IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS METERS
Year: 1838

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, NATHAN
DEFRIES, of Paddington Street, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-seventh day of June, in the second year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Nathan Defries, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that I, the said Nathan Defries, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Nathan Defries, my exors, admors, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN GAS METERS;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Nathan
Defries, shall cause a párticular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her
said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and
by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Nathan Defries, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and

page_text: ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:-
My Invention relates to certain arrangements of apparatus for measuring
gas, and in order to give the best information in my power for carrying out of
my Invention, I will proceed to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed, in
which the same letters of reference indicate similar parts.
Figure 1 represents' the front view, partly in section, of a gas meter, con-
structed according to the first part of my Invention. Figure 2 is a transverse
section, and Figure 3 is a section through the gas meter. a, a, is the external
cylinder of the gas meter, which is supported by the foot or framing b, the
nature of which is clearly shown in the Drawing. The cylinder a is divided
into two parts, the upper and lower, by the gas-measuring vessels; the lower
half of the cylinder a is divided into two quadrants c and d. These two quadrants
are so arranged in the external cylinder as to leave only a narrow space all
around, in order to receive water or other suitable fluid to make a suitable joint
around the measuring vessels, hereafter explained. The narrow spaces between
the vessel a and the sides of the quadrants or quarter chambers c, d, is indicated
by the letter e, such spaces being filled with water or other suitable fluid at
the bent tube f, which is kept closed when the meter is in use, as is shewn
at Figure 1. .g, g, are tubes for drawing off the water or other fluid
employed, h being a screw cap, which closes the end of the tube g', into
which both tubes 9 terminate. i is a dividing plate, which separates the
lower part of the meter into two compartments c and d, there being a
channel at the upper part of the plate i, which receiving water or other
fluid from the narrow spaces e, and thus makes a fluid joint to the centre
between the two gas-measuring vessels, herein-after described, and prevents
the gas in one passing therefrom into the other. k, l, are the measuring
vessels, they are each quadrants of the circle, they are both carried by the
same axis m, to which they are affixed, there being a projection n downwards
from the measuring vessels k, l, which entering into the channel j, which is
at the top of the quadrants c, d, which, together with the fluid in e, will render
all parts gas-tight in respect to each other. The measuring vessls k, l, are
so affixed on their axis that they vibrate similar to a scale beam; as one vessel
goes down the other goes up. The sides of the vessels k, l, work in the
fluid in the space e, and the projection n works in the fluid in the channel j,
consequently any gas in the measuring vessel 7 cannot pass into the vessel k,
nor can that in k pass into the vessel 7; hence each time either of these vessels
rise, they will measure a quantity of gas equal to their capacity of that above

page_text: the filling parts c, d, and the water or other fluid in the space e. Thus it
will be seen, that in using this description of meter a very small quantity of
water or other fluid will be required. And further, it will be found, that a
very little friction will be required to be overcome by the gas in working such
meters. o is the tube or pipe, by which the gas passes into the meter, and p
is the pipe by which gas passes away from the meter after it has acted on
the vessels k, l, and consequently been measured. The pipe o leads through
the top of the meter, and joins the cross pipe o¹, from which it passes
alternately through the pipe o², o³, by the movement of slides 0%, as is clearly
shown in Figure 1. The slides o' are affixed on the rod o", which is guided
in its work by means of the two uprights o, having holes through which the
rod os slides freely. The rod o is 'moved to and fro by means of the axis
of the vessels k, l, there being the slotted arm m¹ affixed on the axis m, and
also a weighted arm m², affixed to the axis m, to equalize the working of the
vessels k, l. The arm m' actuates the pendulous rod or lever m³, which moves
on an axis m', as is shewn in the Drawing, m³ being a set screw, which works
in the slot of the arm m¹, and the distance at which the screw m³ is set
from the centre of the rod or lever m³ will regulate the distance through
which the vessels k, l, shall move, and consequently regulate the quantity
of gas they shall measure at each movement. The upper end of the lever m³
is formed into a cross head, the ends of which cross head are bent up at right
angles, in order, in the movement of the upper end of the lever m³, to cause
it to actuate the weighted tumbler, hereafter explained. And further, there
is a projecting stud on the upper end of the lever m³, which working in the
forked end of the lever m², communicates motion to a train of wheelwork,
which indicates the number of movements of the vessels k, l, and such wheel-
work being properly arranged in respect to the capacity of the vessels k, l, will
indicate the number of cubic feet of gas which has passed through the meter, all
which is well understood to manufacturers of gas meters, and will not therefore
require further description in this my Specification, further than to state that
the axis of the forked lever m² works in a suitable stuffing box, as is shown in
the Drawing, to prevent the flow of gas in that direction. m³ is the weighted
tumbler, above mentioned, which moves freely on the axis of the lever m³.
In the weighted tumbler m8 is formed a slot or opening, through which a
projecting bent wire, affixed to the rod of the valve. passes, consequently,
whenever the tumbler m8 is moved slightly beyond the centre or vertical
position by the lever m³, the weight at the upper part of the tumbler m³ will
cause the tumbler to move suddenly and reverse the valves, all which will
readily be traced in the Drawing. And I would only remark, in respect to this

