AN IMPROVED METHOD OF UTILIZING THE POWER OF STEAM OR OTHER ELASTIC OR INELASTIC FLUIDS, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS THEREFOR."
Year: 1878

page_text: 20
LETTERS PATENT to William Righter Comings, of New Britain, Connecticut,
United States of America, now of 8, Southampton Buildings, London, for the
Invention of AN IMPROVED METHOD OF UTILIZING THE POWER OF STEAM OR
OTHER ELASTIC OR INELASTIC FLUIDS, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
THEREFOR."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Righter Comings
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 7th January 1878.
WILLIAM RIGHTER COMINGS, of New Britain, Connecticut, United States of
America, now of 8, Southampton Buildings, London. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
UTILIZING THE POWER OF STEAM OR OTHER ELASTIC OR INELASTIC FLUIDS, AND IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS THEREFOR."
This Invention relates chiefly,-
First. To an improved method of applying power to an engine which has its
piston moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume. This
improved method consists in heating this liquid volume to a temperature
sufficient to prevent condensation of the elastic fluid; also in applying the power to
the elastic fluid expansively, so that its expenditure may be varied during each
stroke of the piston to correspond with the work to be done.
Second. In an improved method of applying power to an engine having its piston
moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume, the supply and
exhaust of the elastic fluid being so controlled that its expenditure may be varied
during each stroke of the piston to correspond with the work to be done, and the
movement of the liquid volume having its backward flow prevented.
Third. In an improved method of applying power in an engine which has its
piston moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume heated to
a sufficient temperature to prevent the condensation of the elastic fluid, the supply
Price 8d

page_text: and exhaust being controlled, and the power applied directly to the liquid volume,
without intervening mechanism.
And, Fourth. In an improved method of preventing condensation in an engine
whose piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid
volume heated to a temperature sufficient to prevent the condensation of the
clastic fluid.
It consists further in the special apparatus employed to carry my Invention into
effect, and embodying the following devices and combinations of parts, that is to
sayA main cylinder of an elevator of any of the well-known forms, and pro-
vided with a piston; a tank of suitable construction and strength, which equals or
exceeds in cubic capacity the said cylinder; a pipe of comparatively large area, by
means of which the interior of the tank is connected with a chamber of the said
cylinder, and which pipe has a check valve adapted to permit the flow of liquid
from the tank to the cylinder, but to prevent its return; a pipe of comparatively
small area, by means of which the interior of the tank is connected with the
chamber of the said cylinder, and which has a valve adapted to. control the return
of the liquid from the cylinder to the tank. A supply pipe adapted to deliver
steam, compressed air, or any elastic fluid from any suitable source into the tank,
and provided with a valve adapted to. control the supply of steam or air; an
exhaust pipe leads from the tank to any proper point of discharge, and a valve is
adapted to control the exhaust; a shifting rope is conveniently arranged for
operation in the usual or any suitable manner, and wheels attached to the spindles
of liquid and steam valves are adapted to receive partial revolution from this rope
to actuate the said valves. I also provide a belt or band, by means of which the
movement of the liquid valve is communicated to the valve in the exhaust
pipe.
A volume of practically incompressible liquid, such as water or glycerine, is
employed between the main power and the piston of the cylinder as intermediate
means for transmitting power from the former to the latter. In the said tank is
enclosed a coil of pipe, the ends of which communicate with a, boiler or other source
of heat supply.
The said Invention comprises the combination of a piston chamber and a liquid
chamber, provided with means for supplying and exhausting the motive fluid, and
a valve interposed between the two chambers for controlling the flow of the liquid,
the said valve and the steam valve being independently controlled.
Also a check valve for preventing the return of the liquid to the cylinder, a
valve for admitting the required amount of pressure, and means for controlling the
exhaust, whereby the supply and exhaust may be independently operated.
Also the combination of the heating coil with the liquid chamber.
It also comprises the combination of the main tank, the auxiliary tank, the
check valve between them, and the pipes connecting said tanks with the piston
cylinder in such a manner that the backward flow of the liquid volume is permitted
while the steam is exhausting.
Also the combination with the cylinder and main tank of the independent supply,
and exhaust pipes, provided with valves adapted for independent operation to
permit the use of steam expansively.
Also the combination with a tank of a steam supply pipe, having a valve inde-
pendently controlled, and a delivery pipe, having an automatic check, the con-
struction of these parts being such that when strain is admitted to the tank the
liquid is caused to flow from the tank without possibility of return.
