IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN GAS WORKS FOR EXHAUSTING, FORCING, TRANSMITTING, AND REGULATING THE "FLOW OF GAS, AND CLEANSING AND WARMING GAS APPARATUS
Year: 1857

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Thomas Walker, of 55, King Square, in the
Parish of St. Luke, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN GAS WORKS FOR
EXHAUSTING, FORCING, TRANSMITTING, AND REGULATING THE "FLOW OF GAS,
AND CLEANSING AND WARMING GAS APPARATUS,"
Invention of
Sealed the 7th August 1857, and dated the 10th February 1857.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Thomas Walker
.at the Office of the Commissioners. of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th February 1857.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WALKER, of 55, King. Square, in-the Parish of St.
Luke, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN GAS
WORKS FOR EXHAUSTING, FORCING, TRANSMITTING, AND REGULATING THE FLOW OF
GAS, AND CLEANSING AND WARMING GAS APPARATUS," to be as follows:-
The improvements referred to, so far as the exhausting, forcing, and trans-
mitting of gas, consists of a double-cylinder exhausting apparatus with two
separate pistons working-therein, to which-motion-is conveyed from a.double
crank by means of connecting rods and piston rods, the one crank being set at
right angles with the other, so that the one piston shall be at half-way-stroke
while the other piston is at the beginning or termination of its stroke, for the

page_text: purpose of causing the gas to flow constant and regular without oscillation to
and from the exhausting apparatus, herein after so called in the Specification I
am now engaged in giving of my Invention. The exhausting apparatus may
be worked by power from a steam engine, or from any other source; it may be
also constructed to work horizontally, vertically, or at an inclination.
The exhausting apparatus has four valves for inlets for the admission of
gas, and four valves for outlets for the transmission of gas, working self-acting.
As a vacuum is created or otherwise by the travelling of the pistons, and the
exhausting apparatus is so arranged; that should it be desirable by reason of au
accident, or when the quantity of gas to be passed is considerably diminished,
one part of the apparatus can be instantaneously stopped without stopping the
action of the whole apparatus. For this purpose I have introduced four shut-
off valves to the apparatus, and I have also invented what I callan equilibrium
valve, two of which are used in the apparatus. When it is desirable to stop
the action of one part of the exhausting apparatus without stopping the action
of the whole, it can be instantaneously done by opening the equilibrium valve
and closing the two shut-off valves connected with that part of the apparatus
whose action is to be stopped; as the equilibrium valve opens a free com-
munication between the top and the bottom of the one cylinder, which
consequently feeds itself with gas from either end as the piston traverses. As
the quantity of gas producing in a gas works is intermittent, and frequently
varies considerably, it is essential that the exhausting apparatus should be so
arranged that it may be governed and regulated to meet any exigency that
may arise in this respect; for this purpose I have introduced a governor of
peculiar construction, of a diameter of not less than eighteen inches, com-
municating directly by direct action with the throttle valve ofthe steam engine,
from whence the power is derived, avoiding the complicated system of levers
hitherto used, and by having the governor constructed so as to give a long
range of rise and fall, the lever connecting with the throttle valve also
having a proportionate long range of motion, the action of the governor is
made sure and certain, and the friction greatly lessened, upon which the proper
action of a governor so greatly depends. The effect of this governor upon the
throttle valve is, that when the quantity of gas to be passed decreases, the
governor will fall and and partially close the throttle valve, diminishing the
speed of the engine, and when the supply of gas increases, the governor will
rise, opening wider the throttle valve, and causing the speed of the engine
and exhausting apparatus to increase proportionably.
As it sometimes happens that the exhausting apparatus requires to be
worked by a steam engine or other power not specially provided for it, and

