IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND MEASURING THE FLOW OF FLUIDS; ALSO FOR PUMPING, FORCING, AGITATING, AND EVAPORATING FLUIDS; AND FOR OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER FROM FLUIDS
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I. RICHARD
ROBERTS, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Seventeenth day of October,
now last past, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Richard Roberts, my exors, admors, and assigns, Her especial
license, that I, the said Richard Roberts, ny exors, admors, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Richard Roberts, my exors, alors, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, 'use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed,, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND MEASURING THE FLOW OF FLUIDS; ALSO FOR
PUMPING, FORCING, AGITATING, AND EVAPORATING FLUIDS; AND FOR OBTAINING
MOTIVE POWER FROM FLUIDS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a"
proviso, obliging me, the said Richard Roberts, by an instrument in writing"
under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of
mysaid Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to
cause the same to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery
Price &

page_text: within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the said Letters Patent, reference
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Roberts, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, to consist,―
First, in rendering the force of the fluid to be regulated available as a
power for opening and closing the valve, or other apparatus used for that pur-
pose, whether that power be brought into action by hand or by self-acting
machinery or apparatus.
Secondly, in constructing rotary meters for measuring the flow of fluids with
spiral passages in the external casing, to impart rotary motion to the fluid to
be measured.
Thirdly, in constructing the measuring wheel of rotary meters with straight
instead of spiral or curved vanes.
Fourthly, in tapering the vanes of rotary meters at their lower edges, so as
to cause them to describe the frustrum of an inverted cone, revolving in a
corresponding cone at the delivering end of the spiral passages, herein secondly
before mentioned.
pass with-
Fifthly, in making the delivering end of the casing of rotary meters slightly
conical, and the extremities of the vanes of the wheel taper, to correspond
with it; the object of which provision is to allow foreign matters to
out (as nearly as practicable) impeding the action of the meter.
Sixthly, in the application of an oscillating cylinder or chamber furnished
with a piston or plate to meters for measuring the flow of fluids, and in
certain machinery or apparatus connected therewith.
Seventhly, in certain improved applications of yielding substances to meters
for measuring the flow of fluids, whereby the pressure on the outgoing fluid
during the reversal of the ports is maintained nearly equal to that on the
incoming fluid..
Eighthly, in the application of suitable apparatus for allowing the escape of a
air from fluid meters.
Ninthly, in constructing pumps having spiral or curve vaned wheels in
such wise that the wheel and its shaft shall act as counterbalance to the
rising column of fluid; also in the application of a floater in the upper end
of the delivering pipe in connection with a valve, to prevent the return of
the fluid.
Tenthly, in certain improvements in machinery for forcing fluids, whereby
motion may be given to vessels with greater economy of power than can be
given by the forcing machinery now in use.

page_text: Eleventhly, in a new combination of machinery for agitating fluids, more
particularly applicable to churning..
Twelfthly, in suspending the drums of centrifugal action machines from
their vertical driving shaft by means of cords, chains, or links.
Thirteenthly, in increasing the evaporation of fluids, by enclosing or partly
enclosing the same, and conducting the vapour arising therefrom to a fine or
chimney in which rarefaction is produced by the heat employed to evaporate
the fluid.
Fourteenthly, in evaporating the moisture contained in warps or piece
goods, by causing the same to pass through an enclosed heated chamber,
connected with a flue or chimney in which rarefaction is produced by the
heat from the chamber.
Fifteenthly, in employing a currentora jet of steam to increase the draught
for carrying off the vapour in chimneys, used inconnection with apparatus for
evaporating fluids.
Sixteenthly, in evaporating fluids, by causing the rarefaction of the air in
the chimney connected with the pan to produce a current of air through
tubes having their inner end immersed in the fluid in the said pan.
Seventeenthly, in obtaining motive power from fluids in their passage from a
higher to a lower level, by conveying the fluid down what I call the longer leg
of an inverted syphon, and up the shorter log, which is furnished with curved
or inclined divisions, to give the requisite direction to the water, in order that
it may act effectively upon a spiral wheel, or a "turbine," through which the
motive power is transmitted.
Eighteenthly, in employing two spiral wheels or turbines placed one above
the other over the short leg of the syphon, which in this case may be furnished
with curved, inclined, or straight divisions.
Nineteenthly, in applying the power of a column of water acting upon a
piston to the opening and closing of lock and dock gates, swing bridges, and
other machinery of the like nature.
And, twentiethly, in the direct application of the pressure of steam or water
for compressing or packing goods for hooping barrels and casks, and for the
like purposes.
And in order that iny Invention may be fully understood and readily
carried into effect, I will proceed to describe the means pursued by. me,
reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon.

