InnovEMENTS IN STEAK BOLLERS." BO
Year: 1852

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, of No.
16, Castle Street, Holborn, in the City of London, Patent Agent,
"
sam
LETTERS PATENT to Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, of No.
16, Castle Street, Holborn, in the City of London, Patent Agent,
for the Invention of "InnovEMENTS IN STEAK BOLLERS."
munication
Ang
uart
Loradoux Bellford at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with his Petition, on the 7th October 1852.
I, AUGUSTE EDOUARD LORADOUX BELLFORD, of 16, Castle Street,
Holborn, in City of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS" to
be as follows:-
This Invention of improvements is based mainly upon the assump-
tion that heat is savingly applied to that water which by it is con-
verted into steam, and that any additional quantity kept in a heated
state, beyond that which is absolutely necessary to the continuous
operation, involves a loss of fuel to the amount of that necessary
to maintain the high temperature of the said additional quantity.
This being taken for granted, it must be admitted that the most eco-

page_text: nomical form of construction is that containing a large amount of heating
surface, which is only thinly covered or surrounded by water. In boilers
so constructed it is, however, very necessary, as well for the prevention
of injury to the boiler itself as for safety, that the water should have a
very rapid circulation, in order to supply the displacement resulting
from the generation of steam. These two points have been fully con-
sidered.
The first part of the Invention relates to the manner of forming the
fire chamber or chambers. The boiler consists of a lower water cham-
ber or reservoir and an upper chamber, which is partly filled with
water, and contains the steam space; these two chambers are connected
by a series of verticle water tubes, surrounded by a shell which encloses
them. The water tubes are arranged in rows nearly close together, the
space between every two adjacent rows forming one fire chamber, of
which the rows of tubes form the sides.
The fire grates are placed at a distance above the lower water cham-
ber, whose top forms the bottom of the ash-pits, so that portions of the
tubes are below and the remainder above the fire which nearly sur-
rounds them. The object of this arrangement of tubes is to take as
much heat as possible direct from the fuel itself, and at the same time
not to diminish the draft or impede the combustion of the gases emitted
from the fuel, except in a very slight degree where the tubes pass through.
The second part of the Invention consists in a series of water tubes
connecting the upper and lower water chamber for the purpose of sup-
plying water from the upper to the lower chamber of the boiler, in order
to enable the lower chamber to supply the water displaced in the first-
named tubes by the generation of steam and the tendency to circulate
upwards. These tubes are packed in fire-clay or built in fire-brick of
other poor conductor, so as to sheltered as much as possible from the
fire, not being intended to be exposed to a degree of heat sufficient for
the heat generation of steam within them.
The third part of the Invention consists in division plates placed ver-
tically, or nearly so, across or partly across the upper water chamber,
between the mouths of the first and last named tubes, to separate the
undisturbed descending water from that which is agitated.

page_text: The fourth part of the Invention consists in a certain arrangement of
plates above the water water line within the boiler, for the purpose of
arresting spray or water which ascends within the steam during
rapid ebullition.
The fifth part of the Invention consists in a series of air or smoke
tubes, one or more rising from each fire chamber into the upper water
chamber, below the horizontally or nearly across the said water chamber,
below the water line, and through the side of the chamber, then up-
wards to a common uptake or chimney, or to a suitable height above
the top of the boiler.
The sixth part of the Invention consists in an approved apparatus,
which is entirely self-acting and self-governing, for heating water and
supplying it at a high temperature to a boiler in sufficient quantity to
keep the boiler filled to a proper level.
In the accompanying Drawing Fig. 1, is a perspective view of
a boiler in which the first four parts of the Invention are con-
tained, having part of the upper chamber broken away to shew the
interior.
Fig. 2, is a vertical section of the same in the line A, of Figure 3.
Fig. 3, is a horizontal section of the same in the line B, b, of
Figure 2.
Fig. 4, is a perspective view of the upper part of a boiler, modi-
fied from the first one, and containing the fifth part of the Invention.
Fig. 5, is a horizontal section of the same, taken just below the water
line.
Fig. 6, is a vertical section of the water heating and boiler feeding
apparatus.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each of
the several Figures.
C, represents the lower and D, the upper chamber of the boiler; C,
being made cylindrical, and D, slightly conical, as either of those forms
are well adapted for strength; square or other forms may, however, be
used, if in any instance it may be thought desirable. E, is the lower
tube sheet which forms the top of the lower water chamber, and F, is
the upper tube sheet which forms the bottom of the upper water cham-

