Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Feb., 1887.
Complete Left, 26th July, 1887.
Complete Accepted, 2nd Sept., 1887.
I, ROBERT THOMPSON BAINES, of 6 Fenchurch Buildings, in the City of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to stop-cocks of the kind or class wherein jute, hemp, abestos
or other fibrous or soft packing is employed for ensuring the tightness of the plug in
the barrel or body of the cock.
The packing in these cocks has usually been applied in straight grooves formed in
the barrel or body parallel to the axis of the plug, and in annular grooves or spaces
also formed in the said barrel or body one above and the other below the ways or
passages therein.
The compression of the packing in the straight grooves has heretofore been effected
by endwise pressure applied thereto through the packing contained in the annular
grooves or spaces, and no provision has been made for compressing the packing in the
straight grooves independently of that in the annular grooves or spaces. The com-
pression of the packing throughout the cock by the same means is disadvantageous
for the following reasons, viz :-If any leakage should occur through the packing
in one or more of the straight grooves, such leakage cannot be stopped without
compressing the packing in one or both of the annular grooves or spaces as well
as that in the straight grooves; the packing in the annular grooves or spaces is
thus frequently compressed to such an extent as to produce excessive friction
between the same and the plug of the cock, thereby rendering the turning of the
said plug difficult and causing the rapid wear of the packing. Moreover, when
the packing in the said annular grooves or spaces has been compressed until it
has become hard enough to resist further tightening of the gland, the compression
of the packing in the straight grooves is no longer possible except by removing
T
1177

page_text: the packing from one of the annular grooves or spaces, and inserting more packing
in the transverse grooves and driving the same therein by means of a suitable tool;
this operation cannot be effected while the cock is subjected to the pressure of the
fluid.
Now one object of my invention is to obviate these disadvantages. For this pur-
pose, I provide for tightening or compressing the packing in the straight or
longitudinal grooves by means which are separate from, or independent of, those
used for tightening or compressing the packing in the annular grooves or spaces.
And a novel and peculiar feature of my said invention is the provision of means for
effecting the tightening of the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves by
lateral instead of by endwise compression thereof.
My said invention, moreover, comprises a peculiar formation of the grooves
around the ways or passages in the barrel or body of the cock, whereby I cheapen the
manufacture of the cock and, at the same time, ensure its tightness and facilitate the
compression of the packing therein.
I provide for the compression of the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves
by the employment of wedges inserted in the said grooves between the packing therein
and the barrel or body of the cock. A screw-gland or other suitable device is
provided for forcing the said wedges downwards or inwards for the purpose of com-
pressing the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves without affecting that in
either of the annular grooves or spaces. Separate or independent screw-glands or
other suitable devices are provided for compressing the packing in the said annular
grooves or recesses.
:
The desired result is conveniently and advantageously accomplished as follows, that
is to say A gland is screwed into the barrel or body of the cock at each end of the
plug for the purpose of compressing the packing in the annular grooves or spaces,
and another gland is screwed into the said barrel or body at one or the other end of
the plug (preferably that whereon the handle is formed or fixed) for the purpose of
adjusting the wedges and compressing the packing in the straight or longitudinal
grooves. The last named gland may be either outside or inside of the gland for the
annular groove at the same end of plug, and these glands can be adjusted indepen-
dently of each other. To obtain access to the inner gland, it is necessary to remove
the outer gland, but this can be done while the cock is subjected to the pressure of
the fluid.
In solid bottom cocks, one screw-gland is used for tightening or compressing the
packing in both annular grooves or spaces. In some instances I use a ring or washer
provided with snugs or projections which bear upon the ends of the wedges and with
means for preventing rotation of the said ring or washer when the gland is turned to
compress the packing.
The grooves or spaces for the packing in the barrel or body of the cock may be of
the ordinary or any other suitable shape. According to one part of my invention I
make the said grooves in such a manner that they completely surround the ways or
passages in the barrel or body of the cock, and I am enabled to dispense with the
annular grooves or spaces formed in cocks of this kind or class as heretofore
constructed.
In some instances, I make the said ways or passages oval, elliptical or of other
elongated form in transverse section, and I make the grooves of corresponding form
so that they surround the said ways or passages leaving a suitable marginal space
around each of the same. I extend these grooves at one or both ends and provide
one or two rings or glands having projecting pieces adapted to enter the extensions of
the said grooves for the purpose of compressing the packing therein by endwise
pressure. The requisite pressure may be applied by means of screw-glands, nuts or
other suitable devices, and will be transmitted to the whole of the packing in the said
grooves.
In other instances, I make the ways or passages in the barrel or body of the cock
triangular, diamond-shaped or rhomboidal in transverse section and provide packing
grooves of corresponding shape in the said barrel or body.

page_text: If desired, I make the inner portions of the said grooves taper longitudinally in
order to equalize throughout the packing the pressure exerted thereon by the gland.
