IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-METERS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO PARTLY APPLICABLE TO PUMPS AND MOTOR-ENGINES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-METERS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO
PARTLY APPLICABLE TO PUMPS AND MOTOR-ENGINES." A communication
from abroad by Lewis Hallock Nash, of Brooklyn, New York, United States
of America Mechanical Engineer.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th January 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-METERS, WHICH IM-
PROVEMENTS ARE ALSO PARTLY APPLICABLE TO PUMPS AND MOTOR-ENGINES."
[A communication from abroad by Lewis Hallock Nash, of Brooklyn, New
York, United States of America, Mechanical Engineer.]
To obtain accuracy of measurement in a water-meter with a construction adapted
for durability of operation and by which a positive displacement of the water is
effected without impeding the flow and interrupting the pressure of the head are
among the objects of this Invention.
I use a piston of a construction adapted to have an excentric or side rocking
motion across the centre of a cylinder-chamber to effect its division at two or more
points into receiving and discharging spaces for the water. The piston operates
with two or more continually changing points or lines of bearing or contact
with two or more points or contact bearings of the cylinder at the same time, by
which the receiving and discharging spaces of the cylinder are caused to continually
change their volume with an unobstructed flow and a positive displacement of the
water from the discharging space of the cylinder by the rocking of the piston from
one bearing point to another, across the chamber of the cylinder, and by the con-
current revolving motion of the piston around its own centre, both movements
being effected by the relative shape of the piston and cylinder, and by the direct
action of the water upon the piston when used as a meter, because as the piston
rocks from one bearing point to another directly across the centre of the cylinder it
is at the same time revolved to effect the measurement of the water passing into
and from the cylinder spaces.

page_text: To accommodate this excentric or side rocking motion of the piston it must have a
free or shifting connection with the crank mover of the registering mechanism. The
continually changing points or lines of bearing of the piston and cylinder are
formed by alternate projections and recesses on each. The excentric or side rocking
movement of the piston is governed by the extent of the projecting bearing-points and
the depth of the recesses, so that in the rotation of the piston around its own centre
one or more projecting bearing points of the piston will pass into corresponding recesses
at one point of the cylinder, and in contact with and over one or moro projecting
bearing points of the cylinder at a different point, thereby always maintaining a
direct contact of the piston and cylinder at two or more dividing points within the
continually changing cylinder spaces, and obtaining a continuous flow without
interfering with the pressure of the head or impeding the flow.
In these movements of the piston the water flows through a valve into and from
the cylinder spaces as they are filled and discharged. For effecting this operation
the valvo may be formed with and constitute a part of the said piston, or it
may be separate therefrom and controlled by a connection with the said piston.
The said valve is so constructed that the cylinder spaces on one side of the piston
as it revolves have free inlet for the water through one set of the valve-ports, while
the spaces on the other side of the piston have free outlets for the water through
the other ports of the valve, causing the piston to move with the flow. In this
operation the valve opens some and closes other of the said ports in succession in
such manner as to avoid any undue lateral pressure of the water upon the piston.
When the valve is arranged within the piston it is formed by inlet and outlet
openings or ports in the cuds or end of the piston, communicating by means of
passages in or through the piston with the spaces of the cylinder. These end
openings or ports communicate with openings or ports in the heads or head of the
cylinder which forin the inlet and the outlet ports thereof. In the arrangement of
the valve separate from the piston the latter has no inlet and outlet ports, but these
are formed within a case and operate in the same manner with respect to the
constantly changing cylinder spaces, and the action of such separate valve is the
same as one formed within the piston, and its motion is controlled by any suitable
free attachment with the said piston. The results of these different arrangements
and constructions of valves are identical with regard to their effecting and ineasuring
the flow of the water, and any suitable form of valve may be used that will operate
with proper relation to the movements of the piston so as to give a uniform flow
and a uniform pressure upon the working parts.
In one form of this Invention the piston has a single valve formed of opposite
end ports adapted to act in connection with receiving and discharging ports in the
cylinder-chamber, so that the water entering at the inlet cylinder port passes
through one end of the valve into the cylinder on one side thereof, and re-entering
the valve from the other side of the said cylinder passes out at the opposite end
ports of said valve, thus forming a single valved piston, while in another form of
the said Invention I obtain both an inlet and an outlet port on each end of the
piston so as to form independent end valves or a double valved piston in connection
with the cylinder heads, and in which the outlet ports of the valve or valves pass
directly through the piston, whereby a greater capacity of the valve is obtained and
the pressure of the water on cach end of the piston equalized. In this construction
of double valve the ports or passages in the cylinder-heads are adapted by their
reverse arrangement to cause the inflow of the water to be directed upon opposite
sides of the piston.