page_text: ber. G, G, G, G¹, G", are five rows of tubes of any length that may be
considered most suitable, having their ends fitted in the most approved
manner into the tube sheets E, and F, and forming communication
between the upper and lower water chambers. The tubes of each row
are nearly close together, and the number shown form four fire cham-
ber H, H, H, H, to which the tubes from side walls or partitions I, I,
are two rows of return tubes, also forming communication between
the upper and lower water chambers; these are sheltered from the
action of the fire by the rows G¹, G", outside which they are placed, and
are further protected by being packed around so as to fill the spaces
between them with fire-clay and sand, or with any suitable poor con-
ducting material. J, is the shell which encloses the whole space be-
tween the upper and the lower water chamber; it is lined all round with
fire-brick or masonry.
K, K, K, K, are the fire grates, of which there
is one in each fire chamber H. R, R, are the fire bars. V, V, are
shields formed of metal plates or collars of any suitable form, to protect
the lower part of the tubes G, G, G, which are exposed to the cooling
action of the atmospheric air as it enters the ash-pit. L, L, (Figures 1,
2, and 3,) are two flues which communicate with the fire chambers
close under the upper tube sheet, and pass upwards outside the boiler,
where they are both intended to enter a common uptake or chimney.
M, M, M, M, are the ash-pits. N, N, N, N, are bolts which acts as
stays to the top plate of the chamber D, and the tube sheet F. 0, 0,
0, 0, are similar bolts, staying the bottom of the chamber C, and the
lower tube sheet. P, P, are division plates running across the chamber
D, between the mouths of the tubes G, G", and I, I. Q, Q, are the
spray arresters, which are plates of metal fitting closely to the sides of
the chamber D, inclining upwards towards and extending rather
beyond the centre of the chamber, so as to overlap cach other; of these
there may be two or more placed one a little above the other; they may
be perforated at intervals round the sides of the boiler at C, C, or not;
they may be supported by being secured to the side of the chamber,
hung on rods or bolts. Y, is the steam pipe which is in the crown of
the boiler. The steam in order to reach it must pass in the direction of
the arrows shewn in Figure 2, through the space between the overlap-

page_text: ing edges of the spray arresters. S, is the feed pipe for supplying the
boiler with water.
All the above described parts, except the flues L, L, are the same in
a boiler shown in Figure 4, and 5, as in that shown in Figures 1, 2,
and 3, and therefore that portion of the former which differs require to
be show; the part that differs is the arrangement of sinoke or air tubes,
constituting the fifth part of the Invention. Instead of flues running
out through the back of the fire chambers, the tubes T, T, T, T, are
employed, of which there is one shown rising from the back part of
each fire chamber, the said tubes terminating in the tube sheet F, then
bending and running horizontally forward through the water, and
passing out in front, where by another bend they are curved upwards,
and then bending over the crown of the boiler they all terminate in
the uptake U, but may each discharge separately.
Instead of the above arrangement the mouths of the tubes may
terminate in the front of the boiler, and be provided with moveable
stoppers, so that they may be readily cleaned out from thence outside
the boiler, while they may be perforated with numerous small vertical
tubes passing upwards through the steam and water chamber D, into
an uptake placed over or resting on the top of the boiler, in which
case the pipes are required to be thin and of small diameter, so that
the heat would be absorbed to near that of the temperature of the
water, so that no danger may be apprehended from oxydation in passing
through the steam.
The fuel is ignited on the grates K, K, K, K, in the chambers
H, H, H, H, and the tubes G, G, G, G¹, G", I, I, and chamber C,
and part of the chamber D, being filled with water, the radiant heat
of the ignited fuel is conducted to the water through the tubes, while
that portion of heat not so taken off either remains to support com-
bustion, or is carried and applied to the upper part of the tubes, and
to the tubes sheets F, forming the bottom of the chamber D.
The upper parts of the water tubes, with the bottom surface of the
plates F, are well adapted, from the extensive surface therein presented,
to take from the flame or ignited gases and heated air, and to make
effective in generating steam, the heat of that part of the combustion,

