IMPROVE. MENTS IN METERS FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS
Year: 1884

page_text: I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of the Liverpool and London Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster,
Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for "IMPROVE.
MENTS IN METERS FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS" (a communication from Monsieur
Pierro Samain of Paris in the republic of France) to be as follows:—
This invention consists in a new system of meter for liquids in which the
distribution of the liquid to the gauge piston is produced by means of a circular
valve having a reciprocating motion, the displacements of this valve taking place
under the action of a movable cover or cap which receives the pressure of the liquid
in the main, and which is supported by or connected to the gauge piston during
both its upward and downward strokes by a system of connecting rods.
The accompanying drawings represent three variations of my apparatus, a detailed
description of which will be given below. As will be seen in Sheet 1 the meter is
composed of three principal parts: the cylinder a furnished or not with an inner
lining of copper 6 and provided with a pedestal or stand; the plate c containing
the orifices of introduction, escape and distribution; and lastly the dome d enclosing
the valve and the register which is visible. These three parts are united together
by means of bolts e suitably fixed.
The water-tightness of the gauge piston is ensured by the tendency to extension
of a spiral spring ƒ placed under the flexible packing of the piston formed of two
rings of leather or other material.
The liquid to be measured reaches the plate c through pipe g and enters the dome
or upper chamber & through a ball or clack valve h to prevent any of the liquid
flowing backwards in case the pressure of water in the main behind should be less
than the pressure of water in front.
From the chamber d the liquid penetrates into the gauging receiver through an
annular valve j, Figs. 6 and 7, through perforations in a diaphram k, Fig. 5, and
through orifices 1 m in the plate c, one of which m is prolonged by the lateral
canal n opening out under the piston; the escape of the measured liquid is effected
by the pipe o which is put in communication with the interior of the valve by the
escape orifice p. The circular diaphragin k is firmly fixed into the plate c and is
pierced right through by two series of holes q and r which serve in rotation for
introduction and escape.

page_text: The holes g communicate with the orifice 7 of the plate, that is to say with the
top side of the piston, whilst by the orifice m of the plate the apertures r
communicate with the under side of the piston.
The valve j, of which Fig. 6 is a top plan view and Fig. 7 a bottom plan view,
effects the distribution of the liquid. It consists of a ring perforated with two
series of apertures 88' which traverse it right through and through which the
liquid enters; this ring is also provided with two series of internal hollows or
slitst and t¹ for the escape of the liquid. These apertures or slits are combined
with the openings of the diaphragmn in such a way that the apertures & produce
admission of liquid through the holes g of the glass which communicate with the top
of the piston, whilst the slits t of the valve correspond to the same series of holes q
and allow of the escape of this same liquid after it has been measured. The
apertures 8 of the valve ring correspond to the openings of the diaphragm, and
permit the introduction of the liquid under the piston by the lateral canal n,
Fig 2; as to the hollows or slitst of the valve they afford passage for the escape
of the measured liquid under the piston. In a word the apertures 8 and slits t
serve the top side of the piston whilst the apertures s¹ and the slits t¹ servo the
under side of this same piston.
The covering over or closing of the holes q and r of the diaphragm is produced
by the unperforated spaces between the apertures and the slits of the valve. Those
spaces are so arranged that the valve in oscillating from right to left puts
simultaneously in communication the free space above the piston for introduction
of liquid and the free space below the piston for the escape, which takes place in
all cases through the common hole p of the diaphragm communicating with the
escape pipe o.
Upon the upper part of the valve is a sort of raised ring of cast iron provided
with notches or cogs to fit into those of a piece z arranged to fulfil the functions of
a small piston fixed so as to form a tight joint with the inside of the cover which
will be spoken of later on. For this purpose the outside of this piece is provided
with a packingv analogous to that of the principal piston and the point of junction
of the valve with this piece is covered over with a piece of india-rubber a to prevent
any entrance of liquid at that point to the interior of the valve; this latter is kept
in place by a screw nut E, Fig 9; which allows it merely the power of circular
motion.
Further, the contact of the valve upon the diaphragm is ensured by the pressure
of the water which constantly keeps them almost in equilibrium, and by the fact of
the combination of the differential surfaces submitted to pressure, so as to render
the command of this valve easy and without effort under the action of the movable
cover as will be seen later.