page_text: On Sheet 1, Fig. 1 represents a sectional elevation of one of my improve-
ments in machinery for regulating the flow of fluids, to which is connected one
of my improved rotary meters for measuring the flow of fluids.
a is the supply pipe, from which rises the branch a¹; to the flange of this
branch is bolted the cylinder b, which is furnished with a piston 6' fixed on a
rod ; the upper end of this rod passes through a stuffing box in the cover of
the cylinder b, for the convenience of closing the valve, when the pressure in
the pipe a is insufficient for that purpose; the lower end is guided by the cross
piece b; a is a two-way cock, connected by the branch pipe a³ to the main
pipe a, and by the pipes as and as to the cylinder b; a' is a lever attached to
the plug of the tap a'; a' is another double-way cock, connected to the cylinder
by the pipes as and a; the levers a' and a" on the plugs of the cocks are con-
nected together by the link a; the object of these cocks will be explained
hereafter. To the rod be is fixed a plug or valve c,which is enclosed by the
enlarged pipe d, the area of the space between the greatest diameter of the
plug or valve c,and the greatest diameter of the pipe d being equal to the area
of the supply pipe a. The ring c', placed between the upper end of the pipe d
and the flanch of the elbow supply pipe a, serves as the seating for the valve c.
e is a bent pipe, connecting the pipe d of the regulating apparatus to the
pipe f of the meter, in the upper end of which is shewn one of my improved
apparatus for measuring the flow of the fluid before it enters the delivery
pipe g. The measuring apparatus consists of the pipe f with the spiral or
curved divisions f¹ and of the revolving wheel 2, the vanes of which are
made straight on their faces to allow air to pass without giving motion to
the index. The lower edge of the vanes in the wheel are bevelled to suit
the bevel of the upper edge of the stationary divisions f¹, the object of which
being to allow foreign matters to pass through the meter without injury to
it. The arbor or spindle f, on which the vane wheelf is fixed, is made
free in its bearings, so that the increased pressure caused by foreign matters
contracting the passage may cause the vane wheel to rise a little, and allow
the obstructing matter to pass. The registering apparatus, shewn in the
chamber g', consists of the arbor or spindle f', on which is a worm f³,
that works in a wheel f, which is fixed to a pinion fo, that gears into a
wheel, the axis of which passes through the side of the chamber g', and,
gives motion to the index on the outside, which index may be of the ordinary
kind. The Drawing represents the various parts of the regulating apparatus
in the positions they occupy when the valve c is fully open, and the full

page_text: quantity of water is supposed to be passing through the pipes. On the
attendant wishing to reduce the flow in the main pipe, he turns the handle a¹6,
in the direction of the arrow, until the plug a² assumes the position to direct
the fluid to the under side of the piston 61, instead of to 'the upper, as before,
and at the same time causes the plug a³ to close the passage aº, and open the
passage as to allow the fluid in the upper part of the cylinder 6 to pass off.
As the conical valve c is raised by the ascent of the piston 61, it contracts the
annular passage in the seating c¹, and thereby reduces the flow of the fluid.
The principal advantage derived from this arrangement of machinery, is, that
the pressure of the water in the main pipe a is made to raise or lower the
regulating valve c by the attendant exerting only the power required for
reversing the cocks a² and a7, as before described.
Figure 2 represents an elevation, partly in section, of another of my
improvements in regulating the flow of fluids; Figure 3 is a plan view; and
Figure 4 is an end elevation of the same. As most of the parts repre-
sented in these views are similar to those already described in reference
to Figure 1, and are marked with similar letters of reference, it will only
be necessary to describe those parts which have been added in order to
make the apparatus self-acting. To the under side of the delivery pipe g
is cast a brauch g², to which is bolted the double-elbow pipe h, upon the
longer leg of which and the blind branch the air chamber i is bolted.
is a floater, attached to a rod 22, which passes through a stuffing box at the
bottom of the air chamber i. To this rod are fixed the set collars 23 and 2,
which act upon the lever j to open and close the cocks a² and a³, in the
manner herein-after explained. In order that the fluid may rise into the air
chamber i, a small orifice is made at 16, which allows the air to escape until
the fluid raises the small floater sufficiently high to cause the short arm of
the elbow lever to close the orifice. When the fluid in the delivery pipe is
at its usual pressure, the floater is maintained near the upper end of the
air chamber i, and the lever ; has its right-hand end supported by the sit
collar , in which position of the lever the tap a² admits the fluid into the
cylinder b above the piston b', so as to cause it to keep the valve c open.
When from the bursting of a pipe or other cause the fluid in the delivery
pipe g falls much below the usual pressure, the floater i¹ descends and the set
collar 3, by depressing the right-hand end of the lever j, causes the opposite
end through the links and a¹0 to reverse the positions of the plugs a² and a²,
in which latter positions the fluid enters the cylinder below the piston b',
which then elevates the valve cinto the position indicated by dotted lines, and
closes the passage for the fluid.

