Year: 1887

page_text: I, GEORGE HUGHES of 38 Chancery Lane, London W.C. Patent Agent, a communi-
cation to me from abroad by Alexander Kaiser of Freiburg, Switzerland, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
By this Invention, for the purpose of measuring the outflow or passage of Liquids
used when drawn from the storage chamber or chambers or reservoir it is effected in
the following manner:-I provide a hollow chamber of suitable proportions and
material divided into two parts, which I term the upper and lower chambers, by means
of a light moveable piston, membrane, or diaphragm supported in a metal frame around
its circumference so as to permit of its free action upward and downward.
In the accompanying drawing I have shewn as an example the mode of working
Liquid Meters in accordance with this Invention, wherein Figures 1. and 2. exhibit
sections and Figure 3. a plan of the apparatus wherein the hollow chamber of the
apparatus is divided into two parts A and A¹¹ by the light moveable piston or
membrane B. In the chamber A¹ the discharge from the larger opening (³ from the
influx D, occurs, and the smaller one C into the chamber Ar
The opening E' is so arranged that the piston or membrane B closes it perfectly at
the end of its stroke. To prevent the membrane B going forward or backward if no
liquid is flowing out, there is a self acting valve F' attached at the opening C so
that no liquid can flow back from the chamber A" to A' and that the membrane B is
at that time fixed in all situations.
The action of the apparatus is therefore as follows:-Supposing B' to be the initial
position of the membrane B, when commencing to vibrate and the opening E open,
there is the same quantity of the liquid flowing in through the openings at and Ci
as is taken out, and through so much more than through C as C₁ is larger in
proportion as C. If for example C is 20, 50, 100, or X times larger than Cand
the liquid quantity flowing out represented by V the membrane B will then advance
V V V
according to the relative quantities 50 50 100 or and so long until it reaches its
V

page_text: final situation B where it stops. The value of the stroke is thus multiplied as 20, 50, 100
or X times.
The backward action of the membrane can be reached in different ways--for
example the exit E may be closed, and a communication between the two chambers A¹
and A¹¹ may be arranged until the membrane has reached again its first position B
now the outflowing opening might be opened and the communication between the
two chambers A¹ and A" closed, so that the before described precedence could begin
again.
The cock G (which during the forward motion of the membrane occupies the
position shewn in Figures 4 and 5) where the outflowing opening E is by in com-
munication with A¹ is by turning the handle brought into position as at 4" a b. II and
Figure 5 cd II where the communication between A' and E is closed, but another
communication between A and E is produced by the valve M.
The liquid can now enter into A¹ by C¹ and in the same time the liquid which is
driven out of the chamber A through the channels Hand H flow out of the opening E-
In that manner a rapid backward motion of the membrane is produced which is
finished when the membrane has reached its first situation B1 in which case the
opening H is closed-If the handle is turned again in its first situation the same can
begin again.
The channel as shewn in Figures 2, and 3 and 5" connects the space E¹ with A¹
therefore the compression in E' is compensated by that in A¹.
The channel J shown in Figures 2, and 3, is an air channel for carrying away the
air out of the chamber A" In Figure 4 that channel is by h in connection with
chamber H the air which accumulates in H" can pass away as at Figure 4.
In Figures 1 and 3 K exhibits that portion of the apparatus for numbering or
indicating by means of a tape so that the quantity which has passed or flown out.
The action of the tape for indicating may be produced by the arrangement of small
pistons acting under the influence of the compression of the air obtained in the
chambers A and A" by the different closing of the openings E and H'.
For the purpose of regulating the apparatus the opening C may be made larger or
smaller by a screw L, Figure 1.
The self acting valve M Figure 2. prevents the backward flowing through the
channel H.
Dated this 24th day of November 1887.

