IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER LEVEL AND PRESSURE INDICATORS AND LUBRICATORS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Smith, of 10, Salisbury St., Adelphi, Civil
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER LEVEL AND
PRESSURE INDICATORS AND LUBRICATORS."-A communication.
Sealed the 21st April 1857, and dated the 21st October 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Smith at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
21st October 1856.
I, WILLIAM SMITH, of 10, Salisbury St., Adelphi, Civil Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATER LEVEL AND PRESSURE INDICATORS AND LUBRICATORS," a communication
from a foreigner residing abroad, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an apparatus for correctly indicating variations of
water levels in boilers or other vessels for indicating the pressure of steam,
water, or a vacuum, and also for applying pressure for the purpose of lubri-
cating working surfaces; and it consists of a new and useful contrivance,
together with a novel construction and arrangement, adapted in whole or-in
part and in different modifications to the construction of water guages to
indicate the solid water level within vessels containing water or other liquids,
to vacuum guages to indicate the amount of vacuum in condensers, to pressure
Price S1

page_text: indicators to indicate the pressure of steam or of fluids, and of a pressure lubri-
cator operated in connection with or in correspondence to the pressure indicator,
both together forming a complete apparatus which may be described as a
pressure indicator and lubricator.
Although other arrangements of indicator may be made upon the same
principle, the mode of indication preferred and intended to be used is that
of a dial indicator.
A float, moved through its buoyancy by the rise and fall of water or other
fluid, is operated in such a manner that it is caused to travel in a circle or in
the arc of a circle, being attached by any suitable means to a centre point,
upon or around which it moves. By its movement a permanent magnet is
operated, which in turn operates and controls the movement of the hand
pointer or indicator, so that the latter corresponds in its position with that
of the magnet, and relatively through the magnet to that of the float moved
by the water or other operating fluid; but instead of a circular dial any other
form may be used.
It also consists, as part of the meaus of operating this apparatus, in the
use and application of an air spring in connection with a contrivance for
instantly replenishing and exchanging the air within the air-spring chamber
with that of the outer atmosphere, so that its elasticity can be maintained at
its original standard, it being known that air condensed and long confined
loses some portion of its elasticity.
And, further, it consists in so arranging the space in the air-spring chamber
as that the operating ball or float shall be caused to move through equal or
nearly equal degrees of space, although the water or other operating fluid by
which it is moved may rise through very unequal heights.
The pressure indicator and lubricator is intended more particularly for
attachment to steam engines and accompanying machinery, the pressure of
the boiler being applied to force the oil or lubricating material and deliver it
under the control of the operator in suitable quantities at the point where the
lubrication is required, while the accompanying indicator exhibits or may
exhibit at one and the same time the amount of pressure used for this
purpose, as well as the amount of that exerted in operating the engine itself.
These several instruments, although varied in form to suit the particular
purpose to which they are dedicated, cousist alike of closed vessels suitable
for bearing considerable pressure.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Smith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
21st April 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
SMITH, of 10, Salisbury Street, Adelphi, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the
year of Her
reign, did, forHerself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Smith, Her special licence that I, the said William Smith, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Smith, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATER LEVEL AND PRESSURE INDICATORS AND LUBRICATORS," (a communication,)
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, William Smith, by an instru-
ment in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar month's next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Smith, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This Invention relates to apparatus for correctly indicating variations of
water levels in boilers and other vessels, for indicating the pressure of steam,
water, or vacuum,and also for applying pressure for the purpose of lubricating
working surfaces; and it consists of a new and useful contrivance, together
with a novel construction and arrangement, adapted in whole or in part and in
different modifications to the construction of water gauges to indicate the
solid water level within vessels containing water or other liquids, to vacuum
gauges to indicate the amount of vacuum in condensers, to pressure indicators
to indicate the pressure of steam or of other fluids, and of pressure lubricators
operated in connexion with or in correspondence to the pressure indicator, both

