CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF METERS OR APPARATUS POR MEASURING GAS OR LIQUIDS
Year: 1836

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
BERTIE PATERSON, late of Peacock Street, in the Parish of Saint Mary,
Newington, in the County of Surrey, but now of the Patent Dry Gas Meter
Company's Works, Canal Side, New North Road, in the Parish of Saint
Leonard, Shoreditch, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth,
by His Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twelfth day of November, in the seventh year of
His reign, and in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
thirty-six, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said George Bertie Paterson, His especial license, full power, sole privilege
and authority, that I, the said George Bertie Paterson, my executors, admi-
nistrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said George Bertie Paterson,
my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF METERS OR APPARATUS POR
MEASURING GAS OR LIQUIDS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a
proviso obliging me, the said George Bertie Paterson, by an instrument in

page_text: writing under my hand and scal, particularly to describe and ascertain the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
and to cause the same to be inrolled in His Majesty's High Court of
Chancery within six calendar months next and immedately after the date of
the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being
thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
George Bertie Paterson, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say) :-
My improvements in the construction of meters or apparatus for measuring
gas or liquids apply or relate to a peculiar description or construction of
meter for measuring and registering the quantity of gas passed through the
same from the main or street pipe to the burners, for which a Patent was
granted by His present Majesty King William the Fourth, to Miles Berry,
of the Office for Patents, 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent and Mechanical Draftsman, for an Invention communicated
to him by a certain Foreigner residing abroad, of "An Improvement or Im-
provements in the Making or Constructing of Gas Meters," and which said
Letters Patent bear date at Westminster, the Nineteenth day of March, One
thousand eight hundred and thirty-three, the Specification whereof was duly
enrolled in the Office of the Rolls Chapel of His said Majesty's High Court
of Chancery, on or before the Nineteenth day of September, One thousand
eight hundred and thirty-three, to which Specification I now refer for the
better elucidation of these my present improvements, which consist in certain
improvements in the construction of such meters, and the mode or method of
carrying the same into effect, by means of an improved manner or method of
communicating the motions of the moveable partition or flexible diaphragm
(particularly described in the before-mentioned Specification) to the valves
which open and close or change the gas ways or passages from induction to
eduction. And further, in certain improved arrangements and constructions
of valves and the manner of adapting them to the said meter, and also in the
adaptation or application of such construction of meters to the purpose of
measuring and registering liquids in a cool state passed through the same.
And in order that these my present improvements may be better understood,
I will first briefly state the nature, construction, and operation of the said
meters, and then more particularly describe my inprovements thereon, and

page_text: refer to the Drawings hereunto annexed to illustrate the same (that is
to say):-
escape
These meters consist of a novel kind of, instrument or apparatus for
measuring and registering the quantity of gas, water, or other fluid passed
through the same from the gas or water main or street pipe, or the quantity
of refrigerated spirits passed from the condenser of an alembic, or the quantity
of water passed into brewer's or distiller's coppers or other situations where
the same may be required, such meters being put into action by the elastic
force of combined gasses, or the hydraulic or hydrostatic pressure of fluids.
And as these meters are more particularly designed to be used for measuring
gasses used for illumination, I will first describe my improvements thereon in
the application and construction of the said meters to that particular object,
and then allude to the other applications or uses to which they may be applied
with good effect. First, therefore, this novel kind of gas meter is of that
class or description of meter commonly called "dry meters," that is, in which
there is not any water or other liquid used to retain or retard the of
the gas through the meter, and cause its expansive force to work or set in
motion the apparatus, as in meters of the rotatory or common construction,
such liquid being used in this kind of meter to determine or regulate the
quantity of gas contained in and passed through the meter, which quantity is
constantly varying, from the liquid being at different heights or levels, caused
by variations of temperature, different pressures of gas, escape by evaporation,
and other causes. One of the desired features of these dry. gas meters is, that
they shall work with as little friction as possible, so that the least possible
opposition shall be offered to the gas as it passes through the meter, and that
gas at a very low pressure shall be capable of passing through it, and at the
same time the quantity of cubic feet should be measured and registered
correctly. This improved dry gas meter is formed as a hollow vessel or
chamber, perfectly air-tight of itself, and divided or separated into two
portions or chambers by a moveable and flexible partition or diaphragm;
that is, the flexible partition is connected around its edges to the chamber so
that it will be allowed to vibrate or move from one side of the chamber
towards the other, and yet form a gas-tight partition between the two sides or
chambers. One of these portions or chambers is open to the supply pipe from
the gas main, and the other open to the gas burners, and vice versa. The
vibratory movements of this partition or diaphragm are registered by a pall and
ratchet wheel, with a train of gear wheels, dials, and indexes, similar to those
used in gas meters of the common construction, and, at the same time the
diaphragm or partition vibrates and has arrived at the extent of its motion, it

