Year: 1887

page_text: I, JAMES ALLEN CROCKER, Mechanical Engineer, of the City, County, and State of
New York, United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
Figure 1, is a perspective view of my improved filtering machine, whon made of
plates, preferably of boiler iron.
Figure 2, an end elevation of the same with its hollow heads, adapted for receiving
curved and corrugated strainers entered through openings therein.
Figure 3, is a combined section and elevation, the upper portion representing a
longitudinal central section, and its lower portion a longitudinal or side elevation of
said filtering machine mounted on its supporting frame.
Figure 4, is a plan with a portion of the casing broken away.
Figure 5, is a transverse section in the direction of the line of fig. 3, being at
the joint formed by the junction of two equal cylindrical sections.
Figure 6, is a perspective view of a roller bearing for the centre of the filtering
machine.
Figure 7, represents the end of the filter with the gearing by which it is revolved.
Figure 8, represents a portion, (enlarged) of my curved and corrugated strainer
with its frame and supporting braces.
Figure 9, is a plan of the same.
Figure 10, a section on the line y y of fig. 8.
Figure 11, a section on the line of fig. 2.
Figure 12, one of the clamping plates to prevent longitudinal movement of the
strainer when located in place.
Figure 13, an end elevation of the filtering machine with each of its heads adapted
for the reception of two series of perforated strainers in the form of pipes.
Figure 14, a longitudinal central section through the same.
Figure 15, a transverse section on the line of fig. 14.
Figure 16, a partial transverse section on the line y¹ y¹ of fig. 14.
Figure 17, is a horizontal, longitudinal section through the filtering machine when
turned one quarter of a revolution from the position shown in fig. 14, the various ports
for the passage of the water being thereby changed.

page_text: Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 details to be referred to.
My present invention, has for its object to afford additional facilities for the
construction and manipulation of Filtering Machines of large dimensions for manu-
facturing purposes and for the supply of cities, special reference being had herein to
that class of Water Filters described in United States Patent No. 305,574 granted me
September 23, 1884, in which a single shell or casing containing the filtering material
is employed without any other outer or enclosing casing; and, one of the leading
features of this invention consists in a single shell or casing permanently closed at all
points of its exterior surface except at its ends which are provided with hollow heads
within each of which is formed a water passage of decreasing width from the hub to
the strainer in cross section taken in a vertical plane passing through the axis, and of
increasing length from the hub to the strainer in cross section taken in a vertical plane
at right angles to the axis in order that a passage of uniform and equal area may be
provided from the inlet of the water at the hub, to its outlet at the strainer.
This invention also consists in certain inlet and outlet passages located in the hollow
heads in combination with the stationary journals each having three ports or openings
for the proper entrance and exit of the water.
This invention also consists in certain strainers employed in connection with the
water passages, and adapted to be applied thereto through openings formed in the
heads of the casing ;-said strainers either consisting of a series of perforated pipes
or being of a curved corrugated form and extending between the inner walls of the
opposite water passages.
This invention also consists in certain details relating to the construction of the
strainers; certain rails or ways on which to slide them into position ;-plates for
preventing their longitudinal movement when located in place ;-braces for re-inforcing
them an annular water-tight band for surrounding the joint at the centre of a
casing when of considerable length and made in two portions; a roller bearing for
the same and in certain other specific features to be hereinafter fully described
and claimed.
In the said drawings A represents a cylindrical shell or casing formed preferably of
plates or sheets of boiler iron riveted together at a₁ the entire cylindrical surface
being permanently closed but provided with a manhole, the lid a of which can be
removed when it is desired to introduce or remove the filtering material.
Each end of the cylindrical casing is provided with a hollow head B having two
similarly formed portions diametrically opposite each other, the outer wall of each of
which has a horizontal flange b, fig. 11, or e figs. 14, 17, & 18, extending around about
two quarters of its periphery and it is by this horizontal flange and another similar
flange on the inner wall that the head is secured to the corresponding or contiguous
end portion of the casing by a series of rivets e¹. Each of the two portions el ell of
the head, representing a quadrant, is of double thickness, with a space serving as a
water passage
between them, while the remaining two quadrantal portions are
of single thickness.
The outer wall of each portion of the head of double thickness is provided near its
periphery with a single large opening d¹ like that shown in fig. 2 for the reception of
a correspondingly shaped strainer D, or said portion of each head may be provided
with a series of separate and independent openings i for the reception of a series of
perforated pipes D¹ see figs. 14, 15, 16.
