IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING STEAM BOILERS WITH WATER
Year: 1860

page_text: Sealed the 28th December 1860, and dated the 11th July 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Davies at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents. with his Petition. on the 11th July
1860.
i, GEORGE DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of
Middlesex. and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow. Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING STEAM BOILERS WITH
WATER," a communication to me from abroad by Messieurs Gargan & Co., of
Paris, Builders.) to be as follows:
This Invention is intended to prevent the depression of the water level in
all kinds of steam boilers, whether employed for stationary, marine, loco-
motive, or other purposes.
The apparatus consists of a vertical cylinder open at each end, in which
[Price Sd.]

page_text: works a piston or plunger, having a vertical reciprocating motion. This
cylinder is provided with three openings furnished with tubes. One of these
tubes communicates with a cistern or reservoir of water sufficiently elevated
to keep the tube always full. The two other tubes communicate with the
interior of the steam boiler, one opening at the water level and the other
below the same. The reciprocating piston is hollow, and is also furnished
with three openings communicating with the aforesaid tubes, but so arranged
that when the opening communicating with the reservoir or cistern is open.
the two openings communicating with the steam boiler are closed. and rice
versa. Supposing the former to be the case, it will be evident that the cavity
of the piston will be filled with water. The ascent or descent of the piston
then closes the communication with the cistern, and opens that with the
boiler.
If the level of the water should be above the upper orifice, it is evident.
that the water will remain in the cavity of the piston, but if. in consequence
of the vaporization of the water, the level of the same should have sunk so
as to wholly or partially expose the orifice of the upper tube, the steam will
enter thereby, and allow the water in the cavity to descend into the boiler by
the lower orifice. It will this be seen that so long as the water level is
maintained, the piston merely reciprocates without supplying any water to the
boiler, but as soon as the level falls, the piston commences to feed the boiler
with water, and continues to do so till the proper level is again reached.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Davies, in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
11th January 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex.
and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eleventh day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said George Davies. Her special licence that I, the said George Davies.
my executors, administrators, and assigns. or such others as I, the said
George Davies, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any

page_text: time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after 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 for "IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING STEAM BOILERS WITH WATER," being a communication
to me from abroad by Messieurs Gargan and Company, of Paris, Builders,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said George Davies, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their,
or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
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.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Davies, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement in writing, and on reference to the accompanying Drawings, that
is to say:
This Invention is intended to prevent the depression of the water level in
all kinds of steam boilers, whether employed for stationary, marine, loco-
motive, or other purposes.
The apparatus consists of a vertical cylinder open at each end, in which
works a piston or plunger, having a vertical reciprocating motion. This
cylinder is provided with three openings furnished with tubes. One of these
tubes communicates with a cistern or reservoir of water sufficiently elevated to
keep the tube always full; the two other tubes communicate with the interior
of the steam boiler, one opening at the water level and the other below the
same. The reciprocating piston is hollow, and is also furnished with three
openings communicating with the aforesaid tubes, but so arranged, that when
the opening communicating with the reservoir or cistern is open, the two
openings communicating with the steam boiler are closed, and vice versa.
Supposing the former to be the case, it will be evident that the cavity of the
piston will be filled with water; the ascent or descent of the piston then
closes the communication with the cistern, and opens that with the boiler.
If the level of the water should be above the upper orifice, it is evident
that the water will remain in the cavity of the piston, but if, in consequence
of the vaporization of the water, the level of the same should have sunk so
as to wholly or partially expose the orifice of the upper tube, the steam will
enter thereby, and allow the water in the cavity to descend into the boiler

