IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING MILK, CREAM, AND OTHER LIQUIDS."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Wilson, of Orchard Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS
FOR MEASURING MILK, CREAM, AND OTHER LIQUIDS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Wilson at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th November 1880.
JAMES WILSON, of Orchard Street, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING MILK, CREAM, AND OTHER
LIQUIDS."
This Invention has for its object,-
First. The adaptation of certain apparatus to the measuring, automatically or
otherwise, of milk and cream, or other similar liquids necessitating the use of an
apparatus affording the greatest facilities for being thoroughly, rapidly, and and easily
cleansed after each operation, in order to effectually remove any residue or traces
of the liquids so measured, thereby avoiding all risk of decomposition, putrefaction,
or contamination of the liquids to be subsequently measured.
Second. A means by which a measuring vessel of any given capacity, say half
pint, pint, quart, or gallon, can be employed for the purpose of measuring any
fractional portion of its full capacity, thereby avoiding the necessity for providing
separate measuring vessels for different quantities.
For the purpose of carrying out this Invention, it is proposed to employ one or
more troughs of a depth corresponding to the greatest height of the measuring
vessel employed therewith, such trough or troughs being made of any smooth and
non-absorbent material, such as glass, glazed earthen or stone ware, marble,
enamelled ware, tin, zinc, or other suitable material, the interior of the said trough
being as free from angles as possible, and by preference of an oval or circular form,
so as to facilitate its being easily and thoroughly cleansed after cach operation.
This trough may be divided into any number of compartments, each of which
is connected with a tank or receptacle containing the liquid to be measured, the
said connections being so arranged as to shut off, by the aid of self acting floats,
valves, or otherwise, the supply into one or more of the compartments in the trough
at such a height as will ensure the required quantity of liquid being run off into
the measuring vessels affixed thereto. The height of the liquid may be indicated
"

page_text: either inside or outside the trough by indicating lines, or by a suitable gauge by
which the height of the liquid in the trough can be readily ascertained at all
times.
As it is absolutely necessary that there shall be no surfaces capable of retaining
the milk, cream, or other similar liquid, which would be liable by adhering to
any of the parts of the apparatus to taint the milk, cream, or other liquid to be
subsequently measured, it is proposed to dispense, wherever practicable, with all
screw threads, and to substitute therefor smooth plain surfaces or joints fitting
accurately together, so that when taken asunder they can be thoroughly and easily
cleaned. Moreover, all the tubes or pipes employed should be as straight as
possible and made smooth internally for the same object.
The measuring vessel (by preference of glass) is to be connected by a pipe or
otherwise to the lower part of the trough, such measuring vessel being divided or
marked so as to indicate various fractional parts of measures, such marks corres-
ponding in height to those in the trough, by which means the required quantity
only of milk, cream, or other liquid can flow from the trough or compartment into
the corresponding measure. The liquid should have a free and unimpeded flow
into the measuring vessel, in order to avoid all risk of frothing, and to ensure
facility for cleaning the parts and the measuring vessel, in lieu of being screwed
down in order to fasten it to the pipe, may be made with a smooth faced joint
fitting accurately onto a carrying plate or surface on the connecting pipe, a vent
pipe being also fitted by a smooth or ground joint to the top of the measuring
vessel itself. Each measuring vessel is provided with a separate cock so arranged
that when turned into one position the measuring vessel will be in connection
with the trough, and the outlet from the said vessel will be closed; and when
turned to another position the supply from the trough to the measuring vessel will
be shut off and the discharge aperture from the measuring vessel opened. It is
obvious that any number of these cocks may be worked by hand or otherwise at
one operation.
By another arrangement which is made to work automatically, the measuring
vessel may be suspended to or otherwise connected with a weighted lever, so
arranged in connection with the pipe or cock which supplies the measuring vessel
that the weight of the measured quantity of liquid shall cause the supply from the
trough to be shut off and the delivery from the measuring vessel to be opened at
one and the saine operation, the process of filling and emptying the measuring
vessel being more or less continuous or intermittent as required.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said James Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 13th May
1881.
JAMES WILSON, of Orchard Street, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING MILK, CREAM, AND OTHER
LIQUIDS."