In such cases, I prefer to leave the said grooves parallel at their outer edges so that
the surface of the packing which is in contact with the plug will be of uniform
width.
I sometimes make V-shaped grooves in the barrel or body of the cock and insert
wedges therein as above described, and I place thin strips of metal between the said
wedges and the packing; I also form transverse grooves in the said barrel or body
each of which extends from end to end of the upper part of the corresponding V-shaped
groove. In this case I provide separate or independent means for compressing the
packing in the two grooves.
It is obvious that I may otherwise somewhat modify the construction of the cock
without departing from the nature of my invention.

page_text: I, ROBERT THOMPSON BAINES, of 6 Fenchurch Buildings, in the City of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
My invention relates to stop-cocks of the kind or class wherein jute, hemp, asbestos
or other fibrous or soft packing is employed for ensuring the tightness of the plug in
the barrel or body of the cock.
The packing in stop-cocks of the kind or class above mentioned has usually been
applied in straight grooves formed in the barrel or body of the cock parallel to the
axis of the plug, and in annular grooves or spaces also formed in the said barrel or
body one above and the other below the ways or passages therein.
The compression of the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves has here-
tofore been effected by endwise pressure applied thereto through the packing contained
in the annular grooves or spaces, and no provision has been made for compressing
the packing in the longitudinal grooves independently of that in the annular grooves
or spaces. The simultaneous compression of the packing throughout the cock in the
manner heretofore practised is disadvantageous for the following reasons, viz :-If any
leakage should occur through the packing contained in one or more of the longitudinal
grooves, such leakage cannot be stopped without compressing the packing in one or
both of the annular grooves or spaces as well as that in the longitudinal grooves;
the packing in the annular grooves or spaces is, therefore, frequently compressed to
such an extent as to produce excessive friction between the same and the plug of the
cock, thereby rendering the turning of the plug difficult and causing the rapid wear
of the packing. Moreover, when the packing in the said annular grooves or spaces
has been compressed until it has become hard enough to resist further tightening of
the gland, the compression of the packing in the longitudinal grooves is no longer
possible, and, in order to stop leakage through the packing in the said longitudinal
grooves, it becomes necessary to remove the gland or one of the glands and insert
more packing in the longitudinal grooves. As this operation cannot be effected

page_text: while the cock is subjected to the pressure of the fluid, great inconvenience is sometimes
experienced in the use of such cocks as heretofore constructed.
Now one object of my present invention is to obviate these disadvantages, and to
provide for the tightening or compression of the packing in all or any of the
longitudinal grooves without undue compression of the packing in the other parts of
the cock. For this purpose, I employ separate or distinct devices for tightening
or compressing the packing in the longitudinal grooves and for tightening or com-
pressing the packing in the annular grooves or spaces. Or I employ separate devices
for separately tightening the packing in any of the longitudinal grooves without
interfering with the packing in the other grooves or spaces.
Moreover a novel and peculiar feature of my said invention is the provision of
means for effecting the tightening or compression of the packing in the longitudinal
grooves by lateral or transverse instead of by endwise pressure.
Another feature of my said invention is the provision of means whereby, when the
gland is tightened, a wedge-like action will be exerted upon the packing in the
longitudinal grooves. For this purpose, I, in some instances, employ wedges capable
of adjustment by means of a screw-gland, or by other suitable devices capable of
adjustment from the outside of the cock. In other instances I make the ways or
passages of the cock oval, elliptical or of other suitable shape, and the packing grooves
or spaces of corresponding shape, that is to say, instead of making the longitudinal
grooves straight from end to end of the socket or of the plug, I make the said grooves
so that they gradually increase in width and depth or either from the centre, or near
the centre of the said socket or plug to the ends thereof. Or I make the longitudinal
grooves taper from one end to the other end thereof, as hereinafter more particularly
described.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 2 a side elevation of one form of my improved stop-cock.
Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan of the said stop-cock, the glands being removed.
Figure 5 is a vertical central section showing a modification of the stop-cock
illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line y, y, Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal central section shewing another form of my
improved stop-cock, and
Figure 8 is a transverse section through the barrel or body of the said cock.
Figure 9 is a horizontal section on the line a¹, a¹, Figure 7.
Figure 10 is a horizontal section on the line ³, x2, Figure 7, and
Figure 11 is a horizontal section on the line 3, 3, Figure 7.
Figure 12 is a vertical transverse section of the barrel of a cock, illustrating a
modification of my invention.
Figure 13 is a plan or top view illustrating another modification of my said invention,
a part of the gland being removed.
Figure 14 shows the stop-cock illustrated in Figure 13, partly in side elevation, and
partly in section on the line z, z, Figure 13.
Figures 15, 16, and 17 are horizontal sections respectively on the lines z¹--z¹³,
222, 23-23, Figure 13.
Figure 18 is a similar view to Figure 14, showing another modification of my said
invention.
