Improvements in or connected with Machinery or Apparatus for Compressing and Pumping Air and other Fluids, partly applicable to Steam and other like Engines.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 31st May, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1893-Accepted, 31st May, 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Machinery or Apparatus for
Compressing and Pumping Air and other Fluids, partly
applicable to Steam and other like Engines.
I, JAMES YATE JOINSON of 4 Lincolns Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Lucien Genty of Tours in the Republic of
France, Mining Engineer) to be as follows:-
The machinery or apparatus for compressing air or other elastic fluids according
to this invention is so arranged as to enable the fluid to be compressed either in
large volumes at a relatively low pressure or in smaller volumes compressed to a
higher degree.
This result is obtained by means of a series of single acting cylinders with
differential or compound action arranged end to end in pairs or groups of two the
piston rods being moved in opposite directions by the two extremities of an
oscillating beam or lever or other equivalent mechanical arrangement. When it
is necessary to compress a large volume of air under a relatively low pressure the
pairs of cylinders act independently that is to say the piston of the lower cylinder
of each group draws in air from the atmosphere and compresses it into the smaller
cylinder situated above it and this smaller cylinder further compresses the air to
the required degree and forces it into a reservoir or receiving chamber common to
all the groups of cylinders. When it is necessary to compress in the same time a
smaller volume of air compressed to a higher degree a rotary distribution valve
worked by hand enables two groups of cylinders for example to be coupled
together in such a manner that the high pressure cylinder of one pair discharges
into the suction or supply chamber communicating with the low pressure cylinder
of the second group.
In an air compressor constructed with four compressing cylinders arranged in two
groups or pairs consisting of one large or low pressure cylinder and one relatively
small or high pressure cylinder for example the cylinders are preferably arranged
vertically and tandem wise or one above the other. The two lower cylinders being
the low pressure cylinders are placed upon a hollow bed plate divided by
an internal partition so as to form two air chambers surrounding tubular supports
carrying the guides for the piston rod cross heads which are connected to a rocking
beam or lever carried by a horizontal shaft working in bearings in the lower part
of the bed plate and receiving motion from au arm or lever worked by any suitable
motor. The two low pressure cylinders communicate at their upper ends with
separate air chambers. The air supply chambers communicate through non-return
valves with the low pressure cylinders and one of the said air chainbers may be
also connected by a pipe provided with a valve with the lower part of one of the
high pressure cylinders. The air chambers above these cylinders communicates
with the distribution valve through a refrigerating apparatus formed by a pipe
provided internally and externally with longitudinal ribs or webs and cooled by a
circulation of cold water in a surrounding jacket.
The rotary distribution valve is constructed with a flat circular seat provided
with a number of ports or openings arranged radially around the central axis aud
communicating through passages suitably arranged with the compressing cylinders
and air chambers as hereinafter explained. The said cylinders and air chambers
are connected together in the required order by manipulating the disc or movable
part of the valve. This movable or rotary part consists of a hollow cap or cover
capable of rotating upon a stud or centre screwed into the centre of the circular

page_text: valve seat. The valve is adjusted in the required position by means of a lever
handle and when adjusted can be pressed tightly on to its seat by means of a nut
on the central screw. In a machine constructed with two pairs of cylinders the
valve seat is provided with six ports and the rotary valve is divided internally into
the three radial compartments separated by partitions of unequal thickness fitting
tightly against the valve seat.
The two low pressure cylinders communicate with the corresponding chambers
in the bed plate through multiple ball valves constructed with a plate presenting
a number of perforations capable of being closed by small steel balls or spheres
which are raised from their seats by the pressure of the air and fall back on to the
seats directly the pressure from below is removed. This construction of valve is
employed by preference on account of its prompt action but any other construction
of valve may be employed if required in this or in any other parts of the apparatus
hereinafter referred to. The pistons and the partitions between the high and
low pressure cylinders and between the high pressure cylinders and the upper
air chambers are likewise provided with valves preferably of the multiple ball
type hereinbefore referred to the balls being arranged in circles concentric with
the axes of the cylinders.