Also the combination with a tank, having a steam supply pipe with an inde-
pendently-acting valve, of a delivery pipe, having a check valve and an inflow pipe
and exhaust pipe, provided with valves working in harmony.
The steam or other elastic fluid may be used expansively either by the employ-
ment of a throttle valve or cut-off, the construction in the latter case being properly
modified for that purpose. In place of a rope for actuating the valves a rod
adapted to give positive movements may be employed.

page_text: If desired a piston may be interposed between the main power and the inter-
mediate fluid volume.
The main piston of the elevator may be of any suitable construction, but when
exposed to a high temperature, as when steam or a similar fluid is employed, it is
preferably provided with a central layer of asbestus, felt, or other non-conducting
material.
My Invention may be employed for any of the various purposes to which
hydraulic pressure is applicable.
Steam or compressed air can be used as the main power, and be employed
expansively, so that the expenditure of power may be proportioned to the weight
to be lifted. By the employment of a highly-heated liquid volume the loss of
power resulting from the condensation of steam is avoided. The main power also
being applied directly to the intermediate liquid volume without the use of
intervening mechanism I simplify the construction and reduce the cost. The
elevator being lifted by a fluid volume receiving movement from a main power
acting continuously, and not intermittently, its movement will necessarily be
uniform and without shock or jarring; the descent of the elevator also being
governed by the flow of liquid through a pipe, its movement also will be necessarily
uniform and without shock or jar.
The construction of the apparatus is exceedingly simple, and can be produced at
a comparatively small cost."
My Invention also comprises an improved method of raising the sections of an
elevator, consisting essentially, first, in the employment of a single main power;
second, in the employment of certain independent volumes of an incompressible
fluid; third, in applying the main power by the movement of the main piston
through the medium of the fluid volumes to the auxiliary pistons in such manner
that each receives simultaneously an independent movement.
It also comprises the peculiar construction of the mechanism employed to carry
this part of the said Invention into practice.
None of the hydraulic elevators now in use have any effectual means for pro-
portioning the amount of power expended to the weight to be lifted. It is
accomplished to a very limited extent by connecting the platform through inter-
mediate mechanism, with pistons of different but fixed lifting capacities.
In all telescopic elevators there is a great loss of power, owing to the decreasing
area of the successive cylinders, this loss varying from one-half to three quarters of
the total power applied; and owing to the same causes, and the additional fact
that the tubes are forced out one at a time, the platform is given a velocity
increasing as the successive sections move upward; then owing to the independent
movement of these sections there are violent shocks as each strikes its stop ring,
and the effective lifting power is greatly diminished by the weight of the tubes
and the large volumes of water therein contained. By reason of all this waste of
power it has been found practical to work these elevators only by liquids under a
very high pressure. Now by this Invention the lifting power is made dependent
solely on the area of the lower cylinder. Hence there is no loss of power, except
from the friction of the moving parts, and as the cylinders all move simultaneously
the movement of the platform is of uniform velocity, and by a suitable throwing-off
motion the admission valve can be closed, thus stopping the movement of the tubes
before any of them have been forced against their stop rings, and obviating all
shock to the machine itself.
The use as a motive power of an elastic fluid, such as steam or compressed air,
is rendered practicable, and it is possible to employ them expansively, and thus
vary the consumption of power just in proportion to the load lifted. Moreover it
is possible to obtain from even a very low pressure any desired lifting capacity by
simply increasing this area.
The said mechanism or apparatus comprises a primary tube or cylinder, and a
series of any convenient number of secondary cylinders, each of which is actuated
by the piston of the cylinder or section next below it. The said primary cylinder

page_text: forms with the bed plate the base of the elevator, and is provided near its lower
end with induction and eduction openings for the admission and discharge of water,
steam, compressed air, or other fluid; the second cylinder is adapted to fit within the
packing box of the main cylinder, and slide freely in a longitudinal direction.
An opening is made through this second cylinder near its lower end, by means
of which communication is made between the piston chamber and an annular space
between the cylinders.
The third cylinder is identical in construction with the second cylinder, and
sustains the same relation to it that the said second cylinder does to the first
cylinder.
The upper or last cylinder of the series carrying the platform may be constructed
similarly to the intermediate cylinders, with the exception that it may be made
with the openings in these cylinders.