page_text: in addition to that taken direct from its solid through the lower part
of the tubes.
The heated air and gases are made still further effective by the
employment of the tubes T, T, T, T, which, by being taken longitu-
dinally through the chamber D, presents a considerable immersed
surface. The ascension of steam and water in the tubes G, G, G, G¹,
G", causes a downward current in the tubes I, I, to supply the dis-
placement from the chamber C, which, after ebullition takes place, is
soon heated by water from the lower ends of the tubes I, I; by this
arrangement the tubes G, G, G, G¹, G", are plentifully supplied with
water while exposed to the most intense action of the heat radiated
by the carbon and other combustibles, and conducted through the
tubes, while the chamber D, being direct over C, and in open commu-
nication through the tubes, the quantity of water necessary for a safe
and economical operation is, it is believed, far less in proportion to the
effective heating surfaces than by any other arrangement.
:
The water heating and boiler feeding apparatus is not only appli-
cable to a boiler constructed as above shown, but to a boiler of any
description whatever. It is constructed and operated in, the following
manner f is a reservoir containing the water to be used for supplying
the boiler; g, is a vessel placed above or partly above the boiler, and
below the reservoir f, communicating by a pipe h, from its bottom, with
the water space in the boiler C, D, and by a pipe i, from its upper part
with the steam space in the said boiler, also in a pipe j, with the
reservoir f. In the pipe h, there is a valve k, or gate, which shuts by
upward pressure. In the pipe i, there is a throttle valve or cock 7, and
in the pipe j, a throttle valve or cock m; these two latter valves or
cocks are connected together by cranks and a rod, or by other means,
in such a manner that when one is open the other is shut, and vice
versâ; and the upper one m, is is furnished with a crank, and connected
with a rod n, which is attached to the float o, and passes through a
stuffing box in the top of the vessel g; this float is much heavier than
is absolutely necessary to work the valves to ensure certainty of opera-
tion, and is connected in such a manner as to open m, and shut 1, as it
descends, having the opposite effect as it ascends. The water in the

page_text: such a
As
reservoir f, which is at a low temperature, is admitted through j, until
the float o, rises to a suitable height to shut m, when the water is shut
off. The closing of m, opens l, and admits steam from the boiler to-
the upper part of the vessel g, and the water in g, is thus heated to
degree that the pressure of steam in the upper part is sufficient,
in addition to that of the column of water in g, and h, to open the
valve k, and allows the water to flow through h, into the boiler.
the water in g, sinks the float descends, and by the time it reaches a
certain level it opens the valve m, and closes l, shutting off the steam
and admitting the water from f. As soon as the water from f, at a low
temperature is admitted, condensation begins, and a partial vacuum
is formed, the valve k, is therefore closed by the pressure of steam
in the boiler; thus the cold water is prevented entering the boiler.
As the water rises in g, the float in due time closes m, and opens l,
repeating the above-described operation. The water may be always
kept at a proper level in the boiler by placing the vessel g, at such an
elevation as to make the average level of the water in it balance the
required level in the boiler, so that when the water rises above its
proper level in the boiler it will close the valve k, and thus prevent
the apparatus working, except while the level is below the required
line.
In boilers used for heating buildings the steam having made its
circuit, and becoming condensed, may be received in the reservoir f
and thus the boiler may be kept supplied by its own evaporations.
In boilers of non-condensing engines the exhaust steam may be
passed in a worm through the water in the chamber y, and thus, with
the hot water always left in the chamber, assist in heating the cold
water introduced from f.
The apparatus is superior to other arrangements for charging boilers
without a force pump for the following reasons, viz., that it is entirely
self-acting and self-governing; that the self-closing valve renders it
impossible for the water to enter the boiler until heated, and therefore
condensation can be produced; and that none of the heat of the
steam is lost.