page_text: by the lower orifice, it will thus be seen that so long as the water level is
maintained, the piston merely reciprocates without supplying any water to the
boiler, but as soon as the level falls, the piston commences to feed the boiler
with water, and continues to do so till the proper level is again reached.
Hence, it will be evident that the boiler being once filled to the required
level, and the apparatus set to work, the level of the water is maintained in an
obvious and permanent manner. without the necessity for the constant super-
vision of the attendant workman, and according to the conditions hereafter
described.
The apparatus may be divided into two classes, that is to say, firstly,
apparatus requiring a constant motion, as that of a piston, for example; and,
secondly, apparatus which works automatically, or is self-acting.
The Drawings which are annexed to the present Specification represent
different modifications of the apparatus, and fully illustrate the principles
which form the basis of this system of supplying steam boilers with water.
In Sheet 1, Figure 1 is an elevation, of the apparatus and its driving gear,
the piston and its casing being shewn partially in section; Figure 2 is a side
elevation of the pparatus, part of the boiler and the connecting pipes being
shewn in section; Figure 3 is a plan view of the piston and its case or cylinder;
Figure 4 is an horizontal section of the same taken through about the line 1--
2. in Figure 1.
In the preceding Figures, E is a cylinder fitted with a piston P, which has
a reciprocating motion in a vertical direction. Two short lateral tubes F and
G communicate with the interior of the cylinder by the conduits J and J,
which are also put in communication with the boiler by the tubes N and O
(see Figure 2). The upper part of the interior diameter of the tube N cor-
responds with the level at which the water is to be maintained in the cylinder.
The short tube G communicates by its opening with a tube M, leading to a
reservoir of water above, that is to say, sufficiently elevated to keep the conduit
I always full of water as far as the opening 4. The piston P is hollow inside.
having a cavity V furnished with three orifices A, C. D.
The apparatus being in the position represented by Figures 1 and 2, and
the piston put in motion by means of the crank arm S, actuated by the
crank T, which is driven by either a spur wheel or band pulley E, it will be
seen that the charge of water conveyed by the tube M will fill the cavity V, as
its orifice A passes that of the conduit L (see Figure 1). The piston being
caused to descend by the crank arm S, the orifice a will be closed by the solid
part of the piston P, whilst the openings C and D will arrive opposite to the
corresponding orifices c and d of the conduits J and J'.

page_text: If the level of the water in the boiler entirely covers the orifice of the tube N
(see Figure 2) no displacement of the water contained in the cavity will
take place, and the piston P ascending to its former position; the same is the
case with the volume of water contained in the tube M. If, on the contrary.
the vaporization of the water has caused the level of the same in the boiler to
descend so as to uncover either wholly or partially the orifice e of the tube N.
(supposing the piston P at the bottom of its stroke) it will be evident that the
water contained in the cavity V will be caused to pass into the boiler by the
tube O by the following means:-The steam in the boiler passing into the
tube N, is indicated by the arrow e, and thence by the conduit J to the
orifice C, and acting on the volume of water contained in the cavity V. causes
it to descend by the orifice d, and short tube J', and tube O, into the boiler, as
shewn by the arrows and g.
If the orifice of the tube N is only partially uncovered, the same effect would
be produced by virtue of the same cause. the water in the cavity V emptying
itself into the boiler at each descent, until the water level in the boiler closes
the aperture, and the piston would then rise and fall without effect, ready to
recommence spontaneously as soon as a depression of the water level again
occurs.
This apparatus requires neither valves nor taps, and it will be evident that
permanent regularity and great security will result from its employment. The
actuating mechanism may be varied according to circumstances, and may be
different from that represented in these Figures. Instead of a simple crank
and crank arm. there may be. for example, an excentric of a particular form.
allowing a sufficient dwell at the top and bottom of the stroke to facilitate the
filling of the cavity, as well as its emptying into the boiler.
From the above description of the apparatus. and the functions which it.
performs, the principles on which it depends (the application of which in any
form the Inventurs claim) may be deduced as follows, viz., the transmission of
water from a medium under atmospheric pressure, to a medium under a
superior pressure, by the density or gravity of the water itself, without the
employment of any organs or means of retention or impulsion used in pumps,
injectors, or other apparatus generally in use hitherio.
As an illustration of the numerous and different applications and modifica-
tions of which this principle is susceptible, will proceed to describe some
variations for which, amongst others, the Inventors wish to claim.
Figures 5 and 6 (Sheet 1) represent elevation and plan of a piston, triangular
in shape, working vertically as the preceding, and like it hollow or furnished
with a cavity opening into the media at different pressures by the relative

