 is an enlarged detail view showing the lever-arm partly broken
away, carrying a sleeve, washers, adjusting-butts, and connecting-rod. Figure 5
is an enlarged detail view, in vertical section, of the top plate together with its
parts forming the locking mechanism of the controlling-valve. Figure 6 is an
enlarged vertical sectional view of the condensing-coil. Figure 7 is an enlarged
ongitudinal vertical sectional view of the waste-controlling valve. Figure 8
is a perspective view of the thermostat, showing the same disconnected. Figure 9
a a perspective view of the controlling valve. Figure 10 is a perspective view

page_text: of the end of the lever-arm and sleeve, showing the lever-arm partly broken
away. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the valve, stem, and guides of the
controlling-valve. Figure 12 is a detail view in perspective of one of the
convexed washers. Figure 13 is a detail view in perspective of the elliptical
spring lever-arm. Figure 14 is a detail view in perspective of the fulcrum-
block. Figure 15 is a detail view in perspective of the elbow connecting the
thermostat and the condensing-coil. Figure 16 is an enlarged detail view in
perspective of the controlling-valve of the waste-pipe.
Referring to the drawings by reference-numerals, 1 indicates a main feed-
pipe communicating with a feed-pipe 2.
3 indicates an auxiliary valve attached to the feed-pipe 2, said feed-pipe
being further provided with a balance-controlling lock-valve 4.
The reference-numeral 4* indicates an ordinary check-valve arranged in the
feed-pipe 2, and 46 an auxiliary valve arranged on the feed-pipe near the
boiler 5.
The reference-numeral 6 indicates a water-column carrying a water-gauge 6°.
- To the said water-column 6ª is attached a flow-pipe 6º, and in said flow-pipe 6°
is arranged a valve 6ª.
The reference-numeral 6 is a condensing coil connecting with the flow-pipe 6º
and the thermostat 6'.
The reference-numeral 6* indicates a waste-pipe, having secured near the ther-
mostat a waste-controlling valve 71.
6 represents a blow-off pipe having a blow-off valve 6.
The dotted lines we indicate the water-line in the boiler 5º.
The balance-controlling lock-valve 4 consists of a casing and is provided with
the usual valve-seats 66, a valve-stem 7, carrying guides 8, and valves 8",
arranged thereto.
The reference-numeral 9 indicates a cap which is exteriorly screw-threaded
at 10 and adapted to engage an interiorly-screw-threaded nipple 10 of the valve-
casing. Said cap carries a yoke 11, and formed integral therewith is a top
plate 12, said top plate being provided with lugs 13 13, which are apertured at 14
and adapted to receive a pin 15, to which is swingingly secured a lock-lever 16,
carrying on its free end a hook portion 17. On the upper face of said top
plate 12, formed integral therewith, is arranged an upwardly-extending
sleeve 12, having converging sides, and the under face of said sleeve serving as a
guide and is adapted to receive an enlarged portion 12b of the valve-stem. The
under face of said hook portion is adapted to engage a head 18, said head having
a concaved upper face 19, carrying on its under face a shoulder 12, having
converging sides 12, the latter being oppositely inclined to the sides of the
sleeve 12, said sides being formed integral with the said head and the enlarged
portion 12 of the valve-stem 20, which forms a guide operating through the
top plate 12.
The reference-numeral 21 is a spiral spring surrounding the sleeve 12ª and the
enlarged portion 12b and abutting against the lower face of the head and
the upper face of the top plate 12, said spring serving to normally retain the
ports of the valve closed. A pin 22, which is preferably formed of hardened
metal, is centrally secured upon the upper face of the head 18.
The thermostat (if consists of a tubular extension 23, which is exteriorly screw-
threaded at its upper extremity, as shown at 24, and is similarly screw-threaded
at its lower extremity, as shown at 25. To the said lower extremity is secured
a fitting 26, which is interiorly screw-threaded at 26* and adapted to receive
the screw-threaded portion 25. This fitting carries on its inner side a solid
shoulder 27, formed integral therewith, this shoulder being tapped on its
upper face, as at 28, and adapted to receive the screw-threaded end of a stay-
rod 29. The said stay-rod operates through a guide 30 of the collar 31, which
is rigidly secured to and surrounds the tubular extension 23. Said collar 31 is
further provided with a similar guide 32, which is arranged diametrically

page_text: opposite the guide 30. The upper end of the stay-rod 29 is screw-threaded and
adapted to receive an adjusting-nut 33. At the lower end of said stay-rod is a
similar adjusting-nut 34. The said stay-rod is further provided at the upper
extremity with a forked end 35, the latter being also interiorly screw-threaded
and adapted to receive the exteriorly-screw-threaded end of the said stay-rod.