page_text: is made by means of levers to open and shut or change instantaneously the
valves, apertures, or gasways which connect the gas pipes with the meter and
burner. The meter has four valves and gasways or passages, two of which
lead from the gas pipe or main, which are individually connected to cach
portion or chamber, and the other two are also individually connected to the
two portions or chambers, and lead to the burners; and it is the extent of the
vibratory movements of this flexible partition or diaphragm from side to side
which determines the quantity of gas to be registered.
Having thus stated the nature and operation of this novel kind of gas-meter,
I will proceed to describe my improvements thereon, which consist in the first
place in an improved mode or manner of communicating the movements or
workings of the said flexible diaphragm to the valves, for the purpose of
instantaneously opening and closing or changing the gas ways or passages
leading from the gas main into the meter, and from thence to the burners,
and consists in communicating such movements of the diaphragm to the valves
from the centre (or near to the centre) of such flexible partition by means of
rods and levers, without the intervention of a rigid piece or palate turning
upon a hinge joint, as described in the Specification of Miles Berry, before
referred to, by which means the diaphragm is left free to vibrate without
being confined by such plate or palate, and the friction caused by the hinge
joint thereof is avoided.
Secondly, in the improved mode, herein-after particularly described, of
adapting and working the said valves by the agency of or in connection with
a small rigid plate or partition turning upon a hinge joint, as described in the
said Specification of Miles Berry.
Thirdly, in several improved arrangements, constructions, and adaptations
of valves herein-after more particularly described, viz; firstly, an improved con-
struction of valves, with a tumbling weight and trip lever, which changes the
ways or passages by the motions of the diaphragm, and, by means of another
tumbling weight and lever, retains the valves in their required position while
the diaphragm is moving over to the other side, and carrying with it the
changing weight and its lever. And also, secondly, in another similar con-
struction and arrangement of valves, in which they are kept closed or in the
required position by means of quicksilver or mercury contained in a tube,
or a leaden bullet will answer the purpose, as either will travel from end to end
of the tube as the valves are opened and closed, the quicksilver or bullet always
descending to the lowest end of the tube, which is at all times situated over
the closed valve, the tube being then in an inclined position. And thirdly, in
an improved arrangement and construction of valves, in which the gas ways or

