IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC LIFTS OR HOISTS
Year: 1883

page_text: EE
LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN
HYDRAULIC LIFTS OR HOISTS" communicated to him from Henry Marie
Léon Crouan, a person resident at Paris in the Republic of France, Engineer.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th November 1883.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
[Gentleman] "IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC LIFTS OR HOISTS" a communication
to me from Henry Marie Léon Crouan a person resident at Paris in the republic
of France Engineer
This Invention relating to hydraulic lifts or elevators consists in the employment
of improved devices or apparatus constructed and arranged as hereinafter described
whereby the said lifts or elevators are enabled to be started stopped and controlled
with great ease and precision.
The employment of piston or slide valves as heretofore arranged for distributing
the motive-liquid in hydraulic lifts or elevators is attended with numerous
disadvantages. Valves of this description although serviceable for distributing
steam are entirely unfitted for water for various reasons. The rubbing surfaces
under water cannot be properly lubricated and wear out rapidly causing waste of
water and rendering the exertion of considerable force necessary to work the gear.
Water also frequently carries, with it fine grains of sand which injure the working
surfaces. Whilst steam engines are usually attended to by a skilled mechanic
hydraulic elevators are commonly left in charge of inexperienced persons and it is
therefore most essential to avoid complication in the construction of their mechanism.
The controlling gear ordinarily employed is uncertain in its action the relative
weight of the working parts being such that considerable exertion is required to
operate them and when a stoppage is caused automatically by the cage a violent
shock is produced
According to this Invention all these objections are obviated by the employment'
of apparatus constructed and arranged as hereinafter described. The parts

page_text: employed to control the motive liquid require no lubricant and are operated by
the pressure of the said liquid at the will of the person directing it. No rubbing
or sliding surfaces are employed and the weight of the improved gear is considerably
less than that of the gear ordinarily employed. The power required to operate
the distributer is correspondingly reduced and there is no shock when an automatic
stoppage takes place.
The rope being worked directly from the lift for stoppages there is no unequal
strain on the parts and accidents from this cause are considered impossible and the
gear is worked in the same direction in the lift as from the landings. The lift
when coming up empty may be caused to stop automatically at any desired floor
with the utmost facility and precision.
In carrying out this Invention an Automatic Valvular Distributer is employed
composed of a valve box divided by internal partitions into three compartments
communicating respectively with the main or supply pipe with the cylinder or ram
of the lift and with the discharge or outlet pipe. These three compartments are
separated by two valves capable of sliding upon rods hereinafter described. These
valves are preferably disc or lift valves and are provided with trunks or hollow
pistons working loosely in cylinders above the valves. A passage is provided
through the valves and trunks controlled by small auxiliary valves fixed on the
valve rods hereinbefore referred to. Each rod is connected to a slotted lever
operated by a cam or eccentric stud. The said rods pass through stuffing boxes
in the upper and lower sides of the box and operate the auxiliary valves which
are capable of cutting off all communication between the spaces above and below
the large or main valves. The eccentric stud or cam operates both valves being
caused to rotate by suitable mechanism worked by the controlling rope of the lift
and elevates either of the valve rods and opens the auxiliary valve thereon and at
the same time depresses the other rod and closing the other auxiliary valve
according to the direction in which the excentric stud is turned. Weights
admitting of being regulated according to the power of the distributer are suspended
from the valve rods so as to steady the valves and assist the action of the water.
It will suffice to describe the action of the supply valve or valve placed between
the supply and the cylinder of the lift, the action of this valve and that of the
outlet valve or valve placed between the cylinder and the outlet being identical as
regards the method by which they are controlled.
Both valves being closed the water under pressure percolates past the trunk on
the inlet valve enters the cylinder above this valve and closes the auxiliary valve
therein automatically. Now if the gear be operated so as to turn the cams in the
required direction the rod connected to this auxiliary valve will be elevated and
will open the said valve and as the water under pressure can only leak slowly past
the trunk or piston into the cylinder above the main inlet valve under these
conditions the pressure of the water offers no impediment to the opening of the
main valve which can then be readily lifted by a shoulder on the valve rod coming
in contact with the under side of the valve. In order to admit water under pressure
to the cylinder of the lift, the excentric pin or stud is operated so as to first lift
the auxiliary valve and thus relieve the pressure on the main valve which can then
be readily opened by continuing the motion of the stud.
In order to shut off the communication the gear is turned in the opposite direction
so as to close the auxiliary valve at the back of the main valve which is then acted
on by the pressure of the water and cuts off the supply from the main.
The valve situated between the cylinder and the outlet works in the same
manner and when open allows the water to escape from the cylinder and enables
the lift to descend.