page_text: CLAIM
1. Forming the sides of the fire chamber or fire chambers of a
boiler of water tubes G, G, G, G, G", placed in a vertical position, or
any position approaching thereto, so that the fuel is placed between or
among the tubes containing water, so that radiant heat may be taken
direct from the midst of the combustible, the said tubes passing
through or below the fire grate or grates, and forming a water com-
munication between a water chamber C, below, and another D, above
the fire, substantially as herein described.
2nd. The return tubes I, I, which are packed or built in poor con-
ducting material, so as to be protected from the action of the fire,
combined with the upper and lower water chamber in any way, sub-
stantially as herein set forth, for the purpose of keeping up circulation
of water to supply that displaced by the generation of steam and
upward circulation of water in the tubes G, G, G, G¹, G".
3rd. The division plates P, P, extending across the upper water
chamber between the tubes I, I, and G, G", from the bottom F, to a
suitable distance upwards, for the purpose of separating the undisturbed
water from that which is agitated, as herein set forth.
4th. The spray arresters Q, Q, consisting of a series of two or more
inclined plates placed above each other, inclining alternately in opposite
directions, with the inner edge of each overlapping that of the plate
below it, substantially in the manner herein shown.
5th. The employment of any number of air or smoke tubes T, T,
running horizontally, or nearly horizontally, through the upper chamber
of a vertical tubular boiler, and out through the front or side, sub-
stantially described; the said tubes all uniting in or entering a common
chimney or uptake, or each discharging seperately outside, or through a
number of small tubes leading vertically from them down through the
top or crown of the boiler.
6th. The apparatus shown in Figure 6, for heating water, and after-
wards supplying it to the boiler, consisting of a vessel g, having pipes or
channels h, i, j, communicating with the water spaces in the boiler,
another with the steam spaces in the boiler, and another with the

page_text: reservoir f, of water, the said pipes communicating with the steam
space of the boiler, and with the reservoir having each a valve con-
nected to a float in the vessel itself, and being opened and closed by
the rise and fall of the said float, and the pipe communicating with the
water space in the boiler being furnished with a valve closing by the
pressure within the boiler; the whole being constructed, arranged, and
operating in any way substantially as herein set forth.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford in the Great
Seal Patent Office, on the 6th April 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, of 16, Castle Street, Holborn, in
the City of London, Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, Her special
license that I, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Auguste Edouard
Loradoux Bellford, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
(communicated to me by a foreigner residing abroad) for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN STEAM BOILERS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bellford, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascer-
tain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great
Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux
Bellford, do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement (that is to say):
This Invention of improvements is based mainly upon the assumption
that heat is savingly applied to that water which by it is converted into
steam, and that any additional quantity kept in a heated state, beyond
that which is absolutely necessary to the continuous operation, involves
a loss of fuel to the amount of that necessary to maintain the high
temperature of the said additional quantity. This being taken for
granted, it must be admitted that the most economical form of construc-
tion is that containing a large amount of heating surface, which is only
thinly covered or surrounded by water. In boilers so constructed it is,
however, very necessary, as well for the prevention of injury to the
boiler itself as for safety, that the water should have a very rapid
circulation in order to supply the displacement resulting from the
generation of steam. These two points have been fully considered.
The first part of the Invention relates to the manner of forming the
fire chamber or chambers. The boiler consists of a lower water
chamber or reservoir and an upper chamber, which is partly filled
with water, and contains the steam space; these two chambers are
connected by a series of vertical water tubes, surrounded by a shell
which encloses them. The water tubes are arranged in rows nearly
close together, the space between every two adjacent rows forming one
fore chamber, of which the rows of tubes form the sides.
The fire grates are placed at a distance above the lower water
chamber, whose top forms the bottom of the ash-pits, so that portions
of the tubes are below and the remainder above the fire which nearly
surrounds them. The object of this arrangement of tubes is to take as
much heat as possible direct from the fuel itself, and at the same time
not to diminish the draft or impede the combustion of the gases emitted
from the fuel, except in a very slight degree where the tubes pass
through.
The second part of the Invention consists in a series of water tubes
connecting the upper and lower water chamber for the purpose of

