IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR GOVERNING OR REGULATING AND ADJUSTING, OR OTHERWISE ACTING ON THE FLOW OR PRESSURE OF ILLUMI- NATING GAS; A PART OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO TWO-WAY OR MULTIPLE-WAY VALVES FOR OTHER FLUIDS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to David Bruce Peebles, of the Fountainbridge Works,
Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR GOVERNING OR REGULATING
AND ADJUSTING, OR OTHERWISE ACTING ON THE FLOW OR PRESSURE OF ILLUMI-
NATING GAS; A PART OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO
TWO-WAY OR MULTIPLE-WAY VALVES FOR OTHER FLUIDS.”
Sealed the 13th February 1877, and dated the 16th August 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said David Bruce Peebles at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th August 1876.
DAVID BRUCE PEEBLES, of the Fountainbridge Works, Edinburgh, in the County
of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
GOVERNING OR REGULATING AND ADJUSTING, OR OTHERWISE ACTING ON THE FLOW
OR PRESSURE OF ILLUMINATING GAS; A PART OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING
ALSO APPLICABLE TO TWO-WAY OR MULTIPLE-WAY VALVES FOR OTHER FLUIDS."
This Invention comprises various improvements in details specially designed for
the transmission and application of illuminating gas, but a part of the improvements
is also advantageously applicable to two-way or multiple-way valves for other fluids.
In one improved arrangement a light electric current can be used for regulating or
varying the action of governors at a greater or less distance; and this arrangement
is especially suited for governor arrangements of the kind described in the Specifica-
tion of Letters Patent obtained by the present applicant, and dated 26th June, 1875
(No. 2328), in which arrangements a large governor is controlled by means of a com-
paratively very small governor. A separate weight is applied to the diaphragm, disc,
or bell of the small governor, apart from which separate weight the governor is
adjusted to allow a certain small flow of gas to pass, either barely sufficient to keep the
burners alight, or as much more as the circumstances of each case may require. The
separate weight is such as to give a maximum flow or full pressure, and it is con-
nected to a lever which is fitted with an armature in a position to be acted on by a
small electro-magnet. When the electric circuit is closed the magnet causes the
lever to lower the weight upon the governor diaphragın, disc, or bell, but the weight
is suspended to the lever by a loose link, so that only the pressure of the weight acts
on the governor. When the circuit is broken, the lever being counterbalanced or

page_text: acted on by a spring lifts up the weight. The improved apparatus is applicablo to
other governor arrangements besides that herein-before referred to; and many im-
portant applications may be made of it. Thus the street lamps of a district, or tho
burners of a theatre, railway station, factory, or other large establishment may be
controlled by its means. It can also be used in combination with clockwork or
other mechanism for giving flashing or intermittent lights from lighthouses or signal
stations, the gas being economised and saved between the flashes instead of being
wasted whilst hid by shutters.
A second part of the Invention relates to the inlet valves by which the gas enters
the governor apparatus; and in carrying it out two diametrically opposite apertures
for the gas are made in the sides of a vertical inlet pipe, the top of which is closed.
The apertures are more or less closed by conical or conoidal valves formed on tho
ends of two tubes which are screwed internally, and are upon screwed spindles,
which spindles or tubes are adjustable in position and are connected to the
diaphragm, disc, or bell so as to screw the valves in or out as required.
A third part of the Invention consists in forming an improved gas torch or lamp-
lighter, by combining a small governor of the kind described in the Specification of
other Letters Patent obtained by the present applicant, and dated 16th September,
1871 (No. 2446), but loaded by a spring rather than a weight, with a cylindrical or
other suitably shaped vessel to receive gas, compressed so as to constitute a sufficient
supply. The vessel with the governor has attached to it a tube of sufficient length,
with a burner at its upper end, the flame being shielded in the usual way if
required.
A fourth part of the Invention relates to an improved burner for a single gas jet,
in which a tip of steatite or other similar substance is fixed in the outer end of a
shell of brass or other suitable metal, the shell being turned in and milled over the
shoulder of the tip, or into a groove or grooves formed in the tip. The milling
makes the burner more ornamental, and facilitates the proper fixing of it in the
Bocket or branch pipe end. The inner end of the shell is closed by a small block of
soft metal, through which a small hole is drilled, thus making in a simpler and
better manner than heretofore a class of burner which is to a certain extent self-
regulating.