The piston rods may work in stuffing boxes of ordinary construction but it is
preferred to employ stuffing boxes provided with a series of metallic rings of
Lshape in transverse section which when passed over the piston rod form by their
juxtaposition a series of annular boxes or chambers. In each of these boxes there
is placed a ring of antifriction metal divided into two parts by two cuts made in
a plane tangential to the circumference of the piston rod. These two half rings
are pressed together and against the piston rod so as to compensate for wear by a
coiled spring placed in an annular groove in the outer side of the ring. The
series of rings is arranged so that the rings break joint with one another and a
recess or hollow is formed in the upper part of the stuffing box for the reception
of the lubricant supplied by a pipe forming part of an improved lubricating
arrangement hereinafter described. This improved construction of stuffing box
may be employed in pumping apparatus and other similar machinery as well as in
air compressors. These stuffing boxes project into the interior of the cylinders of
the air compressor the pistons being made hollow or formed with a trunk which
fits over the said boxes.
When the two pairs of cylinders are working independently so as to deliver a
large quantity of air at a relatively low pressure into a common reservoir the
distribution valve is adjusted in such a position as to cause air from the atmosphere
to enter the two air supply chambers in the lower part of the apparatus. When
the low pressure pistons ascend they draw air into the low pressure cylinders and
when they descend this air passes through the non-return valves in the pistons to
the upper side of the latter. On the next up-stroke of the pistons this air upon
their upper side is forced through the valves into the small or high pressure
cylinders. When the high pressure pistons descend the air passes through the
valves in these pistons and by the ascent of the latter is further and finally
compressed and forced into the air chambers above the high pressure cylinders.
From these air chambers the compressed air passes through the refrigerating
apparatus and is directed by the distribution valve into the compressed air
chamber.
In order to compress the air to a higher degree by successive compressions in all
the four cylinders the distribution valve is adjusted in such a manner as to cause
one only of the low pressure cylinders to draw air direct from the atmosphere and
to cause the air delivered under pressure from the corresponding high pressure
cylinder to pass into the air supply chamber communicating with the low pressure
cylinder of the other pair. This pair further compresses the air which returns to
the distribution valve by which it is directed into a separate high pressure
chamber.
In place of pressing the distribution valve to its seat by a screw or nut acting

page_text: directly on the centre of the valve the valve may be made of annular shape being
pressed to its seat by a cup shaped plate acted on by a three armed lever two
arms of which are permanently adjusted by screws whilst the third arm is acted on
by a nut provided with means for rotating it so as to adjust the pressure of the
valve as required. This arrangement works with less friction than that herein-
before described.. The number of ports in the valve seat may be reduced to four
for example when the air under pressure is delivered into one chamber in place of
employing separate chambers for the air compressed by the two methods herein-
before described and providing a suitable combination of branch or bifurcating
passages. In this case the rotating part or valve of the distributor is constructed
with two compartments only.
In order to reduce the resistance the air from the air supply chamber in the bed
plate may be conducted directly to the corresponding high pressure cylinder by
opening the valve in the connecting pipe hereinbefore referred to which has the
effect of throwing the first large or low pressure cylinder out of action.
The air undergoing compression is cooled by the refrigerators and by cold water
circulating jackets surrounding the cylinders and air chambers. This cold water
may be supplied by a pump worked by the rocking beam or lever actuating the
compressor pistons.
A thorough lubrication of all the rubbing surfaces is important for the efficient
action of the machine. A lubricator constructed according to this invention is
arranged with a view to working at great speeds and for long periods without
stopping. This lubricator is constructed with a chamber divided into two unequal
compartments by a horizontal partition. The upper and larger of these two
compartments communicates at its upper part with a funnel the orifice of which
can be closed by a needle or screw down valve and communicates with the lower
compartment through an orifice in the partition similarly provided with a valve.