The forked end 35 is apertured at 36 36 for the reception of a pin 37, which
engages a lever-arm 38, operating in the forked end 35 and arranged approxi-
nately at a right angle to the said stay-rod 29, the said lever-arm 38 haring
on its lower face a concaved recess 39 and carrying on its other engaging end a
sleeve 40, which is formed integral therewith, said sleeve having formed on
its upper and lower faces concaved recesses 41 41. A connecting-rod 42 carries
screw-threaded ends 43 at its upper extremity which are adapted to operate
through the sleeve 40. Convexed washers 44 44 are arranged on the said con-
necting-rod and placed above and below the said sleeve, the convexed faces of
which are adapted to engage the concaved recesses of the said sleeve. The
inner diameters of the convexed washers of the sleere are greater than the
diameter of the screw-threaded portion of the connecting-rod, which allows a
free movement upon the same.
At the upper extremity of the screw-threaded connecting-rod is arranged an
adjusting-nut 45, said connecting-rod being further provided with similar ad-
justing-nuts 46, which are arranged above and below the sleeve 40, the said
rod extending downwardly and operating through a guide 32 of the collar 31.
The lower end of the connecting-rod is likewise serew-threaded, as shown at 47,
for the reception of an adjusting-nut 48 and the screw-threaded forked end 49,
the latter being apertured at 50 to receive a pin 51.
A connecting-bar 52, having arranged therein a transverse slot 53, carries on
its upper extremity a screw-threaded extension 54, which is adapted to receive
a fitting 26, the latter engaging an interiorly-screw-threaded portion 55. Said
connecting-bar is similarly provided at its lower extremity with a screw-threaded
portion 56, to which is secured a spring clamp-support 57, carrying apertured
ears 58, said clamp being adapted to encircle the feed-pipe 2 and the apertured
ears being provided with a bolt 59, carrying adjusting-nuts 60.
An elliptical spring-lever 61 is pivotally secured by means of the pin 51 to
the forked end 49 and passes through the slot 53. An aperture 62 extends
through the sides of the connecting-bar, through which passes a pin 63 and
lever 61, forming a fulcrum for the latter. The elliptical end 04 tapers to a
point or feather-edge, the under face being flat and adapted to engage the
pin 22 of the balance-controlling lock-valve.
A fitting 65, interiorly screw-threaded, is arranged upon the screw-threaded
portion 24 of the tubular extension 23, said fitting having a nipple 66, adapted to
receive an elbow 67, which is interiorly screw-threaded to receive the condensing-
coil 6. The said fitting is further provided at its top with a plug 68, which is
preferably composed of hardened material. Said plug carries on its upper end
a fulcrum-block 69, the latter having a bevelled face 70, which tapers to a
feather-edge, forming a fulcrum-bearing and operating in the concave recess 39
of the lever-arm 38.
A waste-controlling valve 71 is arranged at the base of the thermostat, which
controls the action of the same, and is formed of a casing 72, in which is arranged
an ordinary valve-stem 73, carrying on its inner end the valve proper, which is
cone-shaped and is indicated by the reference-numeral 74, said valve having
formed therein an opening 75, extending from the apex of the cone 74 rearwardly
at an angle and terminating at a point on the stem in the rear of the valve
proper.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows: Water is conducted through
the main feed-pipe 1 to the feed-pipe 2 and is conducted through a valve 3,
through the balance-controlling lock-valve 4, thence through the ordinary check-
valve and through an auxiliary valve 4º to the boiler 5ª. For the purpose of

page_text: illustrating the exact operation of this apparatus we will presume that it is
desired to retain the water-line at a point which is approximately in the centre
of the water-column 6 and the water-gauge 6. The flow-pipe 6° is attached
to the water-column 6 at a point where it is desired to retain the water-lever in
For the
the boiler and indicated on the drawings by the dotted lines 10 w.
purpose of further illustrating the operation of my improved apparatus it will
be presumed that the water has not as yet reached this height in the boiler.