The form of each hollow head B is that shown in figs. 3, 4, 13, 14, 15 its exterior
wall tapering from the hub C inward toward the periphery of the casing; the outer
wall of one head tapering upward and inward, and the outer wall of its diametrically
opposite head tapering downward and inward-while, each inner portion of the head
is tapered in the opposite direction i.e. from the hub outward toward the periphery
of the casing.
By this peculiarly constructed head a space exists between its two walls forming the
water passage d of greatest width in the direction of a vertical plane passing through
the axis of the machine and of greatest length at its outer end in the direction of a
plane at right angles to the axis whereby a passage is formed of uniform size at

page_text: any point in horizontal cross section, which insures the free delivery of the water
as desired.
The exterior wall of each head is re-inforced by webs h (figs. 1, 13) which serve as
braces their inner ends terminating at the hub.
Each end of the casing is provided with a hollow hub C fig. 19, (integral therewith)
for the reception of a stationary hollow journal H (figs. 14, 15, 17) which rests in
suitable bearings in a frame work and which will be hereinafter particularly described.
Each of the two openings & figs. 2 and 4 in each head has its longitudinal sides
formed by two concentric arcs of circles having the axis of the filter casing as their
centre. Each end opening d¹ is for the reception of a curved corrugated strainer D
(figs. 2, 8, 9) which can be conveniently and expeditiously located in position or
removed therefrom by sliding it on longitudinal rails (in the form of dove-tail ways)
bolted to the inside of the casing figs. 2 and 3.
These rails or ways prevent any lateral movement of the strainers after being
adjusted in place, and their longitudinal movement is prevented by two curved
clamping plates bolted to the inner walls of two opposite heads (fig. 12 or seen dotted
in figs. 2 and 8).
Each opening d¹ is closed by a covering plate E (figs. 1, 2, 3, 7) secured thereover
in such manner as to insure a water-tight joint, the outer edge of each head being
secured by bolts m passing into the flange of a segmental strip 6" riveted at c to the
cylindrical exterior of the shell near its rim by which construction the bolts may be
loosened and the covers removed with greater facility than were the casing.provided
with openings in its cylindrical surface as set forth in U. S. Letters Patent No. 305,574
granted me and herein referred to-the cost of construction of the present filtering
machine being thereby reduced.
For this class of filtering machine I preferably employ a perforated plate D of metal
fig. 9 bent so as to form corrugations,-thereby securing a large area of straining surface.
H' is a curved frame having a series of rectangular braces n n extending longitu-
dinally and cast integral therewith. The corrugated strainer is placed upon these
braces and its frame and then confined to the latter by a band or strap p extending
around its edges fig. 9-after which a second series of braces reach provided with
ears & figs. 2 and 8 is bolted to the strainer frame-the two series of braces being
located on opposite sides of the strainers and occupying alternate positions with each
other and the corrugations.
When the strainer is within the casing the outer ends of the second series of braces
abut against the inner periphery of the casing-the joint office of the two series of
braces nr being to preserve the original form of-keep in place and prevent damage
to the strainer.
Where the length of the cylindrical casing is considerable and the weight con-
sequently great, I intend to divide it into two equal portions snugly abutting each
other at the centre-the joint t at this point being made secure and water-tight by a
metal ring I located thereover and fastened figs. 3 and 5 by two rows of bolts u one in
each side passing through its two flanges and the cylindrical boiler plate casing-see
figs. 3 and 5.
As in this construction the weight of the filtering machine with its contents of water
and filtering material would jeopardise the strength of the joint if its encircling
ring I was unsupported-I secure thereover an annular covering band K formed in
three sections having flanges united by bolts and provide bearings therefor composed
of rolls L mounted in a frame M fastened to the floor thereunder see fig. 6.
Where the casing is formed of two cylinders of the same diameter in this way,
each curved corrugated strainer may be divided into two equal portions one of
which is entered through one opening of one head B and the other portion through
the corresponding opening d of the head at the opposite end of the divided casing.
I may employ a flat framed corrugated strainer (instead of one curved as herein
shown) in connection with a casing having its cylindrical surface permanently closed and
with each opening in its heads provided with a corresponding straight side for the
reception of the flat frame-but the construction here shown and described is preferred.

page_text: Where the length of the strainer is not great it may be in one piece and be inserted
and removed at one operation.
The other form of strainer which may be used in connection with my foregoing
described single casing and its peculiar water passages, will now be described.
Each outer wall of the double heads B when provided with a series of separate!
and independent openings i has a corresponding number of independent covers ill
figs. 14, 17, 18, said openings being for the admission of the two series of perforated
pipes D which are arranged in a horizontal position side by side in two groups one
diametrically opposite (above) the other.