page_text: devoted to its exclusive service, and as the governor before-described regulating
the admission of steam to the engine by the throttle valve would in such cases)
be inconvenient, I use a governor larger in diameter, of similar construction,
attached directly to a throttle valve, provided in the bye-pass gas pipe, with:
which the exhausting apparatus is in such case provided. This governor, like
the former, has a smaller pipe conveyed to its interior from the main inlet pipe
of the apparatus, and when the exhaustion is too great, and a partial vacuum
likely to arise, the governor will fallando penthe throttle valve in the bye-pass
pipe to which it is immediately attached, thus opening a communication with
the outlet of the exhausting apparatus, by which the gas returns back and
causes the exhausting apparatus to feed itself with gas until more is produced.
While remarking on this part of the apparatus, it will be seen that the
equilibrium valves before described are also peculiarly applicable with a little
attention to meet the fluctuations in the quantity of gas produced, for not only
can one part, as before stated, be completely shut off, but the whole apparatus
may be instantly made to partially or completely feed itself back with gas.
Where a steam engine is specially provided to work the exhausting apparatus,
I make the stroke of the same length or longer than that of the exhausting
apparatus, as by this means I am enabled to work the steam engine expan
sively by the addition of an expansion valve, effecting thereby great economy
in the steam power provided. The pistons of the apparatus before described.
I shall make hollow and thin, to work lightly and with as little friction as
possible. It will be readily observed, that the exhausting apparatus herein
described is capable of performing its functions under any circumstances where
gas. is required to be transmitted in any direction by attaching its inlet and
outlet to the supply and delivery.
I will now describe the Drawings annexed to this Specification.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of exhausting apparatus, shewing one of the
equilibrium valves in section.
Figure 2 is an end elevation, shewing half in section.
Figure 3 is a sectional side elevation, shewing two of the inlet and two of
the outlet valves.
Figure 4 shews the governor referred to connected to the throttle valve of
the steam engine..
A, A, Fig. 2, is the double cylinder, marked. A in Figures 1 and 3; B, Fig.3,
one of the two pistons; C, Figs. 1 and 3, piston rods; D,.D; Fig. 1 connecting
rods; E, E, Fig. 1, double crank; F, Fig. 1, fly wheel; G, G, G, G, Fig. 2,
the four shut-off valves; H,H,Fig.2,the two equilibrium valves; I,Fig.1 and
Fig. 3, main inlet pipe; K, Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, main outlet pipe; L, Fig. 3,

page_text: bye-pass pipe and valve; M, M,. Fig. 3, two of the inlet valves; N, N, Fig. 3,
two of the outlet valves; O; Fig. 4, governor cistern; P, Fig. 4, governor.
gasholder; Q, Fig. 4, branch pipe from main inlet; R, Fig. 4, lever con-
necting to throttle valve:
The next part of my Invention relates to the improvements referred to in
regulating the flow of gas, and it will be more clearly understood by referring
to the Drawings accompanying this Specification, which I will now describe.
Figure 6 is a back elevation of a gas valve, with the jacket removed to shew
the mode of opening and shutting more clearly, from which it will be seen that
the valve A is opened by a lever marked C, deriving its motion from the axis
marked B, and jointed to the lever marked D, which connects to a centre pin
at the back of the valve at E.
The axis referred to at B is extended through a gas and fluid-tight stuffing
box to the outside of the valve jacket, where the power is communicated to it
for the purpose of opening and shutting the valve.
Figure 7 is a plan of the valve, the top cover of the valve being removed to
shew the inside, and the stuffing box through which the axis passes is shewn
in section.
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. These Figures now referred to
shew various methods of turning the axis marked B in each of them, for
the purpose of opening and shutting the valve, and these different methods
are adapted to suit various circumstances; among others they enable the valve
to be worked in any required position.
It must be particularly observed that the lever D, which is connected to
the centre pin at E, before described, is carried a little below the bottom of
the valve at F, shewn in all the Figures except 15, which is a double-faced
valve. The object of this improvement, which is important, is to prevent the
valve from being thrown or jammed off its facing, and to hinder the facing
of the valve from being jarred or burred, or otherwise injured and made
defective, by the valve being sharply slammed down in closing, for the lever D
prevents the valve from coming in contact with the casing, preserves the valve
from receiving any blow or jar, keeping it easily and fairly in its own position
against the facing.
Referring again to the Drawings, Figures 8 and 9 shew the introduction of
a toothed rack and pinion, communicating with the axis B by a lever marked
G, for the purpose of opening and shutting the valve, the rack is guided in
its progress by a bolt head or other projection working in a recess, shewn in
the plan, Fig. 7, and in dotted lines, Fig. 9. The valve is hindered from
falling of itself by the paul shewn, marked H, working in the teeth of the