A fifth part of the Invention relates to burners of the kind known as Bunsen
burners, and comprises simple arrangements whereby the supplies of gas and air are
simaltaneously reduced or increased by one movement.
In one modification a conical socket is formed in the base of the burner, and the
gas inlet leads to the side of this cavity. A conical plug fitting the cavity is formed
on or fixed to the main burner tube, and a way through one side and up the centre
of this plug admits the gas from the inlet when the plug is in the proper position.
A shell encircles the lower part of the burner tube, and air holes are made through
it and through the tube. The shell is ordinarily a fixture (but is adjustable), and
when the burner tube is turned it closes or opens both the gas and air inlets.
In another modification an externally screwed nipple projects up in the centre of
the base, the gas issuing up from a central aperture in the nipple. The aperture is
controlled by a conical valve formed on or attached to a piece which is fixed to the
burner tube, and screws upon the nipple, so that by turning the tube the gas
aperture is more or less closed, the same movement acting on the air inlets as in the
first modification.
In a third modification the outer shell is extended to the top of the inner tube,
and is closed over it. The tops or upper parts of the tube and shell are formed with
holes for the issue of the mixed air and gas, and the turning of the tube (which
may be done by means of a lever projecting through a slot in the shell), alters the
outlet area as well as the inlets for gas and air.
In all the modifications a series of the burners may be arranged so as by levers,
connected all to a single rod or otherwise, to be simultaneously adjusted.
A sixth part of the Invention relates to a two-way or multiple-way valve or cock
suitable for any fluid, but specially designed to admit of the. extreme tightness of

page_text: fitting desirable in the case of illuminating gas particularly with large valves, with-
out attendant inconveniences. In carrying out this improvement a conical plug is
employed, but instead of this plug being held in its conical casing or socket in the
ordinary way it is held by a spindle passing completely through the axis of tho
plug, and formed with two screw threads of different pitches, one on the bottom end
screwing into the bottom of the socket, and the other screwing into the plug. The
spindle can be turned by a separate handle or key from that for turning the plug,
and serves by the powerful differential action of the two screws for tightening the
plug in its socket when adjusted, or for slightly looseuing it when it requires to be
adjusted.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said David Bruce Peebles in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th
February 1877.
DAVID BRUCE PEEBLES, of the Fountainbridge Works, Edinburgh, in the County
of Mid Lothian, North Britain, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
GOVERNING OR REGULATING AND ADJUSTING OR OTHERWISE ACTING ON THE FLOW
OR PRESSURE OF ILLUMINATING GAS; A PART OF THE SAID IMPROVEMENTS BEING
ALSO APPLICABLE TO TWO-WAY OR MULTIPLE-WAY VALVES FOR OTHER FLUIDS."
My said Invention comprises various improvements in details specially designed
for the transmission and application of illuminating gas; but a part of the improve-
ments is also advantageously applicable to two-way or multiple-way valves for
other fluids.
And in order that my said Invention and the manner of performing the same
may be properly understood, I hereunto append two Sheets of explanatory
Drawings to be herein-after referred to, and representing modifications of apparatus
embodying my improvements. In these Drawings the same reference numerals are
used to mark the same or like parts wherever they are repeated.
In one of my improved arrangements a light electric current can be used for
regulating or varying the action of governors at a greater or less distance; and
this arrangement is especially suited for governor apparatus of the kind described
in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to me and dated 26 June 1875
(No. 2328), in which apparatus a large governor is controlled by means of a
comparatively very small governor.
One mode of arranging my electric controlling apparatus is shown in Figure 1
on Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings, that Figure being a partially sectioned
elevation.
A separate weight 1 is applied to the diaphragm 2 (or it might be a disc or bell) of
the small governor 3, apart from which separate weight 1 the governor is adjusted
to allow a certain small flow of gas to pass, either barely sufficient to keep the
burners alight or as much more as the circumstances of each case may require.