I also use a form of valve separate from the piston but controlled by it.
The walls of the cylinder aro formed with projections and recesses to allow free
passage of the water between the receiving spaces of the cylinder on one side of the
piston, and also free passage of water between the discharging spaces on the other
side of the piston, so as to cause the pressure of the water in the communicating
spaces to be uniform throughout, and to prevent the retarding of the piston by
avoiding the choking of the water in the passages and spaces.

page_text: The aforesaid piston-cylinder may be used in connection with or without an
enclosing case or cover, and when such cover is used I prefer to make it in two
parts, one of which forming the head or base has the inlet and the outlet passages
which communicate with the cylinder-ports, while the other part forms the enclosing
case and carries the dial mechanism. The cylinder is secured to the base, leaving a
space between its walls and the cover to form a communication with the outlet
passage, while the inlet passage communicates with the cylinder inlet port by an
opening in the base.
In some of the modified forms of my Invention the enclosing case is not necessary.
The piston is arranged for operation within the cylinder, and the bearing or con-
tacting points or surfaces of these parts are formed by alternate recesses and pro-
jections on each of such form as to allow of the rotation of the piston not only
around its own axis but across and around the centre of the cylinder at the same
time, and the space within the cylinder must be of such form and size as to allow
the piston to have this compound motion. The object of this peculiar compound
motion of the piston is to form bearing points or lines of contact of the piston with
the cylinder walls at two or more points at the same time, whereby to divide the
cylinder into receiving and discharging spaces. In this action upon one side or at
one point of the cylinder and piston such contact takes place between a recess and
a projection, or intermediately between these points, while upon the opposite side
or point such contact is made by corresponding projections. To accomplish this
result it is necessary that the piston should have one or more less points of projec-
tion than the cylinder.
To obtain a uniform action of the water upon the piston and prevent choking of
the passages and spaces of the said cylinder recesses are formed on the sides of tho
cylinder-projections to allow free passage of water.
In connection with these recesses communicating spaces are formed in the walls
of the cylinder recesses, by means of belt projections which extend over that side of
the projections toward which the piston turns, so as to form bearings for the
piston projections and leave a free passage for the water to follow behind theso
projections.
When the valvo is formed within and a part of the piston the heads of the
cylinder have inlet and outlet ports which must havo such form as to act in con-
nection with ports in the piston to form a valve. The aforesaid single valved-piston
has ports which receive the water from the cylinder port, and discharged into the
cylinder spaces through the lateral passages, and other ports discharge the water
from the cylinder-spaces through passages into the surrounding space and through
the discharge aperture. With this construction of single valve I deem it advisable to
use a self adjusting perforated device as the inlet port, and which is carried and held
against the piston-end by the inlet flow of the water to maintain a close joint. This
device is adjustably seated and has side walls with one end perforated, and its other
end is open and provided with a rim which bears upon the end of the piston.
The aforesaid double ended valved-piston consists of an annular central space in
each end and an annular space surrounding each central space. These annular
spaces communicate with each other and with the central spaces by means of interior
diagonal passages to give a discharge through the piston.
The piston thus constructed is adapted for co-operation with a cylinder having
passages formed in its inlet and outlet heads.
The arrangement of the ports in both heads of the cylinder is alike and it is by
this means in connection with a double ended valved-piston that the capacity of the
valve is doubled. Concentric with and near the central openings or ports are ports
corresponding in number with the cylinder-recesses, and which communicate by
curved passages with circumferential ports opening at the said cylinder recesses.
These curved passages stand in reverse positions in the heads, that is, they curve
one way in one inlet-head, and in the opposite direction in the other outlet-head,
so as to direct the water into the cylinder spaces or chamber on opposite sides of
the piston.

page_text: Between and joining these heads the piston works in its side-rocking and rotary
movements.
In using a valve separated from the piston one form of such valve consists of a
shell seated within the inflow and outflow head of the cylinder, and which shell
divides by a partition the inflow from the outflow, and is supported coincident with
the axis of the cylinder by a stem projecting from a web in the head, so that the
water entering through the top of the valve by a passage in the head passes out
through a side port in the valve and valve-seat, thence through a passage into the
receiving space of the cylinder, and from the discharging space thereof it passes
through other passages and ports and escapes through the bottom of the valve into
the outlet passages.