page_text: passages are placed vertically one over the other, instead of side by side,
and worked by means of tumbling weights and trip levers. And further,
fourthly, in another improved construction and arrangement of valves with the
ways or passages placed in a horizontal position opposite to each other, and
worked by the same means. And fifthly or lastly, in another improved
construction and arrangement of valves, the apertures or ways of which are
placed at an angle to each other, the valves being supported or suspended on
a hinge joint or centre pins in the midst of such openings, and worked by
similar means.
Fourthly, in the improved adaptation and arrangement of such valves placed
so as to be worked from one side only of the said flexible partition, instead of
placing two valves or apertures in each chamber or side of the meter.
Fifthly, in improved modes or methods of communicating the motions or
workings of such flexible partition and valves to the palls, ratchet wheels, and
indicing dials, as herein-after particularly described.
And lastly, in the application of such improved constructions of meters to the
purpose of measuring and registering the quantity of water or other liquid in
a cool state passed through the same.
my
The several Figures in Sheet I. are representations of one of these improved
dry gas meters with the first of my above stated improvements applied thereto,
and the second modification of my third and first and second modifications of
fifth improvement adapted to the same, the movements of the levers for
working the valves or gas ways being taken from the centre of the flexible
diaphragm, or nearly so; and the meter shewn in Sheet II. exhibits the second
of my said above-named improvements connected to it, the motion of the
diaphragm being taken from the plate or rigid piece attached to the flexible
diaphragm, and turning upon pins or centres on the bottom plate.
Sheet III. exhibits my fourth improvement and the third modification of
my fifth improvement applyed to a dry gas meter; and Sheet IV. contains re-
presentations of the fourth and fifth modifications of any third improvement
applied to a meter.
In Sheet I., Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section taken vertically through the
meter, shewing the position of the working parts immediately after the valves
or gas ways have been changed, and the gas contained in the inflated or larger
chamber about to make its exit to the burner, and the gas from the main or
street pipe about entering the reverse or smaller chamber. Fig. 2 is a
similar section taken transversely (one side of the outer casing or chamber
being removed to expose the parts). Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of the
In these Figures the flexible partition or diaphragm is shewn at its
same.

page_text: full extent of motion on one side, and the leaders and valves in the position
they would be immediately after the change of the valves or gas ways has
been effected. Fig. 4 is a similar section to Fig. 1, shewing the diaphragm
in the act of moving over to the other side, and carrying with it the changing
trip lever and its weight. Fig. 5 is another similar section, shewing the
position of the parts when the diaphragm has arrived at its extent of motion,
and another change of the valves and gas ways or passages has been effected;
and Fig. 6 is a horizontal section, shewing the chambers or gas ways leading
from the main and to the burners, the same letters of reference being used to
denote similar parts in all these and the following Figures. a, a, is the outer
casing of the meter, which is divided into two portions or chambers A, B, by
the flexible partition or diaphragm b. The case may be made in almost any
form and of any material which is air and gas tight, and will resist the action
of the gas. The flexible diaphragm may be formed of leather or any substance
which is air and gas tight, flexible, and sufficiently durable. The edges of the
diaphragm are secured air and gas tight to the casing in any convenient
manner, as between the flanges of the case, by a packing of leather and
white lead or other materials. e is the bottom plate of the meter, with the
two pairs of gas ways or passages C, D, C, D, formed in it, one vair in each
half of the chamber. The gas ways C, C, are those opening to the main,
and D, D, those leading from the meter to the burners. Each of these
apertures have corresponding valves or stop pieces c, c, and d, d, suspended
on the ends of a hollow tube or lever f, f, closed at its end, which is mounted
on a pin or axis in the middle, turning in bearings on the bottom plate, and
has a small portion of quicksilver or a leaden bullet within it. g is a small
chamber, to which the supply pipe is connected, and h is another chamber by
which the gas makes its exit to the burners; but these passages and gas ways
may be used vice versa. In the centre part of the diaphragm is attached by
a small disc the rods i, i, which are connected by pins and slots to the ends of
the levers k, k, which are connected at their lower ends to fulcrum pins passed
through ears projecting from the bottom plate, upon which pins they turn.
1, 1, are weighted trip levers, also mounted, turning on fulcrum pins, and have
studs or arms m, n, m, n, projecting from them, which are acted upon by the
levers k, k, as they move over from one side of the chamber to the other, and
cause the trip levers to throw over and change the valves and gas ways or
passages. The action of the meter is as follows:-On gas being admitted into
the meter from the main or street pipe by either of the passages C, C*, (say
the right-hand one C*,) the flexible diaphragm or partition b will have been
forced by the pressure of the gas into the position shewn in Fig. 1, and will