The piston is worked by the following combination. In the axis of the apparatus
thero is solidly united to the plate ca sleeve A cast in one with the diaphragm and
which acts as a guide for the hollow rod B of the piston. The interior of the piston-
rod B is screw-threaded with a screw of very clongated pitch, and the angular
deviation due to the portion of screw corresponding to the course of the gauge
piston is equal to the angle of oscillation of the valve. This hollow rod B works
on the solid rod also screw threaded of a plate or disc y which is in a way the
principal organ of command of the valve, as will be explained. The screwed parts
are completely protected from the liquid, on one sido by means of the closing in of
the rod B at the base of the piston, and on the other side by the aid of the piece E,
Fig. 9 above mentioned which is suitably provided with packings and is screwed
upon the upper part of the sleeve A. This piece E carries projections C which cross
the plate y in order to receive a disc D which is firmly screwed to them so as to
keep in place the solid rod z, the plate y of which can therefore only move circularly
under the action of the screw on the rod during the reciprocating movement of the
piston. It is this displacement of the plate y which produces the raising of the
cover w by the agency of a system of connecting rods F'as will be explained. The
upper side of the plate y, Fig. 8, is provided with three hollows or recesses y

page_text: in which are inserted the lower ball-ends of the three connecting rods F, the upper
ball-ends of which work constantly in species of grooves G on the cover w which
encloses the whole system of distribution and escape. The fixed sleeve A also
serves in some sort as an axis of rotation for the cover w, the raising of which takes
place during the whole stroke of the piston under the action of the connecting
rods F which then assume a vertical position by pivoting round their ball-ends in
their respective sockets; this straightening up is more than complete, which permits
the pressure of the liquid to act upon the cover to produce the rapid angular
deviation of this cover and consequently that of the valve. It is this latter which
instantaneously brings about the reversal of the introduction of liquid to the piston
immediately on its arrival at the end of its stroke, for it is only at each finish of
its stroke that the piston liberates the valve which remains fixed during the whole
stroke whether upwards or downwards. For this purpose the piston when at the
end of its stroke at the top strikes against the heel H' of a pivoted lever H so
arranged that the stop-pin I of this lever is disengaged from the stop K. formed in
the recess under the valve Fig. 7; when the piston is at the end of its stroke at the
bottom it is the piston-rod B which releases the valve by acting upon the toe H³ of
the pivoted lever. A spiral spring J restores the bent lever constantly to its place
directly the piston resumes its stroke and thereby clamps the valve. In consequence
of the vertical movements of the cover w there are produced within it contractions
and expansions of the vacant spaces which have for effect to suck in by the agency
of the small fixed piston u above the valve a certain quantity of escaped liquid
which penetrates into these spaces through the openings L in the piece surrounding
the circular valve. The liquid thus sucked in runs off during the stoppage of the
main current of liquid, which ensures a constant feed to the jet, that is to say the
continuity of the escape whilst avoiding ram shocks.
The working of the apparatus and more particularly of the valve takes place in
the following manner.
Let us suppose the piston about to begin its downward stroke (Fig. 1). The
orifices mr and are in communication and permit of the escape of the liquid
from under the piston through the interior of the valve hole r and exit pipe o. The
introduction apertures s are in communication with the holes q of the diaphragm,
the orifice and the upper side of the piston. This latter descends; its first action
is to render the valve immovable by the agency of the stop-pin I of the bent
lever H which locks into the stop K, Fig. 7, of the valve, only to be disengaged
when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke. The piston rod B descends vertically
without rotation, and the screw-threads force the rod and plate y to revolve. In
consequence of the preceding movement for inversion of admission the projecting
piece Al of the cover w strikes against the stop N fixed on the plate c so that the
cover w being retained by this stop cannot follow the movement of rotation of the
plate y. There results a vertical upward movement of the cover due to the
straightening up of the connecting rods F; this straightening up of the connecting
rods takes place during the whole of the downward stroke of the piston, and at
the moment when the piston gets to the end of its stroke it unclamps the valvo as
has been said. Now during the whole of the working the pressure of the liquid
has not ceased to act upon the cover w which under this pressuro immedietely
redescends with a certain circular movement caused by the connecting rods F
becoming afresh inclined from the vertical. This movement is instantaneously
transmitted to the valve, which causes the distribution to take place in the opposite
direction; the liquid from the main or supply pipe will now penetrate under the
piston to replace that which has just escaped, whilst that above the piston having
flowed there during the previous discharge will flow out in its turn into the
escape pipe. At the end of this stroke the above described movements will he
reproduced.
It is to be remarked that during the ascent of the cover w it sucks in a certain
quantity of the measured liquid which runs off during the movement of the valve,
that is to say during the stoppage of the general current of liquid when the cover

page_text: has completed its descent. The effect of this is to ensure the continuity of He
discharge and avoid ram shocks.