Any suitable form of piston may be used with the separate valve by making
the number of the inlet and outlet ports of the valve-seat correspond to the number
of the bearing-projections of the cylinder-chamber and the passages therein.
The connection of the piston and valve with the dial-mechanism must be such as
to allow of a free or shifting connection to accommodate the side rocking movements
of the piston across the centre of the cylinder chamber and maintain a driving
relation with the dial-mechanism. This object is effected by connecting the piston
with the dial-mechanism by a pin engaging with and operating an arm of the train
of gear whereby the rotations of the piston are recorded by the usual dial-indices.
The recording device is mounted in a separate outside case and connected with the
interior train by a shaft through a stuffing-box as in ordinary dry meters.
In the arrangement of the valve separated from the piston the connection is made
between them by a crank-pin or slotted disc on the valve and a pin on the piston,
or by other suitable means.
The single valved piston is adapted to open and close the inlet and the outlet
ports in such a manner as to keep the line of pressure as nearly as possible at right
angles to the direction of the motion of the piston. By the line of pressure I
mean a line connecting the points of division which separate the inlet from the
outlet spaces of the cylinder; and by the direction of motion I mean a line which is a
tangent to the path of the axis of the piston at any point of such path.
I prefer to make the piston of hard rubber, but it may be made of any suitable
material and either in one piece with the valve, or the latter may be made in the
form of a plug and inserted within an opening in the piston.
I have described and prefer in practice that the piston shall have the compound
motion, but it is obvious that the piston may be fixed and the cylinder be made
to have the relative compound motion. So in like manner both the cylinder and
the piston may have a separate conjoint motion, yet retaining the same relation to
each other.
In the use of the meter the inlet may become the outlet, and vice versa.
It is obvious that the above described machine may serve as a motor or as a
pump. When used as a motor the power is taken from the piston through a crank-
shaft or otherwise, and when used as a pump the power is applied to the piston in
the same manner.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 15th
July 1879.
A
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-METERS, WHICH IM-
PROVEMENTS ARE ALSO PARTLY APPLICABLE TO PUMPS AND MOTOR-ENGINES.'
communication from abroad by Lewis Hallock Nash, of Brooklyn, New York,
United States of America, Mechanical Engineer.
To obtain accuracy of measurement in a water-meter, and a construction adapted
for durability of operation, and by which a positive displacement of the water is
effected without impeding the flow and interrupting the pressure of the head are
among the objects of this Invention.
I use a piston of a construction adapted to have an eccentric or side rocking
motion across the centre of a cylinder-chamber to effect its division at two or more
points into receiving and discharging spaces for the water. This piston operates
with two or more continually changing points or lines of contact with two or more
points or contact bearings of the cylinder at the same time; therefore the receiving
and discharging spaces of the cylinder are caused to continually change their
volume with an unobstructed flow and a positive displacement of the water from
the discharging space of the cylinder by the rocking of the piston from one bearing
point to another across the chamber of the cylinder, and by the concurrent revolving
motion of the piston around its own centre; both of these movements are effected
by the relative shape of the piston and cylinder, and by the direct action of the
water upon the piston when this Invention is used as a meter, for the reason that
the piston as it rocks from one bearing point to another directly across the centre
of the cylinder is at the same time revolved to effect the measurement of the water
passing into and from the cylinder spaces.
To accommodate this eccentric or side rocking motion of the piston it must have
a free or shifting connection with the crank-mover of the registering mechanism.
The continually changing points or lines of bearing of the piston and cylinder are
formed by alternate projections and recesses on each part; the eccentric or side
rocking movement of the piston is governed by the extent of the projecting bearing
points and the depth of the recesses, so that in the rotation of the piston around its
own centre one or more projecting bearing points of the piston will pass into
corresponding recesses at one point of the cylinder, and in contact with and over
one or more projecting bearing points of the cylinder at a different poiut; therefore
a direct contact of the piston and cylinder will be maintained at two or more
dividing points within the continually changing cylinder spaces and there will be a
continuous flow without interfering with the pressure of the head.
In these movements of the piston the water flows through a valve into and from
the cylinder spaces as they are filled and discharged. For effecting this operation
the valve may be formed with and constitute a part of the said piston; or it may
be separate therefrom and controlled by a connection with the said piston.