page_text: supplying water from the upper to the lower chamber of the boiler, in
order to enable the lower chamber to supply the water displaced in the
first-named tubes by the generation of steam and the tendency to
circulate upwards. These tubes are packed in fire-clay or built in fire-
brick or other poor conductor, so as to be sheltered as much as possible
from the fire, not being intended to be exposed to a degree of heat
sufficient for the generation of steam within them.
The third part of the Invention consists in division plates placed
vertically, or nearly so, across or partly across the upper water chamber,
between the mouths of the first and last named tubes, to separate the
undisturbed descending water from that which is agitated.
The fourth part of the Invention consists in a certain arrangement
of plates above the water line within the boiler for the purpose of
arresting spray or water which ascends with the steam during rapid
ebullition.
The fifth part of the Invention consists in a series of air or smoke
tubes, one or more rising from each fire chamber into the upper water
chamber, and running horizontally, or nearly so, across the said water
chamber below the water line, and through the side of the chamber, then
upwards to a common uptake or chimney, or to a suitable height above
the top of the boiler.
The sixth part of the Invention consists in an improved apparatus,
which is entirely self-acting and self-governing, for heating water and
supplying it at a high temperature to a boiler in sufficient quantity to
keep the boiler filled to a proper level.
In the accompanying Drawing Figure 1, is a perspective view of a
boiler, in which the first four parts of the Invention are contained,
having part of the upper chamber broken away to show the interior.
Figure 2, is a vertical section of the same in the line A, of Figure 3.
Figure 3, is a horizontal section of the same in the line B, b, of
Figure 2.
Figure 4, is a perspective view of the upper part of a boiler modified
from the first one, and containing the fifth part of the Invention.
Figure 5, is a horizontal section of the same, taken just below the
water line.

page_text: Figure 6, is a vertical section of the water heating and boiler feeding
apparatus.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in each of
the several Figures.
C, represents the lower and D, the upper chamber of the boiler;
C, being made cylindrical, and D, slightly conical, as either of those
forms are well adapted for strength; square or other forms may, how-
ever, be used, if in any instance it may be thought desirable. E, is the
lower tube sheet which forms the top of the lower water chamber, and
F, is the upper tube sheet which forms the bottom of the upper water
chamber. G, G, G, G, G", are five rows of tubes of any length that
may be considered most suitable, having their ends fitted in the most
approved manner into the tube sheets E, and F, and forming com-
munication between the upper and lower water chambers. The tubes
of each row are nearly close together, and the number shown form four
fire chambers H, H, H, H, to which the tubes form side walls or
partitions. I, I, are two rows of return tubes, also forming communi-
cation between the upper and lower water chambers; these are sheltered
from the action of the fire by the rows G', G", outside which they are
placed, and are further protected by being packed around so as to fill
the spaces between them with fire-clay and sand, or with any suitable
poor conducting material. J, is the shell which encloses the whole
space between the upper and lower water chamber; it is lined all round
with fire-brick or masonry. K, K, K, K, are the fire grates, of which
there is one in each fire chamber H. R, R, are the fire bars. V, V,
are shields formed of metal plates or collars of any suitable form to
protect the lower part of the tubes G, G, G, which are exposed to the
cooling action of the atmospheric air as it enters the as-hpit. L, L,
(Figures 1, 2, and 3,) are two flues which communicate with the fire
chambers close under the upper tube sheet, and pass upwards outside
the boiler, where they are both intended to enter a common uptake or
chimney. M, M, M, M, are the ash-pits. N, N, N, N, arc bolts
which act as stays to the top plate of the chamber D, and the tube
sheet F. 0, 0, 0, 0, are similar bolts staying the bottom of the chamber
C, and the lower tube sheet. P, P, are division plates running across