page_text: positions of the orifices which serve for communication. E represents the tube
which leads from the reservoir of water under aimospheric pressure; F is the
orifice which communicates with the superior pressure; and F. the outlet.
orifice leading to the medium under high pressure. the arrows indicating the
direction of the flow of water.
Figures 7, 8, and 9 are vertical, section, elevation, and plan view of a cock,
fixed also vertically, the hollow distributing plug of which works in a similar
manner, puiting the different orifices alternately into communication, by which
the cavity fills and empties itself successively.
In these Figures. B is the inlet orifice for the water from the reservoir to
the distributing apparatus, the air can escape by the orifice A; C is the steam
conduit and D is the passage for the water into the boiler. The movement
which the plug E receives may be either continuously circular, or alternately
circular, and either regular or sudden.
Figures 10, 11. and 12, are longitudinal and transverse sections, and end
view of a piston reciprocating horizontally in a cylinder with double stuffing
box, and furnished in the interior with metallic friction rings, the pressure of
which is obtained by the action of one of the stuffing boxes (as shown at
Figure 10) upon conical ferrules or rings acting upon other conical rings,
which are divided or cut and press upon the piston.
These Figures are only given as an example of some of the modifications
of the apparatus, and the ease with which it can be applied. The principal
advantages are as follows:-Constant supply at all temperatures; less lowering
of the temperature by an intermittent feed; entire absence of clacks, valves,
cocks, and other organs. subject to deterioration, and the actions of 'which are
ut absolutely to be depended upon the dispensing with the superintendence
of the engineer, which can then be given to the other parts of the engine or to
the working of the fires; an economy of fuel, as the water may be heated by
the escape steam or by the hot gases from the furnace; economy of power, as
the water is introduced into the boiler without the aid of mechanical pressure
ol force.
The principles upon which the action of the automatic feeding apparatus
depends are as follows: Firstly, gravity for the movement; and, secondly,
the alternate connection of an intermediate vessel with a delivering vessel,
from which it receives the water, and with another receiving vessel to which
it transmits the same, the latter being a boiler under any given pressure.
The action in these two cases may be explained as follows:-Suppose the
apparatus to be in the position shewn in section at Figure 1 (Sheet 2), S
and S' being two hollow metallic spheres communicating by the body of the

page_text: cock O and the tubes VA. E, VA and E C, to the cock L. (Figures 2
and 3), which latter itself communicates on the one hand with the boiler by the
conduit VA. E C (Figure 3), and on the other hand, to a reservoir above by
The conduit EF. It will be understood that the ball S being full will remain
on the level or horizontal plane. as shown in Figure 1. so long as the sphere S'
being empty, does not destroy the equilibrium of this position. If. on the
contrary, the sphere S becomes empty whilst the sphere S' fills, the balance
will be reversed, and the latter will assume the horizontal position. raising at
the same time the first sphere S to the oblique position. The alternate move-
ment of rising and falling being thus perfectly established, it remains to show
how the rupture of the equilibrium which causes it takes place between the
two spheres.
The cock L (as represented at Figures 2 and 3) is fixed by its flange on
some part of the boiler. The lines tu. r. in Figure 3. represent the high
and low water lines, between which it is desired to maintain the water level,
and the curved pipe screwed to the passage E. C (Figure 3). represents the
iminersed pipe by which the feed water is supplied to the boiler. If in this
position the sphere S be full of water to the line r. r. (Figure 1), and if the
level of the water in the boiler does not reach above the line r. r. (Figure 3)
it will be seen that the steam from the boiler will have access, to the upper
part of the said sphere by means of the passage V. V. V. (Figures 1 and 3).
On the other hand the water in the said sphere will be put into communication
with the water in the boiler by the tube E. C. as indicated by the arrows
c, e', e, e, c'. (Figures 1 and 3.) Placed thus in a medium at the same
pressure as that of the boiler, the water from the sphere will pass into the
boiler, by virtue of the difference between the levels 7. r. (Figure 1) of the
sphere and r., (Figure 3) of the boiler, as is indicated by the arrows e, e
(Figure 3.)
But (as above stated) the centre passage E, F, (Figures 1 and 3) of the
cock being in communication with a reservoir of water above by means of the
tube E. F, (Figures 2 and 4) the water will mount into the sphere S' by the
passage E. C. (Figure 1) as indicated by the arrows E. E, E. (Figures 1
and 2.) The spiere S will then empty itself whilst the sphere S' is refilling.
until the time arrives when the weight of the latter overbalancing the
diminished weight of the former, the sphere S' will descend full of water,
raising at the same time the sphere S full of steam into the oblique position.
The stop B of steel (see Figures 1 and 3) screwed to the cock L taking into a
recess in the body of the cock O from II to H (Figure 1) limits the alternate
descent of the two spheres to the horizontal position. At this instant the