The said valve is so constructed that the cylinder spaces on one side of the piston
as it revolves have free inlet for the water through one set of the valve-ports, while
the spaces on the other side of the piston have free outlets for the water through
the other ports of the valve, causing the piston to move with the flow. In this
operation the valve opens some and closes other of the said ports in succession in
such manner as to avoid any undue lateral pressure of the water upon the piston.
When the valve is arranged within the piston it is formed by inlet and outlet
openings or ports in the ends or end of the piston, communicating by means of
passages in or through the piston with the spaces of the cylinder. These end
openings or ports communicate with the inlet and outlet openings or ports in the
heads or head of the cylinder. In the arrangement of the valve separate from the

page_text: The
piston the latter has no inlet and outlet ports; but these are formed within a case
and operate in the same manner with respect to the constantly changing cylinder
spaces, and the action of such separate valve is the same as that of one formed
within the piston, and its motion may be controlled by any suitable means.
results of these different arrangements and constructions of valves are identical in
the particular of effecting and measuring the flow of the water, and any suitable
form of valve may be used that will operate with proper relation to the movements
of the piston, so as to give a uniform flow and a uniform pressure upon the working
parts.
I have shewn in the Drawings two forms of valves as arranged within and
forming a part of the piston, and in one of which forms, shown in Figures 1, 2, 3,
4, and 5, the piston has a single valve with opposite end ports adapted to act in
connection with receiving and discharging ports in the cylinder-chamber, so that
the water entering at the inlet cylinder port passes through one end of the valve
into the cylinder on one side thereof, and re-entering the valve from the other side
of said cylinder passes out at the opposite end ports of said valve, thus forming a
single valved piston; while in the other form, shewn in Figures 13, 14, and 16, I
obtain both an inlet and an outlet port on each end of the piston; I thus obtain in
connection with the cylinder-beads independent end valves or a double valved
piston in which the outlet ports of the valve or valves pass directly through the
piston, whereby a greater capacity of the valve is obtained and the pressure of the
water on cach end of the piston equalized. In this construction of double valve
the ports or passages in the cylinder heads are adapted by their reverse arrangeinent
to cause the inflow of the water to be directed upon opposite sides of the piston.
I have also shown a form of valve separate from the piston but controlled by it.
The walls of the cylinder are formed with belt projections and recesses to allow
free passage of the water between the receiving spaces of the cylinder on one side
of the piston, and free passage of water between the discharging spaces on the other
side of the piston, so as to cause the pressure of water in the communicating spaces
to be uniform throughout and to prevent the retarding of the piston by avoiding
the choking of the water in the passages and spaces.
In the accompanying Drawings,―
Figure 1 represents a vertical central section of a water meter embodying this
Invention Figure 2 is a top view with the outer case removed.
Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line x, x, of Figure 1, the cylinder
head being removed and showing one form of cylinder, bearing points or lines in
connection with the rotary piston co-operating therewith by bearing points or lines,
and shewing the valve as forming part of the piston.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the rotary single valved piston; and
Figure 5, a section of the same shewing the end inlet and outlet ports communi-
cating with lateral passages.
Figure 6 shews a perforated device arranged in and forming the inlet port, and a
close wearing-joint for the single valved piston.
Fig. 7 is a vertical section of a modification of this Invention illustrating the
arrangement with the rotary piston of a valvo separated therefrom, but controlled
by the motions of the said piston.
Figure 8 shews in section on the line a, a, Figure 7, the arrangement of the
inlet and outlet passages in relation to the cylinder and a valve separated from the
piston.
Figure 80 is a section on the line b*, 6*, Figure 7; and
Figure 8b shows the separate valve used in the modification shown in Figure 7.
Figures 9, 10, and 11 shew modified forms of the cylinder bearing-points or lines,
and of corresponding forms of pistons adapted for co-operation therewith.
Figure 12 shows the direction of the line of pressure upon the piston in relation
to its continuously changing motion and the divided cylinder-spaces.
Figure 13 shows in section another modification of this Invention, in which the
piston has a valve formed in each end with inlet and outlet ports at the same end,

page_text: the outlet ports passing through the said piston and co-operating with inlet and
outlet ports in the cylinder-heads.
Figure 14 is a plan of Figure 13, with one of the cylinder-heads removed, and
showing the piston in the position it occupies in dividing the cylinder-chamber into
receiving and discharging spaces.