page_text: gas
part of the arrangement, that the valves may be varied without departing
from this part of my Invention, which relates to the mode of combining the
parts a, c, d, e, k, l, with suitable valves and ways, for the passage of the
into and from the gas meter. The gas in passing through the gas meter from
the point o, passes to the lower part of the meter into the compartments c, d,
the upper part of these compartments being open, consequently these compart-
ments c, d, will at all times be full of gas, and the vessel k and the vessel
will be raised according as the gas is by the position of the valves flowing
into the compartment c or d, and a quantity of gas equal to the capacity of
the rising of the vessel k or will pass out of the chamber c or d by the
descending of the vessel k or in succession. 4 is a float, and r is a valve,
through which the gas must pass, in order to get out at the eduction way or
pipe p, or it will be seen that the way to the pipe p is shut off from the upper part
of the gas meter, and thus preventing of the flow of gas from p, excepting
when the valve r is open, which will be always be the case when the space e
is properly filled with water or other fluid to float the float q, but the valve r
will be closed if the water or other fluid be withdrawn from the space e, all
which will be readily traced on examining the Drawing.
Figures 4 and 5 shew two sections of another arrangement of gas meter, many
parts of which are similar to that above described, and I have marked them
with the same letters of reference. There are two vessels k, l, for measuring
the gas, but in place of those two vessels being affixed on the same axis,
they have each an independant axis with an arm and balance weights, as is
shewn in the Drawing. On the axis of the vessel k is affixed the arm A, and
B is a connecting rod, which connects the arm A with the crank C, which is
affixed on the axis D of the valves E, F; on the axis of the vessel is affixed
the arm A, and B¹ is a connecting rod, by which the arm A¹ is connected
with the crank C. The crank C is a double crank, which, by means of the
connecting rod G of the crank H, gives motion to the train of wheelwork
for registering the quantity of gas passed through the meter. The axis D
passes through stuffing boxes, formed in the fixed plates of the valves E, F.
and on the outer ends of the axis D are affixed the revolving plates of the
valves E, F. The fixed plates of the valve E, F, have each four openings;
the moveable plates of the valves have each but one opening, but to such an
extent that that one opening extends to two openings of the fixed plate.
And it should be stated, that the upper portion of the meter is divided into
two compartments, separated from each other, as is shewn in the Drawing,
in which the vessels k, l, work, and the gas in the vessels k and is separated
from each other by projections n, working in channels j, containing water or

page_text: other fluid, as above explained; and it will be readily understood that by
the rising and falling of the vessel k, l, the axis D will be caused to revolve,
and carry round the moveable plates of the valve E, F. o is the induction
way for the gas, and p is the eduction way of the gas when it has been
measured. By the application of the rotatory valves E, F, and other suitable
parts, I am enabled to measure gas by the descending as well as by the rising
of the vessels k, l, for it will be seen, that two of the openings of each of the
fixed plates E, F, open into and form the gas meter above the vessels k, l,
and the other two openings of each of the fixed plates of the valves open
respectively into and from the lower part of the meter c, d, and consequently
under the vessels k, l, and as the moveable plates of the valves E, F, are
affixed on the axis D in opposite directions, when gas is flowing through
the valve E above the vessel k, the gas from under that vessel will be passing
off at the valve F, and at the same time gas will be flowing through the
valve E under the vessel 1, and the gas above the vessel will be flowing off
at the valve F, and if the valves be set correctly to produce this effect, the
up and down motion produced to the vessels k, l, will cause a rotatory motion to
the valves E, F, and a constant flow of gas from the eduction way p (provided
the valve r be open, which it always will be, similar to that above described,
when it is raised to the proper position by water or other fluid in the space e.
Figure 6 shews another arrangement of gas meter, constructed according to
the third part of my Invention. It consists of the external vessel a, a,
having within it two flexible bags or cylinders b, c; these flexible bags or
cylinders I make of silk, prepared with cocoa-nut tallow, which I have
found to work well without being prejudicially acted upon by the gas.
To the upper part of the bags or cylinders b, c, are affixed dished plates of
tin or other suitable metal 62, c², the lower end of the bags or cylinders
being affixed to the projecting flanges b', c¹, such flanges being formed on
the upper part of the cylinders or chambers b¹, c¹. These cylinders b₁, c¹,
are affixed on the partition d. e is the supply pipe, which is affixed to the
lower part of the meter, there being a pipe or trunk which passes under the
cylinders or bags b, c, to allow of the gas flowing in alternately, such alternate
introduction of gas into the bags or cylinders b, c, being effected by the valves
g, h, which respectively move on axis i, and the valves g, h, are connected
together by the rod j, which is attached by pin joints to the valves g, h. By
this means, when the valve g is permitting the gas to flow into the cylinder or
bag b, the valve k will be permitting the gas to flow out of the cylinder c,
which is the position in which the Drawing is taken. It will be seen that
over the openings which permit the gas to flow into the cylinders b, c, there is