page_text: together forming an apparatus which may be described as "a pressure
indicator and lubricator."
Although other arrangements of indicators may be made upon the same
principle, the form and mode of indication preferred and intended to be used
is that of a dial indicator.
A float, moved through its buoyancy by the rise and fall of water or other
fluid, is operated in such a manner that it is caused to travel in a circle or in
the arc of a circle, being attached by any suitable means to a centre point,
upon or around which it moves. By its movement a permanent magnet is
operated, which in turn operates and controuls the movement of the hand
pointer or indicator, so that the latter corresponds in its positions with that
of the magnet, and relatively through the magnet to that of the float moved
by the water or other operating fluid; but instead of a circular dial upon which
such indications are exhibited, any other form may be used.
It also consists, as part of the means of operating this apparatus, in the use
and application of an air spring in connection with a contrivance for instantly
replenishing and exchanging the air within the spring chamber with that of
the outer atmosphere, so that its elasticity can be maintained at its original
standard, it being known that air condensed and long confined, more
especially where it is in contact with water, loses some portion of its
elasticity.
And, furthermore, it consists in so arranging the space in the air-spring
chamber as that the operating ball or float shall be caused to move through
equal or nearly equal degrees of space, although the water or other operating
fluid by which it is moved may rise through varying heights.
The pressure indicator and lubricator is intended more particularly for
attachment to steam engines and accompanying machinery, the pressurefrom
the boiler being applied to force the oil or lubricating material or matter
and deliver it under the control of the operator in suitable quantities at the
point where the lubrication is required, while the accompanying indicator
indicates or may exhibit at one and the same time the amount of pressure
under which the lubricatory material is delivered, as well as the amount of
that exerted in working the engine itself.
These several instruments, although varied in form to suit the particular
purpose to which they are dedicated, consist alike of closed vessels suitable
for bearing considerable pressure.
Having described the nature of the said Invention, the accompanying
Drawings and the following description are intended more particularly to

page_text: nd operated.
represents external front view of water gauge and dial.
""
sectional side elevation of the same.
"
"
27
"
"
""
"
15
view of a modification suited for loco-
motive purposes.
front sectional view of a vacuum indicator.
"
دو
"
pressure indicator.
an external view of the same.
side elevation, shewing float and maguet
operated vertically.
front view of same, with spiral, shewing vertical
and dial scale.
view, partly in section, of arrangement of verti-
cal movement in combination with two fluids
of different ponderosity or specific gravity,
indicating the amount of force by applying
the pressure to raise the more ponderous fluid
from immersion in a spherical-shaped frame.
transverse sectional view of same at the line A,B.
1 exhibits two modes of transferring the movement to the
10
"
pointer.
2 is a transverse sectional view of a lozenge-shaped frame or
case, with the movement and internal arrange-
3"
4,"
5
2535
ment, otherwise similar to Figures 9 and 10.
ditto, ditto, of vacuum indicator, Figure 4.
ditto, ditto, , pressure indicator, Figure 5,
across the centre, but with the ball or float and
arm raised to the centre level.
vertical sectional view of a pressure lubricator.
s ou the dial scale, Figure 1, may be supposed to be sufficient
se and fall of twelve inches of water, the needle I indicating
ariation above or below the proper water level; the blow-off
discharge any accumulation of sediment; the hollow copper
ched to the crank rod B, which is attached at its other end
fork-piece, which being caused to rotate within the gauge
ling as the ball float rises and falls, while the needle I moves
iece or other delicate setting upon the outer face of the dial
correspondence with the poles of the magnet by which its