My said Invention has for its object the better adaptation of certain apparatus
to the measuring (automatically or otherwise) of milk, cream, and other liquids,
but more especially those which, by reason of their tendency to rapid decompo-
sition and putrefaction, such as milk and cream, necessitate the use of apparatus
and materials specially constructed and adapted to afford the greatest facilities for
the taking asunder, and the thorough and rapid cleansing after each operation of
the several parts soiled by the liquid, in order to eff. ctually remove all residue or
traces of the liquid operated upon, thereby avoiding all risk of decomposition,
putrefaction, or contamination of the liquid subsequently measured in the same
apparatus.
In carrying out my Invention, I so construct and arrange the apparatus
employed as that it shall contain as few angles or interstices as practicable, capable
of retaining or affording a lodgement for the milk, cream, or other liquid, and from
which the deposited matter can with difficulty only be removed, but which matter,
if allowed to remain, would become quickly putrefied, and would inevitably taint
the succeeding charge of liquid. I therefore prefer to avoid as much as possible
the use in my improved apparatus of screw threaded surfaces for joining the several
parts together, as the threads are liable to retain or form a lodgement for the
liquid, and I substitute therefor smooth plain (and in some cases, where requisito),
slightly conical ground joints, the parts of which fit accurately and tightly
together, and whilst admitting of being easily and expeditiously taken asunder,
afford the greatest facility for being thoroughly cleansed and quickly put together
again, all of which are most important and essential features of any apparatus to
be employed in connection with liquids of the nature of milk and cream. With
the same object of ensuring perfect cleanliness and freedom from contamination, all
the pipes and tubes employed should be as free as practicable from angles and
sharp bends, and made perfectly smooth inside. Moreover, the tanks, troughs, and
other vessels of the said apparatus containing the liquid to be measured are by
preference of a curved form inside to avoid hollow corners or angles, and should be
constructed of smooth, hard, and non-absorbent material, by preference of tinned,
plated, or other smooth surfaced non corrosive metals, or of glass, glazed-ware, or
stone-ware, enamelled ware, or the like, so as to be capable of being readily and
thoroughly cleansed. The fittings to the said tanks, troughs, and other vessels
connected therewith should also be constructed of or plated with such metals as
are not injuriously affected by the milk, cream, or other liquid operated upon, or
constructed of any other suitable material, such for example as earthenware, glass,
and the like.
And in order that my said Invention may be readily understood and carried
into effect, I shall now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the explanatory Sheets of Drawings
bercunto annexed, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts in
all the corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of my Drawings represents a front elevation of one form of
my said improved apparatus. Figure 2 is a vertical section of the same taken at
right angles to Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a plan of the said apparatus corresponding
to Figure 1. On Sheet 2 of my Drawings I have illustrated the saine apparatus
drawn to a larger scale, and showing several of the component parts in detail.

page_text: A is a tank of any desired capacity into which the liquid to be measured is first
poured. This tank communicates by a self acting ball float, cock, or valve B with
an intermediate trough C situate at a lower level than the tank A, which trough
supplies the liquid to any desired number of measuring vessels D, D, through the
corresponding pipes E, E, and cocks F, F, as hereinafter more fully explained.