The cover for each opening may consist of a shouldered screw plug " (fig. 18) with
a washer interposed between it and the wall;—or the cover may be a round plate
bolted in place.
Each series of these pipes extend between and communicate with the water
passages d in the two correspondingly located opposite double heads of the casing A.
The inner walls of the portions e¹ ell of the heads are provided with a number of
circular openings corresponding to the number of the pipes to be secured therein,
five for instance in each upper head and five in each lower head being shown in the
drawing a number of pipes being preferred in each series on account of the greater.
area of filtering surface thereby obtained.
Each end of a perforated pipe terminates at the outer face of the inner portion e"
and abuts against an annular collar m¹ which is held in place by screws n' (fig. 18).
G is a metal plate provided with openings p¹ for the reception of the perforated
pipes and is located at about the longitudinal centre thereof-being provided with
Hanges 15 which are riveted to the under side of the casing said plates serving as a
support to prevent the sagging of the pipes which would otherwise take place if they
were of considerable length.
By removing the covers from the openings in the heads of the casing, the
pipes D' are accossible for the entrance of brushes in order to remove any fibrous
matter which may have adhered thereto. And by removing the screws n² collars m
and screw plug or other covers the pipes may be withdrawn from the filtering
machine, Figs. 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18.
Leading from the circular opening in the centre of each end of the casing are two
rectangular holes or ports diametrically opposite-one communicating with the
upper water passage d and the other with the lower water passage d and within this
circular opening at each end of the casing is located a hollow hub C which is secured
immovably thereto so as to revolve in common therewith around a stationary hollow
journal H through which the water to be filtered passes from a pipe to be connected
therewith (but not shown in the drawing) one hollow journal being intended to be
connected with a supply pipe and the other with a discharge pipe.
The hollow hub C is provided with two rectangular openings or ports &¹ diametrically
opposite each other of corresponding size and in line with the rectangular ports
the hollow portions el ell of the heads of the casing.
of
Each hollow journal H has three rectangular ports or openings-one large port t
normally on the upper side of the left hand journal and normally on the lower side of
the right hand journal. This port t¹ registers or is in a direct line with the rectangular
port of the hollow hub which happens to be thereover-also two smaller ports u¹ of
equal size each about one half the size of the large port t-the location of the two
smaller ports u being through the sides of the hollow journal at points diametrically
opposite each other.
While the water is being filtered the position of the perforated pipes D¹ and the
various ports st¹¹ is as shown in fig. 14-to wit ;-
The opening or port in the bottom of the upper hollow head at the left end of the
casing is in line with the upper port s¹ of the hollow hub C and also with the upper
or larger port (supply port for instance) of the stationary hollow journal H-the
lower or closed portion of the journal in this (the left hand) side of the casing being at
this time in line with and closing the lower port s' in the hub and consequently the

page_text: lower port of the lower water passage d, this preventing the flow of the water in
this direction.
The position of the similar ports 181 1₁ of the water passage, hollow hub and hollow
journal on the opposite or right end of the filter being reversed-while the two screws
of perforated pipes D¹ are located vertically of each other.
In the aforesaid position of the parts, the water while being filtered is conducted by
the supply pipe into the inlet hollow journal H (at the left hand) up through its port t¹
through the ports of the hollow hub Cand up through the port into the contiguous
water passage d and through it and the upper horizontal pipes D' through their
perforations down into and through the filtering material between the two series of
pipes and thence up the right hand lower water passage d in the lower double head,
through the open ports t¹¹¹ and out by the outlet journal; the direction of the
water while being filtered being represented by the arrows (fig. 14).
For flushing or removing coarse dirt which may have lodged in the pipes and
cannot pass out through their perforations I give one quarter of a revolution to the
casing so as to bring the perforated pipes of one series horizontally opposite those of the
other series, in which position the water will not flow through the body of the filtering
material between the two series of pipes but will pass in the direction of the arrows
(fig. 17) directly through both series of pipes from end to end, and through all of the
water passages d of the double heads-the two small ports u¹ on the sides of each
hollow journal registering with the two ports s¹ of each hollow hub which has been so
revolved in common with the casing that these ports are brought horizontally
opposite each other.
Each hollow journal where it enters its hollow hub is surrounded by a packing held
in place by a gland or sleeve o interposed between the journal and the hub whereby
a water-tight joint is insured.