Figure 19 is a vertical central section showing another modification of my said
invention.
Figure 20 is a vertical transverse section of the barrel or body of a cock, showing
a further modification of my said invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a is the barrel or body of the cock, which is formed
with the usual ways or passages a¹, a². bis the plug. c, c are the longitudinal packing
grooves, in which are inserted wedges d. These wedges bear against inclined surfaces c

page_text: on the barrel or body a. Between the said wedges and the packing I prefer to place
thin strips or pieces e of metal, against which the said wedges will slide, so that they
will not tend to move the packing end wise. f is a screw-gland for forcing the said
wedges downward to compress the packing in the grooves c. A ring or washer "¹ is
introduced between the said wedges and the gland to facilitate the turning or adjust-
ment of the latter. This ring is formed with internal projections which fit between
the parts a³ of the body a, whereon the screw-threads for the reception of the glands
are formed. g, g are the annular packing grooves or spaces, and h is a screw-gland
for tightening or compressing the packing in the said grooves g. The action of each
of the said screw-glands f, his distinct from that of the other screw-gland; therefore
the packing in the grooves c can be tightened or compressed without affecting that in
either of the annular grooves or spaces g, and vice versa. It is evident, moreover,
that lateral pressure will be applied to the packing by the said wedges, and that the
packing in the longitudinal grooves can be repeatedly tightened or compressed until
the lower ends of the wedges come in contact with the body a at the bottom of the
grooves c.
In some instances, I employ a gland screwed into the barrel or body of the cock at
the underside thereof for the purpose of tightening or compressing the packing in the
lower groove g..
The longitudinal grooves c are preferably made slightly taper towards the plug, so
that the packing will be compressed by the sides or walls of the said grooves when
the wedges are driven or forced therein. The said grooves may, however, be of any
other suitable shape.
In Figures 5 and 6, I have illustrated another method of providing for the tightening
or compression of the packing in the longitudinal grooves by lateral pressure. A strip
or piece e of metal is inserted in each groove c behind the packing therein, as in the
cock shown in Figures 1 to 4. Instead, however, of employing wedges as above
described, I use adjusting screws i which are inserted in tapped holes in the barrel or
body a,
and bear against the said strips or pieces e. By these means, the packing in
either of the longitudinal grooves can be tightened or compressed without interfering
with the packing in the other parts of the cock. Moreover the packing in the
longitudinal grooves can, by these means, be tightened or compressed as it becomes
worn until there is no longer any packing left in the said grooves, that is to say,
there is no limit to the tightening or compression of the packing as in the packed
cocks heretofore constructed.
Although I have shown two screws i for each groove c, it is obvious that any other
desired number of screws may be used.
I sometimes make V-shaped grooves in the barrel or body of the cock and insert
wedges therein as above described, and I place thin strips of metal between the said
wedges and the packing; I also form transverse grooves in the said barrel or body,
each of which extends from end to end of the upper part of the corresponding
V-shaped groove. In this case I provide separate or independent means for compressing
the packing in the two grooves.
In Figures 7 to 11, I have shown a stop-cock formed with ways or passages which
are approximately oval in transverse section, and with packing grooves c of corre-
sponding form, that is to say, each of the said grooves increases in width from the
centre, or near the centre of the socket for the plug to, or nearly to the ends of the
said socket, as shown at c², and as indicated by the various horizontal sections shown
in Figures 9, 10 and 11. The sides or walls of the said grooves, therefore, conform,
or approximately conform to the said ways or passages. A screw-gland f is inserted
in each end of the barrel or body a for the purpose of tightening or compressing
the packing.
It is evident that, by reason of the wedge-like shape of the ends c² of the grooves c,
lateral or transverse pressure will be exerted upon the packing in the longitudinal
grooves when either of the glands is tightened, and pressure may be applied by means
of the said glands to the whole of the packing throughout the cock in a very efficient
manner. Moreover, it is obvious that the packing can be tightened or compressed to

page_text: a very considerable extent before further tightening of the gland will be prevented,
there being no annular shoulder like that in packed cocks as heretofore usually
constructed, between which and the gland the packing can be compressed until it
becomes hard. And, by reason of the widening of the longitudinal grooves, a
considerable space is afforded for the storage of packing within the cock, so that
the cock may be used for a very long period without the necessity for repacking
the same.
The arrangement of grooves shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 may be used with
more or less advantage in solid-bottom cocks, the grooves, in this case, meeting
below the ways or passages of the barrel or body of the cock.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 12, the grooves c at the
sides of each way or passage in the barrel or body a are so formed that they meet
below the said way or passage as at c*. In this case, the bottom of the cock is made
solid and only one screw-gland is required.
In the cock shown in Figures 13 to 17, the longitudinal packing grooves c are
made with the peculiar wedge-like or taper formation above described with reference
to Figures 7 to 11.