The movable cover then fulfils the following functions: 1st. Control of the valve.
2nd. Equilibrium of the valve. 3rd. It ensures the regularity of the jet. 4th. It
avoids ram shocks. 5th. It registers the quantity of measured liquid, as will be
seen later on.
The volume of liquid displaced by the piston at each stroke single or double
being known, it merely suffices to register the number of strokes in order to
obtain the volume of liquid delivered in a given time.
For this purpose I use a register O fixed on the side of the dome d and composed
of discs or drums for indicating units, tens, hundreds, etcetera, and which can be
read off in all directions thanks to the inclined position of the window P.
This register is represented in sheet 2, Figs. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, and is
distinguished from others of the same class at present known by the application to
each barrel or disc R of pinions S for indicating units, tens, hundreds, etcetera,
designed to replace the pawls usually used.
With this object the toothed portion of this pinion is placed opposite teeth or
pins on the following indicating disc and is fastened to a rounded washer 8ª
provided on its periphery with hollows which adjust themselves very exactly to
the cylindrical portion of the disc. It is thus impossible for the pinion S to turn
when in this position, but behind the impelling pin in each barrel or disc whether
for units, tens, hundreds, etcetra, there is formed in the portion s* a hollow s³ which
permits the passage of one tooth of the pinion S which is rendered immovable
directly the passage has been effected.
Each double stroke of the piston is registered on the barrels R by the agency of
a knee-shaped lever T of which one of the branches U is fastened to the cover w
above mentioned which controls the valve, the oscillations of which it follows. The
other branch of this lever T carries: First, a sort of bevelled segment V which
gears into a similar segment formed in one with a disc X loose on the axis of the
barrels R; the periphery of this disc X bears the letters B and H (standing for the
French words "bas" and "haut" respectively, in English they might be B and T-
"bottom" and "top") corresponding to the position of the piston, so that its position
may be rendered constantly visible. Second, a spring pawl Y which engages with
the teeth of a sort of catch-wheel Z for units, tens, etcetora, which is held fast by a
counter-pawl Y. This catch-wheel is provided on its periphery with a stop W
which turns the wheel W round by one tooth, in the present case every five
strokes of the piston. The periphery of this wheel W is cut into ten Maltese crosses
with ten openings and carries a comical pinion. This latter gears with a similar
pinion formed in one with a catch-wheel W which has a stop W³ acting in its turn
on a disc W* cut into Maltese crosses for the passage of the stop W³. The disc W
is loose on the axis of the barrel and is solid with the first to which it transmits
its movement, for this barrel is that of the units, tens, and hundreds according to
the dimensions of the apparatus and it is upon its periphery that the strokes of
the piston are registered either in units, tens, or hundreds etcetera.
As the little axis which unites the two branches U and V of the bent lever T
traverses the wall of the domo, in order to prevent any escape of liquid this axis is
surrounded with an elastic water-tight sleeve formed of a tube of india-rubber kept
from the axis by a packing or spiral, one end of which rubber is kept tight upon a
tube projecting from the wall and the other on a rim (embase) left at the end of the
axis which can thus oscillate without danger of leakage.
Figs. 11, 12, and 13, Sheet 2, represent a variety of this kind of meter specially
adapted for the measuring of alcoholic liquids, wines, etcetera. As will be seen the
meter of this type comprises the same organs as the one previously described and
its working is identically the same. It differs only in having the cover previously
described replaced by an extensible sheet of india-rubber supported on the inside
by a sort of extensible metallic packing which prevents the cover from giving way
under the pressure of the liquid, whilst allowing vertical elongation. It is this

page_text: extensible envelope which in this case plays the part of the piston for sucking in n
portion of the measured liquid necessary for the continuous feeding of the jet. Tho
valve in this variety is also controlled by a tongue or projection operated by the
system of connecting rods with ball-ends which in this case are four in number as
shown in Fig. 12. The communication with the register takes place in the same
manner as previously and this register is the same as that above described.
As seen in Figs. 11, 12 and 13; Sheet 2, the india-rubber cover a¹ is solidly fixed
at its upper part over the periphery of the movable head b' analogous to the head
of the cover in the preceding system and carrying as shown in Fig. 12 four grooves
or sockets c¹ in which pivot the ball-ends of the connecting rods F. The lower
parts of the india-rubber al is fixed on the prolongation of the valve, which
prolongation cannot rise in any case, but can only move circularly with the valve.
