IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING THE PRESSURE OR QUANTITY, AND IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FLUIDS
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Weems and William Weems, both of John-
stone, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain, Engineers, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING THE PRESSURE
OR QUANTITY, AND IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FLUIDS."
Sealed the 12th September 1862, and dated the 17th March 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Weems and William
Weems at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition,
on the 17th March 1862.
We, JOHN WEEMS and WILLIAM WEEMS, both of Johnstone, in the County
of Renfrew, North Britain, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR INDICATING THE PRESSURE OR
QUANTITY, AND IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF FLUIDS," to be as follows, that
is to say:
This. Invention relates, firstly, to the arrangement and construction of
apparatus for indicating the pressure of fluids. One modification as applied
to a steam pressure gauge consists of a diaphragm of india-rubber, metal, or
other suitable material, fitted in a small steam chamber. To this diaphragm
is attached a rod, the upper part of which forms a rack that gives motion to a
wheel, depending from which is a lever or rod with a ball or weight attached
to its extremity. The spindle of the wheel to which the pointer is attached

page_text: pressure
projects through the dial or index face, which is graduated to shew the pressure
in lbs. To this spindle the pointer or index is attached. When the
of the steam, air, gas, or other fluid acts upon the diaphragm it raises the
vertical rack and moves round the wheel to which is attached the lever weight,
and which serves to keep the index in a vertical position when not otherwise
acted upon.
The pressure on the diaphragm causes the lever weight to rise
towards the centre, at the same time giving motion to the pointer, and thus
indicates the pressure. The nearer the lever weight is raised to the horizontal
position its power becomes greater, and it thus indicates a greater range of
pressure, the dial being graduated to agree therewith. The vertical rack may,
if preferred, be toothed on both sides, and may be guided by sockets, bushes,
antifriction rollers or wheels. A double lever with weights, or a combination
of levers and weights, may also be applied, or a spiral or other spring be
arranged immediately in contact with the toothed wheel, or be intermediately
connected. The pointer may also be made to perform a complete revolution of
the dial plate by a combination of toothed wheels driving a segment in connec-
tion with a wheel attached to the pointer or pointers. This pressure gauge
may also be applied to adjust the position of the damper in furnaces, and so
regulate the flow of air and gaseous matters to the flue or chimney.
Under one modification the apparatus for removing the water of condensa-
tion from the cylinders of steam engines and steam hammers, at the same time
maintaining a uniform pressure on the piston, consists of a cock, within which
is arranged an inverted conical or face valve, opening downwards. This valve
is fitted with a long spindle, on which is placed a spiral or other spring either
on the exterior or interior. The valve case is divided by a steam-tight par-
tition, so that the opening part of the valve is under the pressure whilst the
upper part is open to the atmosphere. The spindle of the valve is guided and
retained in its proper position in the barrel by a screw cap, and the spring
rests on the feathers of the valve, or on a circular plate, or other equivalent
contrivance, and the other end bears upon the screw cap, which is screwed
down, so as to regulate the power of the spring. When the piston of an
engine is receiving the steam in its forward motion the pressure shuts the
valve, and when exhausting, the spring opens the valve, and the water is
thereby discharged. The valve may be actuated by means of springs or levers
and weights, by its own gravity, or by a mechanical motion in connection with
the engine. The valve may also be constructed to open upwards or outwards,
or a double valve may be arranged connected to each end of the cylinder, so
that when the one valve is shut by the pressure, it opens the other to the
atmosphere, and vice versa, The water of condensation being taken away by