Each journal is also provided with a flange or projection we having a socket or dove
tail recess said projection w extending down from the journal and formed integral
therewith or secured immovably thereto;-and, the journal bearing I has a standard
or upright horn fitting within said socket or recess in the flange or projection w by
which means the journals are prevented from rotating and their ports t¹t are held in
their upper and lower normal positions respectively.
The filtering material may consist of charcoal, animal or vegetable carbon, granulated
silica, pumice stone ground etc. and be either packed tightly or placed loosely within
the casing between the corrugated strainer D or around the perforated pipes D¹ and
when, owing to the attrition of the particles caused by the water-a new supply is
needed, it may be introduced through the man-hole.
The periphery of one end of the casing is provided with a gear N (figs. 3 and 7) or
L (figs. 13 and 22) with which engages a worm P or M on a stud I' located thereunder
and by which the filter can be revolved.
Where a number of filters are grouped together and connected by circular gear and
worm gear they may all be simultaneously revolved or reversed-or one filter may be
revolved without turning another-an ordinary clutch mechanism connected with and
actuated by a shipper lever N¹ being employed-the movement of the handle of the
shipper from left to right permitting the revolution of the shaft without revolving the
worm gear surrounding it and consequently not revolving the filter contiguous thereto
and provided with the gear.
I have herein described many parts of mechanism which I have claimed in a previous
invention patented by me, but such description was necessary to show the construction
and operation of the present invention and consequently I have not in this application
claimed such features as were previously claimed, for instance, the stationary hollow
journal etc.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. As an Improvement in Filtering Machines, -A single shell or casing having
heads secured to its ends, in combination with a water passage d at each end,

page_text: of decreasing width from the hub to the strainer in cross section taken in a vertical
plane passing through the axis, and of increasing length from the hub to the strainer
in cross soction taken in a vertical plane at right angles to the axis, in order that a
passage of uniform and equal area may be provided from the inlet of the water at the
hub, to its outlet at the strainer, as and for the purpose described.
2. A filtering machine having but a single shell or casing A with its entire exterior
surface closed at all points except at its ends or heads B, each of which is provided
with a pair of openings d', in combination with a pair of strainers D and a pair of
covering plates E substantially as set forth.
3. An Improved Filtering Machine possessing the following elements in its
construction, to wit,-A single shell or casing having at each end a pair of hollow
diametrically opposite heads, each provided with a water passage, the dimension of
which measured horizontally in a direction longitudinal with the casing increases from
its periphery toward the centre of the filter, while the dimension of said passage
(measured horizontally in a direction transversely with the casing) decreases from the
periphery to the centre of the filter, cach hollow head having a port, which as the
casing is revolved becomes alternately an inlet or an outlet port, a hollow hub
provided with two diametrically opposite ports and integral with or secured to the
casing, so as to revolve in common therewith,-a hollow stationary journal having three
ports and two series of horizontal perforated pipes open from end to end and located
diametrically opposite each other, and extending between the correspondingly located
water passages, all constructed and arranged substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
4. A cylindrical casing formed of plates of boiler iron riveted together and rotated
on a horizontal axis, in combination with heads of cast iron secured thereto, as described.
5. As an improvement in Filtering Machines. The single shell or casing having
its exterior closed at all points, except at a pair of openings d' in each head, and
formed of two sections having their inner ends abutting each other, in combination
with strainers D and covering plates E for the openings, one or more rings or
annular bands I, for covering the joint formed by the abutting sections, and suitable
bearings for the outer band to turn on, constructed for operation substantially as
specified.
6. A single shell or casing of cylindrical form having a head B, provided with a
pair of openings d¹ closed by a pair of covering plates E, the inner edges of which, are
bolted to the head, and their outer edges to strips 6" riveted to the cylindrical rim of
the casing, in combination with strainers entered at and removed from said openings,
as set forth.
7. In combination with the inner walls of the double heads of the filter casing and
the perforated pipes open throughout their length, the collars m' abutting against
their ends and bolted or screwed to the inner walls for keeping the pipes in position
substantially as described.
8. In combination with a series of horizontally located perforated pipes D¹, and the
single shell or casing of a Filtering Machine, the support G with its openings p¹ and
flanges 15 riveted thereto, as set forth.
9. A strainer frame curved in cross section and a corrugated strainer D, also curved.
in cross section to adapt it thereto, in combination with two series of braces n r for
supporting the corrugated strainer, substantially as specified.
10. In combination with the strainer frame and inner walls of the heads, a clamping
plate 1, screwed to the latter to prevent the longitudinal movement of the strainer frame
and a pair of longitudinal rails for preventing its lateral movement, constructed to
operate substantially as described.
Dal 11. J CAT
1000