It will be seen then that the india-rubber a¹ is fastened to a movable head at top
and to a fixed one (as regards vertical movement) at bottom, which has for effect to
allow this india-rubber to lengthen or shorten according to the position of the con-
necting rods F, and this takes place in such a way as to increase or diminish the
inner vacant spaces for producing the suction necessary for drawing in a portion of
the measured liquid for rendering the jet continuous. It is to be understood that
the connecting rods F are as in the preceding case inclined by the fact of the
angular displacement of the plate or disc y, which carries sockets or grooves as
before described, but in the present case four in number as there are four con-
necting rods F.
.
The pressure of liquid from the supply pipe acting upon the head b' causes as
before the movement of the valve, the inversion of which takes place instan-
taneously. In order that the india-rubber a¹ may not give way under this pressure,
it is provided on the inside with a sort of metallic frame work f formed into rings
or spirals which contract and extend according to the movements of the rubber.
This latter plays then the same part as the cover w described under the precoding
variety, only that in this case the small auxiliary piston is replaced by the rubber
which serves the same purpose.
The other parts of the meter of this second variety remain identically the same
as in the first type described above, and the admission of liquid to the top or bottom
of the gauge piston is effected in the same way by a similar valve; further, the
registering apparatus is the same as that described abovo.
Finally in Fig. 14 is represented another variety of meter on this system in
which the interior mechanism is surrounded with a inetallic envelope gl cast in one
with the upper part of the free portion of the valve. The suction of the measured
liquid, necessary for the continuous feeding of the jet is produced by a piston /¹
fixed on the socket of the movable plate or disc j¹ which receives in the present
case the upper ball-ends of the three connecting rods F. This plate is further pro-
vided with three cups in which are placed spiral springs which keep the small
piston in equilibrium; this piston only obeys the action of the connecting rods
which become vertical or inclined either through the rotation of the plate or
under the pressure of the liquid which in this case acts upon the upper side of the
small piston. The lower ball-ends of the connecting rods F work in sockets or
holes formed at three points in the plate y of the helicoidal or screw-threaded rods,
which as in the preceding cases can only transmit to the plate y a slight circular
movement designed for the erection of the connecting rods. All the other parts of
this variety of meter remain the same as those before described, except that in this
last variety the exterior dome is provided at the summit with an aperture b' for
receiving a tube in order to give issue to the gases or vapours proceeding from the
liquids to be measured, when these liquids are alcohols, wines, etcetera.
Dated this 21st day of March 1884.

page_text: I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of the Liverpool and London Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Lancashire, Civil Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN METERS
FOR MEASURING LIQUIDS" (a communication from abroad by Monsieur Pierre
Samain, Paris, France) and in what manner the same is to be performed, to 6
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention consists in a new system of meter for liquids in which the
distribution of the liquid to the gauge piston is produced by means of a circular
valve having a reciprocating motion, the displacements of this valve taking place
under the action of a movable cover or cap which receives the pressure of the liquid 1
in the main and which is supported by or connected to the gauge piston during
both its upward and downward strokes by a system of connecting rods.
The accompanying drawings represent three variations of the apparatus, a
detailed description of which will be given below. As will be seen the meter
is composed of three principal parts: the cylinder a furnished or not with an
inner lining of copper b and provided with a pedestal or stand; the plate c
containing the orifices of introduction, escape and distribution; and lastly the
dome d enclosing the valve and the register which is visible. These three parts.
are united together by means of bolts suitably fixed.
The water tightness of the gauge piston is ensured by the tendency to extension
of a spiral spring placed under the flexible packing of the piston formed of two
rings of leather or other material.
The liquid to be measured reaches the plate c through pipo g and enters the dome
or upper chamber & through a ball or clack valve h to prevent any of the liquid
flowing backwards in case the pressure of water in the main behind should be less
than the pressure of water in front.
From the chamber & the liquid penetrates into the gauging receiver through an
annular valve j, Figures 6 and 7 through perforations in a diaphragm k, Figure 5,
and through orifices l m in the plate c one of which m is prolonged by the lateral
canal n opening out under the piston; the escape of the measured liquid is effected
by the pipe o which is put in communication with the interior of the valve by the
escape orifice p. The circular diaphragm k is firmly fixed into the plate cand is
pierced right through by two serios of holos q and r which serve in rotation for
introduction and escape.
The holes q communicate with the orifice of the plate, that is to say with the
top side of the piston, whilst by the orifice m of the plate the apertures ↑
communicate with the under side of the piston.
.