H is any convenient support for the receptacles for the milk or other liquid whilst
receiving their measured supply. In order to avoid frothing of the milk or other
liquid in the trough C, the nozzle of the cock B is curved down to the bottom, or
nearly so, of the said trough; and with a view to maintaining the level of the liquid
in the trough always at or about a given height, the said cock or valve is made
self acting, opening and closing by the action of a float G floating on the milk or
other liquid in the trough, as will be readily understood. In order to facilitate the
thorough cleansing of the tank and trough each time they are emptied, they are
constructed of the form and of the class of material herein before mentioued. The
measuring vessels D are by preference composed of glass, they may be of any
convenient form and dimensions, and are fitted fluid tight at their lower ends in
the manner bereinafter described (without the aid of an intermediato metal base
plate) to the vertical nozzles a of the cocks F, the plugs of which cocks are so
formed as to open a direct communication between the trough C and the
measuring vessels D, allowing the liquid to enter therein when turned to onc
position; and when turned to another position, to shut off any further supply to
the measuring vessel, and at the same time allow the measured quantity of liquid
in the vessel D to escape through the discharge nozzle b of the cock into the
receptacle placed beneath to receive it. Through a stuffing box c in the top of the
measuring vessel, which should be made air tight, there is passed an adjustable
vent tube d, by preference of glass, capable of being raised or lowered in order that
the height of the lower end of the same inside the measuring vessel may be
adjusted according to the measurement of liquid required, as hereinafter explained;
thus, the smaller the measured quantity required, the lower will be the inner end
of the tube in the vessel D, and vice versa. This tube should therefore for greater
convenience of ready adjustment be marked with graduations indicating, say, for
example, quarts, pints, half pints, and fractions of the same. It should also be of
such a length that in all cases its upper end should be slightly above the height of
the liquid in the trough C. By suitably adjusting the height of the tube in the
vessel, any given measured quantity of liquid can be obtained from one and the
same vessel, since by the time the level of the liquid in the vessel has risen suffi-
ciently to seal the mouth of the vent tube, the quantity of liquid then in the vessel
and in the vent tube will correspond with the measure to which the tube has been
adjusted. In order to allow the measured quantity in the vessel to be discharged,
the plug of the cock F should be turned, thereby shutting off the supply from the
trough, and at the same time allowing the measured liquid to flow from the
measuring vessel into the receptacle placed to receive it. I may here observe that
I am aware it has long been the practice to measure various different given
quantities of liquids, or fractional parts of such quantities, from one and the same
measuring vessel, as exemplified in the well known graduated measure of the
apothecary; also that it has been proposed to accomplish the same end in an air
tight measuring vessel by causing the measured liquid in such vessel to seal the
lower end of an adjustablo vent tube, and therefore I do not claim such a system or
mode of measurement, nor do I claim separately the combination of an air tight
measuring vessel, two way cock, and adjustable vent tube for the measurement of
liquids. In order to afford facility for working two or more contiguous measuring
vessels simultaneously, I couple the plugs of the cocks F by adjustable sliding
couplers e, which are capable of being slid to and fro, so as either to engage or not
with the adjoining plug. For convenience I prefer to divide the row of cocks into
two series, right and left of the centre, and to attach a single actuating lever
handle to the centre coupler, thus enabling me to work one or more of the cocks

page_text: in each series simultaneously, as will be readily understood on referring to the
Drawings.
Having thus described the general arrangement and mode of operation of this
form of measuring apparatus, I shall now proceed to describe the details of its
construction, reference being had more particularly to the several Figures on Sheet 2
of my Drawings. Figure 4 (Sheet 2) is a front elevation, drawn to a larger senle,
of a portion of the trough C, with four of the series of measuring vessels D, D, and
their respective cocks F, F, in connection therewith, parts being shown in section
for the sake of greater clearness of illustration; Figure 5 is a transverse vertical
section, showing the front of the trough and one of the measuring vessels D (in
elevation) connected therewith, the corresponding connecting pipe E and cock F
being shown in section; Figure 6 is a plan corresponding to Figure 4, one of the
measuring vessels being removed to show more clearly the corresponding pipe E
and cock F; Figure 7 is a detail longitudinal vertical section of the ball float cock
or valve B, which supplies the trough with liquid from the tank A; Figure 8 is a
transverse vertical section of the same; Figure 9 is a horizontal section of such
cock Figure 10 is an end or front elevation thereof; and Figure 11 is a detail
elevation of the float G and actuating lever detached. The measuring vessel D is
by preference of cylindrical form, with rounded base made in one piece therewith,
with a protruding neck 7 on its lower side, onto which neck is permanently fixed
by cement or otherwise a metal collar provided with two rounded lugs or projec.
tions i, i, the stems of which fit into bayonet slots k, k, formed in the vertical
nozzle a of the cock, whilst the metal collar is made smooth, and ground to fit
fluid tight on the principle of a stopper inside the said nozzle u, or may be screwed
therein or thereon. The bayonet slots are slightly inclined so as to tighten up the
joint on imparting a partial turn to the vessel and collar. I thus obtain a perfectly
fluid tight and secure joint between the neck of the measuring vessel and the
cock F without the aid of a separate metal base and screwed surfaces. The
number of parts is reduced, and they are capable of being more readily and thoroughly
cleaned and of being more easily and rapidly taken asunder and put together again.