Figure 15 is an inside plan view of one of the cylinder-heads, showing the inlet
valve ports and the outlet ports therein as adapted for the form of piston, having a
valve at each end, as in Figure 13; and
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the double ended valved piston shown in
section in Figure 13.
I have shown the piston-cylinder in connection with and without an enclosing
caso or cover. When such cover is used as in Figure 1, I prefer to make it in two
parts; one part A, forming the head or base, has the inlet and the outlet passages,
which communicate with the cylinder ports, while the other part B forms the
enclosing case and carries the dial-mechanism. The cylinder C is secured to the
base A by a screw-neck, or in any suitable way, leaving a space D between its walls
and the cover, so as to form a communication of said space with the outlet passage E,
while the inlet passage F communicates with the cylinder inlet port J by an opening
or openings G in the base.
The space surrounding the cylinder serves to relieve the working parts of undue
pressure.
In the modified forms of my Invention shown in Figures 7 and 13 the enclosing
case is not necessary. The piston H is arranged for operation within the cylinder,
and the bearing or contacting points or surfaces of these parts are formed by alter-
nate recesses a, a', and projections b, b', on each of such form as to allow of the
rotation of the piston not only around its own axis but across and around the centre
of the cylinder at the same time, and the space within the cylinder must be of such
form and size as to allow this piston to have this compound motion. The object of
this peculiar compound motion of the piston is to form bearing points or lines of
contact of the piston with the cylinder-walls at two or more points at the same
time, whereby to divide the cylinder into receiving and discharging spaces. Those
alternate recesses and projections must in all cases be such that while they are in
contact upon one side or point of the cylinder they must also at the same time have
a contact at another or opposite point or side of the cylinder. In this manner they
divide the cylinder into receiving and discharging spaces for the flow. In this
action it will be observed that upon one side or at one point of the cylinder and
piston such contact takes place between a recess and projection or intermediately
between these points, while upon the opposite side or point such contact is made by
corresponding projections, as shown in the several Figures. To accomplish this
result it is necessary that the piston should have fower points of projection than
the cylinder.
To obtain a uniform action of the water upon the piston and prevent choking of
the passages and spaces c of the cylinder, recesses c' are formed on the sides of the
cylinder-projections b', as shewn in Figures 3 and 14, to allow free passage of water
between the receiving spaces of the cylinder on one side of the piston, and free
passage of water between the discharging spaces on the other side of the piston,
and thereby cause the pressure of the water in the communicating spaces to be
uniform throughout.
In connection with these recesses c' communicating spaces care formed in the
walls of the cylinder recesses a' by means of belt-projections c³, Figures 13 and 14,
which extend over that side of the projections 6', towards which the piston turns
so as to form bearings for the piston-projections b, and leave a freo passage for the
water to follow behind these projections; thus the retardation of the movements of
the piston is prevented while a bearing point b is leaving a cylinder recess a¹, and
all foreign matter is allowed to pass out between these contacting parts, and I
obtain a uniform action of a piston adapted for operation, with a sido rocking

page_text: motion across the centre of the cylinder, and a rotary motion around its own
centre.
When the valve is formed within and as part of the piston, as shown in Figures 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, and 16, the heads of the cylinder have inlet and outlet ports,
which must have such form as to act in connection with ports in the piston to form
a valve. As shewn in these Figures the valve is of two forms, one a single-valved
piston, and the other a double ended-valved-piston, both operating substantially
upon the same principle. The single valved-piston, shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4,
and 5, consists of ports d, d', in the ends communicating with lateral passages e, c',
which communicate with the spaces c of the cylinder forming the receiving and
discharging divisions. The ports d' receive the water from the cylinder-port Jand
discharge it into the cylinder-spaces through the lateral passages e¹, while the ports d
discharge the water from the cylinder-spaces through passages e, the water flowing
out through the cylinder-port K, Figure 1, whence it passes into the surrounding space
D and out through the discharge. With this construction of single valve I deem it
advisable to use a self adjusting perforated device L as the inlet port, as shown in
Figures 1 and 6, which device is carried and held against the piston-end by the inlet
flow of the water to maintain a close joint. This device is adjustably seated within
and forms the port J, and has side walls with one end perforated and its other end
open, and provided with a rim which bears upon the end of the piston to effect the
object stated.