The body of the plug bis cylindrical and the interior of the barrel a is made taper
from the ends towards the centre thereof as shown at c³, so that the said walls are
concave internally in vertical transverse section. I thus increase the space available
for packing at the narrowest parts of the grooves c so as to obtain a greater body of
packing at these parts and thus enable the cock to be used for a long period without
repacking. Moreover I thus provide for facilitating the flow of the packing in the
grooves when the gland is tightened. When I thus provide for increasing the space
for the packing, I depend solely upon the above described taper-formation of the
grooves c as shown at c² for obtaining a wedge-like action upon the packing when the
gland is tightened.
In some instances, however, I make the walls of the barrel taper or inclined from
the centre, or near the centre towards the ends thereof, as shown in Figure 18, and
thus further provide for ensuring a wedge-like action upon the packing when either
of the glands is tightened. The taper grooves may, if desired, be formed in any
other convenient manner.
The cock shewn in Figure 19 is constructed substantially like that illustrated in
Figures 1 to 4, with the exception that I dispense with the movable wedges and form
fixed or stationary wedges in the barrel or body a, that is to say, I make the said
barrel with inclined surfaces c¹, and I form teeth or projections f on the ring f¹.
Therefore, when the gland is screwed down, the packing in the grooves c will be
compressed end wise by the said teeth or projections and the inclined surfaces c¹ will
exert a wedge-like action upon the said packing.
In the modification of my invention shown in Figure 20, the sides of the grooves c
are inclined as shown at c. that is to say, the undercut is made considerably greater
at the upper end than at the lower end of the groove. The outer edges of the grooves
next the plug are made parallel so that the strips of packing bearing against the plug
will be of uniform width throughout. This cock is to be provided with a ring having
teeth or projections and with a gland as in Figure 19.
In some instances, I make the said grooves taper on the three sides of the same,
that is to say, with an inclined surface as shown at c¹ and with inclined surfaces as
shown at c in Figure 20.
By thus tapering the grooves from one end to the other, I provide for the storage
of a considerable quantity of packing in the wider ends of the said grooves, so that
the cock can be used for a long period without repacking.
The construction of my improved stop-cocks may be somewhat varied, if desired,
without departing from the nature of my said invention. For instance, two wedges
may, if desired, be employed in each of the longitudinal grooves in the cock shown
in Figures 1 to 4. Moreover I may, if desired, employ other means than those above
described for separately tightening the packing in all or any of the longitudinal
grooves without affecting the packing in the other parts of the cock.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood that I am aware
that stop-cocks in which packing is employed between the barrel or shell and the plug
to ensure the tightness of the cock are referred to in the Specifications of the following
Letters Patent No. 752 dated February 28th A.D. 1874 and also No. 189 dated
21st January 1859, No. 4540 dated 22nd November 1876, No. 3922 dated 23rd October
1877, No. 4282 dated 6th September 1883, No. 3827 dated 23rd February 1884,
No. 14,299 dated 21st November 1885, and No. 674 dated 15 January 1886-And
I make no claim to the improvements described in the said Specifications, but I
claim-
First. In a stop-cock wherein ashestos or other fibrous or soft packing is used to
ensure the tightness of the plug in the barrel, the provision of means substantially as
herein before described for exerting a wedge-like action upon the said packing.
Second. A stop-cock such as is hereinbefore referred to, wherein the means
employed for tightening or compressing the packing in the longitudinal grooves are
separate or distinct from the means used for tightening or compressing the packing
in the annular grooves or spaces, substantially as described.
Third. A stop-cock wherein provision is made for tightening or compressing the
packing in the longitudinal grooves by lateral or transverse instead of by end wise
pressure, substantially as described.
Fourth. The employment of permanent wedges in the longitudinal grooves and
means for operating the said wedges to tighten or compress the packing in the said
grooves, substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The employment of strips or pieces of metal or other suitable material and
adjusting screws, for applying lateral pressure to the packing in the longitudinal
grooves, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Sixth. The peculiar taper formation of the longitudinal grooves, substantially as
described with reference to Figures 7 to 11, or Figure 12, or Figure 18, or Figure 19,
or Figure 20 of the accompanying drawings, whereby I provide for ensuring a wedge-
like action upon the packing when the gland or glands are tightened.
Seventh. The improved stop-cock consisting of the parts constructed and combined,
substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, or Figures 5 and 6, or
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or Figures 13 to 17, or Figure 18, or Figure 19 of the
accompanying drawings, for the purposes specified.

page_text: The decision of the Comptroller-General, of the 17th day of October 1894,
allowed, under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883, an Amendment of
this Specification.
Date of Application, 18th Feb., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 26th July, 1897-Accepted, 2nd Sept., 1887
Improvements relating to Stop-cocks.
1, ROBERT THOMPSON BAINES, of 6 Fenchurch Buildings, in the City of
London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:
My invention relates to stop-cocks of the kind or class wherein jute, hemp,
asbestos or other fibrous or soft packing is employed for ensuring the tightness of
the plug in the barrel or body of the cock.