To the top of the measuring vessel there is fitted air tight, by a smooth ground
joint, a lid or cover, which fits a rim m permanently secured round the edge
of the vessel itself, and tightened up by inclined bayonet slots n, n, in the cover
and lugs or projections o, o, on the rim m, without the necessity for a central
screwed stem and nut, thereby avoiding as before described the use of screw
threads substituting smooth surfaces which are more easily cleansed. The bayonet
slots being slightly inclined, it follows that on turning the cover a good joint will
be made by the compresson of the packing ring p let into an annular groove in the
surface of the fixed rim m, a similar packing ring q is fitted in an annular groove
on the underside of the metal collar on the neck of the vessel for the same
purpose. If desired, the vessel D can be equally securely fastened by screwing it
on or into the cock, and the lid can be also screwed onto the said vessel.
adjustable vent tube d passes through a hollow boss in the centre of the cover, onto
which boss there is fitted a cap c, which by compressing the packing inside, it serves
to maintain an air tight joint between the tube and the said cover. Although I have
shown screw threads on the cap and boss, I prefer to employ, for the sake of
greater cleanliness, smooth surfaces and inclined bayonet slots with projections on
the boss for tightening up the packing as will be readily understood. The conical
plug F of the cock F is cut away on one side to form a passager, see Figures +
and 5, which serves to alternately connect the measuring vessel with the trough C
and with the discharge nozzle 6 of the cock. In Figure 4, I have shown the
plug F as tightened up by a nut and screw threads, but I prefer to tighten it up
and maintain it in position by an arrangement of cross arms and inclined lugs
somewhat similar to that hereinafter described in reference to the self acting supply
cock B (shown in detail at Figures 7 to 10). This cock consists of a hollow conical
body B secured in any well known manner to the side of the main tank A;
this body there is inserted from the outer end a hollow conical plug B', which is
The
into

page_text: pressed inward and maintained sufficiently tight by the aid of the spring cross
arms S formed with a central projecting boss t which presses against the closed outer
end of the hollow plug B', whilst the outer ends of the arms s engage under inclined
lugs or projections u, u, formed on the body of the cock, so that on turning the cross
arins slightly, the plug will be pressed more or less tightly into the conical body B.
A portion of the actuating lever which carries the ball float G is shown attached
to the plug in Figure 7. By releasing the arms 8, s, the plug B¹ can be instantly
withdrawn for the purpose of cleaning the same, as well as the body of the cock
which is thus rendered accessible. In order to obtain a large opening and ready
closing of this cock by a comparatively slight movement of the plug, I prefer to
make the thoroughfare v of gridiron form, as shown clearly in Figure S; w is a
piece of metal tube which is slipped onto the nozzle of the cock and extends to the
bottom of the trough C for the purpose before stated. In lieu of screwing the
sereral pipes E, E, into the trough, I fit them therein by smooth joints, as shown
clearly in section at Figure 5. A flange with inclined projections or lugs y, see
Figure 5, is formed on the pipe near the junction end, and in an annular groove
in the inner face of the said flange there is fitted a packing ring which is tightened
up and held against the face of the trough, so as to make a good joint by the
engaging of the lugs y under corresponding inclined snugs fixed to the trough
(see Figures 4 and 6). In removing the cocks F for the purpose of cleaning, it is
simply necessary to apply a slight turn to the pipe E, sufficient to release the lugs,
and then to withdraw the pipe from the socket hole in the trough. A stop pin ¹,
shown in Figure 4, is provided, against which one of the lugs is brought home
when the pipe E is in position. e, Figures 4 and 6, are the sliding couplers which
fit onto the squared ends of the contiguous plugs of the cocks F as before mentioned,
and is the lever or pull for opening and closing the said cocks.
According to a modified arrangement of the apparatus, previously described and
shown on Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings, I connect to the tank or receptacle
containing the bulk of the liquid to be measured one or more intermediate
chambers or vessels, which may consist, if desired, of a trough divided into any
number of compartiments, each of a certain fixed capacity, the several compartments
being separately supplied from the said tank containing the liquid to be measured
by a self acting float valve, ball cock, or equivalent contrivance, so arranged as to
ensure that the supply to one or more of the said compartments can be cut off
automatically at any desired level. The required level of the liquid in the
compartment being thus obtained, the measure is indicated by a scale or guage
arranged either outside or inside of the compartment.