The valvej of which Figure 6 is a top plan view and Figure 7 a bottom plan
view; effects the distribution of the liquid. It consists of a ring perforated with
two series of apertures 8 a¹ which traverse it right through, and through which the 4
liquid enters; this ring is also provided with two series of internal hollows or slits t
and t¹ for the escape of the liquid. These apertures or slits are combined with the
openings of the diaphragm in such a way that the apertures 8 produce admission of
liquid through the holes 9 of the glass which communicate with the top of the
piston, whilst the slitst of the valve correspond to the same series of holos q and
allow of the escape of this same liquid after it has been measured. The apertures 8'
of the valve ring correspond to the openings r of the diaphragm, and permit the
introduction of the liquid under the piston by the lateral canal n, Figure 2; as to

page_text: the hollows or. slits t¹ of the valve they afford passage for the escape of the
measured liquid under the piston. In a word the apertures s and slits & serve the
top side of the piston whilst the apertures s¹ and the slits serve the under side of
this same piston.
The covering over or closing of the holes 9 and r of the diaphragm is produced
by the unperforated spaces between the apertures and the slits of the valve.
These spaces are so arranged that the valve in oscillating from right to left puts
simultaneously in communication the free space above the piston for introduction of
liquid and the free space below the piston for the escape, which takes place in
all cases through the common hole p of the diaphragm communicating with the
escape pipe o.
Upon the upper part of the valve is a sort of raised ring of cast iron provided
with notches or cogs to fit into those of a piece u arranged to fulfil the functions of
a small piston fixed so as to form a tight joint with the inside of the cover which
will be spoken of later on. For this purpose the outside of this piece is provided
with a packing vanalogous to that of the principal piston, and the point of junction
of the valve with this piece is covered over with a piece of india rubber x to
prevent any entrance of liquid at that point to the interior of the valve; this latter
is kept in place by a screw nut E, Figure 9; which allows it merely the power of
circular motion.
Further, the contact of the valve upon the diaphragm is ensured by the pressure
of the water which constantly keeps them almost in equilibrium, and by the fact of
the combination of the differential surfaces submitted to pressure, so as to render
the command of this valve easy and without effort under the action of the movable
cover as will be seen later.
The piston is worked by the following combination. In the axis of the
apparatus there is solidly united to the plate c. a sleeve A cast in one with
the diaphragm and which acts as a guide for the hollow rod B of the piston. Tho
interior of the piston rod B is screw threaded with a screw of very elongated pitch
and the angular deviation due to the portion of screw corresponding to the course
of gauge piston is equal to the angle of oscillation of the valve. This hollow rod B
works on the solid rod also screw threaded of a plate or disc y which is in a way
the principal organ of command of the valve, as will be explained. The screwed
parts are completely protected from the liquid on one side by means of the closing
in of the rod B at the base of the piston, and on the other side by the aid of the
piece E, Figure 9, above mentioned which is suitably provided with packings and
is screwed upon the upper part of the sleeve A. This piece E carries projections C
which cross the plate y in order to receive a disc D which is firmly screwed to them
so as to keep in place the solid rod 2, the plate y of which can therefore only
move circularly under the action of the screw on the rod during the reciprocating
movement of the piston. It is this displacement of the plate y which produces
the raising of the cover w by the agency of a system of connecting rods F as will be
explained. The upper side of the plate y Figure 8 is provided with three hollows
or recesses y in which are inserted the lower ball ends of the three connecting
rods F, the upper ball ends of which work constantly in species of grooves G on
the cover w which encloses the whole system of distribution and escape. The
fixed sleeve A also serves in some sort as an axis of rotation for the cover w the
raising of which takes place during the whole stroke of the piston under the action
of the connecting rods F which then assume a vertical position by pivoting round
their ball ends in their respective sockets; this straightening up is more than
complete, which permits the pressure of the liquid to act upon the cover to produco
the rapid angular deviation of this cover and consequently that of the valve. It is
this latter which instantaneously brings about the reversal of the introduction of
liquid to the piston immediately on its arrival at the end of its stroke, for it is only
at each finish of its stroke that the piston liberates the valve which remains fixed
during the whole stroke whether upwards or downwards. For this purpose the
piston when at the end of its stroke at the top strikes against the heel H¹ of a

page_text: pivoted lever H so arranged that the stop-pin I of this lever is disengaged from
the stop K formed in the recess under the valve Figure 7 when the piston is at the
end of its stroke, at the bottom it is the piston-rod B which releases the valve by
acting upon the toe H2 of the pivoted lever. A spiral spring J restores the bent
lever constantly to its place directly the piston resumes its stroke and thereby
clamps the valve. In consequence of the vertical movements of the cover w there
are produced within it contractions and expansions of the vacant spaces which
have for effect to suck in by the agency of the small fixed piston above the
valvo a certain quantity of escaped liquid which penetrates into these spaces
through the openings L in the piece surrounding the circular valve. The liquid
thus sucked in runs off during the stoppage of the main current of liquid, which
ensures a constant feed to the jet, that is to say the continuity of the escape whilst
avoiding ram shocks.