The gear for controlling the movements of the lift is operated by two ropes one
of which is the internal rope or landing rope used in the building the other being
the external rope or rope worked in the lift. Both of these ropes are connected at
their extremities to a third rope hereinafter termed the stop rope. The two first
ropes are carried round two pullies at the upper part of the building and round

page_text: two pullies at the lower part of the building one of which works the distributer
hereinbefore described.
According as either of these ropes is pulled upwards or downwards the corre-
sponding valves of the distributer are opened or closed and the lift or hoist ascends,
stops or descends accordingly. The landing rope runs through every story of the
building. The lift rope passes either inside the lift as in the ordinary arrangement
or outside the lift when the improved starting device hereinafter described is
employed. The stop rope is external both to the rooms or landings and to the lift."
When the lift is combined with a staircase or is not enclosed the landing rope
may evidently be dispensed with.
The stop rope is provided at each landing with a circular stop or lump herein-
after described. Each stop is provided with a pair of guide pins and projections
each projection being of equal length but arranged in a different vertical plane to
the others. At the top and bottom landings the ground floor and the topmost story
stationary stops consisting of plain brass balls about two inches in diameter are
employed in place of the stops herein before described.
The stop rope hangs outside the lift but passes through the case containing
the controlling gear (at that part which projects outside the lift) in a guide tube
enlarged at both extremities which are provided with inclined planes leading to
two vertical grooves for the reception of the guide pins herein before described.
The external diameter of the lumps or stops corresponds with the internal
diameter of this tube so that when a lump engages with the tube without meeting
with any obstruction it will slide freely through it and the rope will not be affected
and the lift will continue its motion but if a bolt or obstruction be protruded
inside the tube and so disposed as to come in contact with the projection on any
given lump that particular lump when it engages with the guide tube will be
compelled to move with the lift thereby exerting a pull on the rope in such a
manner as to operate the valves and stop the lift.
The stoppages at the highest and lowest points are caused by the balls herein-
before referred to at the top and bottom landings being too large to pass through
the tube. The mechanism of the controlling gear is most simple. In order to
enable the projection in the guide tube to be presented in the position corresponding
to the floor at which it is desired to stop the lift the said projection is carried by a
toothed brass ring concentric with the guide tube and capable of moving in a
recess provided for its reception in the interior of the said tube. A pinion on a
spindle worked by a crank handle gears with the teeth on the ring and is so
connected to a coiled spring that it always tends to bring the ring back to its
original position. This ring is provided at its lower part with as many notches as
there are stories or landings served by the lift and when the handle is turned a
catch engages successively in these notches and retains the ring-in whatever
position it may be placed. According as the catch engages with the first second
third fourth or other notch so the projection in the tube assumes the position
required for engaging with the projection on the lump on the rope at the first,
second, third or other corresponding landing and thereby stops the lift at the
required floor. The crank handle also operates a ring bearing numbers corre-
sponding to the different floors which are presented at an opening in the side of
the case and indicate the floor at which the apparatus is set to stop the lift. The
catch may be provided with a push piece or handle for freeing the notched ring in
order to unlock the gear when required but this is preferably effected by the act of
opening the door of the lift by means of suitable automatic mechanism.
If desired a bell placed in the case may be struck by a hammer carried by a
spring on the catch and which strikes the bell once for every notch passed by the
catch so that the number of strokes gives an audible indication useful at night
time, of the landing or story at which the gear is set to stop the lift.
In order to cause the lift to stop automatically at any landing required the guide
tube is provided with a second ring carrying a projection moving in a recess
provided for its reception and capable of blocking one of the grooves in the guide

page_text: tube when required. When out of action this ring is drawn back by a spring
leaving the groove free.
A double acting cam operated by a lever acts upon the ring and blocks the
groove in the tube according as the lever is raised or lowered. Under these
conditions whichever lump or stop on the stop rope engages with the guide tube
will be caught by its projection which will be prevented from slipping through the
groove in the tube and will stop the lift. Consequently by providing an arın or
finger at each story capable of being caused to project at will and act on the lever
the corresponding stop on the stop rope will be acted upon and the lift will be
stopped at the required elevation. The catch hereinbefore referred to also serves
to retain this second ring in which ever position it may have been placed by the
lever and this mechanisin is unlocked by the act of opening the landing door in
order to obtain access to the lift and all the parts return automatically to their
original position.
The improved mechanism for setting the lift in motion enables the ropes to be
concealed from view and obviates the necessity for causing the lift rope to pass
through the lift and also in certain cases obviates the necessity for causing the
landing rope to pass through the landings. This improved apparatus is consequently
provided in the lift and if required also on the landings on each floor and is
constructed with a wheel presenting an augular groove and flattened at one part of
its periphery. This wheel is carried on an axis operated by a crank provided with
a suitable knob or handle and is arranged in a line with a roller carried by an
oscillating arm compressing a strong spiral spring. The rope connected to the
When the flat
distributing apparatus passes between the wheel and the roller.
part of the wheel is brought opposite the roller the rope is free. In order to set
the lift in motion the crank must be turned for about three quarters of a revolution
in either direction and the rope is then gripped between the roller and the wheel
and operates the distribution valves. If the crank is now released the lift will
move slowly the passages in the distributer not being fully open.