page_text: have carried or drawn the levers k, k, over with it, and, from these levers
coming into contact with the pins or arms a, n, on the trip levers 7, 1, those levers
will have been lifted and brought into the vertical position shewn by dots in
Fig. 1, and the levers & continuing their motion towards the right hand the trip
levers will have been brought beyond the vertical position, at which moment
they fall over by their gravity, and striking upon the ends of the tubes f
immediately change the valves into the position shewn in Figure 1, thereby
closing the apertures C and D, by forcing their valves down upon them, and
opening the ways C and D, by lifting their valves or covers from off of them;
the quicksilver or bullet in the tube f passing to the lower end of the tube,
and keeping the valves C and D closed when the trip levers are again rising,
the gas will then begin to enter the chamber B by the way C, and that con-
tained in the chamber A make its exit by the aperture D, and as the gas is
consumed by the burner the diaphragm or partition will be moved the reverse
way (that is towards the right hand), carrying it with it the levers k, as shewn
in Figure 4. And when the diaphragm has arrived at the extent of its
motion, or that shewn in Figure 5, then the trip levers will have been raised
by the levers acting upon the arms m, m, and they will fall over to the
right hand, which will immediately change the gas ways and valves into their
former position, that is, the gas entering the chamber A by the aperture. C*,
and that in the now filled chamber B leaving the meter by the
D
hence it will be seen that the quantity of gas passed through the meter
between each movement or change in the valves will be that occupying the
space in or through which the flexible diaphragm works, or between the
position shewn in Figs. 1 and 5, and the quantity registered or indiced will be
accordingly. The quantity being ascertained and determined or adjustable by
the position of the pins or armis m, n, m, n, and the levers k, k, towards each
other, for the moment, the levers / bring the trip levers 7 beyond the vertical
position, they fall over, and the valves and passages are changed. In order to
indice or register the number of movements of the diaphragm, there is a
small pin or stud o projecting from one of the levers k, which is again con-
nected by a link piece to the short lever p, its other end being connected by
a fulcrum pin and joint to an ear on the bottom plate. The link piece j
carries the pins q, q, between which the end of the small rod or lever is
situated. This rod is passed through the bottom plate e, and gives the motion
to the pall which works the ratchet wheel of the train of gearwork of the
indices and dials. The communication of the gas with the index works is
cut off or prevented by the rod r being connected gas tight to a small flexible
partitions, placed over a hole in the bottom plate, as shewn more distinctly in
passage

page_text: the partial plan and sectional Figures 6 and 7, every movement of the
diaphragm to the indicing side causing one tooth of the first ratchet wheel t
to be moved forward by the small spring pall u, supported by the link w
from the side of the dial frame, and connected to the lower end of the rod r,
the ratchet wheel being held on the return motion of the pall by the retaining
spring a.
Another of my improved modes of communicating the motion of the
diaphragm or levers & or 1 to the pall and ratchet wheels of the index train is
shewn at Figure 8, which is a detached partial sectional Figure of these parts,
in which the lower end of the lever k is furnished with a small antifriction
roller, which acts upon a small flexible partition 8, under which is placed the
ratchet pall or lever u, which is depressed by the roller every time the lever k
passes forward or backward, thereby causing one tooth of the ratchet t to be
moved each time it descends, the spring a raising the pall u up again after
the roller has passed.
Another of my improved modes of communicating the motions of the
diaphragm or lever k to the indexing train is shewn in Sheet III., and its
operation will be described with the meters to which it is applied.
The Figures in Sheet II. exhibit an arrangement or construction of meter
with my second improvement applied thereto, in which the motion of the
flexible diaphragm for working the valves is taken from a rigid piece or palate
attached to the diaphragm near its bottom part, and turning with it upon
centre pins or an axis.
Figure 9 is a vertical section, shewing the diaphragm distended and the
chamber B filled; a change of the valves having just taken place, as in
Figure 5.
Figure 10 is a similar section taken transversely, the one half of the casing
and the diaphragm being removed.
Figure 11 is a horizontal sectional, part of the diaphragm also being
removed, to expose both sets of valves. The flexible partition or diaphragm
is, as before described, connected gas-tight round its edges to the case or
chamber, and also at its lower part to the plate z, z, which turns on pins or
bearings in the ears upon the bottom plate. To this palate is connected by
joints the arms or rods i, i, which are again connected at their other ends to the
levers k, k, which act upon the projecting arms m, n, m, n, of the trip levers 1, 1,
in the manner before described, and open and close the valves as the weighted
trip lever falls over, and thereby change the gasways or passages, as before,
the valves being suspended from arms f, f, on the trip levers, the motion of the
diaphragm being communicated to the indexes through the rod r, as described