page_text: pinion, or by the ratchet and paul working on the pinion shatt, shewn above,
marked I.
:
Figare 10 is an arrangement adapted more especially for the smaller sized
valves, for which the power of a lever handle alone is sufficient to open and
shut the same; it has a ratchet and paul to prevent the valve from falling of
itself, and I use an indicator, similar to that shewn at Fig. 13, to shew when
the valve is open and shut.
Figures 13 and 14 shew a compact arrangement by which motion is given
to the axis B by an endless screw and segment toothed wheel or part of
wheel, and has a plain indicator to shew when open and shut.
Figures 11 and 12 shews an arrangement adapted more especially for large
or double-faced, or wedge valves, where considerable power is required to open
and shut. The motion is given to the axis B by the horizontal screw and
lever shewn; it also possesses a legible indicator to shew when open and shut.
Figure 15 shews an arrangement for a double-faced wedge valve, and
motion is given to the axis B by a powerful upright screw nut and lever; the
nut itself is an indicator to shew when open and shut.
It will be also seen that I can readily arrange the means before described
of communicating power to the axis to work either frontways or sideways or
vertically of the different valves to which they are attached.
Figure 16 shews an arrangement to be used for raising and lowering the
valve by a crank motion, of which the Drawing is sufficiently explanatory.
Figures 17 and 18 shew a sectional elevation and an end elevation of a
governor for regulating the flow of gas through mains. This governor in
principle does not differ from those ordinarily in use, with the exception of
the counterbalancing guide beam having a hardened steel knife edge to work
upon, to lessen friction and promote accuracy and delicacy of motion. With
the exception of the steel knife edge now referred to, my Invention, as far as
this governor, Figs. 17 and 18, is concerned, relates exclusively to the mode
of manufacture, the simplification and alteration and improvement of the
parts, causing the governor to be greatly cheapened in its cost of production.
The Drawings shewing the various parts are sufficiently explanatory; the whole
of the parts, including the inlet pipe which the conical valve works in, are
cast separately, and jointed together with lead or iron cement, or white and
red lead, or any other suitable cement. The castings hitherto used have been
very difficult to manufacture and costly to produce.
The part of my Invention relating to the warming and cleansing of gas
apparatus consists of a portable tubular boiler, of which a sectional side
elevation is shewn at Figure 19, and an end elevation at Figure 20.

page_text: The boiler is arranged so as to be specially useful on a gas works whenever.
hot water or steam is required for the cleansing and warming of gas apparatus,
and removing all foulness and obstructions from the pipes, &c. Also for gas
works situated in cold climates, the operations of which are impeded by ice in
the gasholder tanks, freezing of water lutes, the congealing of tar, napthaline,
and other impurities choking the passages of the pipes and apparatus.
I have hitherto made small boilers of other descriptions for the before-
mentioned purposes, and after many experiments I have discovered that the
boiler constructed as herein specified and shewn on the Drawings possesses
many advantages, and is the best adapted for the purpose mentioned than any
other boiler heretofore used in gas works for the purposes here described.
A reference to the rawings will shew that the fire box of the boiler is
surrounded by water on all sides except the bottom, and it will be seen that
I entirely close in the bottom, admitting the necessary draught of air to the
fire through the passage shewn on the Drawing, regulating the same by the
damper shewn, which damper I also use inversely, as shewn in dotted lines, to
prevent any hot ashes falling from ash-pit. The object of this arrangement,
in addition to its economy, is the great advantage and security I obtain
against fire and explosions among the inflammable material in a gas works;
for by entirely shutting in the furnace and preventing any sparks or hot ashes
from falling I avoid the risks mentioned.
I use also a hood or shield on the top of the chimney pipe for the same
purpose,and I construct the smoke box of cast iron, for its cheaper production
and more solid support to chimney.
For the other, parts and proportions of the boiler the Drawings are
sufficiently explanatory. I provide the boiler with the usual accessories,
safety valve, pressure guage, water guage cocks, and mud hole doors, blow off
cock, and mau-hole, in the usual manner..
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Thomas Walker in the Great Seal Patent Office 3
on the 10th August 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
THOMAS WALKER, of 55, King Square, in the Parish of St. Luke, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord One