page_text: The peculiar shape given to the branch pipe g2, which is open on its upper
side to the main pipe g, will allow any greatly increased velocity of the current
in the discharge pipe g to reduce by friction the pressure in the air chamber i
below the pressure in the discharge pipe g, and consequently the valve c to be
speedily closed. Figure 5 is a sectional elevation of another of my improved
rotary meters for measuring the flow of fluids. Figure 6 is a section of a
pipe +, in which are fixed the spiral divisions 2. Figure 7 is a horizontal
section through the revolving vane wheel &, and Figure 8 is a vertical section
through the internal portion of the registering apparatus. In Figure 5 the
fluid to be measured enters the lower end of the pipe k, and in its passage
upwards has rotary motion imparted to it by the curved divisions A² in the
pipe ; the fluid then passes through and imparts rotary motion to the vane
wheel the lower portion of the outer circumference of this wheel is
bevelled off, to correspond with the conical projection 3 of the spiral
chambered pipe k4; the object of which provision is to cause the whole of
the fluid to pass through the vane wheel . In order that the fluid may act
effectively on the vane wheel A, the pipe is made larger than the main
pipe, and the centre piece is made to compensate for the difference in
area betwixt the two pipes; the lower portion of the centre piece. ¹ and
the upper portion of the vane wheel are made conical, that no unnecessary
obstruction may be presented to the fluid. The vane wheel is fixed on the
arbor or spindle, which works below in the centre piece ¹, and above in
a set screw 3. On the spindle 12 is a worm , gearing into a wheel which
communicates motion to the registering apparatus, in the manner previously
described with reference to Figure 1. This meter, like that herein-before
described, is well adapted to measure the flow of large volumes of fluid.
In Sheet 2, Figure 9 represents a transverse sectional elevation of my
improved oscillating meter for measuring the flow of fluids; Figure 10 is a
longitudinal, and Figure 11 a plan view of the same, also in section. mi is
the outer casing, furnished with the lids m' and m²; n is the inner cylinder,
which oscillates on the trunnions n', supported in bearings attached to the
outer casing m. The lids n² and n³ close the ends of the oscillating cylinder,
which is provided with a piston n4, made tight in any approved manner. The
fluid enters the outer casing m, through the pipe m³ screwed into the lid m²,
and into the oscillating cylindern (when in the position shown in the Drawing,
through the port n³ in the lid n², and urges the piston n in the direction of
the arrow in Figure 10, forcing the fluid between the piston and the lid n
(whenever fluid is being drawn off) through the port ne in the lid n³, and the
port me in the partition m' through the passage m* and pipe m10. When