page_text: an opening situated midway between the valve seats, and both valves may be
connected by one spindle. A ball, clack, or other valve may be applied, or
india-rubber or other suitable composition valve used, or a partial or wholly
equilibrium valve may be arranged to answer the same purpose.
Another mode of removing air and water from steam pipes and engines while
maintaining the pressure consists in having a steam-tight case or vessel, into
one end of which is fitted a face valve with a hinged cover, through which is an
open port to the atmosphere. To this face valve is fixed a tube, and the joint
is made steam-tight. To the end of this tube is attached a hollow ball or float;
the tube and float forms a lever, and an opening from the interior of the float
to the atmosphere is thus obtained, whilst that part of the valve subjected to
the pressure is preserved steam-tight. A flat or other shaped expansion tube,
by preference hermetically sealed at both ends and of a curved or other figure,
is secured at one end to the vessel, the other extremity bears on the under
side of the float tube, or the expansion tube may be connected by a lever or
made to bear on or be connected to any other part of the float or tube, or it
may be attached to an independent valve. This tube expands with the heat,
and contracts upon the temperature being reduced, consequently when the
vessel is cold the expansion tube is so arranged that the valve is kept open, so
that on the introduction of steam the air is discharged, and on the tube
becoming heated it closes the valve, and as the water of condensation accumu-
lates it rises the float which opens the valve, and the water is discharged; the
float then falls and closes the valve again. The water, which from the pressure
permeates the float, is collected in the interior and passes away through the
tube and open part in the cover of the valve. This mode of arrangement is
also applicable to ball, clack, conical, or other valves, and also to equilibrium
valves or those which are partially so. The expansion tube may also be fitted
with gases or liquids, or both combined, and is also applicable for the purpose
of regulating dampers for maintaining a uniform temperature in hot-houses,
buildings, and vessels. In lieu of this arrangement, the expansion tube may be
connected to a valve by a lever or levers, or otherwise arranged to discharge
air or water, or both combined. An improved form of valve tap for the
discharge of fluids is formed, by preference, of a barrel shape, and is divided
by a partition of a curved form extending from the upper to the lower side.
The valve seat is formed in this partition, and the valve set to open against the
pressure. The spindle of the valve passes through the metal of the barrel, and
hen through a stuffing box or an india-rubber cup, or other suitable con-
rivance, which retains it in its proper position and acts as a guide; a spiral
r other spring is placed on the outside and around the valve rod; this spring

page_text: bears on the top of the stuffing box cover and the under side of a knob on the
valve spindle, or the pressure of the fluid may be used as a spring; the valve
is inserted by means of a screw cap at the bottom part of the barrel, which
thus affords easy access for cleaning or repairing.
Another modification of this Invention consists in having a semicircular ball
of india-rubber or other suitable material fixed to a semicircular ball of cast
iron or other suitable material, or these parts may be otherwise shaped. To
the elastic half is attached a lever or rod in connection with a three or four-
way valve. This valve may be conical, slide, or partially or wholly equili-
brium, and by the pressure of the fluid its ports are reversed. The ports of the
valve are in connection with the exterior and interior of the ball, consequently
on the introduction of a fluid to the interior the elastic half is forced outwards,
the fluid on the exterior, which is meanwhile discharged, through the discharge
pipe. On the valve being put in motion, the ports are reversed, and the fluid
presses the elastic half and discharges the water therein through the discharge
pipe. By means of this reciprocatory moment of the elastic portion of the
sphere, motion is given to an index, whereby the flow of the liquid is regis-
tered. In lieu of this, the ball may be wholly formed of elastic material and
divided by a metal or other suitable diaphragm, each half being arranged to
work alternately or conjointly. Two or more valves may also be enclosed in
a water-tight vessel or case with outlet and inlet openings, the valves being
arranged to open upwards and downwards, and connected by a rod balanced
according to the pressure. The motive power being in this case taken from
the reaction of the fluid, and this motion is imparted to an index, so that the
flow of the liquid is registered. Or, the valve or valves may be arranged to
open against the pressure, and balanced so that the reaction of the fluid
imparts motion, and the flow of the liquid is indicated.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Weems and William Weems in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 16th September 1862.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
WEEMS and WILLIAM WEEMS, both of Johnstone, in the County of Renfrew,
North Britain, Engineers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord.
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-fifth year of Her

page_text: reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said John Weems and William Weems, Her special license that we,
the said John Weems and William Weems our executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as we, the said John Weems and William
Weems, our executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time, and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
INDICATING THE PRESSURE OR QUANTITY, AND IN REGULATING THE DISCHARGE OF
FLUIDS," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said John Weems
and William Weems, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one of them,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said John Weems and William Weems,
do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our said Invention has reference to improvements in apparatus for indi-
cating the pressure or quantity, and in regulating the discharge of fluids.
And in order that the same may be properly understood we shall now
proceed to describe the several Figures on the explanatory Sheet of Drawings
which we have hereunto appended, for the purpose of showing certain
modifications under which our improvements may be judiciously carried out in
practice.
The first part of our improvements relate to the arrangement and con-
struction of apparatus for indicating the pressure of fluids.
One modification as applied to a steam pressure gauge consists of a
diaphragm of india-rubber, metal, or other suitable material fitted in a small
steam chamber. To this diaphragm is attached a rod, the upper part of
which forms a rack that gives motion to a wheel; depending from this wheel is
a lever or rod with a ball or weight attached to its extremity. The spindle of
the wheel projects through the dial or index face, which is graduated to show
the pressure in lbs., and to this spindle the pointer or index is attached.
When the pressure of the steam, air, gas, or other fluid acts upon the