page_text: rotation is controlled. The hollow pipe E which encases the rod B is passed
through a hole drilled in the boiler head, or inserted in the place of the
middle gauge cock, and the ball rod and needle should be arranged so as to
have the needle horizontal on the dial when the water is at its proper level.
The rod plays freely in the pipe without friction, without any stuffing box
valve connection, or packing of any sort; and as priming and foaming can
have no effect upon the gauge, it will always indicate the actual level of the
solid water.
Figure 4 exhibits another modification and development of this part of the
Invention, adapted to operate an efficient vacuum indicator, a view of the
interior of which, with the front plate removed, is shewn. C,C, represents the
case or frame of a vessel divided by its inner partitions into two principal
chambers D and E,the only communication between which being through the
aperture c, c, at the base of the tube a, a; through the tube b, b, which is
screwed into the bottom part of the instrument, is passed another tube d,d,
one end of which opens at the upper part of the chamber E, and the other is
connected with the exhaust chamber [or the condenser]. The interior of the
spherical piece G when screwed into its place in the top part of the instru-
ment forms a continuation and termination of the chamber E; a hollow
.float F is attached to the arm I, which plays freely on the centre K, and
carries attached to itself the magnet, the two poles or arms of which project
towards the frout at m,m,in manner similar to that seen in profile in Figure 2.
The piece H, which may be made of any suitable material, wood, metal, or
glass [glass being preferred], is fitted to occupy the centre of the instrument,
and secured to the framework C, C, fitting, the space, so as to leave the
chamber E suitably placed, and contains channels and grooves, as seen in
Figures 4 and 14, to accommodate the play and rotation of the arms and
magnet, which operates and controls the needle through the plate, in similar
manner as seen in Figures 1 and 2. Through the pipe g, introduced at the
side of the pipe b, the instrument is supplied with water from any convenient
source, controlled by the stop-cock h; a tap 1 provides for the overflow at that
level, and being opened the cock / is turned on until the water ascends in the
apparatus, and by its overflow at 1 indicates that the proper operating level
is reached, when the cock is turned off and the tap I closed. The con-
denser and exhaust by their operation draw the air in the chamber E through
the pipe das the extent of vacuum is produced. In proportion as the air in
the chamber E is exhausted, the spring of the air in the chamber D will force
the water through the apertures c, c, up through the pipe a, a, and cause it to
ascend in the chamber E. The float F rising with the surface of the water

page_text: carries up with it the arm I, by which the magnet is caused to move, and the
needle on the dial to rotatein correspondence, affording an indication that may
be graduated to a scale to exhibit the amount of vacuum produced.
Figure 5 represents another variation of arrangement of this Invention
adapted to operate a pressure indicator, also employing an air spring, with an
additional arrangement for replenishing the air of the air-spring chamber. In
this instrument, the varying heights of the water operating the float are pro-
duced by the direct pressure of the water introduced compressing the air in
the air-spring chamber, by the resisting force and elasticity of which the height
of the water is regulated. As in the previous instance, the spherical piece G,
when screwed into the top of the frame C, forms with the latter the con-
tinuous chamber D, which contains the air spring; the space E is merely an
empty chamber communicating with the outer air. Water is supplied through
the pipe g let into side of the tube b, which is screwed into the base of the
frame,and within which again is screwed the inner tube d,provided at bottom
with a tap I, by which the contents of the chamber D may be rapidly dis-
charged, except that the arm i is longer, and the centre slightly altered in
position, as seen in the Drawings. The arrangement of these parts of the
magnet m, m, and of the float F, the centre piece H, H, fitting up the body
of the instrument, is similar to that described in Figure 4. The tap I being
closed and the cock h turned on, the water at the full head of the pressure
employed is forced through the pipes g and b into the air spring chamber D,
within which it compresses the air as it rises. It will be observed, that
although the water line ascends through different heights, the space of the
air spring chamber D is so proportioned in reference to the degree of pres-
sure to be exhibited on the dial, that the float F and arm I are caused to
move through nearly equal spaces in the arc of the circle which they
traverse, and a more uniform scale of indication is thus produced.
Figure 6 exhibits an external view of the last described, and the needle
pointer P moved and controlled by the magnet behind the dial plate, for con-
venience in computing variations of temperature; in connection with the air
spring a thermometer L, with its bulb within its chamber E may be attached
to the dial face. The external view of the vacuum indicator [Figure 4],
excepting that the scale is always divided into thirty instead of a greater
number of pounds pressure, being very similar to this of Figure 5; this
Drawing will suffice to give a sufficiently clear idea of that also, and of the
other (internal)arrangements of indicators, which have a general resemblance
to their external appearance.