To cause the lift to move more rapidly it will be simply necessary to hold the
crank for a few moments and the motion of the lift will operate the rope which is
still gripped as described and move the distribution gear until the passages are
completely open. The speed may thus be regulated at will and the lift is not liable
to start abruptly. The roller is provided with a spring in order that it may yield
in case an abnormal resistance is met with and injury to the roller or over straining
of the spring are thus prevented.
The crank returns automatically to the vertical position directly it is released
and is preferably arranged to travel over a dial indicating the direction in which
it is necessary to turn the crank handle in order to cause the lift to ascend or
descend.
As a modification of the distribution herein before described each valve of the
distributer may be operated by an excentric pin inside the valve box working in
an inclined slot in a plate connected directly to the valve rod carrying the
auxiliary valve. The excentric pins are carried by spindles passing through the
side of the valve box and provided with toothed wheels gearing with a pinion on
a spindle carrying a wheel operated by the ropes. This arrangement admits of each
valve being taken out separately without disturbing the other parts and a screw
being interposed between each valve and the corresponding cam or eccentric the
pressure of the valves may be adjusted from time to time so as to compensate for
the wear or compression of the packing by turning the screw.
In order to prevent the screws from shifting accidentally the screwed parts are
made square so that they cannot turn after they have been placed in position.
In order that the pipes and valve case may not empty themselves of water and
become filled with air a siphon is provided which maintains the distributer full of
water and prevents uncertainty in the stoppage of the lift arising from the presence
of compressed air.

page_text: This siphon consists of an ascending pipe having a bend at a higher level than
the uppermost part of the distributer and doubling back to the outlet.
This siphon may also be utilised to indicate leakage and to ascertain whether
the valves are acting properly or not. It is composed of an ascending tube
opening inside a chamber at a short distance from the bottom of the latter. At
least one side and preferably 2 or 3 sides of this chamber are made of glass.. The
bottom of the box is provided with a pipe leading to the outlet. When the valves
leak from any cause the water will be seen to descend in the tube in the box whilst
the lift is stationary. When the inlet valve alone leaks the water will not flow
away but the lift will continually rise; if the outlet valve alone leaks the water
will be seen to flow in the indicator when the lift is stationary but when the lift is
at the bottom of the well the flow will cease.
When both valves are leaking at once the water will flow away continually.
By observing the foregoing indications the mischief may be easily remedied by
repairing the defective valve and security is afforded against waste of water.
In order that the valves of the distributer may open the passage for the water
gradually after the manner of a slide valve the valves are provided with a
cylindrical portion sliding with slight friction in the seat of the valve. The edge
of this cylinder is cut away in the form of teeth or inclined steps according to the
rate at which it is desired to open the passage. Under these conditions in place of
opening an annular passage at the periphery of the valve disc or cone a triangular
opening or a series of triangular openings that can be regulated as desired is
or are opened for the passage of the water when the valve is lifted.
In place of this cylinder a cone or other body may be provided beneath the valve
disc being of a form generated by the revolution of a geometric curve such as a
parabola so calculated as to cause the area of the passage formed by lifting the
valve to be graduated under the same conditions as in the case of the recessed or
stepped cylinder.
In order to facilitate the application of the improved distribution valves "to
existing lifts of ordinary construction two similar and independent valve boxes may
be employed each box being provided with a valve constructed and operating as
hereinbefore described. In this case the operating mechanism with cams may be
simplified being replaced by a lever connected to each valve and acting directly
on the valve stems or rods.
One of the valves thus arranged hereinafter referred to as the first valve is placed
in the inlet or water supply passage in advance of the distributer the other valve
hereinafter referred to as the second valve being placed in the passage by which the
water leaves the distributer.
The lever of the first valve is connected by a cord to the controlling rope which
is used for starting the lift that is to say to the rope or its equivalent which is
pulled up in order to cause the lift to rise. The lever of the second valve is
similarly connected to the cord, rod, rope, or other device carrying the stops for
stopping the lift.
When all the parts are stationary the two valves are closed, the two levers are
horizontal and the two cords of the levers are taut. If the improved distributer
leaks inwardly (it cannot leak outwardly unless the stuffing boxes are out of order)
there will be no waste of water both the valves being closed. When the lift is
caused to rise the upward pull on the controlling rope will raise the lever and
open the inlet valve at the same time as the distributer. There will be no waste
of water as the valve will remain closed At the moment when the lift stops it
will cause the distributer to be closed and the cord of the lever of the first valve
descending together with the controlling rope the weight of the lever will shut the
said valve. The cord connected to the second valve will be drawn taut again by
this movement but the lever will remain horizontal and the valve continue closed.