Steam will be conducted through the flow-pipe 6 into the condensing coil 6°,
thence into the thermostat 6, which will cause the same to expand, thereby
raising the fulcrum-block 69, raising the lever-arm 38 and connecting-rod 42,
thereby communicating a downward movement to the elliptical end 64 of the
elliptical spring-lever 61, the said end depressing the pin 22 of the valve-stem 20
and simultaneously depressing the spring 21, thereby causing the valve to
open and freely admit the water-supply. As soon as sufficient water has
entered the boiler and the desired water line is obtained it will cover the mouth
of the flow-pipe C in the water-column 6, which will immediately fill the
flow-pipe 6° with water, and the same will be conducted through the con-
densing-coil 6, thereby cooling the same, and thence into the thermostat 6º,
causing the latter to contract, thereby lowering the fulcrum-block 69, relieving
the thermostatic pressure from the lever-arm 38, and allowing the connecting-
rod 42 to descend slightly by gravity, raising the elliptical end 64 of the
elliptical lever-arm 61 and relieving the thermostatic pressure from the pin 22,
operating the valve-stem of the balance-controlling lock-valve 4, and permitting
the same to close by reason of the expansion of the spiral spring 21, thereby
shutting off the water-supply. The balance-controlling lock-valve 4 remains
in this position until the water-line in the boiler has lowered to a point which
will again unseal the mouth of the flow-pipe 6°, allowing steam to enter and
forcing the water in the flow-pipe 6 through the condensing-coil 6, thence
through the thermostat G, through the waste-controlling valve 71, and through
the waste-pipe C. When said water has been forced out of the thermostat,
the steam will again cause the same to expand and the first operation as herein
described will be repeated. By this means a perfect water-line is constantiy
maintained. The water-line will only vary the distance of the diameter of the
mouth of the flow-pipe 6º.
The operation of the thermostat in detail is as follows: When the change of
temperature takes place from water to steam conducted through the condensing-
coil 6, the tubular extension 23 will slightly expand, raising the fulcrum-
block 69, operating in the concaved recess 39, causing the sleeve 40 of the
lever-arm 38 to rise. As this operation takes place. the lower inner concaved
recess 41 of the sleeve 40 will engage the inner convexed face of the convexed
washer and the outer concaved recess arranged on the upper end of the sleeve
will engage the opposite side of the convexed washer, as shown more clearly in
Figure 4 of the drawings, thereby imparting an upward movement to the connect-
ing-rod 42, raising the pivotal end of the elliptical spring-lever 61, and depressing
the forward end 64 of the said lever, and depressing the pin 22, opening the
valve. The reverse operation will take place when the hydrostatic action upon
the thermostat takes place.
When it is desired to admit water into the boiler or cut out the operation
of the balance-controlling lock-valve 4, the head 18 is depressed (see Figure 5
of the drawings) and the lock-lever 16 placed in position, the hook portion of
said lever engaging the concaved face 19 of the head. The lower end of the
enlarged portion 12 abutting against the upper face of the sleeve 12" will limit
the movement of the balance-controlling lock-valve, and the same will then be
locked and the valve opened, admitting a free passage of the water-supply
into the boiler.
The waste-controlling valve 71 being constructed with an opening 75 extending
from the apex of the cone rearwardly at an angle and terminating on the valve-

page_text: stem at a point in the rear of the valve provides an opening for the steam or
water to pass to the waste-pipe 6 at all times. By this means a continuous
operation of the pumps or injector, as the case may be, is assured.
From the foregoing description it will be readily apparent the numerous
advantages which are obtained by the use of my improved apparatus, which
provides new and novel means whereby a direct action is obtained and exercised
upon the controlling-valve regulating the feed-water supply, and when a change
of temperature takes place the thermostat will cause a direct action upon the
controlling-valve without the intervention of auxiliary valves or like means to
accomplish the desired result. More accurate and sensitive means of controlling.
the water-level in the boiler is thus obtained, and the employment of auxiliary
valves, which are common to this class of machines, will be entirely obviated,
thereby, overcoming a very objectionable feature which can be found in all
inventions of this character. Multiplicity of parts and the liability of the same
becoming out of order are hazardous and in many cases dangerous and disas-
trous results follow. All such objectionable features are practically overcome by.
the use of the herein-described apparatus.
It will be noted that my improved automatic feed-water regulator may be
advantageously connected to marine boilers, as all parts are so constructed that
they are able to withstand the ordinary jarring and the rocking motion of
the vessel without the liability of becoming out of adjustment.
It will be noted that various changes may be made in the details of con-
struction without departing from the general spirit of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. In an apparatus of the character described in combination with a boiler,
a feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged in said feed-pipe, a flow-pipe, a con-
densing-coil attached to said flow-pipe, a thermostat connected to said con-
deusing-coil, said thermostat operating upon said controlling-valve, and a waste-
pipe leading from said thermostat, substantially as described.
2. In an apparatus of the character described in combination with a boiler,
a feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged in said feed-pipe, a flow-pipe, a con-
densing-coil arranged at the end of said flow-pipe, a thermostat secured to said
condensing-coil, a waste-pipe connected to said thermostat, and a waste-con-
trolling valve, all parts being arranged and operating as herein shown and
described.