The packing in these cocks has usually been applied in straight grooves formed
in the barrel or body parallel to the axis of the plug, and in annular grooves or
spaces also forined in the said barrel or body one above and the other below the
ways or passages therein.
The compression of the packing in the straight grooves has heretofore been
effected by end wise pressure applied thereto through the packing contained in the
annular grooves or spaces, and no provision has been made for compressing the
packing in the straight grooves independently of that in the annular grooves or
spaces. The compression of the packing throughout the cock by the same means
is disadvantageous for the following reasons, viz:-If any leakage should occur
through the packing in one or more of the straight grooves, such leakage cannot
be stopped without compressing the packing in one or both of the annular grooves
or spaces as well as that in the straight grooves; the packing in the annular
grooves or spaces is thus frequently compressed to such an extent as to produce
excessive friction between the same and the plug of the cock, thereby rendering the
turning of the said plug difficult and causing the rapid wear of the packing.
Moreover, when the packing in the said annular grooves or spaces has been com-
pressed until it has become hard enough to resist further tightening of the gland,
the compression of the packing in the straight grooves is no longer possible except
by removing the packing from one of the annular grooves or spaces, and inserting
more packing in the transverse grooves and driving the same therein by means of a
suitable tool, this operation cannot be effected while the cock is subjected to the
pressure of the fluid.
Now one object of my invention is to obviate these disadvantages. For this
purpose, provide for tightening or compressing the packing in the straight or
longitudinal grooves by means which are separate from, or independent of, those
used for tightening or compressing the packing in the annular grooves or spaces.
And a novel and peculiar feature of my said invention is the provision of means for
effecting the tightening of the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves by
lateral instead of by endwise compression thereof.

page_text: My said invention, moreover, comprises a peculiar formation of the grooves
around the ways or passages in the barrel or body of the cock, whereby I cheapen
the manufacture of the cock and, at the same time, ensure its tightness and facilitate
the compression of the packing therein.
1 provide for the compression of the packing in the straight or longitudinal
grooves by the employment of wedges inserted in the said grooves between the
packing therein and the barrel or body of the cock. A screw-gland or other
suitable device is provided for forcing the said wedges downwards or inwards for
the purpose of compressing the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves
without effecting that in either of the annular grooves or spaces. Separate or
independent screw-glands or other suitable devices are provided for compressing
the packing in the said annular grooves or recesses.
The desired result is conveniently and advantageously accomplished as follows,
that is to say: A gland is screwed into the barrel or body of the cock at cach
end of the plug for the purpose of compressing the packing in the annular grooves
or spaces, and another gland is screwed into the said barrel or body at one or the
other end of the plug (preferably that whereon the handle is formed or fixed) for
the purpose of adjusting the wedges and compressing the packing in the straight or
longitudinal grooves. The last named gland may be either outside or inside of the
gland for the annular groove at the same end of plug, and these glands can be
adjusted independently of each other. To obtain access to the inner gland, it is
necessary to remove the outer gland, but this can be done while the cock is
subjected to the pressure of the fluid.
In solid bottom cocks, one screw-gland is used for tightening or compressing the
packing in both annular grooves or spaces. In some instances I use a ring or
washer provided with snugs or projections which bear upon the ends of the wedges
and with means for preventing rotation of the said ring or washer when the gland
is turned to compress the packing.
The grooves or spaces for the packing in the barrel or body of the cock may be
of the ordinary or any other suitable shape. According to one part of my invention
I make the said grooves in such a manner that they completely surround the ways
or passages in the barrel or body of the cock, and I am enabled to dispense with
the annular grooves or spaces formed in cocks of this kind or class as heretofore
constructed.
In some instances, I make the said ways or passages oval, elliptical or of other
elongated form in transverse section, and I make the grooves of corresponding form
so that they surround the said ways or passages leaving a suitable marginal space
around each of the same. I extend these grooves at one or both ends and provide
one or two rings or glands having projecting pieces adapted to enter the extensions
of the said grooves for the purpose of compressing the packing therein by endwise
pressure. The requisite pressure may be applied by means of screw-glands, nuts or
other suitable devices, and will be transmitted to the whole of the packing in the
said grooves.
In other instances, I make the ways or passages in the barrel or body of the
cock triangular, diamond-shaped or rhomboidal in transverse section and provide
packing grooves of corresponding shape in the said barrel or body.
If desired, I make the inner portions of the said grooves taper longitudinally in
order to equalize throughout the packing the pressure exerted thereon by the
gland. In such cases, I prefer to leave the said grooves parallel. at their outer
edges so that the surface of the packing which is in contact with the plug will be
of uniform width..
I sometimes make V-shaped grooves in the barrel or body of the cock and insert
wedges therein as above described, and I place, thin strips of metal between the
said wedges and the packing; I also form transverse grooves in the said barrel or
body each of which extends from end to end of the upper part of the corresponding
V-shaped groove.. In this case I provide separate or independent means for
compressing the packing in the two grooves.