page_text: diaphragm it raises the vertical rack and moves round the wheel, to which is
attached the lever weight, and which serves to keep the index in a vertical
position when not otherwise acted upon. The pressure on the diaphragm
causes the lever weight to rise towards the centre, at the same time giving
motion to the pointer, and thus indicates the pressure. A modification of this
pressure gauge is herein-after described, in which it is applied to adjust the
position of the damper in furnaces, and so regulate the flow of air and gaseous
matters to the flue or chimney.
Our improvements in apparatus for removing the water of condensation
from the cylinders of steam engines, steam hammers, and other similar
machines, and at the same time maintain a uniform pressure on the piston,
are delineated under two modifications in the accompanying Sheet of
Drawings.
Figure 1 is a vertical section showing one arrangement. It consists of a
valve case A, within which is arranged an inverted conical or face valve B,
opening downwards; this valve B is fitted with a long spindle C, on which is
placed a spiral or other spring D. The valve case A is divided by a steam-
tight partition E, so that the opening part of the valve is under the pressure
whilst the upper part is open to the atmosphere. The spindle C of the valve
is guided and retained in its proper position in the barrel by the screw cap F,
and the spring rests on the feathers of the valve, or on a circular plate or
other equivalent contrivance, and the other end bears up against the screw
cap which is screwed down by the jam nut G, so as to regulate the pressure
of the spring. When the piston of an engine is receiving the steam in its
forward motion, the pressure, as indicated by the arrow, shuts the valve B,
and when exhausting the spring D opens the valve and the water is thereby
discharged. The valve may be actuated by means of springs or levers and
weights by its own gravity, or by a mechanical motion in connection with the
engine. At the lower part of the valve casing A is fitted a screw cap G',
which affords ready means of access to the valve B, and by screwing this cap
upwards the throw of the valve is regulated. This apparatus also forms an
excellent self-closing gauge cock by simply prolonging the spindle C out
beyond a stuffing box at the top, and fitting the prolongation with a knob, the
spring D being dispensed with. The pressure of the fluid keeps the valve up
to its seat, but on depressing the knob it escapes out through the outlet
passage. In some cases we prefer to arrange the apparatus in the reverse
position, that is to say, with the valve upwards, the spring D acting on the
cap F in a downward direction; this arrangement is found to be particularly
suitable in certain applications of the water discharger.

page_text: The arrangement shown in vertical section in Figure 2 of the accompanying
Drawings is on the equilibrium principle, and consists of a brass or other
metal valve chamber H made in two parts, and screwed together at the
flanges. Between the upper and lower halves of the chamber H is fitted an
elastic diaphragm I, which is connected to the spindle of the valve J; this
valve is pressed upwards by the spring K, and its power is regulated by the
screw cap L which enters the lower part of the valve chamber H, and by
screwing the cap inwards the pressure of the spring may be regulated with
the greatest nicety. An opening M is made through the cap L, so that the
area of the diaphragm I is always exposed to the atmospheric pressure. The
upper part of the valve chamber H forms a separate chamber, into which the
steam and water passage N opens laterally, and into the horizontal part of this
portion of the chamber is screwed the valve seat O, which opens into the
chamber containing the diaphragm I, and leading to the outlet P that is
separated from the inlet chamber by the vertical partition at its inner
extremity. The valve spindle is prolonged above the valve at Q, and this is
prevented from rising beyond the given distance by the screw nut R. With
this arrangement the pressure of the steam entering by the inlet passage N
and acting on the diaphragm I, shuts the valve J, and the water escapes
through the outlet passage P. The atmospheric pressure acting on the
diaphragm I, together with the upward pressure of the spring K, raises the
valve J, and so counteracts any backward pressure of the exhaust, and the
chamber is again open for the admission of the steam and water, in this way
the cylinder of the engine is kept entirely clear of water without effecting or
causing a variation in the pressure of the steam. The general arrangement
of these air and water discharges may be variously modified to suit par-
ticular applications without departing from the peculiar features of their
construction.
Another mode of removing air and water from steam pipes, engines, &c.,
while maintaining the pressure, is shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying
Drawings, which is a longitudinal section of the apparatus. It consists of a
steam-tight case or vessel S, formed in two parts, which are bolted together at
the flanges, and have a stuffing arranged between the faces. At one end of
the lower part of the chamber is fitted a perforated face valve T; this valve
forms a hinged cover, closing the port U, which opens to the atmosphere. To
this face valve is screwed a tube V, the joint being made steam-tight. To the
end of the tube V is attached a hollow ball or float W, and a free communi-
cation with the interior of the float and the atmosphere is thus obtained by
means of the aperture through the valve T, whilst the back part of the valve