In order to check the measured quantity indicated in the compartment a
measuring vessel of any given capacity, say, gallon, quart, pint, or fractional part
thereof, can be employed in conjunction therewith, whereby I also avoid the necessity
for providing separate measuring vessels for different quantities. When the
measuring vessel is constructed of transparent glass, the fractional parts of its
capacity may be marked by lines or scores on the vessel, as is well understood; and
when made of an opaque material an ordinary guage glass may be employed.
The measuring vessel is fitted with a two way cock, as herein before described
and illustrated on Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings, to allow of the liquid thus
measured being drawn off into a vessel or receptacle placed to receive it.
When the desired quantity of liquid has flowed into one or more of the
compartments of the trough, and the supply from the tank is shut off automatically,
as described, the said self acting float valve or ball cock is held in its closed position
by pulling a lever connected therewith; in order to prevent any further inflow
for the time being of the liquid from the tank into the compartment of the
trough, the said lever being also connected with the two-way cock fitted to each
measuring vessel, it simultaneously opens the communication through such
cock between the compartiment of the trough and the measuring vessel, in order
to allow the quantity thus measured in the said compartment to be discharged
through the two-way cock into the said measuring vessel. When the lever

page_text: is pulled in the opposite direction it releases the self acting float valve or
ball cock, thereby allowing the liquid to again flow into the compartiment
of the trough, and at the same time closes the thoroughfare through the two-
way cock from the said compartment to the measuring vessel in order to prevent
any of the liquid flowing from the said compartment into the measuring vessel
before the desired quantity has flowed into that compartment as described. This
movement of the lever also opens the thoroughfare of the two-way cock to
allow the liquid to be drawn off into the receiving vessel or receptacle, that
is to say, the fixing of the self acting float valve or ball cock in its closed
position, the opening of the thoroughfare in the two-way cock connecting
the measuring vessel to the compartment of the trough, and the shutting of the
thoroughfare in the said cock by which the liquid is drawn off from the measuring
vessel into the vessel or receptacle to receive it is effected by one operation. The
releasing of the self acting float valve or ball cock, the closing of the thoroughfare
of the two-way cock connecting the measuring vessel to the compartment of the
trough, and the opening of the thoroughfare of the said cock, by which the liquid
is drawn off from the measuring vessel into the vessel or receptaclo placed to
receive it is effected by another operation, so that in the one case, whilst the liquid
is flowing from the compartment into the measuring vessel, the self acting float
valve or ball cock, and the thoroughfare of the two-way cock by which the liquid
is drawn off from the measuring vessel into the vessel or receptacle placed to
receive it, are shut off; and in the other case, whilst the self acting float valve or
ball cock is released to allow of the liquid flowing from the tank into the
compartment, the thoroughfare of the said two-way cock by which the liquid
in the measuring vessel is drawn off into the vessel or receptacle placed to receive
it, is opened to allow of its being discharged, and the thoroughfare of the said cock
connecting the measuring vessel with the compartment is shut off until the
required quantity has flowed into said compartment.
If desired the measuring vessel herein before described may be dispensed with,
and the liquid be drawn off from one or more of the said compartments of the trough
direct into the receiving vessel or receptacle. In this case the said lever when
turned in one direction would hold the self acting float valve or ball cock in its
closed position, and open an ordinary cock or valve attached to the said compartment
to allow of the quantity measured in the compartment being drawn off into the
vessel or receptacle placed to receive it, and when turned in another direction would
release the said self acting float valve or ball cock and shut off the cock or valve
by which the measured quantity in the compartment is drawn off into the vessel or
receptacle placed to receive it.
It is obvious that in this modification any number of compartiments and
measuring vessels can be arranged so as to be worked at the same time, and one or
more of them can be detached by the arrangements shown on Sheets 1 and 2 of
my Drawings, or by any other equivalent mechanical contrivances, I would here
observe that I do not claim separately the employment of a self acting float valve
or ball cock to shut off the supply of a liquid at any given level, nor the manner
of indicating the quantities measured in the compartments of the troughs or the
measuring vessels by marks or graduations thereon.