page_text: It is obvious that I may otherwise somewhat modify the construction of the cock
without departing from the nature of my invention.
Dated this 18th day of February 1887.
Improvements relating to Stop-cocks.
I, ROBERT THOMPSON BAINES, of 6 Fenchurch Buildings, in the City of
London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates to stop-cocks of the kind or class wherein jute, hemp,
asbestos or other fibrous or soft packing is employed for ensuring the tightness of
the plug in the barrel or body of the cock.
•
The packing in stop-cocks of the kind or class above mentioned has usually
been applied in straight grooves formed in the barrel or body of the cock parallel
to the axis of the plug, and in annular grooves or spaces also formed in the said
barrel or body one above and the other below the ways or passages therein.
The compression of the packing in the straight or longitudinal grooves has
heretofore been effected by endwise pressure applied thereto through the packing
contained in the annular grooves or spaces, and no, provision has been made for
compressing the packing in the longitudinal grooves independently of that in the
annular grooves or spaces except where wedges or plates and screws have been employed
for the purpose of effecting lateral pressure. The simultaneous compression of the
packing throughout the cock in the manner heretofore practised in the annular or
longitudinal grooves is disadvantageous for the following reasons, viz:-If any leakage
should occur through the packing contained in one or more of the longitudinal
grooves, such leakage cannot be stopped without compressing the packing in one or
both of the annular grooves or spaces as well as that in the longitudinal grooves;
the packing in the annular grooves or spaces is, therefore, frequently compressed to
such an extent as to produce excessive friction between the same and the plug of the
cock, thereby rendering the turning of the plug difficult and causing the rapid wear
of the packing. Moreover, when the packing in the said annular grooves or spaces
has been compressed until it has become hard enough to resist further tightening of
the gland, the compression of the packing in the longitudinal grooves is no longer
possible, and, in order to stop leakage through the packing in the said longitudinal
grooves, it becomes necessary to remove the gland or one of the glands and insert
more packing in the longitudinal grooves. As this operation cannot be effected
while the cock is subjected to the pressure of the fluid, great inconvenience is
sometimes experienced in the use of such cocks as heretofore constructed.
Now one object of my present invention is to obviate these disadvantages, and to
provide for the tightening or compression of the packing in all or any of the
longitudinal grooves without undue compression of the packing in the other parts of
the cock. For this purpose, I employ separate or distinct devices for tightening
or compressing the packing in the longitudinal grooves and for tightening or com-
pressing the packing in the annular grooves or spaces. Or I employ separate devices
for separately tightening the pucking in any of the longitudinal grooves without
interfering with the packing in the other grooves or spaces.
Moreover-a-novel and peculiar feature of my said invention is the provision of
means for effecting the tightening or compression of the packing in the longitudinal
grooves by lateral or transverse instead of by endwise pressure.
Another feature of my said invention is the provision of means whereby, when the
gland is tightened, a wedge-like action will be exerted upon the packing in the
longitudinal grooves. For this purpose, I, in some instances, employ wedges capable

page_text: of adjustment by means of a serew gland, or by other suitable devices capable of
adjustment from the outside of the cock. In other instances I make the ways or
passages of the cock oval, elliptical or of other suitable shape, and the packing
grooves or spaces of corresponding shape, that is to say, instead of making the
longitudinal grooves straight from end to end of the socket or of the plug, I make
the said grooves so that they gradually increase in width and depth or either from
the centre, or near the centre of the said socket or plug to the ends thereof. Or
I make the longitudinal grooves taper from one end to the other end thereof, as
hereinafter more particularly described. In this manner I am enabled to accomplish
the object above mentioned without the employment of separate or distinct devices.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 2 a side elevation of one form of my improved stop-cock.
Figure 3 is a vertical section on the line a, a, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan of the said stop-cock, the glands being removed.
Figure--is-n vertical central section showing a modification of the stop-cook
illustrated in Figures 1-to-1.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line y, y, Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal central section shewing another form of my
improved stop-cock, and
Figure 8 is a transverse section through the barrel or body of the said cock.
Figure 9 is a horizontal section on the line ', ', Figure 7.
Figure 10 is a horizontal section on the line a, a, Figure 7, and
Figure 11 is a horizontal section on the line 23, 2³, Figure 7.
Figure 12 is a vertical transverse section of the barrel of a cock, illustrating a
modification of my invention.
Figure 13 is a plan or top view illlustrating another modification of my said
invention, a part of the gland being removed.
Figure 14 shows the stop-cock illustrated in Figure 13, partly in side elevation,
and partly in section on the line z, z, Figure 13.
Figures 15, 16, and 17 are horizontal sections respectively on the lines,
22, 23, Figure 13.
Figure 18 is a similar view to Figure 14, showing another modification of my
said invention.