The double-ended valved piston, shown in Figures 13, 14, and 16, has an annular
central space ƒ and g in each end of equal depth and area, and an annular space h
and i surrounding each central space, and of equal depth and area. These annular
spaces communicate with each other and with the central spaces by means of interior
diagonal passages crossing in opposite directions to give a discharge through the
piston. The annular central space fat the inlet end of the piston communicates
with the annular surrounding space i at the outlet end of the piston by the diagonal
passages j, j,j, while the annular central space g at the outlet end of the piston
communicates with the annular space at the inlet end of the piston by the diagonal
passages k, k, k, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.
The piston thus constructed is adapted for co-operation with a cylinder having
passages formed in its inlet and outlet heads, as shewn in Figure 13, so that in
whatever position the piston may be, the central valve-space fat one end will always
communicate with the inlet cylinder passage J', and the central valve-space g at
the other end of the piston will always communicate with the outlet cylinder-
passage K during the continually changing points of division of said chamber made
by the motions of said piston.
The arrangement of the ports in both heads of the cylinder is alike, and it is by
this means, in connection with a double-ended valved piston, that the capacity of
the valve is doubled. In this case each cylinder head forms a shell with a series
of ports therein, and a central opening having perpetual communication with the
central spaces in the opposite ends of the piston-valve, which central openings form
the inlet port J¹ and the outlet port K¹ of the meter. Concentric with and near
these central ports are ports 1, corresponding in number with the cylinder recesses a',
and communicating by curved passages with circumferential ports m opening at the
said cylinder recesses, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. These curved passages stand
in reverse positions in the heads, that is, they curve one way in the inlet-head A',
and in the opposite direction in the outlet head B', so as to direct the water into
the cylinder-spaces or chamber on opposite sides of the piston, and in the same
direction with its revolving motion, so that both heads have corresponding ports, in
which some of the valves & communicate with central valve spaces f, g, in the piston
during its movements, and the other valves m open directly into the cylinder chamber.
Between and adjoining these heads the piston works in its side rocking and
rotary movements, so as to constantly change its communication with the ports L,
but not with the inlet and outlet ports in such heads. In the head A¹ the inner

page_text: ports communicate through the curved passages with the outer ports m and the
cylinder spaces c, while the inner corresponding ports of the head B¹ com-
municate by similar but opposite curved passages and outer ports m with the
cylinder-spaces c, thereby forming a double-ended valve, or a valve having a double
capacity in connection with the cylinder head ports. The inlet port J' always
communicates with its corresponding central valve-space f, and this space always
opens some of the inner ports of the head A¹, which allows the water to flow to
the left of the piston through the outer ports, while the outlet port K' always
communicates with its corresponding valve-space g, and this space always opens
communication with some of the inner ports of the head B', which allows tho
water to flow out through the outer ports m into the cylinder to the right of the
piston. At the same time the central valve space f of the inlet-head opens com-
munication through some of the inner ports of the outlet head B', through
the annular space i, causing the water to flow with the side of the piston that
already has free inlet through the lower piston space, as just described, while the
annular space h at the inlet end of the piston communicates with the central valve-
space g at the outlet. By this construction the water entering at J' is divided, part
flowing through the ports 1 of the head A', and part through the ports m into the
cylinder-chamber, while part passes through the diagonal passages jjj, to the
annular space i, and thence through the ports and m of the head B₁ into the
cylinder chamber. In like manner the water escapes through the ports m and l
into the annular space h, and thence through the diagonal passages k, k, k, into the
central valve-space g to the outlet-port. In a similar manner the water escapes
through the ports m and 1 of the head B' into the valve space g to the outlet.
This construction gives a greater capacity to the valve, and at the same time
balances or equalizes the pressure of the water on each side of the piston, avoiding
both friction and wearing, because g and h are outlet spaces communicating with
cach other, while fand i are inlet spaces communicating with each other.
Under this construction of valve and cylinder ports I obtain a perfect inlet and
outlet valve at each end of the piston, giving a uniform action thereto and effecting
an accurate measurement without loss of pressure in the flow, while the inflow and
outflow at each side of the piston avoids any undue lateral pressure of the water
upon the piston.
One form of valve used separately from the piston is shown in Figures 7, 8, 8ª,
and 8b, it is constructed with a shell M seated with the inflow and outflow head A
of the cylinder, and divides, by a partition Figure 8b, the inflow from the outflow;
it is supported in position co-incident with the axis of the cylinder by a stem
projecting from a web in the head A, the water entering through the top of the
valve by a passage ' in said head, passes out through a side port g', ', in the valve
and valve-sent, thence through the passages into the receiving space c of the
cylinder, and from the discharging space thereof it passes through the passages,³
and the ports in the valve-seat through the port g², and escapes through the
bottom of the valve into the outlet passages.