Independent volumes of a practically incompressible fluid, such as water, alcohol,
or oil are held in the chambers below the pistons, and in the annular spaces com-
municating therewith through the said openings.
I arrange in combination with these cylinders vessels of fluid supply, having a
communicating pipe and check valve, by means of which any loss of the fluid from
leakage is replaced.
To secure the best results the maximum capacity of each variable piston chamber
is made equal to the maximum capacity of the variable annular space with which
it communicates, and that when one of these chambers is at its maximum the other
is at its minimum, and consequently the two chambers must contain a volume of
fluid equal to the capacity of one.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Righter Comings in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
6th July 1878.
WILLIAM RIGHTER COMINGS, of New Britain, Connecticut, United States of
America, now of 8, Southampton Buildings, London. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
UTILIZING THE POWER OF STEAM OR OTHER ELASTIC OR INELASTIC FLUIDS, AND IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS THEREFOR."
This Invention relates,-
"
First. To an improved method of applying power in an engine, whose piston
is moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume. This
improved method consists in heating the liquid volume to a temperature sufficient
to prevent condensation of the elastic fluid, and in applying the power to the
elastic fluid expansively, so that its expenditure may be varied during each stroke
of the piston to correspond with the work to be performed.
Second. To an improved method of applying power in an engine, whose piston is
moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume by so con-
trolling the supply and exhaust of the elastic fluid, that its expenditure may be
varied during each stroke of the piston to correspond with the work to be done,
and so controlling the movement of the liquid volume as to prevent its back-
ward flow.
Third. In an improved method of applying power in an engine whose piston is
moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a liquid volume by heating the
liquid volume to a sufficient temperature to prevent the condensation of the elastic
fluid; controlling the supply and exhaust; and applying the power directly to the
liquid volume without intervening mechanism.
The said Invention also relates to an improved method of preventing condensation
in an engine, whose piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the medium of a
liquid volume by heating the liquid volume to a temperature sufficient to prevent
the condensation of the elastic fluid.
The said Invention also relates to an improved method of raising the sections of
an elevator, and comprises the employment of a single main power; the employ-
ment of certain independent volumes of an incompressible fluid; and the application
of the main power by the movement of the main piston through the medium
of the fluid volumes to the auxiliary pistons in such manner that each receives
simultaneously an independent movement.
The said Invention also comprises special apparatus or mechanism for carrying
these improvements into effect, as herein-after set forth.
In the accompanying Drawings,—
Figure 1 is a side elevation, partially in section, of my improved apparatus as
applied to a hydraulic telescopic elevator; Figure 2, a plan of the same; Figure 3
is a transverse section on the line x, x, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a vertical sectional elevation of the tank, provided with a piston inter-
posed between the main power and the fluid volume.
Figure 5 shews a modification of my apparatus applied to the cylinder of a hoist
elevator. The remaining Figures are herein-after described.
Like letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawings.
A represents the main cylinder of an elevator, which may be of any suitable
form, and which is provided with pistons of the usual construction.
B is a tank of suitable construction and strength, and which equals or exceeds in
cubic capacity the cylinder A, as indicated in the Drawing.
C is a pipe of comparatively large area, by means of which the interior of the
tank B is connected with the chamber a' of the cylinder, as shown.
In Figures 3 and 5, c represents a check valve placed in the pipe C, and which is
adapted to permit the flow of liquid from the tank B to the cylinder A, but to pre
vent its return.

page_text: D is a pipe of comparatively small area, by means of which the interior of the
tank B is connected with the chamber of the cylinder, as shown; d is a valve
adapted to control the return of the liquid from the cylinder A to the tank B, as
herein-after described.
E is a supply pipe adapted to deliver steam, compressed air, or other elastic fluid
from any suitable source into the tank B; e represents a valve adapted to control
the supply of steam or air, -as herein-after described; F is an exhaust pipe leading
from tank B to any point of discharge; and f is a valve adapted to control the
exhaust as herein-after described.
G is a shifting rope conveniently arranged for operation in the usual manner.
g, g', are wheels attached to the spindles of valves d and e, which are adapted as
shown, to receive partial revolution from the rope to actuate the valve; H is a
belt or band, by means of which the movement of the valve d is communicated to
the valve fin the exhaust pipe.
The special construction of these valves, and the means for operating them, may
be varied; but it is essential in all cases that the construction should be such that
the supply of steam can be controlled independently of the exhaust.