Figure 19 is a vertical central section showing another modification of my said
invention.
Figure 20 is a vertical transverse section of the barrel or body of a cook, showing
a further modification of my said-invention-
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Referring to Figures to 4, a is the barrel or body of the cock, which is formed
with the usual ways or passages a¹, a². bis the plug. c, c are the longitudinal
packing grooves, in which are inserted wedges d. These wedges bear against
inclined surfaces c on the barrel or body a. Between the said wedges and the
packing I prefer to place thin strips or pieces e of metal, against which the said
wedges will slide, so that they will not tend to move the packing endwise. f is a
screw-gland for forcing the said wedges downward to compress the packing in the
grooves c. A ring or washer f' is introduced between the said wedges and the
glaud to facilitate the turning or adjustment of the latter. This ring is formed
with internal projections which fit between the parts a³ of the body a, whereon the
screw-threads for the reception of the glands are formed. g, g are the annular
packing grooves or spaces, and is a screw-gland for tightening or compressing
the packing in the said grooves g. The action of each of the said screw-glands f
h is distinct from that of the other screw-glands; therefore the packing in the
grooves c can be tightened or compressed without affecting that in either of the
annular grooves or spaces g, and vice versa. It is evident, moreover, that lateral
pressure will be applied to the packing by the said wedges, and that the
packing in the longitudinal grooves can be repeatedly tightened or compressed until

page_text: the lower ends of the wedges come in contact with the body a at the bottom of the
groove c.
In some instances, I employ a gland screwed into the barrel or body of the cock
at the underside thereof for the purpose of tightening or compressing the packing
in the lower groove y.
The longitudinal grooves c are preferably made slightly taper towards the plug,
so that the packing will be compressed by the sides or walls of the said grooves
when the wedges are driven or forced therein. The said grooves may, however, be
of any other suitable shape.
In Figures 5 and 6, I have illustrated another method of providing for the tightening
or compression of the packing in the longitudinal grooves by lateral pressure. A-strip
or piece-e of metal is inserted in each groove-c-behind the packing therein, as in the
cock-shown in Figures 1 to 4. Instead, however, of employing wedges as above
described, I use adjusting screws i-which are inserted in tapped holes in the barrel or
body-a, and bear against the said strips or pieces e. By these means, the packing in
either of the longitudinal grooves can be tightened or compressed without interfering
with the packing in the other parts of the cock. Moreover the packing in the
longitudinal grooves ean, by these means, be tightenedor compressed as it becomes
worn until there is no longer any packing left in the said grooves, that is to say;
there is no limit to the tightening or compression of the packing as in the packed
cocks heretofore constructed.
Although I have shown two screws-i-for each groove c; it is obvious that any other
desired number of serews may be used.
I-sometimes-make-V-shaped grooves in the barrel or body of the cock and insert
wedges therein as above described, and 1 place thin strips of metal between the-suid
wedges and the packing; I also form transverse-grooves in the said barrel-or-body;
each of which extends from end to end of the upper part of the corresponding
V-shaped groove. In this ense 1 provide separate or independent-means-for
compressing the packing in the two-grooves:
In Figures 7 to 11, I have shown a stop-cock formed with ways or passages
which are approximately oval in transverse section, and with packing grooves c of
corresponding form, that is to say, each of the said grooves increases in width from
the centre, or near the centre of the socket for the plug to, or nearly to the ends of
the said socket, as shown at c², and as indicated by the various horizontal sections
shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. The sides or walls of the said grooves, therefore,
conform, or approximately conform to the said ways or passages. A screw-gland f
is inserted in each end of the barrel or body a for the purpose of tightening or
compressing the packing.
It is evident that, by reason of the wedge-like shape of the ends c² of the grooves c,
lateral or transverse pressure will be exerted upon the packing in the longitudinal
grooves when either of the glands is tightened, and pressure may be applied by means
of the said glands to the whole of the packing throughout the cock in a very efficient
manner. Moreover, it is obvious that the packing can be tightened or compressed to
a very considerable extent before further tightening of the gland will be prevented,
there being no annular shoulder like that in packed cocks as heretofore usually
constructed, between which and the gland the packing can be compressed until it
becomes hard. And, by reason of the widening of the longitudinal grooves, a
considerable space is afforded for the storage of packing within the cock, so that
the cock may be used for a very long period without the necessity for repacking
the same.
The arrangement of grooves shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 may be used with
more or less advantage in solid-bottom cocks, the grooves, in this case, meeting
below the ways or passages of the barrel or body of the cock.
In the modification of my invention illustrated in Figure 12, the grooves c at the
sides of each way or passage in the barrel or body a are so formed that they meet
below the said way or passage as at c*. In this case, the bottom of the cock is made ⚫
solid and only one screw-gland is required..

page_text: •
4
In the cock shown in Figures 13 to 17, the longitudinal packing grooves c are
made with the peculiar wedge-like or taper formation above described with reference
to Figures 7 to 11.