page_text: in Figure 1. The same letters of reference being marked on corresponding
parts in these as in the former Figures, and the action of the meter being
the same, no further description will be necessary.
My fourth improvement, and the first modification of my third improve-
ment, viz, the improved adaptation, arrangement, and construction of the
valves and gas ways or passages, to allow of their being placed all on one side
of the meter, and worked from one side of the diaphragm, or from only one of
the rods k, is shewn in Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings; and. as corre-
sponding parts are marked with the same letters of reference as in the former
Figures, and the effect of the motions of the working parts being the same,
it will only be necessary for me briefly to state the difference in construction
of the case of the meter and of the said working parts. In order that the
connections between the valves or gas ways and the chambers A and B may be
better understood, I have shewn in the Figures of this Sheet the chamber A
tinted with blue colour, and the chamber B with a red color.
Figure 13 is a vertical section of the meter, the parts being situated as
seen in Figure 1, in Sheet I.
Figure 14 is a similar view to Fig. 2, and Fig. 15 is a similar representation
to Fig. 4 in the same Sheet.
Fig. 16 is a horizontal section taken through the lower part of the meter
in the direction of the dotted line 1, 2, in the above Figures.
Fig. 17 is another horizontal section taken a little below the last, the trip
lever being removed the better to shew the closing lever and the valves.
Fig. 18 is another horizontal section taken below the partition e, .and
shewing the gas pipe leading from the main and that leading to the burners.
In this instance the bottom plate e of the meter does not extend over the
whole of the lower part, as in the former instances, but only half-way, and
the compartment or chamber B is separated from the other chamber A by
the partition Y, Y, to the upper part of which the diaphragm is attached in
the same way as to casing. The valves c, d, c, d, in this instance are sus-
pended on the rods a, a, having slots formed in them in which the arms
b, b, of the T-shaped lever f work. This lever has its fulcrum on centres
at the ends of its axis C, and carries at its upper end the moveable weight
d, to which it is attached by a pin joint. From the axis C of the lever, an arm
f projects, the upper end of which is acted upon by the pins or studs m, n, of
the trip lever l, which effects the changing of the valves by the motions of
the diaphragm, as before described.
The third modification of my fifth improvement is also shewn in Sheet 3,
adapted to the construction of meter last above described, and consists in