The working of the apparatus and more particularly of the valve takes place in
the following manner.
Let us suppose the piston about to begin its downward stroke (Figure 1). The
orifices mr and t¹ are in communication and permit of the escape of tho liquid from
under the piston through the interior of the valve hole and exit pipe o.
The introduction apertures a are in communication with the holes g of the
diaphragm, the orifice and the upper side of the piston. This latter descends ;
its first action is to render the valve immovable by the agency of the stop pin I of
the bent lever H which locks into the stop K Figure 7 of the valve only to be dis-
engaged when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke. The piston rod B descends
vertically without rotation and the screw threads force the rod z and plate y to
revolve. In consequence of the preceding movement for inversion of admission the
projecting piece M of the cover w strikes against the stop N fixed on the plate c
so that the cover w being retained by this stop cannot follow the movement of
rotation of the plate y. There results a vertical upward movement of the cover
due to the straightening up of the connecting rods F this straightening up of the
connecting rods takes place during the whole of the downward stroke of the piston,
and at the moment when the piston gets to the end of its stroke it unclamps the
valve as has been said. Now during the whole of the working the pressure of the
liquid has not ceased to act upon the cover w which under this pressure immediatoly
redescends with a certain circular movement caused by the connecting rods F
becoming afresh inclined from the vertical. This movement is instantaneously
transmitted to the valve, which causes the distribution to take place in the opposite
direction; the liquid from the main or supply pipe will now penetrate under tho
piston to replace that which has just escaped, whilst that above the piston having
flowed there during the previous discharge will flow out in its turn into the
escape pipe. At the end of this stroke the above described movements will be
reproduced.
It is to be remarked that during the ascent of the cover wit sucks in a certain
quantity of the measured liquid which runs off during the movement of the valve,
that is to say during the stoppage of the general current of liquid when the cover
has completed its descent. The effect of this is to ensure the continuity of the
discharge and avoid ram shocks.
The movable cover then fulfils the following functions: 1st control of the valve.
2nd. Equilibrium of the valve. 3rd. It ensures the regularity of the jet. 4th. It
avoids ram shocks. 5th. It registers the quantity of measured liquid, as will be
seen later on.
The volume of liquid displaced by the piston at each stroke single or double being
known, it merely suffices to register the number of strokes in order to obtain the
volume of liquid delivered in a given time.
For this purpose a register O is used fixed on the side of the dome d and
composed of discs or drums for indicating units, tens, hundreds, etcetera, and which
can be read off in all directions thanks to the inclined position of the window P.

page_text: This register is represented in Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, and is
distinguished from others of the same class at present known by the application to
each barrel or disc R of pinions S for indicating units, tens, hundreds, etcetera,.
designed to replace the pawls usually used.
With this object the toothed portion of this pinion is placed opposite teeth or
pins on the following indicating disc and is fastened to a rounded washer 8ª
provided on its periphery with hollows & which adjust themselves very exactly to
the cylindrical portion 8 of the disc. It is thus impossible for the pinion S to turn
when in this position, but behind the impelling pin in each barrel or disc whether
for units, tens, hundreds, etcetera, there is formed in the portion s' a hollow s³ which
permits the passage of one tooth of the pinion S which is rendered immovable
directly the passage has been effected.
Each double stroke of the piston is registered on the barrels R by the agency of a
knee-shaped lever T of which one of the branches U is fastened to the cover w above
mentioned which controls the valve, the oscillations of which it follows. The other
branch of this lever T carries: First a sort of beveled segment V which gears into
a similar segment formed in one with a disc-loose on the axis of the barrels R ;
the periphery of this disc ✗ bears the letters B and H (standing for the French
words "bas" and "haut" respectively, in English they might be Band T-" bottom"
and "top" corresponding to the position of the piston, so that its position may be
rendered constantly visible. Second, a spring pawl Y which engages with the teeth
of a sort of catch wheel Z for units, tens, etcetera which is held fast by a counter-
pawl Y¹. This catch wheel is provided on its periphery with a stop W which turns
the wheel W¹ round by one tooth, in the present case every five strokes of the
piston. The periphery of this wheel W¹ is cut into ten Maltese crosses with ten
openings and carries a conical pinion. This latter gears with a similar pinion
formed in one with a catch wheel W which has a stop W³ acting in its turn on a
disc W cut into Maltese crosses for the passage of the stop W³. The disc W* is
loose on the axis of the barrel and is solid with the first to which it transmits its
movement for this barrel is that of the units, tens, and hundreds according to the.
dimensions of the apparatus and it is upon its periphery that the strokes of the
piston are registered either in units, tens, or hundreds et cetera.