The lower compartment is divided by radial partitions into a number of cells
corresponding with the number of parts to be lubricated and with which they
communicate through a number of valves connected with feed tubes. The upper
part of the large compartment is connected through a pipe or passage provided
with a valve with the chamber containing air under the highest pressure. In order
to charge the lubricator this valve and the valve in the bottom of the large com-
partment are closed and the valve in the funnel is opened. The lubricant is then
poured through the funnel into the large compartment after which the valve in the
funnel is closed and the valve in the bottom of this compartment is opened so as to
allow the lubricant to flow down into the cells in the lower compartment. In order
to cause the lubricant to be supplied to the parts where it is required it is simply
necessary to manipulate the valves in such a manner as to cause the pressure of the
highly compressed air or fluid to be transmitted to the lubricant in the cells. The
contents of the cells can then be caused to pass to the parts to be lubricated by
opening the valves in the feed or supply pipes or passages. When the cells in
the lower compartment have been emptied they are refilled from the upper
compartment.
This improved construction and arrangement of lubricator is also applicable to
steam and other like engines.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Machinery or Apparatus for
Compressing and Pumping Air and other Fluids, partly
applicable to Steam and other like Engines.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Lucien Genty of Tours in the Republic
of France, Mining Engineer) and in what manner the same is to be performed to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The machinery or apparatus for compensating air or other clastic fluids according
to this invention is so arranged as to enable the fluid to be compressed either in
large volumes at a relatively low pressure or in smaller volumes compressed to a
higher degree.
This result is obtained by means of a series of single acting cylinders with
differential or compound action arranged end to end in pairs or groups of two, the
piston rods being moved in opposite directions by the two extremities of an
oscillating beam or lever, or other equivalent, mechanical arrangement. When it
is necessary to compress a large volume of air under a relatively low pressure,
(3 or 4 kilos. per centimetre for example) the pairs of cylinders act independently,
that is to say, the piston of the lower cylinder of each group draws in air from the
atmosphere, and compresses it into the smaller cylinder situated above it and this
smaller cylinder further compresses the air to the required degree, and forces it
into a reservoir or receiving chamber common to all the groups of cylinders. On
the other hand, when it is necessary to compress a smaller volume of air compressed
to a higher degree (say 15 kilos. per centum for example) a rotary distribution
valve of peculiar construction hereinafter described worked by hand enables the
two groups of cylinders for example to be coupled together in such a manner, that
the high pressure cylinder of one pair discharges into the suction or supply
chamber, communicating with the low pressure cylinder of the second group. The
invention further relates to improved means for lubricating the mechanism, cooling
the air and apparatus, and to an improved construction of stuffing box, as herein-
after more fully explained.
And in order that the said invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to
the several figures on the annexed sheets of drawings, the same numerals of
reference indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing illustrates in front elevation a compressing
apparatus constructed according to this invention.
Figure 2 represents the apparatus in plan and Figure 3 illustrates the side of the
apparatus opposite to that represented in Figure 1.
Figure 4 represents the apparatus in section on the line A-B-C Figure 2.
Figure 5 is another front elevation of the apparatus similar to Figure 3, but
drawn to a larger scale, and Figure 6 drawn to the same scale as Figure 5 illustrates
the apparatus in side elevation.
Figure 7 drawn to a still larger scale, illustrates the upper part of the apparatus
in vertical section taken along the line A-B-D Figure 2.
Figure 8, represents one of the cylinders in section and illustrates the construc-
tion of the stuffing boxes and multiple ball valves.
Figure 9 represents in plan a division plate on which the balls work between
the cylinders.
Figure 10 illustrates in section the arrangement for connecting the upper piston
to the rod.

page_text: Figure 1 illustrates in plan the plate for the balls, arranged between the upper
cylinder and the air chamber.
Figure 12, represents the upper cylinder in horizontal section.
Figure 13 is a front view of the distributer or distribution valve seat, the rotary
valve and the tightening nut or wheel being removed in order to expose the surface
of the seat.
Figure 14 represents the rotary distribution valve in transverse section on the
line E-F Figure 15, and Figure 15 represents the distribution valve and its seat
in section on the line G-H Figure 13. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the arrange-
ment of the passages in the valve seat of the distribution valve in sections taken
on the lines -J and K-L Figure 13 respectively.
Figure 18 shows the position occupied by the distribution valve, when the two
groups of cylinders work independently of one another.