page_text: the chamber D, between the mouths of the tubes G, G", and I, I.
Q, Q, are the spray arresters, which are plates of metal fitting closely
to the sides of the chamber D, inclining upwards towards and extending
rather beyond the centre of the chamber, so as to overlap each other; of
these there may be two or more placed one a little above the other;
they may be perforated at intervals around the sides of the boiler c, c,
or not; they may be supported by being secured to the side of the
chamber or hung on rods or bolts. Y is the steam pipe which is in the
crown of the boiler. The steam in order to reach it must pass in the
direction of the arrows shown in Figure 2, through the space between
the overlapping edges of the spray arresters. S, is the feed pipe for
supplying the boiler with water.
All the above-described parts, except the flues L, L, are the same
in the boiler shown in Figures 4, and 5, as in that shown in Figures
1, 2, and 3, and therefore only that portion of the former which differs
requires to be shown. This part which differs is the arrangement of
smoke or air tubes, constituting the fifth part of my Invention. In-
stead of flues running out through the back of the fire chambers, the
tubes T, T, T, T, are employed, of which there is one shown rising
from the back part of each fire chamber, the said tubes terminating
in the tube sheet 1, then bending and running horizontally forward
through the water, and passing out in the front, where by another bend
they are carried upwards, and then bending over the crown of the
boiler they all terminate in the uptake U, but may each discharge
separately.
Instead of the above arrangement the mouths of the tubes may ter-
minate in the front of the boiler, and be provided with moveable
stoppers, so that they may be readily cleaned out from thence outside
the boiler, while they may be perforated with numerous small vertical
tubes passing upward through the steam and water chambe D, into
an uptake placed over or resting on the top of the boiler, in which
case the pipes are required to be thin and of small diameter, so that the
heat would be absorbed to near that of the temperature of the water,
so that no danger may be apprehended from oxydation in passing
through the steam.

page_text: The fuel is ignited on the grates K, K, K, K, in the chambers
H, H, H, H, and the tubes G, G, G, G', G", I, I, and chamber C,
and part of the chamber D, being filled with water, the radiant heat
of the ignited fuel is conducted to the water through the tubes, while
that portion of heat not so taken off either remains to support com-
bustion, or is carried and applied to the upper part of the tubes, and to
the tube sheet F, forming the bottom of the chamber D.
The upper parts of the water tubes, with the bottom surface of the
plate F, are well adapted, from the extensive surface therein presented,
to take from the flame or ignited gases and heated air, and to make
effective in generating steam, the heat of that part of the combustion,
in addition to that taken direct from its solid through the lower part of
the tubes.
The heated air and gases are made still further effective by the em-
ployment of the tubes T, T, T, T, which, by being taken longitudinally
through the chamber D, present a considerable immersed surface. The
ascension of steam and water in the tubes G, G, G, G, G", causes a
downward current in the tubes I, I, to supply the displacement from
the chamber C, which, after ebullition takes place, is soon heated by water
from the lower ends of the tubes I, I; by this arrangement the tubes
G, G, G, G', G", are plentifully supplied with water while exposed to the
most intense action of the heat radiated by the carbon and other com-
bustibles, and conducted through the tubes, while the chamber D, being
directly over C, and in open communication through the tubes, the
quantity of water necessary for a safe and economical operation is, it is
believed, far less in proportion to the effective heating surfaces than by
any other arrangement.
The water heating and boiler feeding apparatus is not only appli-
cable to a boiler constructed as above shown, but to a boiler of any
description whatever. It is constructed and operated in the fol-
lowing manner: f, is a reservoir containing the water to be used
for supplying the boiler; g, is a vessel placed above or partly above
the boiler, and below the reservoir f, communicating by a pipe h,
from its bottom, with the water space in the boiler C, D, and by a
pipe i, from its upper part with the steam space in the said boiler, also