page_text: the piston arrives nearly close to the lid ³, the set screw in the piston acts
against the pin o in the lid n³, and the head of the pin o, by pressing against,
the spring-catch o', liberates its upper end from the retaining catch o² attached
to the casing, and thereby sets the right-hand end of the cylinder at liberty to
descend by the gravity of the piston, and to elevate the left-hand end of the
oscillating cylinder, which is, after the change has been made, retained in that
position by the catches o' and 05, during which retention the ports n° and m³
coincide, and the port no has dropped below the port mo, as shewn by dotted
lines in Fig. 10; consequently, the fluid from the outer casing enters the oscil-
lating cylinder through the port no, and forces the piston toward the left-hand
end of the cylinder. The fluid between the piston and the end n² then inakes
its escape into the passage m' by the ports n and m³. The spring m³, placed
between the trunnion and the end of the bearing, is to hold the faces of the
ports in contact; the same object may also be attained by placing the meter
in a slightly inclined position. In the partition m are openings m³, shewn in
red in Fig. 10; these openings are covered by metallic lids, P₁ which are made
fluid-tight by packings of vulcanized india-rubber or other suitable elastic
substance, the yielding of which when the ports are changed will maintain
the pressure on the outgoing fluid without perceptible check to the flow. The
registering apparatus is set in motion by the tappet p*', fixed to the cylindern;
this tappet acts upon the lever p¹, to which is attached the spring catch p",
that takes into the ratchet wheel p³, which gives motion to the index wheels
outside the casing, in the ordinary manner. The floater g, seen best in Fig. 9,
is attached to an elbow line q', the short arm of which acts as a valve to the
opening q; the object of this apparatus is to allow the escape of air from the
casings. The oscillating cylinder » is also provided at each end with a small
opening, covered with a valve or lid ni for the like purpose.
In Figs. 12 and 12 is shewn a modification of the above-described im-
provements in fluid meters, by means of which modification the flow from the
exit pipe is also maintained without sensible interruption during the reversing.
of the ports. In these views, m is the outer casing; and m¹ is the lid, into
which the supply pipe m³ is screwed. 10 is the exit pipe, screwed into the
lid m. The fluid after it has entered the outer casing passes through the
oscillating cylindern, which, being similar to that before described, is not
shewn in the Drawing, and then enters the passage m', which conducts it to
the chamber, formed by the partition m¹ and the lid m². The partitions m¹³
are formed of thiu plates of metal or other suitable yielding substance, and
are bolted between the flanges and the cylinder covers. At the centres, these
plates are fastened to bosses on the lids m³ and m², one plate being held by a

page_text: nut and the other by a screw plug, as shewn in the Drawing. The fluid
passes from the chamber formed by one of the plates m" and the lid m² into
the exit pipe m through the openings m. The chamber formed by the
other plate m and the lid m¹ is also in connection with the passage m', con-
sequently the outgoing fluid will receive a slighter check during the reversal
of the ports than it would do if one of the plates only were used.
I will now proceed to describe another modification of my improved oscil-
lating meters, applicable to liquids and aeriform fluids.
In Figs. 13, 13, 14, and 15, r is the outer casing; and r¹ are bearings, fixed
to the inner sides thereof, for the trunnions of the oscillating piston or centre
plates; and are expanding bags or chambers, made of prepared leather
or other suitable material; these chambers are attached to flanges of the centre
plate s, and to plates s³ and s', of wood, or other suitable material, forming the
ends of the chambers; is a pipe, connected at one end to the box, in
which is the port 24, and at the other end to the box 5, in which is the port
the boxes 3 and 75 are fixed to the casing, in the manner seen best in the
plan view, Fig. 14. To the oscillating centre plate s is screwed the pipe s
terminating in the box se, in which is the port sd and the pipe s', terminating
in the box ss, having a ports. Each of the boxes s and ss is furnished on
its lower side with a flange, which closes the exit ports 7 and 8 when the
ports or s is admitting fluid to the chamber s¹ or s², as shewn in the detached
Fig. 13. To the plate s are also fixed one end of the rods s; the other euds
of these rods are attached to plates so, which are provided with catches, some-
what similar in construction and for same purpose as the catches o¹, o, o'
and o, represented in Fig. 10, and which will be fully described in reference
to Figs. 21 and 22 of Sheet 3. The rods & serve as guide rails for the anti-
friction rollers, which revolve on studs projecting from the framework of
the oscillating chambers s and s²; the end plates s³ and s' are connecte
together and held at a uniform distance apart by tie rods s11, shewn in the
sections, Figs. 13 and 15. The fluid to be measured is now supposed to be
entering into the case through the supply pipe and into the chamber s
through the port si aud pipe s5; the chamber s¹ is now expanding, and the
chamber s² is consequently collapsing, and the fluid in the chambers is
making its escape into the exit pipe through the pipe sand ports s15 and
which now coincide with each other.
expanded, the pin s¹³, seen in Fig. 15, comes in contact with the retaining
catch before mentioned, and allows the right-hand end of the oscillating appa-
ratus to descend, so as to reverse the ports; by this means the ports s16 and
are brought opposite to each other, and the fluid to be measured is introduced
As soon as the chamber s' is fully