page_text: affixed small chambers k, l, having openings by which the gas can pass from
the pipe e into the respective vessels. When not covered by their respective
valves g, h, the gas is permitted to flow out of the cylinders b, c, by openings
m, n, formed in inclined surfaces in suitable positions of the cylinders b¹, c¹,
and the valves g, h, are caused to be moved to suit an extent, that when the
valve g is off the opening into the chamber k, it will be closed over the opening
m, and the valve h is similarly acted upon in respect to the openings n, and
that into the small chamber 1 (m', m³, are cranked rods attached by pin joints
to the tops or covers of the cylinders 62, c², the other ends of the cranked arms
m¹ being affixed to the axis n', which moves in suitable bearings in uprights
o. p is a slotted lever or arm affixed to the axis n³, for giving motion to the
valves, as hereafter described. q is an arm affixed on the axis n², there being
a projecting stud, such stud moving the forked end of the lever r; the axis
of the lever r passing through a stuffing box gives motion to a train of wheels
for indicating the quantity of gas passed through the meter, such as is used in
other gas meters and are well understood. The arm or lever p¹ gives motion
to the lever s by an adjusting screw t; on the lever s passing through the slot
in the lever p¹, the lever s turns on the axis v. w is a weighted tumbler
moving on the axis v, on which is a projecting stud, which is acted upon by
the projections s¹, s¹, which will force the tumbler a little beyond the perpen-
dicular, first one way and then the other, and the weight of the tumbler will
cause it to fall quickly and act upon the valves, to change their position in the
following manner :-x, x, is a forked lever moving on the axis x¹, between the
upper ends (which are turned at right angles), the tumbler at w works, and
the lever x works between two studs projecting from the bar j, consequently
when the tumbler w falls it will, by the means of the lever x, carry the valves
9,
h, in the same direction, as will be readily understood by examining the
Drawings; and it will be seen that the chamber a of the gas meter will at all
times be full of gas, and a constant supply of gas will flow off therefrom by the
pipe f.
Figure 7 shows a vertical, and Figure 8 a horizontal section of another gas
meter, combined according to the fourth part of my Invention, whereby three
flexible surfaces are caused to measure gas, as hereafter explained. a, a, is
a six-sided vessel. b, b, b, are three flexible surfaces, made of silk coated with
cocoa-nut tallow. These surfaces are affixed across three of the angles of the
vessel a, and connected to the other angles in such manner as to make them
gas-tight. c, c, c, are circular plates, affixed to the centres of the flexible
surfaces b. d, d, d, are three bent arms, moving on axes e, the other ends of
the arms d being connected by pin joints to the plates c. f, f, are connecting

page_text: rods, which connect the plates c to the crank g, formed on the axis h, the
axis h at the upper end gives motion to a train of wheels for indicating the
quantity of gas passing through the meter, as is well understood, the
lower end of the axis working the rotatory valve, as hereafter explained.
i is a partition, under which the gas first enters from the pipe o. j is a
cylinder divided in three compartments, each compartment having a pipe k
which conducts gas to act upon their respective surfaces b, b, b, as is clearly
shewn in the Drawing. On the upper and under ends of the cylinder j
are fixed circular plates, each having three openings. l, m, are two circular
plates on the axis h, the lower plate being borne up to its seat by a spring,
and the revolution of the axis h will cause the circular plates l, m, to revolve,
and as those plates have each a single opening, as shewn in the Drawing, such
openings being set in opposite directions in respect to the axis h, they will
so act that the gas will be flowing into some one or more of the spaces
No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, and at the same time will be flowing out through
the plate m out of one or more of the spaces No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. The
Drawing shows the gas to be flowing out of No. 3 into No. 4. The upper parts
of the spaces Nos. 1, 2, 3, are enclosed by triangular plates, in order to
prevent the gas passing in that direction, and thus render it necessary that the
gas should pass back through the pipes into the space No. 4, and away to be
burned through the pipe p.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I would remark, that although I have
described the material to be used for flexible surfaces to be silk coated with
cocoa-nut tallow, yet I do not confine myself thereto, as other materials
may be used, so long as they offer the capability of being flexible and not
prejudicially acted on by the gas. And I would further remark, that I am
aware that various descriptions of gas meters have before been made with
flexible surfaces, acted on by gas. I do not, therefore, claim that mode of
measuring gas, and I only claim such new arrangements of flexible surfaces
as are herein described. And also I would have it understood, that I lay no
claim to any of the parts separately, and some of them, such as the valves,
may be varied without departing from my Invention; but what I claim as my
Invention is,
First, the mode of combining the parts as described in respect of Figures
1, 2, and 3.
Secondly, I claim the mode of combining two vessels k, l, in a chamber a,
actuating a rotatory valve, and such vessel a having narrow spaces e for water
or other fluid, as herein described in respect to Figures 4 and 5.
.

page_text: Thirdly, I claim the mode of combining two flexible cylinders or bags or
cylinders b, c, in a chamber a, with suitable vessels and ways, as herein
described in respect to Figure 6. And,
Fourthly, I claim the mode of combining these flexible surfaces b in a
chamber a, with suitable valves and ways for the passage of gas, as herein
described in respect to Figures 7 and 8.
In witness whereof, I, the said Nathan Defries, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of December, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.