A volume of practically incompressible liquid, such as water or glycerine, as
shewn at I, is employed between the main power and the piston of the cylinder as
intermediate means for transmitting power from the former to the latter. Jis a
coil of pipe contained in the tank B, and whose ends communicate with a boiler K,
Figure 1, or other source of heat; j is a chamber or vessel, by means of which the
waters of condensation may be collected and drawn off.
The operation of the above-described apparatus is as follows, that is to say :-
When it is desired to raise the carriage or platform, the shifting rope is actuated in
the proper manner to open the valve e in the steam-supply pipe to a greater or less
extent, according to the load to be lifted. The steam thus admitted to the tank B
forces the liquid volume contained therein through the large pipe C into the
chamber a¹, Figure 1, below the piston a of the elevator cylinder, the check valve c,
Figure 3, freely permitting it to flow in this direction. The movement of the dis-
placed water actuates the piston of the cylinder to raise the same.
The valve e in the steam supply pipe is actuated without affecting the operation
of the other valves, and hence by opening it more or less fully, according to the
load to be lifted, the elastic fluid serving as the main power is made to act expan-
sively. For instance, if it is desired to lift a light load, the valve e controlling the
steam supply is opened to its full extent, allowing the steam to enter the chamber
at full pressure; but before the piston a has completed its stroke, the valve e is
actuated so as to instantly cut off the supply, and the body of steam thus admitted
and confined in the chamber will then act by expansion to displace the liquid
beneath it, and drive the piston through the remainder of its stroke; but with a
lifting power diminished just in proportion to the grade of expansion employed.
Thus, if the volume of steam admitted at full pressure and cut-off equals one-tenth
the volume of the cylinder, the elevator will be raised with one-tenth the lifting
capacity that would have been given to it by allowing the steam to enter at full
pressure through the entire stroke of the piston or pistons. The steam is thus made
to act expansively on what is called the "cut-off" principle.
If instead of opening the valve to its full limit for a short period of time, it is
opened to a very slight extent throughout the entire movement, the steam will
expand as it enters, and actuate the elevator piston as before, with a lifting capacity,
proportionate to the grade of expansion produced by allowing the steam to enter
through the partially open valve. Thus, if the valve is opened to one-tenth the
amount necessary to permit the steam to fill the chamber at full pressure, the lifting
power of the elevator will be as before, one-tenth of its maximum; but a quantity
of steam will be employed at full pressure equal to only one-tenth the amount
necessary to raise the elevator with its full load. It will thus be readily seen that,
by opening the steam supply valve to a greater or less extent, a lifting power can
be given to the elevator exactly proportionate to the load to be carried up,

page_text: and also that the consumption of power can be perfectly adjusted to the require-
ments of the load.
By this last method of operation the steam is caused to act expansively on the
"throttling" principle, which differs from the former method, wherein the "cut-off"
is employed.
When the elevator reaches the desired point it may be stopped by closing the
supply valve, and when stopped it will be securely held and kept from descending
by the check valve c, which absolutely prevents the return of the fluid.
When it is desired to lower the elevator the shifting rope G is properly actuated
to open the valve f, controlling the exhaust, and the valve d, controlling the flow of
liquid from the cylinder to the tank, consequently the pressure will be removed-
from the tank, and hence the fluid volume may be forced back into the same by the
return of the piston of the cylinder.
The operation of the valves is as follows:-To raise the elevator the shifting rope
is pulled up to a greater or less extent, according to the necessities of the case, and
the valves d, e, and fare consequently all revolved to a corresponding extent. The
construction of these valves however is such that only the valve e will be in position
to open, the other valves though partially revolved still remaining closed.
When it is desired to stop the elevator the rope is pulled down to its first posi-
tion, and consequently the supply of steam is shut off.
To lower the elevator the rope is pulled still further downward, so that the valves
d, f, are revolved far enough to open communication in the pipes D, F, while the
steam valve e remains closed.
By means of the heating coil the liquid in the tank B is raised to a temperature
equal to or higher than 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or of the temperature of the elastic
fluid employed, in order that the latter, when serving as a main power, may not be
condensed by contact with the said fluid.
To obtain this high temperature a liquid should be used whose boiling point is
higher than the temperature of the highest pressure of steam employed. If how-
ever compressed air or a similar elastic fluid is employed as the main power, the
liquid will not be required to be heated, as no condensation will take place.