page_text: into the chamber s through the port 313. The registering apparatus is put in
motion at every alternate oscillation of the plate s by the spring-catch 81*
working in the ratchet wheel s15, the axis of which projects through the outer
casing r, and gives motion to the index of the registering dial. The spring 10
seen in Fig. 14 acts against one of the trunnions of the plate s, and serves to
keep the faces of the ports in contact.
In Figs. 16 and 17 I have shewn parts of a meter, the general construction
of which is very similar to the one above described with reference to Figs.
13, 14, and 15, the object in this being to allow the fluid to be measured to
enter into and pass out of the same end of the meter. In these views, ris the
casing, and s the oscillating centre plate, to which is connected the double pipe
517, furnished with two ports. The fluid to be measured is now supposed to be
entering through the upper port, and passing through the upper passage of the
double pipes into the right-hand compartment of the flexible chamber, while
the fluid that has been measured is passing through the lower part of the double
pipe s into the exit pipe 7. As soon as the ports are reversed, the upper part
comes opposite the port in the exit pipe 70, and the fluid to be measured enters
into the lower part of the double pipe s, and thence into the left-hand com-
partment of the flexible chamber. In this meter it will be desirable to
counterbalance the pipes s". In other respects this meter is similar to the
last herein-before described.
Another modification of my improvements in fluid meters is represented in
Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of Sheet 3. As many of the pieces in this meter
are similar to those represented in Figs. 13, 14, and 15, I have marked them
with corresponding letters and figures of reference. The principal difference
between this meter and those just referred to consists in the valves for the
ingress and egress of the fluid to and from the oscillating chambers, and in the
arrangements foradmittingthefluid into the oscillating chambers before instead
of after it is admitted into the outer casing. In Fig. 18, the pipe 72 terminates
at one end in a box t, the upper part of which forms the seating for a valve t¹,
which is closed by a spiral spring, as shewn in the Drawing; the other end o
the piper2 is furnished with the box t2, with its valve t³. The pipes s' and stare
connected to the oscillating centre plate s at one end, and are furnished attheir
other end with the boxes u and u¹; these boxes have annular facings u² and u³
attached to them by flexible connecting pieces, made ofleather or other suitable
material, and are also furnished with studs ut, around which are coiled springs
that act against cross pieces in the annular facings u² and u³. In Fig. 18, the
various parts of the meter are represented in the positions they assume when
the oscillating trunk has been released from its retaining catch at the right-
B

page_text: hand,end, and has dropped half way, or to the horizontal position, where the
annular facings u² andu³ are momentarily in contact with the seatings t and t
but as the right-hand end of the oscillating trunk completes its descent the.
stud u will force open the valve t¹, and thereby complete the communication
between the chambers and the ingress pipe, through the pipe s", the boxes
u, t, and the pipe 12. By the descent of the box w, the box u¹ will have been
raised to some distance above the box te, and the valve t3 will have been closed.
In this state of the apparatus, the fluid which occupies the chamber s¹ is.at
liberty to escape through the pipe s' into the outer casing, which it will do as
soon as the pressure therein shall be so much less than the pressure in the
ingress pipe as will leave a difference of pressure sufficient to expand the
chamber s² and collapse the chamber s¹. When the left-hand end is fully
expanded, a pin s¹³, one of which is shewn at each end of the oscillating trunk,
comes in contact with and liberates the catch 820, which is hinged to the cross
piece $10, seen best in Figs. 21 and 22, from the catch s21, fixed to the casing;
the preponderating weight of the chamber s² then causes the cross bar s10 to
descend, and the latch s20 to pass through the opening in the catch s21, and at
the same time the inclines on the latch $20 at the other end of the meter in
their ascent slide through the catch s 21 at that end, until on the completion of
the stroke the latch 820 is forced by the springs into the retaining position on
the catch s. The advantages of this arrangement of meter, especially for
aeriform fluids,consists in its having but little friction to overcome, and in the
circumstance that owing to the exit pipes being in connection with the outer
casing r, which is much more capacious than the oscillating trunk, any irre-
gularities that may take place in the flow of the fluid during the oscillations
of the trunks will be proportionately less than in the meters herein-before
described.
Myimprovements in machinery or apparatus for pumping are represented
in Figs. 23 and 23 of Sheet 3 as applicable to pumping or forcing water or
other fluid from ships' holds, and for other purposes. A is the pump wheel,
which is in this example shaped like the frustrum of a cone, and furnished with
curved or inclined vanes, attached at their inner edge to the conical boss A4,
which is keyed to the vertical shaft A1, and at their outer edge to the conical
shell A3; the breadth of the vanes is greater at the upper than at the lower
edge, but the area of the conical space in which they are fixed is nearly the
same at top and bottom. On the shaft A¹, which may be driven in any con-
venient manner, is keyed the fly wheel A2, which, together with the shaft and
vane wheel A, is rather more than equal in weight to the column of fluid
which the pumping wheel has to sustain. C is a circular grate, bolted upon