page_text: connecting the motions of the flexible diaphragm to the pall and ratchet
wheels of the indexing train by means of a small rod placed within a case or
cylinder with proper packing.
Fig. 19 is a side elevation, and Fig. 20 is a vertical section of this
apparatus, detached from the meter. It will be seen by the Figures
that one arm of the rod k is situated between the forked arms of a
a small lever g attached to the end of the rod which passes through
the stuffing box or cylinder i mounted upon the bottom plate e of the
meter. The rod h has another small lever or arm k placed at its lower end,
which by means of another bent lever communicates the necessary motion to
the pall of the first ratchet wheel of the indexing train. The rod h is furnished
with a sort of conical piston fitting on to a seat in the cylinder, the upper and
lower portions of which are packed with cotton or any fibrous material, mixed
with lard or coccoa-nut oil, or a mixture of Inrd and spermaceti or wax, which
composition is also placed in the interior of the cylinder, and prevents the
access or escape of gas to the wheel work, at the same time does not cause
much friction in the movements of the rod.
The fourth and fifth modifications of the third head of my improvements
are shewn in Sheet IV. of the accompanying Drawings. Fig. 21 is a longi-
tudinal vertical section of one of these improved dry gas meters, shewing the
fourth modification of my improved constructions of valves adapted thereto,
viz, in which the gas way or passages and the valves are placed in a horizontal
line, one opposite to the other, and in which only two stop pieces or valves are
used for the four apertures, although the same number may be applied if
desired. Fig. 22 is a transverse vertical section, and Fig. 23 is a horizontal
section of the same. Fig. 24 is a detached sectional representation of the gas
ways and passages, shewing the induction way C open to the compartment B,
and the eduction way D open to the burners. Fig. 25 is another similar
section, shewing the situation of the valves and gas ways after a change has
taken place. Fig. 26 is a similar representation to Fig. 21, and Fig. 27 to
Fig. 22; and Fig. 28 is a horizontal view of the bottom plate and valves;
these latter Figures shewing the fifth modification of my improved arrango-
ment and construction of valves, in which my fourth improvement is also
carried into effect, and the apertures or pairs of gas ways are placed at an
angle to each other, and the valves or stop plates placed in the midst of them,
moving on a centre pin or hinge joint, properly packed by a small flexible piece
of leather or air-tight cloth, to prevent the escape of gas from one chamber to
the other. Fig. 29 is a detached sectional representation of this arrangement
and construction of valves, which will better illustrate the same. And I would
.

page_text: here remark, that as similar letters of reference are used to denote similar
parts, as in the former Figures, the working of these modifications will be
clearly understood from the Drawing, no further description will be requisite.
Having now particularly described my several improvements as applied to
the construction of gas meters, I have only further to remark on this particular
application, that the valves and the working parts may be made of metal
tinned, or of tin itself, which best resists the action of the gas, and that the
valves and their scats may be made of glass, the surfaces being ground and
polished truly to each other.
With regard to the sixth head of my present improvements, vizt, the appli-
cation of this improved construction of meters for the measuring and registering
or indicing of the quantity of water or other fluids passed through the same,
it will be evident to all competent persons that any fluid in a cool state may be
passed through this improved construction of meter, such fluid having a
pressure occasioned by flowing from a greater altitude than the exit aperture,
or from any mechanical force, as a force pump, &c., and that the action of the
meter will go under the pressure of water in the same way as with gas, and
that the number of gallons passed through the meter may be registered,
instead of cubic feet, if desired; and when used for this purpose the flexible
diaphragm or partition may be made of stout leather, india rubber, waterproof
cloth or fabric, or any other strong water-tight and sufficiently flexible material;
and also the valves, levers, and other parts may be made much stronger, and
there will not be the same necessity of avoiding friction, as the pressure of
confined fluids is generally much more powerful than that of gas. Also that
cocks or slide valves may be used instead of lift valves, and the meter placed
in a horizontal instead of a vertical position; all of which variations will be
immediately suggested by a practical person, the most severe test of the
working of these improved meters being the measuring of gas at a very low
pressure, the meters (as constructed above) being capable of working at a
less than half a tenth pressure, and I have therefore more particularly described
the application thereto, the principal novel features or heads of my improve-
ments being as herein-before stated and set forth.
Having now particularly described the nature of my said improvements,
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would in conclusion
remark that I do not of course intend to claim as my Invention the con-
struction of gas meters with moveable or flexible partitions or diaphragms, as
herein-before described, but only the improved constructions or modifications
of valves, and the modes or methods of working or actuating the same from
the movements of the said flexible partition and of communicating the result

page_text: of such movements to the indicing train of wheelwork, all of which are par-
ticularly set forth in the first part of this Specification, and afterwards
described more particularly in detail.
And lastly, I claim the adaptation and application of such meters constructed
with a flexible diaphragm or moveable partition, from which the valves or
cocks, and their ways or passages, and also the indexes, receive their motions,
to the purpose of measuring and registering the quantity of liquids passed
through the same.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Bertie Paterson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of May, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.