page_text: thousandeighthundred and fifty-seven,inthe twenty-second year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto I, the said
William Thomas Walker, Her special licence that I, the said William Thomas
Walker, myexecutors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said William Thomas Walker, 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 Chanuel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS USED IN GAS WORKS FOR EXHAUSTING, FORCING.
TRANSMITTING, AND REGULATING THE FLOW OF GAS, AND CLEANSING AND WARMING
GAS APPARATUS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William
Thomas Walker, 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 William Thomas Walker, 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 :-
The first portion of my improvements, namely, for the exhausting, forcing,
and transmitting of gas, consists of a double-cylinder exhausting apparatus,
with the compact and economical mode of combining and arranging the steam
engine power and other necessary appurtenances for the purpose of giving
motion and perfecting the working of the same.
The double-cylinder exhausting apparatus has two separate pistons working
therein, to which motion is given by the steam engine or other power acting.
upon a double crank, and thence by means of connecting rodsand piston rods,
the one crank being set at right angles with the other, or in such a position
that one of the pistons shall be at half-way stroke while the other piston is at
the beginning or termination of its stroke, for the purpose of causing the gas
to flow constautand regular to and from the exhausting apparatus herein-after
so called in the Specification I am now giving of my Invention. The ex-
hausting apparatus may be worked by power from a steam engine or from any
other source; it may also be constructed to work horizontally, vertically, or at
an inclination. It has four self-acting counterbalanced valves for inlets for the

page_text: admission ofgas, and four self-acting counterbalanced valvesfor outlets forthe
transmission of gas, working self-acting. As a vacuum or otherwise is created
by the travelling of the pistons,and the exhausting apparatus is so arranged,
that should it be desirable, by reason of an accident, or when the quantity of
gas to be exhausted or passed is considerably diminished, one part of the
exhausting apparatus can be instantaneously stopped without stopping or
retarding the action or working of the whole apparatus. For this purpose
I have introduced four shut-off valves, and I have likewise invented what
I call an equilibriumvalve, two of which are used in the exhausting apparatus.
When it is desirable to stop the action of oue part of the exhausting apparatus
without stopping or retarding the action of the whole, it can be instantaneously
done by opening the equilibrium valve and closing the two shut-off valves,
shewn in the Drawings,hereafter to be described, connected with that part of
the apparatus which is to be stopped. "The equilibrium valve opens a com-
munication between the top and bottom of the cylinder, which consequently
feeds itself with gas from either end as the piston traverses.
The exhausting apparatus can be eutirely shut off both at its main inlet
and outlet when it is intended to pass the gas through the 'bye-pass-pipe by
the four shut-off valves Thave described; they answer the purpose and avoid
the necessity and expense of a main inlet and a main outlet valves.
As the quantity of gas producing or generating in a gas works is inter-
mittent, and frequently varies considerably, it is essential that the exhausting
apparatus and the power by which it is worked should be so arranged that it
may be governed and regulated to meet any exigency that may arise. For
this purpose I have introduced a gas governor of peculiar construction, the
gasholder of which is of a diameter of not less than eighteen inches, .com-
municating directly by direct action with the throttle valve of the steam
engine, from whence the power is in this case to be derived, avoiding the
complicated system of levers hitherto used, and by having the motion of the
gas governor arranged so as to rise and fall very slowly by very slowly
admitting the gas to its interior, and also by having the governor constructed
so as to give a long range of rise and fall, the lever connecting with the
throttle valve of the steam engine also having a proportionate long range of
motion, the action of the governor is made more sure and certain, and the
friction and number of working parts greatly lessened, upon which the proper
action of a gas governor in this case so greatly depends. The effect of this
gas governor upon the throttle valve is, that when the quantity of gas
decreases, the gasholder will fall and partially close the throttle valve,