page_text: the chamber C¹, and made conical, that the vane wheel may readily be put into
its place when immersed in water. C is a sheet metal cover, resting on a
shoulder of the grate C, the use of which is to prevent foreign matters
entering the pump. At the upper end of the discharge pipe E is a valve D,
fixed on the rod D', to which is also fixed a floater D². When the requisite
velocity is given to the vane wheel A, the water acted upon is forced through
the chamber C¹ up the pipe E and under the valve D, which, when the water
is sufficiently high to pass off copiously through the discharge pipe E', is held
open by the floater D². As the valve D is supposed to be less than thirty feet
above the vane wheel, it will follow that when the pumpis stopped the valve D
will close and retain the column of water in the pipe E. Fig. 23* represents
a vane wheel of another shape, which may be used in place of the one above
described.
My improvements in machinery or apparatus for forcing fluids are repre-
sented in Figs. 24, 25, and 26 as applied to the propulsion of ships or vessels
on water, and consist in making the boss of screw propellers much larger than
usual, in order that the vanes may act more effectively on the water, and in
extending the bosses backwards far enough to admit of their being tapered or
otherwise formed, so as to allow the water to close upon them without a
counter current being produced. Fis the stern of a vessel, and F¹ the stern
post, on each side of which is a boss F, made the same diameter as the bosses
of the propellers G; the bosses F are softened off into the body of the vessel,
as shewn in the Drawing. The propellers G may each have six or more
vanes, which in the respective propellers are set at opposite augles, and the
propellers made to revolve in contrary directions, so as to impart a steady
motion to the vessel. The bosses of the propellers terminate in cycloidal
or other suitably shaped projections G. The diameter of the boss should be
equal to at least one third that of the propeller wheel, and the width of the
vancs about equal to one sixth the diameter of the propeller.
My improvements in machinery or apparatus for agitating fluids are repre-
sented in Figs. 27 and 28 of Sheet 4 of the Drawings, and consist of a new com-
bination of parts forming a churn. In these Figures H is a framing or stand, to
which is fixed the upright stud H¹; I is a circular chamber or vessel, attached
to a bevil pinion I, gearing into the driving wheel J, fixed on the driving shaft
J. Near the top of the stud H'is a cross piece H2, from which depend four studs
for supporting the splashers K; these splashers are also partly supported by the
diagonal stays K. When motion is given to the shaft J' it imparts motion
to the vessel I, the fluid in which is elevated by centrifugal action up the
curved sides of the vessel I until it is caught by the splashers, down which the

page_text: fluid flows in thin sheets into the vessel to be elevated, as before. Dy the agi
tation of fluids in the manner just described, every portion of the fluid is
speedily..brought in contact with the atmosphere, which in the process of
churning is particularly desirable.
In Figs. 29 and 30 I have shewn another of my improvements in machinery
foragitating fluids. These improvements are applicable to the machines know.n
by the name of hydro-extractors, and to centrifugal force apparatus used in
treating saccharine fluids. The object of these improvements is to prevent the
vibration caused by centrifugal apparatus of the ordinary construction. Fig. 29
is a sectional elevation of an apparatus for separating the fluid from the crys-
talline particles of sugar; and Fig. 30 is a plan of the same. In these views,
Lis a perforated sheet metal, or wire drum, of the usual construction, sus-
pended by the cords, chains, or links L' from the double cross levers L³, fixed
to the upright shaft L³. The drum L is attached to a heavy metal block L*,
through which is made a conical hole of sufficient size to allow the drum L to
move sideways, until the centre of gravity of the mass is in the centre of rota-
tion, without coming in contact with the shaft L³. The necessary rotary
motion is given to this shaft in any convenient manner, and is communicated
to the drum L by means of the cross levers L³, and the cords, chains, or links
L', before mentioned.
My improvements in machinery or apparatus for evaporating fluids are
represented in Figs. 31 and 32. These improvements are applicable to evapo-
rating the moisture contained in warps, yarns, and piecegoods. Fig. 31 is part
of a machine for drying warps, to which my improved apparatus is applied;
the other parts of this machine are omitted, as they are not required for illus.
trating the application of the present improvements.. The yarns or warps to
be dried are conducted under the two rollers M and M', and carried upwards in
two separate parts, as shewn by the blue lines; they then pass over the rollers
O, and are conveyed to the beaming roller after passing under the rollers P.
N is a movable casing; and N2 is a chimney, the upper part of which is funnel
-shaped, and has a bevilled flange, to prevent the wind from beating down the
vapours rising from the chimney. The lower part of the machine is heated by
When the machine is at
the steam pipes N¹, or by other suitable means.
work, the moveable casing N is in the position shewn by red lines, enclosing
the whole apparatus; consequently, the heat employed for evaporating the
moisture in the warps produces rarefaction in the chimney N2, and a strong
current of air to carry off the vapour is the result.
Fig. 32 represents a mode of applying the same Invention to the drying
of piece goods in any of the ordinary stretching machines. P is the fabric