The effect is the same when the lift or elevator of whatever description descends
except that the second valve is operated in place of the first valve which does not
move when the lift descends.

page_text: It is theoretically possible to produce the same effect by the employment of the
first valve alone but in order that the discharge pipes may not empty themselves of
water and become filled with air it is indispensable to use the second valve in
practice.
The valves used in the arrangement lastly herein before described may be provided
with the arrangement for graduating the opening but this is not indispensable
as the distributer retards or regulates the rate of opening sufficiently to prevent
shocks.
According to a modification of the case containing the vertical guide tube or
cylinder with grooves and inclined guides for guiding the intermediate stops or
lumps on the stop rope as hereinbefore described the said case is provided with a
special or independent knob or handle for each intermediate floor or landing.
Each of these knobs presents a rectangular head carrying a stud or projection
which is so placed as to coincide with the corresponding stud or projection on the
stop belonging to the landing for which the knob is to be used.
When this knob is pressed inwards a counterspring is compressed and is locked
by a catch in the position to which it has been moved; when in this position the
head projects inside the guide tube or cylinder and when the stop of the
corresponding landing enters the tube it is unable to pass and the rope is operated
automatically so as to stop the lift. One catch serves for all the stops or knobs in
the case so that if a second knob is pressed in the first returns automatically to its
original position directly the catch is pressed back. Any knob that has been
pushed in may also be liberated when desired by operating a knob or handle
specially provided for this purpose at the front of the case.
By connecting the catch with the door of the lift by any suitable mechanical
arrangement the act of opening the said door may be caused to liberate all or any
of the knobs or handles that may have been pushed in at the time.
A horizontal lever is arranged at the side of the case for the purpose of causing
the lift to stop automatically at any desired landing. When moved horizontally
this lever throws a small iron plate or bolt across and obstructs the groove in the
guide tube or cylinder or cone. None of the stops on the stop rope can then pass
through the groove and the lift will be stopped at the first landing it comes to
whichever that may be. When this lever is released a small counter spring throws
it back to its original position and clears the groove.
This lever is operated by a cam tappet or incline suitably arranged according to
the exigencies of the building and which the person wishing to use the lift may
operate or cause to protrude by pushing a knob or handle provided on each floor.
When the lift comes up the lever strikes the incline the groove is obstructed and
the elevator is stopped. The act of opening the landing door unlatches the incline
which returns to its position as does also the lever on the case and the lift is then
ready to start again.
In order that the stops on the stop rope may not be affected by the twisting or
untwisting of the said rope in place of attaching the stop directly to the rope a
sleeve is preferably secured to the rope and the stop is passed over and secured to
this sleeve which forms an axis upon which the said stop is free to rotate.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Patent Office on the 14th May
1884.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman "IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC LIFTS OR HOISTS ม a communication
to me from Henri Marie Léon Crouan a person resident at Paris in the Republic
of France Engineer
This Invention relating to hydraulic lifts or hoists consists in the employment of
improved devices or apparatus constructed and arranged as hereinafter described
whereby the said lifts or hoists are enabled to be started stopped and controlled in
their movements with great ease and precision. Hydraulic lifts or hoists are
worked by means of distributing apparatus which supplies water under pressure to
the motor piston or plunger when it is desired to raise the cage of the lift and
allows the water to escape when it is desired to lower the cage and which is also
capable of stopping both the inlet and outlet of the water by means of valves for
the purpose of stopping or suspending the cage of the lift at any desired elevation.
This distributing apparatus is brought into action from any suitable part of the
building or from the cage of the lift by means of controlling gear or operating
mechanism.
The present Invention comprises Improvements in the distributing apparatus and
in the controlling gear and parts connected therewith. The employment of double
piston valves or slide valves as heretofore arranged for distributing the motive
liquid in hydraulic lifts is attended with numerous disadvantages. Slide valves
similar to the slide valves of Steam Engines are by no means suitable for water for
various reasons. The rubbing surfaces being under water cannot be properly
lubricated and wear out, rapidly, causing waste of water and rendering the exertion
of considerable force necessary in order to work the gear.-Grains of Sand or other
impurities are frequently carried by the water between the working surfaces and
do considerable damage.-Steam Engines are usually attended to by a skilled
mechanic but hydraulic lifts or elevators are commonly left in charge of inexperienced
persons and it is therefore most essential to avoid complication in the construction
of their mechanism. The controlling gear ordinarily employed is uncertain in its
action, the relative weights of the working parts render it difficult to manipulate
them with precision and when a stoppage is caused automatically by the cage a
violent shock is produced. When the cage descends quickly, if the gear be hastily
shifted it is liable to act too soon and over shoot, the ports closing one set of orifices
and opening the other so as to send the cage up again immediately and before it
had descended to the desired point.