page_text: diminishing the speed of the engine; and when the supply of gas
increases,
the gasholder will rise, opening wider the throttle valve, and causing the speed
of the engine and exhausting apparatus to increase proportionably.
As it sometimes happens that the exhausting apparatus requires to be
worked by a steam engine not specially provided for it and devoted to its
exclusive service, or by other power not produced by the agency of steam, and
as the gas governor before described regulating the admission of steam to the
engine by the throttle valve would in such cases be inconvenient or inappli-
cable, I use a governor larger in diameter, of the ordinary construction,
attached directly to a cone valve provided in the bye-pass pipe. The effect of
this governor is, that when the amount of gas generated decreases too low, it
opens a communication from the main outlet pipe to the main inlet pipe, and
causes the exhausting apparatus to feed itself with gas from the main outlet
pipe in the usual manner until more is generated, when it cuts off the
communication.
While remarking on this part of the exhausting apparatus, it will be seen
that the equilibrium valves before described are also peculiarly applicable
with a little attention to meet the fluctuations in the quantity of gas generated
or produced, for not only by the aid of the equilibrium valves can one part
of the exhausting apparatus be thrown out of action, but the whole exhausting
apparatus even while in motion may be instantaneously made to partially or
completely feed itself back with gas from the top of the cylinder to the bottom
or from the bottom to the top at every stroke.
One of the objections to exhausting apparatus heretofore constructed which
do not work in liquids has been, that if the motion is stopped and the
exhausting apparatus allowed to rest for a time the tar and impurities in
its interior will become congealed,and the whole of the parts of the machinery
thereby clogged and jammed up, so as to require to be taken to pieces and
thoroughly cleaned before it can be set to work again. I overcome this
objection entirely by the use of steam, which I obtain from the steam boiler, or
the steam supply pipe to the engine, or from any other source. I use a
branch pipe furnished with a stop-cock to each part of the exhausting appa-
ratus, and thus blowing steam through I am able to dissolve all impurities,
and thoroughly clean the exhausting apparatus at any moment during motion
or otherwise.
As the amount of space for the exhausting apparatus used in gas works
which are confined is of great importance and often very valuable, I have
made acompact arrangement of the exhausting apparatus and steam engine

page_text: to work it, the whole being supported and carried by one cast or wrought
iron column, either round or square, attached to a foundation plate, as I have
shewn in the Drawings, which I will describe hereafter. Where one steam
engine alone is used I fix it in the interior of the column, as shewn; but
where it is considered necessary to have two steam engines, one to be at
work while the other is in reserve, in readiness in case of accident, or
needful repairs, or the like, I place the two steam engines outside the
column attached to it, as shewn in the Drawings, providing their driving
pinion wheels with clutch boxes or pins and keys, that either steam engine
can be instantly thrown in or out of action. I am thus able to make one
compact simple inexpensive framing carry and support the entire apparatus,
with all its appurtenances, including its pipes and connections.
In cases where the exhausting apparatus is of very large size, or where
the fuel to generate the steam is scarce and expensive, I make the stroke
of the steam engines of the same length or longer than that of the exhausting
apparatus, and I am thereby enabled to work the steam engines expansively
by the addition of an expansion valve to each steam engine, effecting great
economy in the steam power provided.
It will be readily observed that the exhausting apparatus herein described
is capable of performing its functious under any circumstances where gas
is required to be transmitted in any direction for any purpose by attaching
its iulet and outlet to the supply and delivery.
I will now describe the Drawings of the exhausting apparatus, with its
steam power and appurtenances. All sectional parts are tinted blue.
Figure 1 is the inlet front elevation of the exhausting apparatus; the
cylinders are partly broken in section to shew the pistons. The boxes con-
taining the four inlet valves, which are seen as they appear in working action,
are shewn in section; two of the shut-off valves are also seen, and the main
inlet is shewn in red lines.
The whole of the parts are marked as stated
hereafter.
Figure 2 is the outlet front elevation of the same. The four outlet valves
are shewn as they appear in working action, and all the other parts as
described in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a part side elevation of the exhausting apparatus,drawn for the
purpose of shewing one of the equilibrium valves; the pipe or passage con-
taining the same, and forming a communication between the top and the
bottom, or either end of the cylinder, is shewn in section.
Figure 4 is a front elevation of the exhausting apparatus, with its