page_text: passing through the trunk or chamber P, heated by steam in pipes under the
fabric by a current of warm air admitted at P, or in any approved manner;
P and Ps are rollers, between which the fabric passes; P³ is the chimney for
carrying off the vapour; the upper part of the trunk Plis made to open for the
convenience of working the machine. I wish to remark here that the amount
of draught in machines for evaporating fluids may, if necessary, be increased by
the admission of a current or a jet of steam into the chimneys in connection
with them, the application of which requires no explanation, as it is well known
to persons conversant with locomotive engines.
Another of my improvements in evaporating fluids consists in introducing a
number of bent tubes into the fluid to be evaporated, the outer ends of which
are open to the atmosphere. The vessel containing the fluid to be evaporated
is covered by a chimney or flue, and the heat evolved by the liquid rarifies the
air in the chimney, which causes a current of air to flow through the perforated
tubes in the liquid, and by carrying off the vapour, to accelerate the process of
evaporation.
In Figs. 33 and 34 of Sheet 5 I have shewn two modifications of my im-
provements in machinery or apparatus for obtaining motion power from fluids.
In Fig. 33, R is a pipe, forming the longer leg of an inverted syphon through
which the water descends; R' is a bent pipe, to which is bolted the chamber
R2, containing the stationary curved divisions R³, for directing the current
of water. The interior of the chamber R2 is formed in the shape of an inverted
cone, in the upper end of which is a bearing for the foot of the shaft S. Near
the lower end of this shaft is fixed the vane wheel or turbine S', and above
it the fly wheel S and bevel wheel S³, which communicates motion to the
machinery to be driven through the wheel U and shaft U. From the fore-
going description, it will be seen that the water in passing through the
chamber R receives from the divisions R such a direction as makes it act
with great propulsive effect on the vane wheel or turbine St.
In Fig. 34, such parts as are similar to those in Fig. 33 are marked with
corresponding letters and figures. In this illustration, I make use of two vane
wheels or turbines placed immediately one above the other. T is the upper
vane wheel or turbine, fixed on a hollow shaft T', through which the shaft S
passes, and is keyed to the fly wheel S2 and bevil wheel S³. The fly wheel T
and bevil wheel T are both fixed on the hollow shaft T. After the water has
acted on the vane wheel S' to turn it in one direction, it imparts motion to the
wheel T in the contrary direction, and their united effect is imparted to the
work to be driven through the wheels S³, T³, and U, and the shaft U'. I
wish to observe here, that when two wheels are used with vanes in contrary