The automatic stoppage of the cage is usually effected by means of tappets or
catches on a rod made somewhat slender in order to be as light as possible and
moreover these tappets or catches not having a fair bearing the rod is liable to bend
or yield so that the catches fail to engage properly and the lift bumps heavily on
coming down and possibly breaks the chains and in ascending either the ram is
forced out of the cylinder or strikes violently against the stops and breaks the
chains, unless special precautions have been taken to prevent this. result
The controlling gear heretofore employed requires--to be shifted in opposite.
directions for starting according as the operator is situated inside or outside of the
cage. This is liable to cause mistakes
Ordinary controlling gear is incapable of causing the lift to stop automatically at
any particular floor and is attended with numerous other disadvantages.

page_text: According to this Invention all these objections are obviated by the employment
of apparatus constructed and arranged as hereinafter described.
The distributing apparatus or parts employed to control the motive liquid
require no lubricant and the valves are operated or shifted by the pressure of the
said liquid in place of being moved by the main strength of the person controlling
the apparatus. Valves with rubbing or sliding surfaces are dispensed with, and no
lubrication or skilled attention is required. The controlling gear or operating
mechanism is considerably lighter than usual and the power required to operate the
controlling gear is correspondingly reduced. The movements of the lift are
consequently rendered capable of being controlled with facility and precision and
liability to jerks or irregular action is obviated. The controlling rope being worked
directly from the cage for stoppages, there is no unequal strain on the parts and
accidents from this cause are rendered impossible. The mechanism is worked
exclusively by ropes or cords and the dresses of persons using the lift are not liable
to become soiled by contact with the mechanism. The rope not being carried
through the cage, the objections attending that arrangement are obviated. The
gear is worked in the same direction in the cage as from other parts of the building
and the cage when coming up empty may be caused to stop automatically at any
desired floor with the utmost facility and precision.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to
the several figures in the annexed Sheets of drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding figures.
Figure 1 is an elevation partly in Section shewing the general arrangement of a
lift constructed according to this Invention and Figure 1ª is a horizontal Section
of the well shewing the cage in plan. B, Figure 1, is the distributing apparatus
which is illustrated, drawn to a larger scale in Figure 2 and consists of a cast iron
box or case Z, divided by internal partitions into three compartments marked 1, 2
and 3, communicating respectively with the water supply through an orifice T,
with the cylinder or ram of the lift through an orifice T₁ and with the discharge or
outlet pipe through an orifice T.-These three compartments are separated by two
valves S. S₁capable of sliding upon rods t. t-The upper parts of these valves are
made in the form of trunks t³ which work in Cylinders sufficient space or play
being provided between the sides of the trunks and Cylinders to allow of a slow
percolation of water as hereinafter described. The rods t. t₁ operate small
supplementary or auxiliary valves s, 8, which when closed cut off all communication
between the spaces above and below the valves 8, 8-Slotted frames α, α, operated
by eccentric studs, a5 and a worked by external toothed wheels a³ and arranged
internally below each valve and being connected to the rods t, t₁ serve to elevate
either of the said rods and open the auxiliary valve thereon and at the same time
to depress the other rod and close the other auxiliary valve according to the
direction of rotation of a pinion P, gearing with the tootbed wheels a³ and fast on
a spindle o. which is passed through a recess in the box Z, and is provided at its
opposite extremity with a wheel R. Figures 1 and 2, over which passes a chain z.
figure 1, connected to the ropes by which the apparatus is controlled.
The rod of each valve being screwed into the corresponding slotted frame admits
of the pressure being adjusted so as to compensate for the compression or wear of
the packing of the valves and a square part of the upper parts of the rods
prevent the rods from turning and becoming accidentally unscrewed
Means are
also provided for removing the valves bodily by removing suitable caps or
covers C. C¹.
The valves are made in one with a cylindrical part c³ preferably of brass or Gun
metal, working easily in the seats c. c, of the valves. The edges of these cylinders
are cut out in the form of teeth, steps or inclines, the form and number of which
may be modified according to the rate of speed at which it is desired to open the
passage for the water.
In place of the cylinder c³ a cone or other body may be provided beneath the.

page_text: such
valve disc being of a form generated by the revolution of a geometric curve,
as a parabola so calculated as to cause the area of the passage formed by lifting the
valve to be graduated under the same conditions as in the case of the cylinder
with teeth steps or inclines-The cylindrical arrangement is preferred on account
of the greater facility with which it can be manufactured.