In the modification of my Invention shewn in Figure 5 L is an auxiliary tank
communicating with the main tank by a pipe or opening controlled by the check
valve 7. is an auxiliary pipe by means of which the auxiliary tank is connected
to the delivery pipe D between the valve d and the tank B, as shown. 1* is a check
valve located in the main pipe D, as shown, to prevent the liquid in the tank when
passing to the cylinder from entering the auxiliary pipe and returning through the
auxiliary tank to the main tank. If desired however, instead of locating a check
valve in the main pipe D, a valve of ordinary construction may be located in the
auxiliary pipe, in which case it should be connected to the valve d in such manner
as to work in harmony with the same.
The operation of this modified apparatus is as follows:-When the exhaust valve f
and the valve d controlling the return of the liquid to the tank are opened to permit
the elevator to descend, the liquid will flow immediately through the auxilliary
pipe into the auxiliary tank L, but not immediately into the main tank B, as its
flow in this direction is checked to a greater or less extent until the steam has
entirely escaped through the exhaust. When this is accomplished the liquid from
the cylinder may flow directly through the main pipe into the tank B, but ceases
to flow through the auxiliary pipe . The check valve consequently being no
longer supported by the steam pressure, is opened by the weight of the liquid in the
auxiliary tank, which liquid then flows again into the main tank.
If desired, all the liquid returning to the tank from the cylinder may be
caused to pass through the auxiliary pipe, in which case that portion of the main
pipe between the connection with the auxiliary pipe and tank may be dispensed
with.
By the employment of the auxiliary tank and connections, as above described,
the liquid beneath the piston of the elevator is allowed to escape from the cylinder

page_text: instantly, and with a uniform velocity, when the valve d and exhaust valve fare
opened to cause the elevator to descend, whereas, without their employment, the
liquid would be retarded in its, movement by the escaping steam, and its initial
velocity consequently accelerated until the exhaust of the latter is completed.
The steam or other elastic fluid may be used expansively either by the employ-
ment of a throttle valve or "cut-off," the construction in the latter case being
properly modified for this purpose..
In place of a rope for actuating the aforesaid valves, a rod adapted to give positive
movements to the same may be employed.
If desired, a piston M may be interposed between the main power and the inter-
mediate fluid volume, as shewn in Figure 4.
The main piston of the elevator may be of any suitable construction, but when
exposed to a high temperature, as when steam or a similar fluid is employed, it is
preferably provided with a central layer of asbestos, felt, or other non-conducting
material, as shown in Figure 1, to prevent the conduction of heat to the upper por-
tions of the elevator.
A coil is used for heating the fluid volume, or a steam jacket or other means may
be used for preventing loss of heat by radiation.
The main cylinder of the elevator may also be jacketed in any proper manner to
prevent the radiation of heat.
My Invention may be employed for any of the various purposes to which hydraulic
pressure is applicable.
Steam or compressed air may be used as the main power, and be employed expan-
sively, so that the expenditure of power may be proportioned to the weight to bo
lifted.
By the employment of a highly heated liquid volume the loss of power resulting
from the condensation of steam is avoided.
The method of working by having the main power applied directly to the inter-
mediate liquid volume without the use of intervening mechanism allows great
simplicity of construction and reduction of the cost.
The elevator being lifted by a fluid volume receiving movement from a main
power acting continuously and not intermittently, will necessarily be uniform in its
movements, and will work without shocks or jars. Moreover, the descent of the
elevator being governed by the flow of liquid through a pipe, its movement also will
be necessarily uniform, and without shocks or vibrations.
The construction of the said apparatus is exceedingly simple, and its cost is com-
paratively small.
•
The part of my Invention relating to the raising of the sections of an elevator is
illustrated in Figures 6 to 9.
Figure 6 is a sectional elevation of my improved elevator with the moveable
sections in their lowest positions, and Figure 7 a sectional elevation drawn to a
reduced scale with the moveable sections partially raised; Figures 8 and 9 are eleva-
tions of Figures 6 and 7.
A⭑
represents the primary tube or cylinder forming with the bed plate x¹ the
base of the elevator, which tube or cylinder is constructed of any suitable material
and dimension, and is provided near its lower end with induction and eduction
openings for the admission and discharge of water, steam, compressed air, or other
fluid.
a* represents a packing box, and a² the packing by means of which the cylinder
B is held in place in the ordinary manner.