Any suitable form of piston may be used with the separate valve by making the
number of the inlet and outlet ports of the valve seat correspond with the number
of the bearing projections of the cylinder-chamber and the passages therein. In
any construction of the piston and arrangement of the valve, the connection of the
latter with the dial mechanism must be such as to allow of a free or shifting con-
nection to accomodate the side rocking movements of the piston across the centre
of the cylinder-chamber, and maintain a driving relation with the dial mechanism.
As shown in the Drawings, this is effected by connecting the piston with the dial
mechanism by a pin o engaging with and operating an arm p of the train of gearing,
whereby the rotations of the piston are recorded by the usual dial indices. The
recording device is mounted in a separate outside case, and connected with the
interior train a by a shaft through a stuffing-box, as in ordinary dry meters.
In the arrangement of the valve separated from the piston, the connection is
made between them by a crank-pin or slotted disc m* on the valve, and a pin n on

page_text: the piston, as shown in Figures 7 and 8b, or any other suitable connection may be
made that will accomodate the oblique or cross rocking motion of the piston.
The single-valved piston is adapted to open and close the inlet and the outlet
ports in such a manner as to keep the line of pressure as nearly as possible at right
angles to the direction of the motion of the piston. By the line of pressure I mean
a line connecting the points of division which separate the inlet from the outlet
spaces of the cylinder, as shown by the line in Figure 12, and by the direction of
motion I mean a line which is tangential to the path of the axis of the piston at
any point of such path, as shown by the arrow y in Figure 12; these lines continu-
ally change their position as the piston rotates. The function of the valve is to
regulate the flow of the water into and from the cylinder spaces in connection with
a piston which has given to it by the flow a compound side rocking and rotary
motion within the cylinder chamber, and this function can be made operative
whether the valve be arranged within and forms part of the piston, or is separate
from but connected therewith, and so as to be controlled thereby. I do not wish to
be confined to either of the specific forms of valve shown, or to any specific construc-
tion and arrangement of such valve in relation to the piston, so long as the valve
and the piston co-operate to produce the results stated.
In the double ended valved-piston, the valve is complete on each end, so that
either end would form a valve to the exclusion of the other, and in applying my
Invention to motors, one valve would have sufficient capacity, but for meters the
double ended valved piston is desirable.
I prefer to make the piston of hard rubber, but it may be made of any suitable
material, and either in one piece with the valve, or the latter may be made in the
form of a plug, and inserted within an opening in the piston.
I have described and prefer in practice that the piston shall have the compound
motion, but it is obvious that the piston may be fixed and the cylinder be made to
have the relative compound motion. So in like manner both the cylinder and the
piston may have a separate conjoint motion while retaining the saine relation to
each other.
In the use of the meter the inlet may become the outlet, and vice versa.
It is also contemplated to use the machine as a motor or as a pump. When used
as a motor the power is taken from the piston through a crank shaft or otherwise,
and when used as a pump the power is applied to the piston in the same manner.
In Figures 9, 10, and 11 the wall spaces c¹ of the cylinder are shown in the piston
projections for the same purpose as when used in the cylinder projections.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
First. A piston for water-meters, pumps, and motors, having alternate bearing
points or projections and recesses adapted by means of a cylinder-chamber having
alternate bearing points or projections and recesses, to have an eccentric or side
rocking movement within and upon continually changing lines across the centre of
said chamber, to effect its division at two or more points on its sides into receiving
and discharging spaces which communicate with the inlet and the outlet of the said
chamber.
Second. The piston of a water meter, pump, or motor, constructed with alternato
recesses and bearing points or projections, and a cylinder-chamber having alternate
wall recesses and bearing points or projections adapted to intermatch with each
other at one or more bearing points at one point or side of the cylinder, and allow
the projections of each part to bear upon and to pass each other at two or more
points at a different side of the chamber, to allow the piston to revolve whilo it
also rocks in constantly changing lines across the centre of the cylinder-chamber,
for the purpose specified.
Third. The piston of a water-meter adapted to have an eccentric or side rocking
movement across the centre of the cylinder-chamber, and a revolving motion around
its own centre combined with registering mechanism by means of a free or shifting

page_text: connection acting with the continually changing side rocking movements of the
piston while maintaining a driving relation with the dial mechanism.