page_text: I GEORGE HUGHES of 38 Chancery Lane Middlesex, Patent Agent, (a communi-
cation from Alexander Kaiser of Frieburg, Switzerland, Engineer,) do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
:―
My invention relates to improvements in liquid meters and has for its object to
secure in meters operated by means of a piston, and particularly in apparatus of small
dimensions, a proper through flow of the liquid, such liquid being simultaneously
admitted in any desired quantity in front and at the rear of the piston. In the
apparatus illustrated by way of example in Fig. 1. 2. and 3. the hollow space thereof
is divided in two compartments or chambers A and A" by a piston or membrane B
having an easy motion. The large opening of the inlet 1 opens into the chamber A¹,
whilst the small one C, opens into the chamber A". The outlet E' is so arranged as
to be completely closed by the piston B, at the end of its stroke. To prevent the
said piston B from moving either forward or backward so long as no liquid is
withdrawn from the apparatus, an easily moveing clack or other valve F is provided
at the opening and prevents the liquid passing from the chamber A" into the
chamber A the piston B then remaining in a suspended position. From the
foregoing it will be seen that the operation of the apparatus for single action is as
follows.
If B was the initial position of the membranous piston B, by opening the outlet E the
openings and C" would both admit into the apparatus just as much liquid as has
been withdrawn therefrom, and nearly as many times more through the opening C¹
than through C as the former opening is larger than the latter. Supposing for
instance that C is 20, 50, 100 or X times as large as C, the membrane B on the
withdrawal of a volume of liquid V will only move forward in proportion to the
V V V
or until it reaches its final position B" when it will
20 50 100
close the outlet. Hence the effect of the apparatus for single strokes has been multiplied
20, 50, 100, or X times.
respective quantities
=
V
Now the return stroke of the piston may be effected by a reverse motion the outlet E
remaining closed and communication being established between the two chambers A'
and A" until the membrane B returns to its initial position B¹, when by the return
motion the said outlet will be re-opened, while the communication between A¹ and A"
will be closed again, the before mentioned stroke being now operated afresh. By
doubling the parts B, C, C, D, E, and F or some of them, a double action is obtained
that is to say the return stroke of the piston will be carried out in a similar manner
to its forward stroke. As shewn in Fig. 1. 2. and 3 the return stroke of the piston
is accomplished as follows:-The reversal gear which during the up stroke of the piston
occupies the position 1, section a band cd. Figs. 4 and 5, whereby the outlet E is
put in communication through with the chamber A' will assume after such reversal,

page_text: the position II, (sections ab and c d figs. 4 and 5) the communication between Al
and E being closed while a communication is established between A and E. The
liquid is now allowed to enter from D into the chamber A¹ through C whilst at the
same time the liquid forced out of the chamber A¹ enters through the passage H1, H.,
the outlet E. Thus a rapid return stroke of the piston is obtained and carried out
automatically until the membrane has returned to its initial position B' in which the
opening His closed.
By turning back the revolving gear G into the position 1 the above described stroke
will be repeated. Through the adjacent passage g. Figs. 2. 3 and 5ª communication
is established between the chamber E¹ and the chamber A¹ for the second position of
the reversing gear so that the pressure in E' is equalized by that in A'. The passage J
figs. 2 and 3 is an air channel for the escape of air from the chamber A". In the
1st position, Fig. 4. the said passage communicates through with the air chamber H"
(Fig. 1) of the communicating passago H.
The air which collects at H can escape through towards E each time tho
reversing gear is placed in position II.
As the quantities of liquid which flow out of the apparatus during the first and
second positions of the reversing gear can be controlled, the apparatus remaining
closed after each of the said positions until the said gear is reversed by hand, the
number of reversals may be registered as usual by providing a suitable counter or
registering mechanism K so that the total quantity of the liquid passed through may
be read off whenever required.
For the purpose of easily regulating the apparatus the inlet C can be enlarged or
diminished by means of the screw threaded plug L, Fig. 1, and hence the quantities
passing through at each double stroke can be regulated in accordance with the respective
indications of the registering mechanism. The return valve M fig. 2 prevents the
liquid from returning through the passage H so that such a back flow can only take
place through C from E to D. It is not necessary that the weight of the membrane B
should be somewhat heavier than that of the passing liquid, as shewn by way of
example in figs. 1 and 2. An apparatus may be constructed in a similar manner with
a membrane of lighter weight than the passing liquid, it would be sufficient in such
case to reverse the operations of some parts of the apparatus. The reversal of the
motion of the apparatus may be also effected automatically by causing the excess of
pressure produced in the chamber A¹ A to act when the cut off is altered through
the openings E¹ and H, upon small pistons or followers whose motion will effect the
reversal.
In Figs. 6,7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 sheet II & IV the liquid-meter connected with
such an automatic reversing gear is provided with a self registering apparatus and
the reversing gear is shewn, on an enlarged scale and in several positions on sheet III.
Those parts of the apparatus shewn in sheet I which operate also in the same manner
in the arrangement shewn in sheet 11 have similar letters of reference, it being under-
stood that the regulating device L is disposed at the inlet, whereby the pipe L brings
a greater or lesser number of openings or holes O, into play and further that the
return valve M. now placed at the outlet E is assisted by the action of the safety
valve P, through which the liquid is allowed to flow back into D through H, I,
H', A", should the valve M not be water tight, in order to prevent the membrane
from being over stretched, and finally the air channel J terminates with an air-valve N,
which does not allow the liquid to pass. The weighted valve Q prevents the maximum
effect of the apparatus, once fixed, from being exceeded.
The automatic reversing gear G¹ consists of two valves S¹ and Su suspended to a
beam having arms of equal length.
The valve seats T and T are arranged in form of pistons having an easy motion
and capable of falling back into their lowest position, by gravity.
The suspension bar R of the beam R is provided with a spring U, to facilitate and
assist the working of the reversing gear and at the same time, to exert such a
pressure upon the valve opening which has then to be closed as will ensure its
tightness.