As the little axis which unites the two branches U and V of the bent lever T
traverses the wall of the dome, in order to prevent any escape of liquid this axis is
surrounded with an elastic water-tight sleeve formed of a tube of india rubber
kept from the axis by a packing or spiral, one end of which rubber is kept tight
upon a tube projecting from the wall and the other on a rim (embase) left at the
end of the axis which can thus oscillate without danger of leakage.
Figures 11, 12 and 13, represent a variety of this kind of meter specially adapted
for the measuring of alcoholic liquids, wines etcetera. As will be seen the meter of
this type comprises the same organs as the one previously described and its
working is identically the saine. It differs only in having the cover previously
described replaced by an extensible sheet of india rubber supported on the inside
by a sort of extensible metallic packing which prevents the cover from giving way
under the pressure of the liquid, whilst allowing vertical elongation. It is this
extensible envelope which in this case plays the part of the piston for sucking in a
portion of the measured liquid necessary for the continuous feeding of the jet.
The valve in this variety is also controlled by a tongue or projection operated by
the system of connecting rods with ball ends which in this case are four in number
as shown in Figure 12. The communication with the register takes place in the
same manner as previously and this register is the same as that above described.
As seen in Figures 11, 12 and 13, the india rubber cover a' is solidly fixed at its
upper part over the periphery of the movable head b' analogous to the head of the
cover in the preceding system and carrying as shown in Figure 12 four grooves or
sockets c' in which pivot the ball ends of the connecting rods F. The lower part
of the india rubber a¹.is fixed on the prolongation of the valve, which pro-
longation cannot rise in any case, but can only move circularly with the valve. It

page_text: will be seen then that the india rubber a¹ is fastened to a movable head at top and
to a fixed one (as regards vertical movement) at bottom, which has for effect to
allow this india rubber to lengthen or shorton according to the position of the
connecting rods F, and this takes place in such a way as to increase or diminish
the inner vacant spaces for producing the suction necessary for drawing in a
portion of the measured liquid for rendering the jet continuous-It is to be
understood that the connecting rods F are as in the preceding case inclined by the
fact of the angular displacement of the plate or disc y which carries sockets or
grooves as before described, but in the present case four in number as thero are
four connecting rods F.
The pressure of liquid from tho supply pipe acting upon the head 61 causos as
before the movement of the valve, tho inversion of which takes place instantaneously.
In order that the india-rubber a' may not give way under this pressure, it is pro-
vided on the inside with a sort of metallic frame work f formed into rings or
spirals which contract and extend according to the movements of the rubber.
This latter plays then the same part as the cover w described under the preceding
variety, only that in this case the small auxiliary piston is replaced by the rubber
which serves the same purpose.
The other parts of the meter of this second variety remain identically the same
as in the first type described above, and the admission of liquid to the top or
bottom of the gauge piston is effected in the same way by a similar valve; further
the registering apparatus is the same as that described above.
Finally in Figure 14 is represented another variety of meter on this system in
which the interior mechanism is surrounded with a metallic envelope g¹ cast in one
with the upper part of the free portion of the valve. The suction of the measured
liquid, necessary for the continuous feeding of the jet is produced by a piston h¹
fixed on the socket of the movable plato or disc which receives in the present
case the upper ball ends of the three connecting rods F. This plate is further
provided with three cups k¹ in which are placed spiral springs which keep the
small piston in equilibrium; this piston only obeys the action of the connecting
rods which become vertical or inclined either through the rotation of the plate j¹ or
under the pressure of the liquid which in this case acts upon the upper side of the
small piston h. The lower ball ends of the connecting rods F work in sockets or
holes formed at three points in the plate y of the helicoidal or screw threaded rod z
which as in the preceding cases can only transmit to the plate y a slight circular
movement designed for the erection of the connecting rods. All the other parts of
this variety of meter remain the same as those before described, except that in this
last variety the exterior dome is provided at the summit with an aperture 6' for
receiving a tube in order to give issue to the gases or vapours proceeding from the
liquids to be measured, when these liquids are alcohols, wines etcetera.