page_text: Figures 7 and 8 represent one of the arrangements for indicating prossure
upon a vertical register or on a dial scale, by operating the magnet and pointer
by the vertical movement of a float.
Figure 7 exhibits a sectional elevation of the lower part of a conical-shape
vessel A, the dial face c, seen in Figure S, being placed on the flat surface,
obtained by cutting the cone longitudinally, so as to form the side face a, b;
the float F, which is guided by a central upright rod g, passing through it, and
has belted around it the magnet m; the poles o, which are turned towards the
dial face behind the scale A, B, rises and falls with the surface level of the
water introduced into the chamber D; as the magnet moves with the float
up and down it controls and operates the spiral c, c, the peculiar shape
and attachment of which will cause it, when operated by the vertical ascent
of the magnet, to turn round upon the polished and delicately constructed
centre pink, so as to bring the enlarging sweep of the spiral or other curve
against and corresponding to the magnet; behind the scale a, b, a needle
pointer d may be attached to the same piece, so as to be at the same time
turned about correspondingly to indicate on the dial scale at the circumference.
Figure S represents an external front view of last-mentioned Figure 7.
.
Figure 9 exhibits a side view, partly in section, [the guide and standard
being introduced] of another arrangement for operating the magnet vertically
through a vertical motion obtained by applying the pressure to raise a vessel
containing a dense fluid from immersion in a fluid of the same or less specific
gravity, or by means of a combination of two fluids of different ponderosity, in
the manner described, (mercury and water in some cases being preferred).
The following is the mode or method of applying this part of the Invention,
as shewn in the Drawing:-At the bottom of the frame A a strong tube or
cylinder a is introduced and secured, into which, through the cock h and
pipe g, the water is forced at the full head of pressure used; this cylinder is
fitted with a piston or plunger e, supporting on its top end or cap a cylindrical
vessel c,c, constructed with a centre cylindrical space,fitted to shut down over
the pipe a, and resting upon the cap of the plunger e. A guide sheath or
tube ff, perforated with holes, to allow free passage to the water or fluid used,
is placed above, to direct steadily the lift of the vessel c, c, which is also
steadied by the guides in the guide standards o; by removing the top
piece G mercury is poured into the interior of the core frame A, until it over-
flows at the dotted line at the level of the tap I,and just above the upper edges
of the vessel c, c; the tap I being then closed, the remainder of the chamber
is filled with water, and the top piece G secured in its place. The tap. I at
..J