Figure 19 shows the position occupied by the said valve when the two groups
of cylinders are working compound, or acting in succession on the same body
of air.
Figures 20 and 21 show the corresponding positions occupied by the different
parts of a modified form of the distribution valve, illustrated in detail in the
following figures.
Figure 22 is a front view of a distribution valve of this modified form.
Figure 23 represents the valve in section on the line M-N-O Figure 22.
Figure 24 illustrates the valve seat in front elevation, the rotary valve and
tightening devices being removed in order to expose the ports.
Figure 25 shows the exterior of the rotary valve.
Figure 26, illustrates one of the stuffing boxes in section on the line of the axis.
Figure 27 illustrates in plan one of the rings of the stuffing box, forming
annular boxes or chambers as hereinafter described and Figure 28 represents one of
the rings in section on the line P-Q Figure 26.
Figure 29 illustrates the lubricator in elevation. Figures 30 and 31 represent
the lubricator in plan and in section on the line R-S Figure 30 respectively.
Figure 32 represents the lubricator in horizontal section taken on the line T--U
Figure 29. Figure 33 represents the lower compartment of the lubricator in
section taken on the line V-W Figure 32 and shows the arrangement of one of
the oil supply or feed tubes proceeding from a cell of the lubricator to a corre-
sponding part of the machine or engine to be lubricated.
The compressing apparatus (Figures 1 to 8) is constructed with four com-
pressing cylinders marked 1. 2. 3. 4. all having the same stroke and forming two
pairs or groups of two cylinders of unequal diameters each arranged tandem fashion
one above the other. The two larger and lower cylinders of these groups are
bolted to a hollow cast iron bed plate, divided by an internal partition 5 (Figure 4)
so as to form two air chambers 6 and 7.
In the interior of these chambers there are formed in casting, tubular supports 8,
carrying the guides for the crossheads 9, Figure 7 on the piston rods 10 and 11, to
which a reciprocating movement is imparted by links 13 and 14 connected to a
rocking beam or lever 15, fixed on a horizontal shaft 16 working in bearings,
arranged in the interior of the hollow base or foundation plate 17 on which the
entire apparatus is supported. The shaft 16 receives rocking or vibrating motion
from a long arm or lever 18, fixed on one end of the shaft and actuated by any
suitable motor.
Air chambers 19 and 20 forming intermediate receptacles for compressed air are
placed over the cylinders.
An air supply tube 21 drawing air from the exterior of the building communicates
with the chamber 6. This chamber also communicates with the lower part of the
cylinder 2 through a pipe 22 capable of being closed by a screw down valve or
cock 23. The chamber 19 communicates with the fixed or stationary part of the
distributer through a refrigerating apparatus 25. This apparatus the upper part

page_text: of which is represented in longitudinal section drawn on a larger scale in Figure 7
is formed by a pipe or tube 24 provided internally and externally with longitudinal
ribs or webs and is cooled externally by the circulation of cold water in the
surrounding jacket or external cylindrical casing 25. After flowing downwards
through the entire length of the refrigerator the air passes through the pipe 26 into
the stationary part of the distributer or distribution valve.
This valve is illustrated in detail drawn to a larger scale in Figures 13 to 19 of
the annexed drawings. It is constructed with a fixed or stationary part forming
the seat and a part forming the valve proper which is capable of rotary movement
upon a horizontal axis.
The stationary part forms a flat circular seat 27 formed on a block of metal
perforated with a number of passages communicating with a corresponding number
of ports or openings formed in the said seat as represented in Figure 13. These
ports are six in number and the corresponding passages indicated by dotted lines
are clearly shown in this figure. The port marked 28 is a port for the admission
of air to the distributer, it communicates through a pipe 26 with the refrigerator 25
herein before referred to and is consequently connected with the compressed air
chamber 19.
The port marked 30 is a port for the escape of air communicating directly with
the pipe 31 conducting the air to the low pressure air chamber.
The port 32 is an inlet port which enables the compressed air in the chamber 20
to enter the distribution valve through the pipe 33 and passage 34 after passing
through a second refrigerating apparatus 35 similar to that hereinbefore described.