page_text: by a pipe j, with the reservoir f. In the pipe h, there is a valve k, or
gate, which shuts by upward pressure. In the pipe i, there is a throttle
valve or cock l, and in the pipe j, a throttle valve or cock m; these two
latter valves or cocks are connected together by cranks and a rod, or
by other means, in such a manner that when one is open the other is
shut, and vice versâ; and the upper one m, is furnished with a crank,
and connected with the rod n, which is attached to the float o, and
passes through a stuffing box in the top of the vessel g; this float
is much heavier than is absolutely necessary to work the valves to
ensure certainty of operation, and is connected in such a manner as to
open m, and shut l, as it descends, having the opposite effect as it
ascends. The water in the reservoir f, which is at a low temperature,
is admitted through j, until the float o, rises to a suitable height to
shut m, when the water is shut off. The closing of m, opens 7, and
admits steam from the boiler to the upper part of the vessel g, and the
water in g, is thus heated to such a degree that the pressure of steam in
the upper part is sufficient, in addition to that of the column of water
in g, and h, to open the valve k, and allow the water to flow through
h, into the boiler. As the water in g, sinks the float descends, and by
the time it reaches a certain level it opens the valve m, and closes l,
shutting off the steam and admitting the water from f. As soon as the
water from f, at a low temperature is admitted, condensation begins,
and a partial vacuum is formed; the valve k, is therefore closed by the
pressure of steam in the boiler; thus the cool water is prevented
entering the boiler. As the water rises in g, the float in due time
closes m, and opens 1, repeating the above-described operation. The
water may be always kept at a proper level in the boiler by placing the
vessel g, at such an elevation as to make the average level of the
water in it balance the required level in the boiler, so that when the
water rises above its proper level in the boiler it will close the valve
k, and thus prevent the apparatus working, except while the level is
below the required line.
In boilers used for heating buildings the steam, after having made
its circuit, and becoming condensed, may be received in the reservoir f,
and thus the boiler may be kept supplied by its own evaporations. In

page_text: boilers of non-condensing engines the exhaust steam may be passed in
a worm through the water in the chamber g, and thus with the ho
water always left in the chamber assist in heating the cold water intro-
duced from f.
The apparatus is superior to other arrangements for charging
boilers without a force pump for the following reasons, viz, that it is
entirely self-acting and self-governing; that the self-closing valve
renders it impossible for the water to enter the boiler until heated,
and therefore little, if any, condensation can be produced; and that
none of the heat of the steam is lost.
CLAIM.
First. Forming the sides of the fire chamber or fire chambers of a
boiler of water tubes G, G, G, G, G, placed in a vertical position, or
any position approaching thereto, so that the fuel is placed between
or among the tubes containing water, so that radiant heat may be
taken direct from the midst of the combustible, the said tubes passing
through or below the fire grate or grates, and forming a water com-
munication between a water chamber C, below, and another D, above
the fire, substantially as herein described.
Second. The return tubes I, I, which are packed or built in poor
conducting material, so as to be protected from the action of the fire,
combined with the upper and lower water chambers in any way, sub-
stantially as herein set forth, for the purpose of keeping up a circulation
of water to supply that displaced by the generation of steam and
upward circulation of water in the tubes G, G, G, G', G".
Third. The division plates P, P, extending across the upper water
chamber between the tubes I, I, and G¹, G, from the bottom F, to a
suitable distance upwards, for the purpose of separating the undisturbed
water from that which is agitated, substantially as herein set forth.
Fourth. The spray arresters Q, Q, consisting of a series of two or
more inclined plates placed above each other, inclining alternately in
opposite directions, with the inner edge of each overlapping tha tof the
plate below it, substantially in the manner herein shown.
Fifth. The employment of any number of air or smoke tubes T, T,
running horizontally, or nearly horizontally, through the upper chamber

page_text: of a vertical tubular boiler, and out through the front or sides, sub-
stantially as described; the said tubes all uniting in or entering a
common chimney or uptake, or each discharging separately outside, or
through a number of small tubes leading vertically from them down
through the top or crown of the boiler.
Sixth. The apparatus shown in Figure 6, for heating water, and
afterwards supplying it to the boiler, consisting of a vessel g, having
pipes or channels h, i, j, communicating with the water space in the
boiler, and another with the reservoir f, of water, the said pipes com-
municating with the steam space of the boiler and with the reservoir,
having each a valve connected to a float in the vessel itself, and being
opened and closed by the rise and fall of the said float, and the pipe
communicating with the water space in the boiler being furnished with
a valve closing by the pressure within the boiler; the whole being con-
structed, arranged, and operating in any way substantially as herein
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Auguste Edouard Loradoux Bell-
ford, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Sixth day of
April, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
A. E. LORADOUX BELLFORD. (L.S.)