page_text: passages VA, E C (Figure 1) of the cock, putting the sphere S' into com-
munication with the boiler, the said sphere will empty itself therein (as above
explained with reference to the sphere S) whilst the sphere S in its turn
communicating with the reservoir by the passage E, F. (Figure 1) will become
filled with water until, as above. the weight of the sphere S' being diminished
and that of the sphere S augmented, the equilibrium is destroyed again, and
the two spheres will then assume their original relative positions preparatory
to the same effects being again repeated. This alternate movement will then
continue so long as the level of the water in the boiler leaves uncovered the
orifice of the passage VA (Figure 3). If, on the contrary, this level rises to
the line . . (Figure 3.) the steam no longer having access to the spheres and
no vacuum being produced therein. the beam or balance which they (the
spheres) compose will remain immoveable, and will not again resume its
movement till the descending water level in the boilers shall have uncovered
the orifice of the passage VA, by which the steam will be again admitted, and
the water will again pass from the sphere into the boiler, giving place to the
steam, with which the sphere will again rise into the oblique position, where
it will then receive the water from the reservoir, which will condense the
steam and fill the sphere, and so on, the movement always being governed by
the oscillating of the water level in the boiler between the lines 1, u, and t, 2,
(Figure 3) as above described. In this manner are effected on the one hand.
the automatic movement of the apparatus, and on the other hand, the constant
supply of water to the boiler to the desired level, as above-mentioned.
Having now fully described the nature and object of the said Invention,
together with the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or
carried into practical effeci, I desire it to be distinctly understood that I claim
as the Invention communicated to me by the aforesaid Messrs. Gargan &
Company-
Firstly, the general construction and principles of action of both apparatus,
as shewn in the Drawings, and above described.
Secondly, the particular construction of the piston and its cavity in the first-
described apparatus, the former working in a cylinder, with or without stuffing
boxes, the piston having necks K (see Figure 1, Sheet 1 eut away so as to
permit the formation of small cushions of steam to act instead of packing, and
dispense with friction.
Thirdly, the automutic action of the second-described apparatus obtained by
the simple effect of gravity acting alternately at each extremity of a beam.
whatever may be the form (spherical or otherwise) of the vessels employed.
Fourthly, the particular construction and arrangement of the cock L

page_text: furnished with stop-cocks G, H, and K, (Figures 2, 3, and 4, Sheet 2) for the
purpose of shutting off communication with the body of the cock O either for
cleaning out or for other purposes.
Fifthly, the application of this system of feeding to the boilers of stationary,
marine, locomotive, or other engines.
Sixthly, the application of the same to feeding or supplying water to boilers
other than those of steam engines.
And, seventhly, any mere modification, variation, or colorable imitation of
the same, acting substantially in the same manner and designed to produce a
similar effect.
In witness whereof. I. the said George Davies, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the Eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
GEORGE DAVIES. (L.S.)