The auxiliary and main valves are closed automatically by the pressure of the
water which percolates between the trunks 3 and cylinders t and fills the space
above the valves S, S.-Now if the pinion P, be operated so as to turn the stud a³
in the required direction, the rod t, connected to the auxiliary valve 8, will be
elevated and will open the said valve 8, and as the water under pressure percolates
slowly past the trunk or piston, ³ into the space above the valve S, the pressure
exerted by the water above is balanced by the pressure below.-Under these
conditions, the pressure of the water offers no impediment to the opening of the
main valve S, which can then be readily lifted by a shoulder or its equivalent on
the rod t, coming in contact with the under side of the valve S.-When the valve S
is lifted, water under pressure is admitted to the cylinder of the lift.
In order to shut off the communication between the lift and the supply, the
pinion, P, is turned in the opposite direction, so as to close the auxiliary valve 8,
and cause the main valve, S, to be closed by the pressure of the water on the
upper side of the latter.
The valve, S₁, is operated in a similar manner, and when open, allows the water
to escape from the motor Cylinder and enables the lift to descend.
When the outlet orifices are open and the distributer tends to empty itself the
space previously occupied by the water becoming filled with air the elasticity of
the air thus admitted produces irregularity in the stoppage of the lift. In order
to remedy this defect a syphon B figure 1 is employed to maintain the distributer
full of water. This syphon shown drawn to a larger scale in figure 2° consists of
an ascending pipe A which is carried up to a point higher than the top of the
distributer and communicates with the outlet. This arrangement also serves to
indicate any defect in the action of the valves and acts as a leakage indicator or
detector.
The ascending tube A communicates with a chamber B figure 2ª at a short
distance from the bottom of the latter. At least one side and preferably two or
three sides of this chamber are made of glass. The bottom of the box is provided
with an orifice b leading to the outlet. When the valves leak from any cause the
water will be seen to descend from the tube A into the box or chamber B whilst
the lift is stationary When the inlet valve alone leaks the water will not flow
away but the lift will continually rise if the outlet valve alone leaks the water
will be seen to flow in the indicator when the lift is stationary at any part of its
travel but when the lift is at the bottom of the well the flow will cease.
When
both valves are leaking at once the water will flow away continually By
observing the foregoing indications the mischief may be easily remedied by
repairing the defective valve and security is afforded against waste of water.
It would appear that the most convenient mode of applying the improved
distributer to ordinary lifts or elevators is to remove the existing distributing
apparatus and apply the improved apparatus in its place. But in addition to the
entire change which this substitution involves in the whole controlling gear
complications and risks are liable to arise which in many cases would be considered
insurmountable objections. In order to facilitate the application of the improved
arrangements to existing hydraulic lifts, hoists or elevators it is preferable to
employ two similar and independent valve boxes each box being provided with a
valve (figure 3) constructed and operating as hereinbefore described with reference
to figure 2
This arrangement amounts in effect to a distributing apparatus constructed as
herein before described but divided into two independent parts each containing a
valve In this case the operating mechanism may be simplified being constituted*
by a lever F (figure 3) connected to each valve and acting directly on- the valve

page_text: rods tt A valve corresponding to the valve S in the arrangement hereinbefore
described and hereinafter referred to as the first valve is placed in the inlet or
water supply passage in advance of the other valve hereinafter referred to as the
second valve and which is placed in the passage by which the water leaves the
apparatus.
The lever of the first valve is connected to the controlling rope which is used for
starting the lift that is to say to the rope or its equivalent which is pulled up in
order to cause the cage to ascend A rigid iron rod or other equivalent may
sometimes be employed in place of a rope or cord but the action is the same in all
cases.
The lever of the second valve is similarly connected to the cord rod rope or other
device carrying the stops for stopping the cage.
When all the parts are stationary the two valves are closed the two levers are
horizontal and the two cords of the levers are taut If the improved distributer
leaks inwardly (it cannot leak outwardly unless the stuffing boxes are out of order)
there will be no waste of water both the valves being closed When the cage is
caused to rise the upward pull on the controlling rope will raise the lever and open
the inlet valve at the same time as the distributer There will be no waste of
water as the second valve will remain closed (the cord connected to its lever will
be slack but the lever remaining horizontal will keep the valve shut)
At the moment when the lift stops it will cause the distributer to be closed and
the cord of the lever of the first valve descending together with the controlling
rope the weight of the lever will shut the said valve The cord connnected to the
second valve will be drawn taut again by this movement but the lever will remain
horizontal and the valve will not be opened. The effect is the same when the cage
of the lift or elevator descends except that the second valve is operated in place
of the first valve which does not move when the cage descends The same effect
might be produced by the employment of the first valve alone but in this case if
the distributer leaked when at rest the water would run out of the pipes which
would become filled with air and when the lift ascended a violent shock would be
felt upon the water striking the piston or ram after expelling the air. This
disadvantage is obviated by the employment of the second valve.