The port 36 is an outlet port communicating through a passage 37 formed under
the passage 34 (Figures 16 and 17) with the pipe 38 leading to the high pressure
air chamber.
This arrangement of crossed passages is clearly represented in the sections
Figures 16 and 17 taken on the lines IJ and K L Figure 13. The port 39 opens
directly into the chamber 6 and serves to connect the latter with the chamber
hereinafter described with reference to two groups of cylinders working indepen-
dently.
as
The port 40 communicates directly with the chamber 7 and can be connected
either with the port 28 (Figure 19) and consequently with the chamber 19 or with
the port 39 (Figure 18) and consequently with the chamber 6 according to the
position in which the rotary part of the valve is placed. This rotary part consists
of a hollow cap or cover 41 Figures 14 and 15 capable of rotating freely upon a
stud or centre 42 screwed into the centre of the circular valve seat. This rotary
part or valve proper is provided at one side with a lever handle 43 enabling it to
be adjusted in either of the positions represented in Figures 18 and 19 respectively
and can be pressed tightly to its seat by screwing up a nut forming the boss of a
hand wheel 44 and working on a screw formed on the central axis 42 so as to jam
the valve between the said nut and the stationary valve seat 27.
The rotary valve 41 is divided internally into three radial compartments 45, 46
and 47 Figure 14 separated by radial partitions of unequal thickness whose edges
are flush with the edges of the valve so that they fit tightly against the valve seat
in the same way as do the edges of the valve except when placed over the port
openings in the said seat in which case two adjacent compartments can be placed in
communication.
The cylinder 3 draws air direct from the chamber 7 and the chamber 20 com-
municates through the refrigerator 35 (Figure 1) and pipe 33 with the port 32 in
the valve seat.
As represented in Figure 4 plates 48 and 49 are placed between the cylinders 1, 2
and 3,4 which are likewise separated from the chambers 6 and 7 by plates 50 and 51
at one end and at the other end are separated from the chambers 19 and 20 by
plates 52 and 53. All these plates two of which are represented in section in
Figure 8 are perforated with two or three concentric rings of perforations 54

page_text: capable of being closed by small steel balls or spheres 55 acting as valves being
capable of being lifted from their seats by the pressure of the air to an extent
which is limited by a perforated plate 56. This combination constitutes a species
of multiple ball valve of large diameter such as that referred to in the Patent
granted to me and dated 22nd August 1891 No. 14209. The pistons 57, 58, 59
and 60 are similarly provided with valves of the same construction (Figures 7
and 8).
Other forms of valves may be employed in the construction of apparatus
according to this invention but I prefer to employ the aforesaid multiple ball valves
owing to the advantages which attend their use owing chiefly to their short lift and
consequent prompt action.
The stuffing boxes in which the piston rods work in the said plates 48, 49, 50
and 51 may likewise be of any suitable construction but I prefer to employ stuffing
boxes of special construction as next hereinafter described.
These stuffing boxes are provided with a series of metallic rings 61 Figure 26
of shape in transverse section placed one above the other in a cylindrical
recess formed in the upper side of the plate or cylinder cover. These rings form
by their juxtaposition a series of boxes for the reception of rings of antifriction
metal divided into two parts 62, 63 as presented in plan in Figure 27. These two
parts or half rings are pressed together and against the piston rod by a helical
spring 64 Figures 26, 27 and 28 placed in an annular groove in the outer side of
the ring and which tends to cause the surfaces of the half rings to slide over one
another and compensate for wear. The rings are so arranged as to break joint
with one another and a recess or cavity 65 is formed in the upper part of the
stuffing box for the reception of the lubricant supplied by a small tube 66,
(Figures 7 and 8,) forming part of the lubricating arrangement hereinafter
described. The compressing pistons 57, 58, 59 and 60 are made hollow on the
lower side being formed with a species of trunk into which the stuffing boxes enter
when the pistons are at the bottom of their stroke in order to diminish the height
of the apparatus.