By another arrangement of apparatus, which is illustrated on Sheet 3 of my
Drawings, I obtain the required measure of liquid by running the liquid into a
vessel suspended from or otherwise connected with a weighted lever or its
equivalent, the said vessel and weighted lever being so arranged in conjunction
with a valve or cock for supplying the liquid to the said vessel, that by the timo
such a quantity of liquid as is equivalent to the measured quantity required has
entered the vessel, its weight, in addition to that of the vessel and parts connected
therewith, shall overbalance the weight on the opposite end of the lever and cause
the supply from the trough or other source to be automatically shut off and the
contents of the vessel by the same operation to be simultaneously discharged into
the receptacle placed to receive it.

page_text: Figure 12, Sheet 3, is a vertical section, and Figure 13 a side elevation of this
form or combination of apparatus for obtaining automatically any given measure
of liquid; Fig. 14 is a sectional plan corresponding to Figure 12, and Figure 15 is
a horizontal section corresponding to Figure 13.
Before using this apparatus for the purpose specified, the exact weight of the
quantity of liquid required, whether, for example, half pint, pint, quart, or gallon,
is first ascertained. The lever from which the measuring vessel is suspended is
then loaded with a weight suflicient to balance the weight of the empty vessel plus
the weight of the particular quantity of liquid required, when the apparatus will
be ready for use, as hereinafter described; C is a trough or other source of supply
from which the liquid to be measured is drawn off. To the bottom of this trough
(when employed) there are fitted any desired number of stationary pipes E for
supplying the corresponding measuring vessels D, which vessels are by preference
made of glass or other like material, as hereinbefore described, capable of being
readily and thoroughly cleansed. The pipes E are (when a trough is used) fitted
to the trough C by smooth ground joints in the manner hereinbefore described and
illustrated on Sheet 2 of my Drawings, for the facility of detachment and cleansing.
It is obvious, however, that the trough C can be dispensed with, and the supply of
liquid can be directed down the pipe E from any other source by a supply cock and
filler or other suitable and well known appliances. To the lower end of the pipe E
there is fitted, so as to be readily removed for cleaning, an annular or other suitably
shaped valve-seat 1. On the underside of this valve-seat there is fitted a packing
ring 2 of rubber or other suitable material, which, when the bottom of the
mensuring vessel D is pressed against it, as shown in Figure 12, forms a fluid
tight joint, and prevents any escape of the liquid from the vessel, as hereinafter
explained. Sliding freely along the stationary pipe E is a sleeve or tubular boss 3,
having its lower end enlarged at 4, and provided with a packing ring 5, the whole
constituting a valve which, when the sleeve 3 is slid down, rests upon and closes
fluid tight the orifice of the annular valve-seat 1. In Figure 12, the said orifice is
shown fully open.
The sleeve 3 is attached, by means of the cross arms 6 and
metal or other rim 7, to the vessel D, and consequently rises and falls along with
such vessel. A discharge neck or mouth 8 is formed on the bottom of the said
vessel, round which mouth and against the bottom of the vessel, when brought in
contact therewith, bears the annular packing ring 2, as will be clearly seen in
Figure 12. 9 is a weighted lever or its equivalent working on knife edges 10
in the fixed bracket 11, and forked at one end, the ends of the fork being provided
with knife edges 12, upon which rest the lugs 13 formed on the opposite sides of the
rin 7 attached to the measuring vessel, so that the said lever or its equivalent supports
at one end the entire weight of the measuring vessel D, and parts attached thereto,
whilst from knife edges 14 at its opposite end there is suspended the weight or
weights 15, which weights may however be attached in any other convenient
manner or made adjustable along the lever if preferred. 16 is an inclined lug or
projection formed on, or attached to, one side of the sleeve 3 and situate above the
top of the measuring vessel 1). 17 is a horizontal sliding bolt pressed forward by
a spring or by a weighted bell-crank lever or by their equivalent 18, which tends
to keep the bolt pushed outwards when not otherwise acted upon. The outer end
of this bolt is formed with a head 19 inclined on its underside from front to back,
as shown at 20 in Figures 12 and 13, and made with a square or vertical face at
the front end, the use of which will bo hereinafter explained. The action of this
apparatus is as follows:-The weight or weights on the end of the lever or beam 9
maintain the empty vessel D elevated so as to close the outlet at S by bringing the
bottom of the vessel against the packing ring 2, the sleeve 3 being at the same
time elevated so as to open the annular orifice 1 of the valve-seat. In this con-
dition (shown in Figure 12) the liquid from the trough C or other source flows
down the pipe E into the vessel D through the open annular aperture at 1, and
rises in the said vessel until the weight of the liquid in addition to that of the
vessel and parts connected therewith is suflicient to overbalance the weight on the

page_text: opposite end of the lever 9, by which time the required quantity of liquid will
have been run into the measuring vessel. This vessel may, if desired, have the
required measures graduated or marked thercon in order to verify or check the results
obtained from the action of the weighted lever. The vessel then descends, and
directly this descent commences the locking bolt 17, which has been hitherto held
back by contact with the extreme upper edge of the vertical face of the lug 16, is
pushed forward by the weighted lever or spring 18 along the upper or inclined
surface of the said lug and expedites the descent of the vessel D, thereby effecting
the immediate closing of the inlet aperture at 1, and the opening of the outlet or
discharge aperture at 8, in which position the apparatus is securely held and
maintained by the said bolt until the weighted bell-crank lever 18 is raised or the
bolt otherwise drawn back in order to allow the empty vessel to rise again and the
parts to resume the position shown in Figure 12 in readiness for the next supply,
and so on, the vessel being filled (or partially filled, as the case may be) and
emptied as fast as the receptacles can be placed below to receive the liquid.