The valves used in the arrangement lastly hereinbefore described may be
provided with the arrangement of teeth steps or inclines as herein before described
for graduating the opening but this is not indispensable as the water is compelled
to pass through the distributer which although passing a powerful stream affords a
rate of opening sufficiently gradual to prevent shocks.
The controlling gear or operating mechanism is illustrated in the general view
figure 1 and in detail in figures 4 to 9 The principal moving parts of this
apparatus consist of an internal rope x figures 1 & 1° or landing rope used outside
the cage and an external rope y or rope worked from the cage of the lift Both of
these ropes are connected to a third rope z¹ hereinafter termed the stop rope. These
three ropes are carried round three pulleys p P₁ P₁ at the upper part of the building
and round two pulleys r and r₁ and the wheel R of the distributer at the lower
part of the building
According as either of these three ropes is pulled upwards or downwards the
corresponding valves of the distributer are opened or closed and the cage of the lift
ascends stops or descends accordingly.
The landing rope x runs through every floor (figure 1ª) in a recess at the side of
the well or in a corner which may be partitioned off and also contain the starting
mechanism hereinafter described When the lift is combined with a staircase or is
not enclosed the landing rope may be dispensed with.
The lift rope y passes either inside the cage as in the ordinary arrangement or
outside the cage when the improved starting mechanism constructed according to
this Invention is employed. The stop rope 21 does not pass either through the
landings or through the cage.
The stop rope is provided at each floor or landing with a stop or lump o

page_text: illustrated drawn to a larger scale in figure 4. The stops being circular in section
are each provided with a projection d (figure 4) each projection being arranged in
a different vertical plane each stop is also provided with wings or feathers e cast on
or otherwise attached to the sides thereof All these stops o turn freely upon
cylindrical sleeves f firmly secured at suitable intervals to the rope 2¹.
At the top and bottom landings or the highest and lowest floors served by the
lift stationary stops consisting of plain brass balls or blocks o̟, figures 1 and 5 about
two inches in diameter and provided with a flange g covered on one side with
elastic material are employed in place of the stops herein before described or
intermediate stops.
Figures 6 and 7 are respectively a front elevation and a horizontal section of
controlling gear or mechanism constructed according to this Invention and figures 8
and 9 are respectively a vertical section and an elevation of the same the front being
removed in fig 9 in order to show the interior.
The stop rope hangs outside the cage and passes through a box M containing
the controlling gear
The rope is carried through a guide tube D enlarged at both extremities which
are provided with inclined planes serving as guides for the feathers e on the sides
of the stops o which are thereby directed to two longitudinal grooves or guides el
When one of the intermediate lumps or stops o engages with this tube (which
it fills completely) without meeting with any obstruction the rope 2¹ will not be
moved and the cage of the lift will continue its motion but if on the contrary a
bolt or obstruction be protruded inside the tube D and so disposed as to come in
contact with one of the projections & on the stop or lump o when it is in the tube
this stop or lump and consequently the rope ¹ will be compelled to move with the
lift in such a manner as to operate the valves and stop the cage.
The stoppages at the highest and lowest points are caused by the flanges g
on the stops o, at the top and bottom landings preventing these stops from
passing through the tube D
The box M containing the controlling gear (figures 1, 6. 7. 8 and 9) is arranged
in one of the sides of the cage In the interior of the cage this apparatus presents
a number of keys or knobs i each of which corresponds with one of the intermediate
floors served by the lift These keys or kuobs are connected with bolts or
projections each of which is arranged in such a position in the side of the tube D
as to be capable of engaging with the projection on one of the stops o
When one of the knobs i is pressed inwards a spring it is compressed and the
knob is locked by a catch q figures 7 and 9 in the position to which it has been
moved When in this position the corresponding bolt or projection ; projects inside
the guide tube or cylinder D (in figure 8 the highest knob is represented as having
been brought into action) and when the stop of the corresponding landing or floor
enters this tube it is unable to pass and the rope is operated automatically so as to
shift the valves and stop the lift The catch q serves for all the bolts j in the box
(figure 9) so that the act of pressing in a second bolt releases any other bolt that
may have been previously pressed in and locked. When released the bolt returns
automatically to its original position. Any bolt that has been pushed in may also
be liberated when desired by operating a knob or handle d¹ (figures 6 and 9)
specially provided for this purpose at the front of the case inside the cage.
By connecting the handle d' of the catch with the door P of the cage by any
suitable mechanical arrangement the act of opening the said door when a person is
leaving the cage may be caused to liberate any bolt that may have been pushed
in at the time.