The compressing action being thus provided for the working of the apparatus
as follows:-
1. In the first place I will describe the action when two groups of cylinders 1, 2
and 3, 4 are required to work independently of one another for the purpose of
rapidly compressing a large quantity of air in one chamber under a relatively low
pressure (say about 3 kilos. per square centimetre for example). In this case the
rotary valve is firmly fixed in the position indicated in Figure 18. When the valve
is in this position the compartment 45 in the valve places the port 40 in the valve
seat in communication with the port 39. Consequently the air drawn in from the
I will
exterior through the pipe 21 is distributed between the chambers 6 and 7.
now assume that the piston 57 for example is commencing its upward stroke and
describe the different phases of the compression of one cylinderful of air in the
group formed by the cylinders 1 and 2 the apparatus being supposed to be in
normal working. The piston 57 ascends to the top of its stroke. The balls in
the plate 50 rise from their seats and the cylinder 1 becomes filled with air at
atmospheric pressure.
When the pistons descend the balls in the plate 50 fall
back on to their seats but the balls in the piston 57 are lifted from their seats
and allow the air to pass through to the upper side of the piston. During the
following ascending movement of the piston the valves in the piston 57 close and
the air passes out of the cylinder 1 into the cylinder 2 by raising the balls in the
plate 48. At the end of the stroke the whole of the air is driven out of the
cylinder 1 into the cylinder 2 and is consequently reduced in volume to an extent
corresponding with the difference in the capacity of these two cylinders. The
pistons then descend and the valves in the plate 48 close and prevent the air from
escaping from the cylinder 2. This air is then subjected to a slight compressing
action until the pressure is sufficient to raise the balls in the piston 58. At the end
of this stroke the whole of the cylinderful of air has passed into the upper part of

page_text: the cylinder 2. The pistons then ascend and the air is further and finally com-
pressed in the cylinder 2 until the pressure is sufficient to raise the balls in the
plate 2 and enable the air to pass into the chamber 19 which is in constant
communication with the compressed air chamber or storage reservoir through the
refrigerator 25, pipe 26, the two ports 28 and 30 in the valve seat. (connected
through the compartment 46 in the valve) and the pipe 31. The air forced into
the chamber 19 then enters the storage or compressed air chamber.
The action of the group formed by the cylinders 3, 4 is the same as that of the
cylinders 1, 2 air being drawn from the chamber 7 communicating as hereinbefore
described with the chamber 6 and being forced by the cylinders 3, 4 into the
chamber 20 whence it passes through the refrigerator 35, pipe 33 and ports 32
and 30 of the valve seat (placed in communication by the compartment 47 in the
valve) into the pipe 31 which conducts it into the common compressed air
chamber.
2. When the same cylinderful of air is caused to pass through all the four
cylinders and subjected to successive compressions in order to obtain a higher
degree of pressure, (say about 15 kilos. per square centimetre for example) the
action is as follows. The rotary distribution valve is adjusted in the position
represented in Figure 19. In this case the ports 40 and 39 in the stationary valve
seat do not communicate the port 39 being covered by the wide division or solid
port between the compartiments 45 and 47 in the valve. The air in the chamber 6
consequently cannot pass into the chamber 7 and vice versa. The port 28 is
likewise cut off from the port 30 from which it is separated by the partition
between the compartments 45 and 46 in the valve and is placed in communica-
tion with the port 40 which is connected with the chamber 7. The port 32 is
also separated from the port 30 and is now connected through the compartment 47
with the port 36 and pipe 38 leading to the high pressure air chamber.
The action (compound action) under these conditions will now be readily
understood.
The group of cylinders 1, 2 draws in air at atmospheric pressure as before from
the chamber 6 and forces it into the chamber 19. In place of passing directly to
the compressed air chamber or storage reservoir the air under pressure escaping
through the port 28 is compelled to pass through the port 40 into the chamber 7
which acts as an intermediate reservoir. The partially compressed air in this
chamber is afterwards drawn into the group or pair of cylinders 3, 4 which further
compress the air and deliver it under the required high degree of pressure,
obtained in the high pressure chamber, into the chamber 20 whence it proceeds to
the storage reservoir or high pressure chamber first passing through the
refrigerator 35, pipe 33, ports 32 and 36 (which communicate through the com-
partment 47) and the pipe 38. The course followed by the air is indicated by the
arrows in Figure 19.