It is important that the inovement of the vessel and sleeve 3 with its valve 5 in
opening and closing the outlet, and inlet respectively be quickly performed in order
to avoid errors of measurement by the momentary influx of liquid simultaneously
with the discharge. Also that the moving parts be fitted so as to work with as
little friction as possible.
In order to facilitate the taking asunder of the pipe E and sleeve 3 for the
purpose of readily cleansing the same, the valve seat 1 is made detachable from the
end of the pipe E, it being by preference fitted therein by a smooth ground neck,
as shown clearly in Figure 12.
In some cases I may run the required measure of liquid direct into the receptacles
placed to receive it. For this purpose it is necessary of course to ascertain
beforehand the exact weight of each receptacle when empty. In the arrangement
previously described and illustrated on Sheet 3 the weight of the intermediate
ineasuring vessels employed in connection with the various receptacles having been
carefully ascertained once for all, the necessity for taking the tare of each separate
receptacle is of course avoided; but, on the other hand, by running the measured
quantity of liquid direct into the receptacle placed to receivo it the operation is
quicker, and the liquid is subjected to less agitation than by the last described
arrangement.
Figure 16, Sheet 4, is a sectional elevation of an automatic arrangement for
running the required measure of liquid direct into the receptacles placed to
receive it; Figure 17 is a side elevation of the same; and Figures 18 and 19 are
details hereinafter referred to, but to which I make no claim.
C is a tank or trough from which the liquid to be measured is obtained, but
which tank or trough can be dispensed with if preferred, as hereinbefore explained
with reference to the arrangement shown on Sheet 3 of my Drawings. E represents
one of a row of any number of supply pipes through which the liquid flows direct
into the receptacle placed to receive it. To the lower end of each supply pipe E
there is secured in any convenient manner, so as to be readily removeable and
capable of being thoroughly cleansed, the annular valve-seat 1, through the orifice
in which the liquid flows, and thence passes through any ordinary separate filler
or through the removeable nozzle D which directs it into the receptacle placed to
receive it, as hereinafter explained; 5 is the annular valve corresponding to the
valve-seat 1 and carried on the lower end of the outer sleeve 3; 21 is a ring
supported by and resting upon the enlarged lower end of the sleeve 3, from which
ring depend two metal straps 22 which carry the platform or support 23 for the
receptacle for the liquid; Figure 1S is a detail side elevation and partial section
of the said ring with its two straps partly broken away: Figure 19 is a corre-
sponding detail plan of the same. It is obvious however that various arrangements
may be adopted for connecting a suitable platform to the sleeve 3, to none of which
do I make any claim. On the two opposite sides of the sleeve 3 there are provided
lugs 13 which rest upon knife edges in the forked end of the weighted lever or its

page_text: equivalent 9, which is pivotted on other knife edges at 10, and carries the weight
or weights 15 at its outer end, as previously described with reference to Sheet 3 of
my Drawings; 17 is the locking and releasing bolt, the inclined end 19 of which
acts upon the inclined lug 16 on the sleeve 3 and tends to keep it down. This
bolt is moved forward by the weighted bell-crank 18, or by a spring if preferred,
as and for the purpose explained with reference to the arrangement on Sheet 3.