page_text: mn framing and foundation plate carrying the entire
ing the steam engine, which it will be observed is fixed
e column, and all the necessary gearing and the bye-p
ections.
gure 5 is a side elevation of the same.
gures 6 and 7 shew a front and side elevation of the co
foundation plate, before described, shewing the combinatio
t for making the one framing carry the two steam engin
e whole of the exhausting apparatus and its appurtenance
gure 8 is a section of the gas governor, before referre
ctly to the throttle valve of the steam engine.
he letters below shew how the several parts are marked in al
rever shewn.
he exhausting cylinders are marked
pistons
piston rods
connecting rods
ditto
do.
do.
double crank and crank shaft
fly wheel
-
-
shut-off valves, 4 in number,
do.
equilibrium valves, 2 in number do.
openings for do. into each end of the cylinder marked
main inlet pipe
main outlet pipe
four inlet self-acting valves, each marked
four outlet do. do.
bye-pass pipe
bye-pass valve
column framing
do..-
do.
-
dc.
-
do.
- do.
do.
-
foundation plate
steam engines
gas governor, shewn in section, Figure 8, with its cistern
gasholder, and air vessel at bottom, and branch pipe
from main inlet. The arrangement of connecting
lever attached to the throttle valve is shewn above
marked
n referring again to the Drawings, Figure 1 shewing th
aratus on the inlet side, it will be observed that the double

page_text: E, has not yet arrived at its top and right angle centres. I have drawn it
thus that the positions of its interior parts may be more clearly seen as when
actually working.
It will be seen that
open, and the gas is
The arrows shew the course travelled by the gas.
the valve M at the lower part on the left-hand side is
entering through the valve passage named into the interior of the cylinder
at the bottom end, the upper valve, marked M, on the same side being shut,
which naturally arises from the piston travelling upwards.
In the other cylinder, right-hand side of the same Drawing, thepiston B is
travelling downwards; the valve marked M at the top is consequently open,
the gas entering the cylinder at the top, and the valve M at the bottom is
shut by the downward travelling of the piston.
The Drawing, Figure 2, must now be examined. It shews the exhausting
apparatus on the outlet side exactly as the interior parts appear working
when the crank and the inlet valves are in the positions before described in
Figure 1, and the valves which are open, marked N, are shewn discharging
the gas from the cylinders at the same moment that the valves, Figure 1,
are admitting gas into the cylinders. It will be readily seen by the arrows
which valves are open and which shut.
I have before described the uses of the shut-off and equilibrium valves,
for working the exhausting apparatus to any required power for shutting off
or partially shutting off either or both of the cylinders, by allowing the gas
to work from and to either end of the cylinders through the equilibrium
passages; and I have only to add, that when it is necessary to entirely stop
the action of the exhausting apparatus, and to pass the gas through the bye-
pass pipe, the four shut-off valves are closed, and the bye-pass valve, marked
Pin Drawing Figure 4, is opened, the gas thus passes through the bye-
pass pipe, marked O, entirely clear of the whole apparatus to the main
outlet.
For all other information the Drawings will be found sufficiently ex-
planatory.
The next part of my Invention relates to the improvements referred to in
regulating the flow of gas, and it will be more clearly understood by referring
at once to the Drawings accompanying this Specification, which I will now
describe.
Figure 9 is a back elevation of a gas valve, with the jacket removed to shew
the mode of opening and shutting more clearly, from which it will be seen
that the valve marked A is opened by a lever marked C, deriving its motion