page_text: the bottom for emptying the pipe a being closed, the cock h is then turned
on and the water under pressure introduced through the pipe g into the
cylinder d; the force exerted by the water in the cylinder upon the piston
or plunger e will cause the latter to lift up the whole vessel c, c, resting upon
the cap, a constantly increasing weight of mercury contained in the annular
basin j,j, being lifted as it emerges from the mercury in which it is immersed,
corresponding in its resistance to the increased force of the pressure per
inch exerted. A belt carrying a magnet may be secured around the vessel C,
as in the instance of Figures 7 and 8, and the remainder of the operation
be effected, as in that; or the vertical motion may be applied to operate a
pointer without the use of a magnet.
Figures 9 and 10 exhibit a method of applying it to operate a rotating
magnet and pointer. The general external appearance of the apparatus
may resemble the others before described, or it may be spherical; in the
latter case, two projecting arins u, v, are attached to the outer side of the
vessel c, c, carrying a flexible wire, chain, or cord, passed around a wheel w;:
as seen, Figure 10 A, which is thereby caused to rotate as the vessel C rises
and falls, carrying round the shaft T attached to the wheel, and the
maguet m, m, in correspondence, to which the pointer revolves, as in the other
examples. A standard with bearings t, t, supports the shafts; or a rack and
pinion may be applied in the ordinary way, as in Figure 11 B, to rotate the
magnet by the vertical movement of the vessel C.
Figure 10 exhibits a sectional view at the line A, B, of the foregoing,
which has been represented in Figure 9 in spherical form, which is well
it.
adapted for exhibiting two or four dials to indicate pressure at once;
may, as before stated, be also adapted to the ordinary shape of the others,:
as seen in sectional view, F. 19, No. 12.
Figure 13 represents a sectional view, taken at the line A, B, across the
vacuum indicator, shewing the arrangement of the bottom pipes, theexhaust
piped passing from the top down through the rear of the operating portions
of the apparatus.
Figure 14 represents a transverse sectional view of the pressure indicator,
as before mentioned. The centre portion H is fitted and secured to the
frame C, leaving spaces for the suitable working of the apparatus, which
spaces are closed in by a top plate L, tightly fitted and firmly secured to
its place; a brass rim O to carry the glass cover N, screwed to the rim.
completes the apparatus, and renders it fit for use.
Figure 15 represents an interior view of the lubricator, intended to be
worked in connection with the pressure indicator, and intended to receive its

page_text: pressure through a branch from the same pipe g, shewn in Figures 5 and 6,
and the inlet pipe and cock g, h, passing the water with pressure from each
branch into the interior of the frame or core A, into which is inserted a tap c
for emptying the contents, and a cock E screwed into its base, into which
cock is secured the pipe d, which passes up thro' the instrument, having its
top within the chamber c, which is secured into a brass chamber a attached
to the top piece D, which last is screwed into the top of the core A. The brass
'chamber a is made open, of cupola shape, allowing the glass chamber C and
its contents to be seen; the tap c and cock E being closed, oil is poured into
and fill, say, half full, the interior chamber. The water with pressure being
then let in will force the oil to the top of the chamber C and through the
pipe d; the cock E will deliver the oil through any pipe attached, at the
pressure shewn by the indicator, and at any point and quality, according as
the cock is kept open, to which the other end of the pipe shall be attached.
Having described this Invention as communicated to me, wish it to be
understood I do not claim the use or exclusive right to employ an air
spring, nor do I claim the moving aud controlling of an indicator hand or
pointed by means of a magnet, both of which have been long known and
used in various ways, neither do I claim those parts which are already in
use for other purposes, but which, nevertheless, it has been found necessary
herein to 'shew and describe for the better explanation of the whole; but
what is claimed as new is,-
First, the arrangement of the parts and mode of operating the magnet
to actuate or control in correspondence with or in connection with an indi-
cator hand or pointer, either by the movement of a single float and crank
arm or by vertical movement, in manner as she wn and described.
Second, the novel arrangement of the parts for causing the float and
indicator to move uniformly through nearly equal or uniform spaces whilst
actuated or operated by the rise or fall of water or fluid through various
heights.
Third, the contrivance for changing and replenishing the air of the air-
spring chamber.
Fourth, the use and application of a parabolic, cyclordal, or spiral-shaped
arin to operate an indicator, as shewn.
Fifth, the method of indicating pressure, by applying it for the purpose
of raising a ponderous fluid. from immersion, and thereby caused to lift
increasing weight corresponding to the increase of pressure, as shewn,
and substantially in the manner described.
Sixth, the apparatus and arrangement of its parts for indicating the

page_text: pressure under which oil or lubricating matter is applied and delivering it
under that pressure at the point of lubrication.
Seventh, and generally, the methods herein shewn and described (with
the exceptions or reservations as before mentioned) of constructing and
arranging the several instruments or apparatus for the purposes and uses
herein specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Smith, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
J. HALL,
10, Salisbury St., Adelphi.
WILLIAM SMITH, C.E. (L.S.)