The body of the plug is cylindrical and the interior of the barrel a is made taper
from the ends towards the centre thereof as shown at c³, so that the said walls are
concave internally in vertical transverse section. I thus increase the space available
for packing at the narrowest parts of the grooves c 50 as to obtain a greater body of
packing at these parts and thus enable the cock to be used for a long period without
repacking. Moreover I thus provide for facilitating the flow of the packing in the
grooves when the gland is tightened. When 1 thus provide for increasing the space
for the packing, I depend solely upon the above described taper-formation of the
grooves cas shown at c² for obtaining a wedge-like action upon the packing when the
gland is tightened.
In some instances, however, I make the walls of the barrel taper or inclined from
the centre, or near the centre towards the ends thereof, as shown in Figure 18, and
thus further provide for ensuring a wedge-like action upon the packing when either
of the glands f is tightened. The taper grooves may, if desired, be formed in any
other convenient manner.
The cock shewn in Figure 19 is constructed substantially like that illustrated in
Figures 1 to 4, with the exception that I dispense with the movable wedges and
form fixed or stationary wedges in the barrel or body a, that is to say, I make the
said barrel with inclined surfaces c; and I form teeth or projections 2 on the
ring. Therefore, when the gland is screwed down, the packing in the grooves c
will be. compressed endwise by the said teeth or projections f² and the inclined
surfaces will exert a wedge-like action upon the said packing.
In the modification of my invention shown in Figure 20, the sides of the grooves-c
are inclined as shown at c', that is to say, the underent is made considerably greater
at the upper end than at the lower end of the groove. The outer edges of the
grooves--next the plug are made parallel so that the strips of packing bearing
against the plug will be of uniform width throughout. This cock is to be provided
with a ring having teeth or projections and with a gland as in Figure 10.
In some instances; I make the said grooves taper on the three sides of-the-same,
that is to say, with an inclined surface as shown at c'-and-with inclined-surfaces-as
shown at in Figure 20.
By thus tapering the grooves from one end to the other, I provide for the storage
of a considerable quantity of packing in the wider ends of the said grooves, so that
the cock can be used for a long period without repacking.
The construction of my improved stop-cocks may be somewhat varied, if desired,
without departing from the nature of my said invention. For instance, two wedges
may, if desired, be employed in each of the longitudinal grooves in the cock shown
in Figures 1 to 4. Moreover I may, if desired, employ other means than those above
described for separately tightening the packing in all or any of the longitudinal
grooves without affecting the packing in the other parts-of-the-cock.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood
that I am aware that stop-cocks in which packing is employed between the
barrel or shell and the plug to ensure the tightness of the cock are referred to
in the Specifications of the following Letters Patent No. 752 dated February 28th
A.D. 1874 and also No. 189 dated 21st January 1859, No. 4540 dated
22nd November 1876, No. 3922 dated 23rd October 1877, No. 4282 dated
6th September 1883, No. 3827 dated 23rd February 1884, No. 14,299
dated 21st November 1885, and No. 674 dated 15 January 1886-And I make no
claim to the improvements described in the said Specifications, nor to the lateral
compression of packing by means of independent wedges place in the longitudinal
grooves save as part of a combination but I claim :-
First. In a stop-cock wherein asbestos or other fibrous or soft packing is used to

page_text: ensure the tightness of the plug in the barrel, the provision of means substantially
as hereinbefore described for exerting a wedge-like action upon the said packing as
shewn in Figures 7 to 18.
Second. A stop-cock such as is herein before referred to, wherein the means
employed for tightening or compressing the packing in the longitudinal grooves are
separate or distinct from the means used for tightening or compressing the packing
in the annular grooves or spaces, substantially as-deseribed. both acting longitudinally
as described and shewn in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 19.
Third. A stop-cock-wherein provision is made for tightening or compressing-the
packing in the longitudinal grooves by Interal or transverse instead of by endwise
pressure, substantially as described.
Fourth. The employment of permanent wedges in the longitudinal grooves-and
means-for-operating the said wedges to tighten or compress the packing in the said
grooves, substantially as set forth
Fifth. The employment of strips or pieces of metal or other suitable material und
adjusting serews, for applying lateral pressure to the packing in the longitudinal
grooves, substantially as, and for the purpose, set forth.
Sixth. The peculiar taper formation of the longitudinal grooves, substantially-as
described-with-reference to Figures 7 to 11, or Figure 12, or Figure 18. or
Figure 10, or Figure 20-of-the-accompanying drawings, whereby I provide for
ensuring a wedge like action upon the packing when the gland or glands are
tightened.
Seventh. The improved stop-cock consisting of the parts constructed and combined,
substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, or Figures 5-and-6, or
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, or Figures 13 to 17, or Figure 18, or Figure 19 of the
accompanying drawings, for the purposes specified.