Fourth. The combination with a piston having an eccentric or side rocking
motion across the centre of the cylinder chamber, and a revolving motion around
its own centre to divide the cylinder at two or more beåring points on its sides, of
a valve controlled by the movements of the said piston, and adapted to open and
close, receiving and discharging ports in succession to effect the purpose above
specified.
Fifth. A rotary piston having a single valve formed therein by opposite end ports
or depressions, and adapted to act in connection with receiving and discharging
ports or passages in the cylinder chamber to form a valve and piston into and
through which the water entering at the inlet cylinder end ports, passes by one end
of the valve into the cylinder chamber on one side thereof, and re-entering the valve
from the other side of said cylinder chamber, passes out at the opposite end ports of
Baid valve, to effect the purpose specified with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the
Drawings.
Sixth. A rotary single valved-piston having opposite end ports communicating
with the piston sides by diagonal passages in combination with a cylinder-chamber
having receiving and discharging ports communicating with the said opposite valve
end ports, and with the receiving and discharging spaces of the said cylinder,
whereby the said valve opens some and closes others of its ports in succession to
effect tho equalization of the pressure of the water at right angles to the direction of
the side rocking and rotary movements of the said valve-piston as specified with
reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the Drawings.
Seventh. The combination with the cylinder having the series of inner ports 7,
the outer ports m, and a central inlet port J' in its head, cominunicating with the
cylinder chamber of a valve forined within the piston, having inlet and outlet ports
at oue and the same end, adapted to have a perpetual cominunication with the
central inlet head port f, and as shifting communication with the inner head ports
by the eccentric or side rocking and rotary motions of the said piston within, and
across the centre of the cylinder-chamber in close contact with its heads, for the
purpose specified and as described with reference to Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 of
the Drawings.
Eighth. The combination in a water meter of a piston adapted to have an
eccentric or side rocking and rotary motion within and across the centre of the
cylinder in close contact with its heads, and a valve having both an inlet and an
outlet port at each end with cylinder heads, having inlet and outlet ports commu-
nicating with the ports of the valves, whereby the valve at each end operates
independently of the other, to maintain a perpetual circulation from inlet to outlet
with the ports of both cylinder heads, and in which there is both an inflow and an
outflow into and from each cylinder-head, as specified with reference to Figures 13,
14, 15, and 16 of the Drawings.
Ninth. The valve ports in the cylinder-heads and their communicating curved
passages arranged in reverse positions to cach other, and combined with the valve
of the piston, substantially as described, whereby to cause the inflow of the water
to be directed upon opposite sides of a piston, having a side rocking motion across
the centre of the cylinder, and a revolving motion around its own centre to divide
the said chamber into receiving and discharging spaces, as shown in Figures 13 to
15 of the Drawings.
Tenth. The piston of a water meter having a valve formed therein, consisting of
the central and annular surrounding spaces f, g, h, i, at each end, and the communi-
cating diagonal passages j, k, (Figures 13 to 15), in combination with the inlet and
outlet cylinder ports, and the valve ports in the cylinder heads, arranged for
operation with a continuous flow of water into and from the said cylinder-chamber,
and into and from the said piston valve.
Eleventh. The spaces o rrecesses c¹, Figures 3 and 14, in the walls of the cylinder
between the bearing points b and the recesses a¹ in combination with the piston,

page_text: having alternate bearing points and recesses whereby to prevent choking, and
ensure the uniform action of a piston adapted for operation with a side rocking
motion across the centre of the cylinder, and a rotary motion around its own
centre.
Twelfth. The belt projections c³, Figures 13 and 14, arranged upon the walls of i
the cylinder recesses a¹ and between the projections b', in combination with the
piston bearing points 6 adapted for operation with the said belt bearings, to allow
the water to follow behind the piston points to obtain the advantages above
specified.
Thirteenth. The combination with the cylinder projections 6', having recesses c',
Figures 3 and 14, of the belt projections in the wall recesses a³, whereby to form
wall spaces behind the bearing points 6 of the piston, and a free passage between
the receiving and discharging spaces of the cylinder-chamber to obtain the advan-
tages above specified.
Fourteenth. The inlet device, Figures 1 and 6, having side walls, a perforated 1
end, and an open end bearing rim scated adjustably in and forming the inlet port of
the cylinder-chamber, in combination with the rotary piston, against one end of
which the said device bears, for the purpose above specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have bereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord 2
One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
TIM DADT
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