Figures 10 and 11 are respectively an elevation and a horizontal section of an
arrangement employed for this purpose This arrangement.consists of a species of
lock attached to the side of the cage provided with a bolt u connected to the cage
door P by a connecting rod u³ An incline u³ figure 10 on the bolt u acts upon a
bell crank lever u₁ which when the door is opened (fig 1b) presses upon the
handle d' so as to release any one of the bolts j has been locked by the catch
:

page_text: A horizontal lever L figure 7 is arranged at the side of the box M and outside
the cage for the purpose of enabling the latter to stop automatically when ascending
empty
When moved horizontally this lever throws a small iron plate or bolt
across and obstructs one of the grooves in the tube D-None of the stops on the
stop rope can then pass through the tube and the cage will be stopped at the first
landing it comes to. When this lever is released a small counter spring n throws
it back to its original position and clears the groove
This lever is operated by a cam, tappet or incline suitably arranged according
to the construction of the building and which the person wishing to use the lift
may operate or cause to protrude in the path of the lever L by manipulating a
knob or handle provided on each floor-When the cage is in motion the lever L
strikes the incline the groove is obstructed and the cage is stopped by the first
stop which engages with the tube D-The act of opening the landing door releases
the incline or device operating this lever L whereupon this device together with
the lever on the box return to their original position and the lift is then ready to
start again
The mechanism for setting the lift in motion is so constructed as to enable the
ropes to be concealed from view and obviates the necessity for causing the cage
rope to pass through the cage and also in certain cases obviates the necessity for
causing the landing rope to pass through the landings This improved apparatus
illustrated in figure 12 is placed in the cage at m figure 1 and if required also on
each landing and is constructed with a wheel v presenting an angular groove and
flattened at one part of its periphery. This wheel is carried on an axis operated
by an external crank handle k and is arranged in a line with a roller h carried by
an oscillating arm w connected with a strong spring w The rope y connected to
the distributing apparatus passes between the wheel v and the roller /
When the flat part of the wheel v is brought opposite the roller h the rope y is
capable of passing freely between the wheel v and the roller h In order to set
the cage in motion the crank must be turned for about three quarters of a
revolution in either direction according as it is desired to raise or lower the cage
and the rope is then gripped between the roller and the wheel and pulled so as to
operate the distribution valves. If the rope is now released the cage will move
slowly the passages in the distribute not being fully open.
To cause the cage to move more rapidly it will be simply necessary to hold the
crank for a few moments in the position for gripping the rope and the motion of
the cage will then cause the rope to be pulled in such a manner as to move the
distribution gear until the passages are completely open The speed may thus be
regulated at will and the cage is not liable to start abruptly a contingency that is
further guarded against by the peculiar form of the valves of the distributer
hereinbefore described.
The roller his provided with the spring w¹ in order that it may yield in case au
abnormal resistance is met with and thus prevent injury to the mechanism
The crank returns automatically to the vertical position directly it is released
and is preferably arranged to travel over a dial indicating the direction in which
it is necessary to turn the crank handle in order to cause the lift to ascend or
descend
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is―
First. The general construction and arrangement of hydraulic lifts or hoists
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings
Second-In hydraulic lifts or hoists the employment of distributing apparatus
operated by excentric studs causing either of two main valves to open and at the

page_text: same time maintaining the other main valve closed according as the controlling
wheel is turned in one direction or the other the said main valves being provided
with auxiliary or relieving valves and trunks working in cylinders and with
pendant cylindrical or other projections on the lower side whereby the flow of
water is graduated all substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Third In combination with hydraulic lifts or hoists constructed and operating
as hereinbefore setforth the employment of the siphon arrangement for excluding
air and detecting leakage substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
the accompany drawings.
Fourth. In hydraulic lifts or hoists the employment of two separate distributing
valves constructed and operating substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to figure 3 of the accompanying drawings
Fifth In hydraulic lifts or hoists the employment for controlling the distributing
apparatus of a rope operated from the landings a rope operated from the
cage and a stop rope or rope operated automatically by the movement of
the cage in combination with controlling gear or mechanism for operating the stop
rope and a starting mechanism for operating the other two ropes substantially as
hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings
Sixth-In combination with hydraulic lifts or hoists constructed and operating
as herein before setforth the employment of an automatic stop rope provided with
intermediate stops capable of arresting the movement of the cage at any desired
landing and with other stops which automatically cause the valves of the
distributer to be shifted and stop the cage whenever the cage arrives at the highest
or lowest limit of its travel substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings
Seventh-In hydraulic lifts or hoists the employment of automatic controlling
gear or mechanism for operating the stop rope substantially as herein before
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings
Eighth In hydraulic lifts or hoists the employment of starting apparatus or
mechanism for operating the ropes connected to the distributer either from the
cage or from the landings substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in
Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings
In witness whereof I the said John Henry Johnson have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of May One thousand eight hundred
and eighty four
J. HENRY JOHNSON (L.S.