The separate weight 1 is such as to give a maximum flow or full pressure, and it is
connected to a lever 4 which is fitted with an armature 5 in a position to be acted
on by a small electro-magnet 6. When the electric circuit is closed the magnet 6
causes the lever 4 to lower the weight 1 upon the governor diaphragm 2, but the
weight is suspended from the lever 4 by a loose link 7, so that only the pressure of
the weight acts on the governor. When the electric circuit is broken the lover 4
having its armature end 5 sufficiently heavy or acted on by a spring lifts up the
weight 1. A screw stop 8 in the bracket 9 carrying the lever 4 serves for limiting
the movement of the lever. The pipe 10 shown as connected to the inlet of tho
small governor 3 leads the gas thereto from the inlet main supplying the large
governor and the pipe 11, shown as connected to the outlet of the small governor 3
communicates with the space in the large governor, the pressure in which controls
the action of the large governor and serves for the gas to pass by into and out of that

page_text: space as the action of the governors may require, being fitted with a branch 12
having a minute outlet to the atmosphere. The outlet in the branch 12 may be the
orifice or orifices of an ordinary burner and the gas issuing by it may be ignited.
My improved electric controlling apparatus is applicable to other governor
arrangements besides that herein-before referred to; and many important
applications may be made of it. Thus the street lamps of a district or the burners
of a theatre, or railway station, or factory, or other large establishment may be
controlled by its means. It can also be used in combination with clockwork or
other mechanism for giving flashing or intermittent lights from lighthouses or
signal stations, the gas being by its means economised and saved between the
flashes instead of being wasted whilst hid by shutters.
Whon my improved electric controlling apparatus is applied to single burners,
such as those of street lamps, for example, the levor 4 may be connected to a shield
at the burner, which on lifting the weight 1 off the governor it raises so as to
encompass the small flame left burning and protect it from wind.
A second part of my Invention relates to the inlet valves by which the gas
enters the governor apparatus, and the mechanism employed in carrying it out is
shown in section in Figures 2 and 3 on Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
Two diametrically opposite apertures for the gas are made in the sides of a vertical
inlet pipe 13, the top of which is closed. The apertures are more or less closed by
conical or conoidal valves 14 formed on the ends of two tubes 15, which are
screwed internally and are upon screwed spindles 16. The tubes 15 and spindles 16
are held and guided in standards 17, 18, and are capable of adjustment, the tubes
by turning them and the spindles by moving them on end. The spindles 10 have
fixed on them levers 19 which are connected by links 20 to the bell or diaphragm 21
of the governor, in such a way that as the bell or diaphragm rises the conical
valves 14 are moved towards the inlet pipe 13, and vice versa. The inlet pipe 13
is made movable or jointed and can be adjusted, so that both valves 14 will close
their orifices simultaneously. This apparatus is well adapted for controlling the
delivery of compressed gas.
A third part of my Invention consists in forming an improved gas torch or
lamp lighter, such as is shown partly in section in Figure 4 on Sheet 1 of the
accompanying Drawings, by combining a small governor 3 of the kind described in
the Specification of certain Letters Patent granted to me and dated 16 September
1871 (No. 2446), but having the diaphragm 2 loaded by a spring 22 rather than a
weight; with a cylindrical or other suitably shaped vessel 23 to receive gas
compressed so as to constitute a sufficient supply. The vessel 23 with the
governor 3 has attached to it a tube 24 of sufficient length, with a burner at its
upper end, the flame being shielded in the usual way if required. An inlet
nozzle 25 fitted with a screw plug at the bottom (or other convenient part) of the
vessel 23 is provided for connecting it to the gas compressing apparatus.
A form of burner is described as the fourth part of my Invention in my
Provisional Specification lodged on applying for the heroin-before in part recited
Letters Patent, but I do not now believe it to possess sufficient utility or novelty to
justify my making any claim herein respecting it.
A fourth part of my Invention (described as the fifth part in my said Provisional
Specification) relates to burners of the kind known as Bunsen burners, and
comprisos simple arrangements, whereby the supplies of gas and air are simul-
taneously reduced or increased by one movement.
In one modification shown in plan in Figure 5 and in vertical section in
Figure 6 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, a conical socket is formed in
the base 26 of the burner, and the gas inlet 27 leads to the side of this cavity.