3. In an apparatus of the character described in combination with a boiler, a
feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged in said feed-pipe, locking means secured
to said valve, a flow-pipe, a thermostat, a condensing-coil arranged at the top
of the thermostat and connecting the end of said flow-pipe, a waste-pipe arranged
to the lower end of the thermostat, and a waste-controlling valve arranged in
the said waste-pipe, substantially as described.
4. In an apparatus of the character described in combination with a boiler, a
feed-pipe, a balance-controlling lock-valve arranged in said feed-pipe, a flow-
pipe, a thermostat, a condensing-coil connecting the said thermostat with said
How-pipe, a waste-pipe, and a waste-controlling valve having an opening arranged
therethrough, said waste-controlling valve arranged in said waste-pipe, substan-
tially as described.
5. In combination with a boiler having a feed-pipe connected thereto and to a
main feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged in said pipe, a flow-pipe con-
nected at one end to the water-column of the boiler, a condensing-coil connected
to the other end of said flow-pipe, a thermostat connected to said condensing-coil
and means carried by said thermostat for operating the controlling-valve of the
feed-pipe, substantially as described.
6. In combination with a boiler having a feed-pipe connected thereto and to

page_text: •
a main feed-pipe, a controlling valve arranged in said feed-pipe, a thermostat, a
condensing-coil connected to the said thermostat, a flow-pipe connecting the
water-column of the boiler with said thermostat and a pivoted lever carried
by said thermostat and attached to the controlling-valve of the feed-pipe, and
adapted to operate the valve, substantially as described.
7. In a feed-water regulator, the combination with a boiler, of a feed-pipe con-
nected thereto and a controlling-valve arranged in said feed-pipe, a thermostat
mounted on the feed-pipe, a flow-pipe connected at its one end to the water-
column of the boiler, a condensing-coil connecting the other end of said flow-
pipe to the thermostat, a stay-rod secured to said thermostat, & lever-arm pivotally
secured at its one end to said stay-rod, a lever pivotally secured to the thermostat
and engaging said controlling-valve and means connecting said lever-arm and
pivoted lever for operating the -controlling-valve, substantially as described.
8. In a feed-water regulator, the combination with a boiler, of a feed-pipe con-
nected to the boiler and to a main feed-pipe, a controlling-valve mounted on
the feed-pipe, a thermostat, a flow-pipe connecting the thermostat with the
hoiler, a stay-rod carried by said thermostat, a lever-arm pivotally
secured in the upper end of said stay-rod, a lever pivotally secured
near the lower end of the thermostat and having an elliptical-
shaped end engaging the controlling-valve, and a connecting-rod attached
to the free end of the lever-arm and to the end of the lever
engaging the controlling-valve for operating the same, substantially as shown
and described.
9. In a feed-water regulator, the combination with a boiler of a feed-pipe
connected to said boiler, a controlling-valve arranged in said feed-pipe with
double valve-seats arranged therein, a valve-stem, valves secured to said stem
and engaging said seats, means carried by the valve-casing and engaging said
valve-stem for operating the same, a thermostat, a condensing-coil connected
thereto, a flow-pipe connecting the boiler with said thermostat, and means carried
by said thermostat and operated thereby for operating the controlling-valve,
substantially as shown and described.
10. In a feed-water regulator, the combination with a boiler having a feed-
supply pipe, a controlling-valve arranged in said supply-pipe, a thermostat sup-
ported from the supply-pipe, a flow-pipe connecting the water-column of the
boiler with said thermostat, a stay-rod carried by the thermostat, a lever-arm
pivotally secured in the upper end of said stay-rod, a controlling-valve, an
operative lever, a connecting-rod secured in the free end of the lever-arm and
pivotally attached to the said operating lever, a plug secured in the upper end
of said thermostat, a waste-pipe connected to the thermostat and a controlling-
valve arranged in said waste-pipe, substantially as described.
11. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination with a boiler,
a feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged therein, a flow-pipe, a condensing-
coil connected to the said flow-pipe, a thermostat and means connected thereto
for operating the controlling-valve, substantially as herein shown and described.
12. In an apparatus of the character described, in combination with a boiler,
a feed-pipe, a controlling-valve arranged therein, a condensing-coil, a flow pipe
connected at one end to the water-column of the boiler and at its opposite end
to the said coil, a thermostat connected to the said condensing-coil, and an
operating-lever adjustably connected to the said thermostat and operated thereby
for operating the said controlling-valve, substantially as described.
4000
HASELTINE LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.