page_text: being subjected to the steam pressure is kept tight. A flat or other suitably
shaped expansion tube X, by preference hermetically sealed at both ends, and
of a curved or other figure, is secured at one end to the vessel S by a bolt and
nut; the other extremity bears on the under side of the float tube V. In lieu
of this arrangement the expansion tube may be connected by means of a lever,
or made to bear on or be connected to any part of the float or tube, or
it may be attached to an independent valve. This tube V expands with the
heat and contracts upon the temperature being reduced, consequently when
the vessel is cold the expansion tube is so arranged that the valve is kept
open. On the introduction of steam into the vessel S through the inlet
passage Y the air is discharged, and on the tube becoming heated it straightens
and allows the valve T to close, and as the water of condensation accumulates
it raises the float W, which opens the valve T, and the water is discharged
through the port U; the float W then falls and closes the valve again. It
has been found that the pressure of the steam causes a portion of the water of
condensation to be forced through the pores of the float; by means of this
arrangement as the water collects in the interior a free passage is afforded for
its escape down the inclined tube V, and out through the open port in the
cover of the valve, thereby preventing the ball from filling with water or from
collapsing. A screw Z is entered through the vessel S, and fitted with a jam
nut; this screw bears against the expansion tube X, by which means the
pressure of the tube against the tubular arm V of the float W may be
adjusted with great accuracy. This system of arrangement is also applicable
to ball, clack, conical, or other valves. The expansion tube may in some
cases be with advantage partially or wholly filled with gaseous or liquid
bodies, and may be made applicable to the purpose of regulating dampers or
valvular apparatus for maintaining a uniform temperature in hot-houses,
buildings, vessels, and other generally similar purposes. The expansion
tube may also be modified and arranged with a single valve for effectively
discharging fluids.
In Figure 4 of the accompanying Drawings is shown an elevation, partly in
section, of a self-acting apparatus for regulating the dampers of furnaces.
The pipe a leads from the steam or water space of the boiler; the steam
presses on the surface of the water or other suitable fluid contained therein up
to about the level of the line 1, 2. The pipe a communicates with the
chamber b, which has fitted between its upper and lower parts the flexible
diaphragm c, on which the disc d bears. The spindle of the disc extends out
through the upper part of the chamber b, and has bearing upon it the lever e,
which is furnished with an adjustable weight e¹, to the standard f of which

page_text: is fixed the curved spring 9 pressing on the lever. The lever e is connected
by a rod h to the vertical rack i, which gives motion to the pinion j, on the
axle of the pulley k. An antifriction roller / presses against the back of the
rack i, and prevents it from working loosely. A weighted chain m is passed
over the pulley k, and is connected to the damper n. An increase of steam
pressure causes the fluid to raise the diaphragm c, which through the disc d
lifts the lever e, and lowers the damper n, thus checking the flow of gaseous
matters to the chimney, and vice versa, thereby preventing the waste of fuel.
By the interposition of the fluid the diaphragm is effectually preserved from
being destroyed, as is the case when the steam is allowed to come in contact
with it. The arrangement of the spring 9 also provides for the gradual
opening and shutting of the damper, and avoids any sudden jerk or reaction of
the parts.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, we would observe in conclusion that what we consider novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to us by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the system or mode of discharging the water of condensation from
the cylinders of steam engines, steam hammers, and other generally similar
machines, by means of the apparatus herein-before described and shown in
Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification of
the same; also the application of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 as a self-
closing gauge tap, and herein-before described.
Second, the arrangement, construction, and combination of parts forming
the apparatus for discharging, singly or combined, air or water from steam
pipes, vacuum pans, drying cylinders, and other generally similar apparatus,
as delineated in Figure 3 of the accompanying Drawings, and herein-before
described.
Third, the application to and use of an expansion tube in apparatus for
discharging water or air, or for regulating and controlling heat, the expansion
and contraction of which tube causes the valve or valves connected therewith
to open and close as required, as herein-before described and shown in the
accompanying Drawings.
Fourth, the system or mode of arranging and combining the parts of a self-
acting apparatus for regulating furnace and other dampers, in which the
steam acts on a column of water or other protective liquid that raises an
elastic diaphragm, and by this means the damper is actuated, as herein-before

page_text: Fifth, the application and use of a metal or other spring to act on the
adjustable lever of the self-acting damper apparatus, so as to obtain a gradual
movement of the damper, and avoid any sudden jerking action of the parts, as
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Weems, on behalf of the said
John Weems and myself, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this
Fifteenth day of September, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-
two.
WILLIAM WEEMS. (L.s.)