page_text: from an axis marked B, and jointed to the connecting rod marked D, which
connects to a centre pin at the back of the valve at E.
The axis referred to at B is extended through a gas and fluid-tight stuffing
box to the outside of the valve jacket, where the power is communicated to it
for the purpose of opening and closing the valve.
Figure 10 is a plan of the gas valve, the top cover being removed to shew
the interior parts, and the stuffing box through which the axis passes is shewn
in section.
Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 shew various methods of turn-
ing the axis marked B, for the purpose of opening and closing the valve, and
these different methods are adapted to suit various circumstances; among
others they enable the valve to be worked in any required position. It must
be particularly observed, that the connecting rod D, which is connected to the
centre piu at E, before described, is carried a little below the bottom of the
valve at F, shewn in all the Drawings now under reference except Figure 18,
which is a double-faced valve. The object of this improvement, which is
important, is to prevent the valve from being thrown or jammed off its facing
in shutting, and to hinder the facing of the valve from being jarred or burred,
or otherwise injured and made defective, by the valve being sharply slammed
down in shutting, for the connecting rod D prevents the valve from receiving
any blow or injury by coming in contact with the casing, keeping it easily
and fairly in its own position against the facing.
This part of my improvements, namely, of carrying a projection, indepen-
dent of the valve itself, below the bottom part of the valve to receive the blow
when the valve is shut, applies to valves of other constructions used in gas
works besides or in addition to those I am now specifying.
Figures 11 and 12 shew the introduction of a toothed rack and pinion
communicating with the axis B by a lever marked G, for the purpose of
opening and closing the valve; the rack is guided in its progress by a bolt
head or other projection working in the recess, shewn in the plan, Figure 10,
and in dotted lines, Figure 12. The valve is hindered from falling of itself by
the paul shewn, marked H, working in the teeth of the piuion, or by the
ratchet and paul working on the pinion shaft, shewn above marked I.
Figure 13 is an arrangement adapted more especially for the smaller sized
gas valves, for which the power of a lever handle alone is sufficient to open
and shut the same; it has a ratchet and paul to prevent the valve from falling
of itself, and I use an indicator, similar to that she wn at Figure 16, to shew
when the valve is open and shut.

page_text: Figure 14 shews an arrangement adapted more especially for large or
double-faced or wedge valves, where considerable power is required to open
and shut; the motion is given to the axis Bbythe horizontal screw and lever,
shewn; it also possesses a legible indicator to shew when open and shut.
Figure 16 shews a compact arrangement by which motion is given to the
axis B, by an endless screw and segment-toothed wheel or part of wheel, and
has a plain indicator to shew when open and shut.
Figure 18 shews an arrangement for a double-faced wedgevalve, and motion
is given to the axis B by a powerful upright screw nut, and lever; the nut
-itself is an indicator to shew when open and shut. It will be also seen that
I can readily arrange the means before described of communicating power to
the axis B to work either frontways, sideways, vertically, or in any other
position of the valves to which they are attached.
Figure 19 shews an arrangement to be used for raising and lowering the
valve by a crank motion, of which the Drawing is sufficiently explanatory.
Figures 20 and 21 shéw a sectional elevation and an end elevation of a
governor for regulating the flow of gas. This governor in principle does not
differ from those ordinarily in use, with the exception of the compact mode of
fixing the pressure guages, and the counterbalancing guide beam having a
hardened steel knife edge, working on a hardened steel surface to lessen
friction, and promote accuracy and delicacy of motion. With these exceptions,
my improvements, so far as this governor is concerned, relate exclusively to the
mode of manufacture, the simplification, alteration, and improvement of the
parts, causing the governor to be greatly cheapened in its cost of production.
The Drawings shewing the various parts are sufficiently explanatory. The whole
of the parts, including the inlet centre pipe in which the conical valve works,
are cast separately, and jointed together with lead or iron cement, white and
red lead, or any other suitable ceinent. The castings for governors hitherto
used have been very difficult to manufacture and costly to produce.
The part of my Invention relating to the warming and cleansing of gas
apparatus consists of an improved portable tubular steam boiler, either made
cylindrically and vertically or horizontally, with a dee-shaped or cylindrical
body, as shewn at Drawing, Figure 22, which is a perspective sectional eleva-
tion. The portable tubular steam boiler is arranged so as to be specially
useful on a gas works whenever hot water or steam are required for removing
íoulness, impurities, and obstructions from the pipes and apparatus; also for
gas works situated in cold climates, the operations of which are impeded by
ice in the gasholder tanks, freezing of water lutes, the congealing of tar