page_text: direction the curved guide divisions R³ in the chamber R2 may be dispensed
with.
Another of my improvements in obtaining motive power from fluids consists
in the application of the power from a column of water acting on a piston for
opening and closing lock and dock gates, swing bridges, and other machinery
of the like nature, as shewn and described with reference to Fig. 1.
My next improvement in obtaining motive power from fluids consists in the
application of a column of water to the forcing of hoops on casks and barrels,
and to raising the rams of hydraulic presses used for bailing goods. In work-
ing hydraulic presses it is customary to employ at first a large pump to raise
the ram rapidly whilst there is little resistance to be overcome, and afterwards
a smaller pump to complete the operation. In my improved mode of applying
the force of fluids, I dispense with the larger pump, and employ instead thereof
the direct action of the loftiest column of water at command, and when that
has ceased to be effective, it is shut off, and the small pump is employed in the
usual way. Instead of the small pump, the differential hydraulic ram, shewn
in Fig. 35, may be employed; the larger part of this ram is marked X, and the
smaller part X. When water is admitted into the chamber X' through the
opening X, the ram X is raised, and the chamber X2 is filled with water
through the pipe X. After the ram X has been raised, the opening X³ is
closed, and the pipe X is opened to let off the water, after which water is
admitted into the chamber X3 through the opening X, which, by forcing down
the ram X, causes the water from the chamber X to act with a force as much
greater than the column of water employed as the two rams X and X' differ
in area. It will be apparent that almost any amount of power may be applied
to hydraulic presses by this arrangement of differential rams, and that the
operations may be repeated as often as is necessary to obtain the pressure
required. When a column of water is not available for these purposes, high-
pressure steam may be made to act on a piston in direct connection with a
press, or, on an ordinary hydraulic press, by means of a piston similar to that
marked X, in connection with a ram X, acting in the manner above
⚫ described.
.of
Having now described the nature and particulars of my said Invention, I
wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise arrange-
ments of the mechanical details herein set forth, so long as the novel features
my Invention, or any part thereof, be retained; neither do I claim any of
the ordinary and well-known parts of machinery which are shewn in the
annexed Drawings, for the purpose of illustrating the application of my
improvements; but what I claim is,—

page_text: First, regulating the flow of fluids by the application of power derived
from the fluid to be regulated, as shewn and described in reference to Figs. 1,
2, 3, and 4.
Secondly, the application of curved or spiral divisions to rotary meters for
measuring the flow of fluids, in the manner and for the purpose herein-before
described and referred to in Figs. 1, 5, and 6.
Thirdly, constructing the wheels of rotary meters with straight vanes, as
shewn and described in reference to Figs. 1, 5, and 7.
Fourthly, tapering the lower edges of the vanes of rotary meters, in the
manner and for the purposes described in reference to Fig. 1.
Fifthly, making the outer circumference of the vanes of rotary meters
slightly conical, and the casings in which they revolve to correspond, as shewn
and described in reference to Fig. 1.
Sixthly, the application of an oscillating cylinder or chamber to meters for
measuring the flow of fluids, as shewn and described in reference to Figs. 9 to
22, both inclusive.
Seventhly, the peculiar application of yielding substances to maintain the flow
in the exit pipe uniform, or nearly so, as shewn and described in reference to
Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 12*.
Eighthly, the application of self-actingapparatus for allowing air to escape
from fluid meters, whether constructed as shewn and described in reference to
Figs. 9, 10, and 11, or in any other way.
Ninthly, the modes of constructing the apparatus for the ingress and egress
of the fluid to be measured, as shewn and described in reference to Figs. 9 to
22, both inclusive..
Tenthly, the combination and arrangement of parts for pumping, as repre-
sented and described with reference to Figs. 23 and 23*.
Eleventhly, the application of cycloidal or other suitably shaped bosses to
machinery or apparatus used in forcing fluids, as shewn and described in
reference to Figs. 24, 25, and 26.
Twelfthly, the peculiar combination of machinery for agitating or evapo-
rating fluids, represented and described in reference to Figs. 27 and 28.
Thirteenthly, suspending the drums of centrifugal action machines when
used for agitating or evaporating fluids, in the manner described in reference
to Figs. 29 and 30.
Fourteenthily, the mode, herein-before described in reference to Figs. 31 and
32, of increasing the draught in chimneys or flues used in combination with
machinery or apparatus for evaporating fluids.
Fifteenthly, the mode herein-before described of producing rarefaction, by

page_text: admitting a current or a jet of steam into chimneys or flues used in connection
with machinery or apparatus for evaporating fluids.
Sixteenthly, the mode herein-before described for accelerating evaporation.
by the introduction of tubes into the fluid to be evaporated, and by connecting
the vessel containing the fluid with a chimney or flue.
Seventeenthly, the peculiar combinations of machinery and apparatus for
'obtaining motive power from fluids, as shewn and described in reference to
Figs. 33 and 34.
Eighteenthly, the application of the power of a column of water to opening
or closing lock or dock gates and swivel bridges, and other machinery of the
like nature, as herein-before described.
And, lastly, the direct application of the pressure of steam or of water for
compressing and packing goods, hooping barrels and casks, and for the like
purposes, as shewn in Fig. 35, and as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Roberts, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of April, One thousand eight hundred.