B is the second cylinder, adapted to fit within the packing box a* of the main
cylinder, and slide freely in a longitudinal direction, the said cylinder being pro-
vided below with the piston b* fitting accurately the bore of the main cylinder, and
above with the packing box 61, as shewn. 6s is an opening through the wall of this
cylinder B* near its lower end, by means of which communication is made between
the piston chamber 63 and the annular space b* between the cylinder A* and _B*, as
shewn.

page_text: C is the third cylinder, which is identical in construction with the cylinder B*,
and sustains the same relation to it that the cylinder B* does to the cylinder A*.
Dis the upper cylinder carrying the platform, which cylinder may be con-
structed similarly to the cylinders B* and C*, with the exception that it may be
made without the openings 62, c², shown in these cylinders.
E, E, are independent volumes of a practically incompressible fluid, such as
water, alcohol, or oil, which are held in the chambers bs, cs, below the pistons, and
in the annular spaces 6*, c*, communicating therewith through the openings 62, c², as
shown.
F*, F*, represent vessels or sources of fluid supply having a communicating
pipe f* and check valve f', by means of which any loss of the fluid from leakage is
replaced.
The operation of this apparatus is as follows:-By tho admission of steam, water,
or other fluid into the chamber a² of the main cylinder below the piston 6*, the
latter is forced upward. By this upward movement of the piston 6* the annular
space b between the cylinders A* and B* is contracted, and the fluid con-
tained therein is forced through the opening 62 into the chamber 63 below the
piston c, in consequence of which the piston c* is forced up also. By means of the
upward movement of the piston c* the annular space between the cylinders B* and
C✶ is contracted, and the piston d* is consequently actuated in like manner to the
piston c*.
Any fluid lost by leakage that may occur in the communicating chambers will be
replaced from the supply chambers by the aid of the vacuum which is created when
the elevator descends.
To secure the best results the maximum capacity of each variable piston chamber
is made equal to the maximum capacity of the variable annular space with which it
communicates. When one of these chambers is at its maximum the other is at its
minimum, and consequently the two chambers must contain a volume of fluid equal
to the capacity of one. With this construction of the apparatus, when one of the
pistons is moved upward the liquid in the annular space whereon it acts is gradually
forced out into the piston chamber with which it communicates, thereby gradually
filling said chamber, and raising the piston until it has reached the limits of its
stroke.
The fluid used in the communicating chamber being practically incompressible,
the movement of the main piston will be immediately transmitted by it to each
piston of the series, so that all the tubes will move simultaneously and with a
uniform motion.
None of the hydraulic elevators now in use have any effectual means for propor-
tioning the amount of power expended to the weight to be lifted, except to a very
limited extent, by connecting the platform through intermediate mechanism with
pistons of different but fixed lifting capacities.
In all telescopic elevators there is a great loss of power by reason of the decreasing
area of the successive cylinders, this loss varying from one-half to three-quarters of
the total power applied; and owing to the same causes and the additional fact that
the tubes are forced out one at a time, the platform's velocity increases as the suc-
cessive sections move upward; then, by reason of the independent movement of the
said sections, there are violent shocks as each strikes its stop ring, and the effective
lifting power of the apparatus is greatly diminished by the weight of the tubes and
the large volumes of water therein contained. By reason of all this waste of power
it has not been found practicable to work these elevators except by liquids under a
very high pressure. But by my Invention the lifting power is made dependent
solely on the area of the lower cylinder; hence there is no loss of power except from
the friction of the moving parts, and as the cylinders all move simultaneously the
movement of the platform is of uniforın velocity, and by a suitable throwing-off
motion the admission valve can be closed, thus stopping the movement of the tubes
before any of them have been forced against their stop rings, and obviating all shock
to the said machine or apparatus.

page_text: As the actuating power is applied only in the lower cylinder, the use as a motive
power of an elastic fluid, such as steam or compressed air, is rendered practicable,
and it is possible to employ such fluids expansively, and thus vary the consumption
of power in proportion to the load; for instance, if it is desired to lift one-tenth
(r) of the maximum load it is only necessary to admit the steam or other elastic
fluid till the lower cylinder is filled to one-tenth of its capacity; then on closing the
supply the steam will expand till it has driven this piston through the remainder of
its stroke. Moreover, as the power of the machine is dependent on the area of the
lower cylinder, it is possible to obtain from even a very low pressure any desired
lifting capacity by simply increasing this area.