page_text: napthaline, and other impurities, which contract and choke and make foul the
passages of the pipes and apparatus.
I have hitherto had small steam boilers constructed of other descriptions for
the before-mentioned purposes, and after many trials I have discovered that
the portable tubular steam boiler, constructed as herein specified, and shewn
in the Drawings, possesses many advantages, and is the best adapted for the
purposes mentioned than any other boiler heretofore used in gas works.
A reference to the Drawings, Figure 22, will shew that the fire box of the
portable tubular steam boiler is surrounded by water on all sides except the
bottom, which is entirely closed in bya moveable bottom working on hinges,
which can be opened and shut for cleaning out the ashes if necessary or for
repairs.
The necessary draught of air is admitted to the fire through the passage or
opening in the front of the portable tubular steam boiler below the fire door,
as shewn on the Drawing. The draught is regulated by the damper shewn,
which damper I also use inversely, as shewn in dotted lines.
The Drawing will shew how the flame and heated air are conveyed from
the fire box through the tubes (both of which are thoroughly immersed in the
water) to the chimney, which it will be seen has a hood or shield at the top
mouth of it to prevent sparks or anything inflammable escaping from it. The
portable tubular steam boiler is supported on wheels and axles, as shewn, and
can be readily moved about the gas works or about the streets to clean out
the mains. The pump for feeding the boiler with water is fixed to it, as
shewn.
The objects of these improvements and arrangements are, in addition to the
great generative power for producing steam in a very small space, com-
pactness, portability, and other advantages, the great security I obtain against
fire and explosions among the inflammable materiel ina gas works, by entirely
shutting in the fire box and surrounding the same and the other parts with
water, and preventing any sparks or hot ashes from falling about.
In some cases I construct the portable tubular steam boiler similar to the
Drawing, but vertically and cylindrical instead of horizontal and dee-shape,or.
cylindrically horizontal, fixing the same on wheels also for portability. For
describing the other parts and proportions of the portable tubular steam
boiler the Drawings are sufficiently explanatory. I provide it with the usual
accessories, safety valve, pressure guage, water guage cocks, mud-hole doors,
blow-off cock, and man-hole and lid.
I have now shewn and described the improvements and mode of working to

page_text: which my Invention relates, and that which is new, and which I claim as my
Invention, is as follows:-
gas,
First, in that part of my improvements herein-before called the exhausting
apparatus, I claim the use and method of exhausting, forcing, and trans-
mitting gas by double cylinders, or two combined cylinders with pistons
working therein, with the four self-acting valves for inlets for the admission of
and the four self-acting valves for outlets for the transmission of gas.
I also claim the method I have shewn and described of instantaneously
throwing either half of the exhausting apparatus completely or partially out of
action and working either remaining half alone by the use of the shut-off
valves and the equilibrium valves before described (which shut-off valves also
save the necessity and expense of the main inlet and outlet valves heretofore
used), also of working wholly or partially and of having complete control over
the apparatus and the amount of gas passing in either or both of the cylinders
by means of the equilibrium valves, and of being provided with a constant
reserve to meet any exigency or accident that may occur on a gas works..
I also claim the combination and compact mode of arrangement of the
exhausting apparatus with its pipes and connections, and the steam power
necessary to work it, and the method of making one framing support and
carry the whole entire apparatus, including an extra duplicate steam engine
where required, and the means of throwing either steam engine either in or
out instantaneously, likewise the simple system shewn and described of the
gas governor's connection with the throttle valve, and the system of working
the steam engines by expansive force of steam on a gas works for giving
motion to exhausters.
I also claim the method described of cleansing exhausting apparatus by the
use of steam, and this part of my improvements is applicable not only to the
exhausting apparatus herein described but to all other exhausting apparatus.
Referring to my improvements in regulating the flow of gas, I claim the
general combination and arrangement of gas valves shewu and described, the
methods I have shewn of opening and closing gas.valves by means of a lever
deriving its motion from an axis, with the different methods I have shewn of
giving motion to the axis, for the purpose of opening and closing gas valves,
and the means I have described of protecting the valve and keeping it accu-
rately to its facing,and this mode of protection which I claim is also applicable
to gas valves of any other description.
Referring next to the governor, I claim the method of working the counter
balancing beam on a hardened steel knife edge against a hardened stee

page_text: surface, and the compact method of fixing the pressure guages; with these
exceptions my claim is limited entirely to the cheap and effective mode of
constructing a governor, as shewn and described.
In the improvements described for cleansing and warming gas apparatus,
I claim the application of the portable tubular steam boiler and its appur-
tenances, and the general combination, arrangement, and improvement of its
parts, as 1 have shewn and described, for the special uses of gas works.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Thomas Walker, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Tenth day of August, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
Witness,
WILLIAM THOMAS WALKER. (L.s.)
CHARLES CLEMENT WALKER,
21, Little Sutton St., Goswell St.,
London.