Having now particularly described and ascertained tho nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1st. The combination of parts forming the improved meter for measuring liquids,
substantially as described and shewn in the annexed drawings.
2nd. The construction of an annular valve with circular reciprocating movement,
having its interior surface furnished with orifices corresponding to similar openings
in its support so as successively to place one half of these orifices in communication
with the interior of the valve and consequently with the escapement, the dimensions
of these orifices and their distance apart determining the angle of oscillation of the
valve.
3rd. The addition to the valve and sharing its angular movement, of a crown and
fixed piston around which the outer cover works so as to cause an empty spaco abovo
the valve, and to draw up a small portion of the liquid gauged.
4th. The combination of parts consisting of a cover around and above the annular
valve, enclosing all the interior mechanism and adapted to actuate the valve under
.the effect of the fluid pressure, and neutralizing the greater part of the friction of

page_text: this latter upon its bed: the cover serving moreover as it rises to aspirate a portion
of the liquid gauged for the purpose of rendering the delivery continuous.
5th. The construction in the interior of the cover described of rods with friction
rollers, so arranged as to rise by the pressure of the central helicoidal portion of the
mechanism and to yield to the impetus of the water upon the cover in such manner
as to transmit to the said cover the rising (aspiration) and the descending movement
with oscillating motion for the control of the valve.
6th. The combination of the central lower portion of the rod carrying plate, with
a rod or projection furnished with helicoidal grooves designed to give to the plate
from the motion of the piston, a movement of rotation which effects the raising of
the dome or cover without causing the plate itself to rise or fall.
7th. The construction of the rod of the gauge piston with a helicoidal groove
adapted to the projection described in claim 6 in such a manner that the movements
of the piston oblige this piece to rotate as required.
8th. The construction in the interior of the hollow piston rod of rectilinear ridges
which prevent its rotation and determine the angular movement, of the rod bearing
piece which consequently raises the cover, supported at this moment by the fixed
catches of the platine until the moment when the valve arrived at the end of its
course holds fast the rod carrying piece, and the cover becomes momentarily fixed
to the valve which is compelled to rotate in its descending motion by the rods
actuated by the pressure of the liquid as has already been described.
9th. The construction at the centre of the transverse fixed plate of the meter of
a brass bearing fixed by means of a screw and india rubber washer, and acting as
guide to the helicoidal tube above described, also as a friction surface for the annular
valve with joints with suitable washers fixed at both ends thereof for the purpose of
preventing leakage.
10th. The attachment below the plate of a lever of the form described, destined
to hold the valve fixed, and consequently the movement of the piston being itself
actuated by this latter organ, but which is only able to relax the hold of the lever
on reaching the end of its course either top or bottom.
11th. The arrangement described for placing the cavity of the piston in com-
munication with the orifices in the valve by means of two semicircular channels cut
in the piece which occupies the central part of the mechanism, a valve preventing
any backward movement of the fluid.
12th. The method described of packing the piston by means of two leathers
opposite each other.
13th. The combination of the piston leathers with a spring in the manner
described and shewn for the purpose of securing and maintaining the necessary
elasticity and preventing leakage.
14th. The method of construction of the metallic cover in three pieces, and tho
manner of connecting these pieces together, substantially as described.
15th. The special construction of registering mechanism substantially as herein
described and shewn in Figs 15 to 20 of the annexed drawings.
16th. The combination of parts forming the modified construction preferably
employed for the ineasuring of alcohols as described and shewn in Figs 11. 12. 13 of
the annexed drawings, consisting essentially in the replacement of the moving cover
by a caoutchouc bag fastened to a bed plate like the metallic cover, and at another
point to the outer portion of the upper part of the valve so as to form between
these two portions of the mechanism an internal receptacle for the liquid aspirated,
the said caoutchouc bag being moreover adapted to effect the suction of a quantity of
liquid sufficient to maintain the flow of the liquid and prevent shocks, the said
caoutchouc vessel being provided internally with metallic rings or spirals to prevent
its collapsing under the pressure of the liquid.
17th. The combination of parts forming the modified construction as described
and shewn in Fig. 14 consisting essentially in the use of a fixed cover, in one piece
with the upper part of the valve, the necessary vacuum being produced in the

page_text: interior of the cover by the action of an auxiliary piston forming the false bottom
and receiving the pressure of the liquid combined with the addition to the top of
the cover or other suitable point of a tap or escape valve for the. discharge of. air or
gases disengaged by the liquids passing through the meter, the whole substantially
as and for the purposes described, and represented in the annexed drawings.
Dated this 18th day of December 1884.