A conical plug 28 fitting the cavity is formed on or fixed to the main burner
tube 29 and a way 30 through one side and up the centre of this plug admits the
gas from the inlet 27 when the plug is in the proper position, as shown in Figure 6.
A shell 31 encircles the lower part of the burner tube 29, and air holes 32 are made
through it and through the tube. The shell 31 is ordinarily a fixture, and when

page_text: the burner 29 is turned it closes or opens both the gas and air inlets 27, 32.
A flange is formed on the shell 31, by means of which it is screwed down on the
base 26, the holes for the screws being elongated to admit of the adjustment of the
air holes 32 in the shell relatively to those in the tube 29.
In a second modification of Bunsen burner shown in vertical section in Figure 7
on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings an externally screwed nipple.33
projects up in the centre of the base 26, the gas issuing up from a central aperture
in the nipple. The aperture is controlled by a conical valve formed on or attached
to a piece 34 which is fixed to the burner tube 29 and screws upon the nipple 33,
so that by turning the tube 29 the gas aperture is more or less closed, the same
movement acting on the air inlets as in the first inodification.
In a third modification shown in plan in Figure 8, and in vertical section in
Figure 9 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, the outer shell 31 is extended
to the top of the inner tube 29 and is closed over it. The tops or upper parts of
the tube 29 and shell 31 are formed with holes 35 for the issue of the mixed air
and gas, and the turning of the tube 20 (which may be done by means of a lever 36
projecting through a slot in the shell 31) alters the outlet area 35 as well as the
inlets 27, 32, for gas and air.
In all the three modifications a series of the burners may be arranged so as by
levers connected all to a single rod or otherwise to be simultaneously adjusted.
Figure 10 shows in plan on a reduced scale one such arrangement in which worm
wheels 37 fixed on the burner tubes 29 are simultaneously acted on by worms on a
single spindle 38.
In another modification shown in Figure 11, levers 36 fixed to each burner
tube 29 are jointed all to the same rod 39, whereby they can be simultaneously
adjusted.
A fifth part of my Invention (described as the sixth part in my said Provisional
Specification) relates to a two-way or multiple-way valve or cock suitable for any
fluid, but specially designed to admit of the extreme tightness of fitting desirable in
the case of illuminating gas, particularly with large valves without attendant
inconveniences; Figures 12 and 13 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings are
sections as at right angles to each other of a four-way valve or cock as made with
the improvements. A conical plug 40 is employed, but instead of this plug being
held in its conical casing or socket 41 in the ordinary way, it is held by a spindle 42
passing completely through the axis of the plug and formed with two screw threads
of different pitches, one on the bottom end screwing into the bottom of the
socket 41, and the other screwing into the plug 40. The upper end of the spindle 42
is squared and can be turned by a key or handle separately from that for turning
the plug, and which latter engages with a square projection formed for it on the
plug. The spindle 42 serves by the powerful differential action of the two screw
threads on it for tightening the plug in its socket when adjusted, or for slightly
loosening it when it requires to be adjusted, the action of the spindle 42 being
positive when loosening as well as when tightening the plug. This improvement is
applicable to cocks or valves of any size, and having any number of ways.
Having thus particularly described my said Invention and the manner of
performing the same, I have to state that I do not restrict myself the precise
details herein described or delineated, but that what I believe to bo novel and
original, and claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
1. The combination of an electro-magnet with a gas governor, such magnet being
arranged to move a weight so as to act or not act on the governor, substantially in
the manner and for the purposes herein-before described.
2. The constructing or combining together of the parts of and connected with
the inlet valves of gas governors, substantially as herein-before described with
reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying Drawings.
3. The constructing or combining together of the parts of a gas torch or lamp
lighter, substantially as herein-before described.

page_text: 4. The constructing or combining together of the parts of Bunsen burners, sub-
stantially in the improved modes herein-before described with reference to
Figures 5 to 11 of the accompanying Drawings.
5. The holding of the plug of a two-way or multiple-way valve or cock in its
socket by means of a differentially screwed spindle, and substantially as and for the
purposes herein-before described with reference to Figures 12 and 13 of the accom-
panying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Bruce Peebles, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
Witness,
EDMUND HUNT,
Patent Agent,
Glasgow.
D. BRUCE PEEBLES. (L.s.)