Having thus fully described my said Invention, and shewn how the same may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice, I wish it understood that 1.
do not limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement of parts
shewn in the accompanying Drawings, or to the employment of any special fluid,
and that I claim,―
First. In an engine whose piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the medium
of a liquid volume, the method of applying the power, consisting in heating the
liquid volume to a temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of the elastic fluid,
and in so using the power that it acts on the elastic fluid expansively, so that its
expenditure may be varied during each stroke of the piston to correspond with the
work to be performed.
Second. In an engine whose piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the
medium of a liquid volume, the method of applying the power consisting in so con-
trolling the supply and exhaust of the elastic fluid that its expenditure may be
varied during each stroke of the piston to correspond with the work to be per-
formed, and in so controlling the movement of the liquid volume as to prevent its
backward flow.
Third. In an engine whose piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the medium
of a liquid volume, the method of applying the power consisting in heating the
liquid volume to a sufficient temperature to prevent the condensation of the elastic
fluid in controlling the supply and exhaust, as above described, and in applying the
power directly to the liquid volume without intervening mechanism.
Fourth. In an engine in which a piston is moved by an elastic fluid through the
medium of a liquid volume, the described method of preventing condensation con-
sisting in heating the liquid volume to a temperature sufficient to prevent the con-
densation of the elastic fluid, as above described.
Fifth. The combination of parts comprising the piston chamber, the liquid
chamber provided with means for supplying and exhausting the motive fluid, and
the valve interposed between the two chambers for controlling the flow of the
liquid, which valve and the steam valve are independently controlled, as above
described.
Sixth. In an engine whose piston is moved by steam pressure transmitted
through a liquid body, the check valve for preventing the return of the liquid to
the cylinder, the valve for admitting the required amount of pressure, and means
for controlling the exhaust, whereby the supply and exhaust may be independently
operated.
Seventh. In an engine in which the power is transmitted through a heated
liquid, the heating coil in combination with the liquid chamber, as above described.
Eighth. The combination of parts comprising the main tank, the auxiliary tank,
the check valve between these tanks, and the pipes connecting the said tanks with
the piston cylinder in such a manner that the backward flow of the liquid volume is
permitted while the steam is exhausting, as above described.
Ninth. In an engine in which the piston is moved by the pressure of an elastic
fluid transmitted through a liquid volume, in combination with the cylinder and
tank, the independent supply and exhaust pipes provided with valves adapted for
independent operation, to permit the use of steam expansively, as above described.
Tenth. In an apparatus in which an intermediate liquid volume is adapted to be

page_text: acted upon by steam pressure, the combination of parts comprising a valve for admitting
the required amount of pressure, a check valve for preventing the backward flow of
the fluid when acted on by the pressure, and a piston, as above described.
Eleventh. In combination with the tank and cylinder, the valve controlling the
flow in the pipe D, the valve controlling the exhaust, and means for connecting and
operating the two valves together, as above set forth.
Twelfth. In combination with a tank, a steam supply pipe provided with a valve
independently controlled, and a delivery pipe provided with an automatic check, the
construction being such that when steam is admitted to the tank the liquid is caused
to flow from the said tank without possibility of return, as above described.
Thirteenth. In combination with the tank, the steam supply pipe provided with
an independently acting valve, the delivery pipe provided with a check valve, and the
in-flow pipe and exhaust pipe provided with valves working properly together, as
above described and for the purposes specified.
Fourteenth. The method of raising the sections of an elevator by the employment
of a single main power and independent volumes of an incompressible fluid, and
applying the main power by the movement of the main piston, through the medium
of the fluid volumes, to the auxiliary pistons in such manner that each section
receives simultaneously an independent movement, as above described.
Fifteenth. In an elevator, the combination of parts comprising a primary piston
adapted to receive movement from the main power, one or more auxiliary pistons,
and intermediate means for communicating simultaneously and independently the
movement of the primary to the auxiliary pistons, all as above described.
Sixteenth. The elevator having the primary tube, the auxiliary tube, or tubes,
fitted with pistons, and the piston chambers supplied with one or more independent
volumes of incompressible fluid, as above described.
Seventeenth. In combination with the fluid chamber, the auxiliary supply chamber
adapted to restore the loss caused by leakage, as above set forth.
Eighteenth. In combination with the annular chambers, the supply tube and
check valve, as and for the purpose described.
Nineteenth. A hydraulic elevator adapted to have its auxiliary sections moved
independently and simultaneous by a single main power, as and for the purpose
set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Righter Comings, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this First day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
WILLIAM RIGHTER COMINGS. (LS.)