The weight suspended from the lever 9 should be sufficient to tare the empty
receptacle, platform, and parts connected therewith, and an additional weight or
weights are added corresponding to the weight of the required measure of liquid.
The valve aperture 1 when closed is maintained in that condition by the action
of the inclined end of the lock bolt 17 as before described. The empty receptacle
being placed on the platform 23 under the filler or nozzle D, the bolt 17 is
withdrawn, thereby releasing the sleeve 3, allowing it to rise and open the valve
aperture 1 by the action of the weight 15, which permits the liquid to flow direct
into the receptacle until its weight is sufficient to overcome the weight 15, by
which time the required quantity of liquid will have run in and the valve aperture
at 1 will be closed. The bolt 17 is then instantly moved forward so as to keep
the valve closed during the removal of the filled receptacle and the substitution
of an empty one, and so on, the lock bolt being withdrawn as before described so
soon as each receptacle is in position for filling. In order to admit of the ready
removal of the ring 21 which carries the platform from the sleeve for the
purpose of cleaning the parts, two slots or recesses 24, see detail, Figure 19, are
made in the ring to allow it to pass freely over the projecting lugs 13 and 16 on
the side of the sliding tube.
It is obvious that the locking bolt 17 or its equivalent, acting upon any
convenient part of the sleeve 3 for the purpose of holding the valve 5 closed, may
be withdrawn by causing the neck of the receptacle itself when placed in position
to receive the liquid to be pushed by a spring or otherwise against a lever or
equivalent contrivance connected with the said locking bolt.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The construction, arrangement, and combination of apparatus for obtaining
any given measure or fractional part thereof of milk, cream, and other liquids, and
affording greater facilities for being taken asunder and being thoroughly cleansed,
substantially as hereinbefore specified.
Secondly. In apparatus for measuring milk, cream, and other liquids, the
combination of tank, ball cock or self-acting valve, trough, and measuring vessel,
constructed, arranged, and caused to operate together, substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated on Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings.
Thirdly. The combination of a tank, a measuring vessel, and an intermediate
graduated trough or compartment with a self-acting supply ball cock, or valve,
and a two-way cock, so coupled or connected with the said self acting ball, cock, or
valve, as to hold the same in its closed position and release it again by the act of
turning the two-way cock when the several parts are arranged and caused to
operate together, substantially in the manner and for the purpose herein before
described.
Fourthly. The combination of a tank and a graduated trough or compartment
with a self acting supply ball-cock, or valve, and a discharge cock or valve coupled
or connected therewith, and caused to operate together so as to allow of the flow
of any given quantity or measure of liquid direct into the receptacle placed to
receive it as hereinbefore described.
Fifthly. The peculiar construction of air tight measuring vessels D, and the
mode of securing the same to the two-way cocks F, as and for the purpose herein-
before described and illustrated on Sheets 1 and 2 of my Drawings.

page_text: Sixthly. The application and use to and in the fitting of the various pipes and
cocks or valves required in apparatus for measuring milk, cream, and other liquids,
of smooth ground joints and bayonet slots, as specified, for the purpose of affording
greater facility for the taking asunder and the ready and thorough cleansing of the
parts, substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated by my
Drawings.
Seventhly. The constructing and arranging of apparatus for obtaining any given
measure of liquid, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Sheet 3
of my Drawings.
Eighthly. The peculiar combination and arrangement of measuring vessel D;
supply pipe E, with its stationary valve seat 1, the valves 2 and 5, the weighted
lever 9 or its equivalent, and a catch or equivalent locking arrangement, when
arranged and caused to operate together, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose hereinbefore described and illustrated on Sheet 3 of my Drawings.
Ninthly. The peculiar combination and arrangement of supply pipe E, with its
stationary valve seat 1 and the valve 5, in connection with the weighted lever 9 or
its equivalent, and a catch or equivalent locking arrangement, when arranged
and caused to operate together substantially in the manner and for the purpose
herein before described and illustrated on Sheet 4 of my Drawings.
In witness whercof, I, the said James Wilson, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
JAMES WILSON. (L.S.)