page_text: By leverage or by simple toothed gearing (Fig. 10) the axle of the beam can be
made to actuate a counter of registering mechanism whereby each reversal will
be registered automatically. The automatic reversal is effected in the following
manner.
Supposing the initial position to be that shewn in Fig. 6 sheet II (compare with
1st position in sheet III) when the piston has reached its highest position, B', having
just closed the outlet E¹. The pressure of the liquid proceeding from D is transmitted
at this very moment through H, H, H to the movable valve seat T and lift the
same together with the valve S and the lever arm RI but without the valve St having
previously left its seat. It is only when the suspension bar R (in the 1st and 2nd
position of sheet III) has travelled beyond its central position and when the spring U,
which has now changed the direction of its action, has received sufficient power to
alone overcome the resistance inherent to the transmittion of the motions to the
counter K that the valve S' leaves its seat. T' while at the same moment the valves
opening at T is closed by S" (Positions III and IV). It should be noted that in
the said stroke, the dead point is overcome, and moreover that the valve seat, which
(in the II position occupies its lowest position by gravity) cannot close too soon, and
thus interfere with the reversal of the motion. If now the load on the valve seat T
in the III and IV positions, exceeds the loss of pressure suffered by the liquid on
its passage through the apparatus the piston will have also to leave its highest position
(fig. 6) in order to fall during the gradual passage of the liquid through H¹, H.
H. T. and according to quantity until it reaches the position fig. 8. and closes
the outlet H. The pressure of the liquid will be transmitted now from D through E¹
and E onto T and the stroke just described for R, S, T" will take place in the
same manner for R", S", T" that is to say the positions V VI and I etc. will succeed
one and other.
The chief advantages of the above automatic reversing gear are its simplicity its
great mobility and especially the fact that it works with the same certainly when
the liquid is dribbling in drops as when the apparatus is performing its maximum
amount of work.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that what I
claim is
1. In liquid meters operated by means of a piston. The simultaneous admission
of the liquid to be measured (through C and C) into the space in front and behind
the piston or diaphragm, the outflow taking place only from one of the said spaces
(through E or H¹) in such a manner that only a portion of the passing liquid will
exert a propelling action upon the piston.
2. The employment of a piston or diaphragm in order to directly close the single
lateral outlets (E¹ and H¹) after each stroke of the piston, any mechanical connexion
with the reversing gear being avoided.
3. The operation of an automatic reversing gear carried out by the pressure of the
liquid with the aid of a beam with shifting load, in combination with valves the
respective seats of which are arranged as moveable pistons capable of falling freely
whereby any prejudicial intermediate position of the reversing gear is avoided for
the smallest as well as for the largest masses of liquid flowing through the apparatus.
Dated this 25th day of August 1888.
HUGHES, SON & Co.,
38, Chancery Lane, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.