In the distributer illustrated in Figures 13 and 19 the nut or boss of the
tightening screw receives the full amount of pressure of the air and considerable
force is required to rotate the nut or the valve in order to overcome the frictional
resistance which results from this arrangement. Figures 20 to 25 of the accom-
panying drawings illustrate a modified construction of the distribution valve in
which the friction is greatly diminished. In this case the pressure on the rotary
valve (Figures 22 and 23) is transmitted to a three armed lever having two
arms 35 and 36¹ secured by screw bolts and nuts with washers having spherical
bearings by means of which the position of the lever can be suitably adjusted.
The third arm marked 37¹ is secured by a bolt passing through the arm and
provided with a nut forming the boss of a hand wheel 44. By rotating this
hand wheel a pressure can be exerted upon the end of the arm 37' which is
transmitted to the rotary valve being trebled in course of transmission owing to the
leverage.
In the form of valve illustrated in Figures 20 to 25 the arrangement of the ports
is likewise modified. This modified arrangement as next hereinafter described

page_text: enables the construction of the valve to be greatly simplified in case a single storage
chamber or reservoir is employed.
By means of this arrangement the number of ports in the seat is reduced to four
marked 281, 30', 39' and 40' in Figure 24.
The port 28 is a port for the admission of air to the distribution valve and
communicates through the pipe 26' with the refrigerator 25 and consequently with
the chamber 19. The port 30 is an outlet port for the air which communicates
through a branched passage with a pipe 33 on the one hand which enables the
compressed air from the chamber 20 to enter the distributer after passing through
the refrigerator 35 and on the other hand with a pipe 311-38' leading directly to
the single storage reservoir or compressed air chamber and combining the functions
of the two pipes 31 and 38 in the distributor herein before described.
The port 39 communicates directly with the chamber 6 and the port 40¹
communicates directly with the chamber 7. The rotary valve 41' of this
distributor in place of having three internal compartments is provided with two
only indicated by dotted lines and marked 45' and 46' Figure 25. This valve is
worked as in the preceding arrangement by means of a handle 43¹ and can be
placed in either of the two positions indicated in Figures 20 and 21. Figure 20
represents the position occupied by the rotary valve when the two groups of
cylinders are working independently (low pressure).
Figure 21 represents the position occupied by the valve when the apparatus is
working with compound action (high pressure). The course followed by the
compressed air according to these two methods of working is indicated by
arrows and can be readily understood by referring to the drawing having regard
to the explanations hereinbefore given in connection with the other arrange-
ment of the valve and referring to Figures 18 and 19 which correspond with
Figures 20 and 21 respectively. On comparing these figures it is evident that
these two arrangements constitute two equivalent means for carrying out my
invention.
When very high pressure is obtained and it is necessary to diminish the power
expended by the compresser it is simply necessary to open the valve 23 (Figure 7)
which controls the communication through the pipe 22 between the cylinder 2 and
the air supply chamber 6. Under these conditions the cylinder 1 is put out of
action and the volume of air introduced at each stroke corresponds with the
capacity of the small cylinder 2 only the compression being effected in three stages
instead of four.
In consequence of the successive compressions to which it is subjected the air
becomes highly heated and this would have a tendency to cause the working
parts to bind or create great friction unless the rubbing surfaces as well as the
air were suitably cooled. With this object the air discharged from each group
of cylinders is caused to pass through the refrigerators 25 and 35 hereinbefore
referred to.
The casings or jackets of these refrigerators form part of the same circulation of
water which is obtained as hereinafter described which serves to cool the sides of the
cylinders and of the air chambers 19 and 20.
By means of a crank or arm 67 and connecting rod 68 (Figures 3 and 5) the
horizontal shaft 16 works a small circulating pump 69 drawing cold water through
a pipe 70 and discharging it successively into the jackets of the refrigerators 25
and 35 and into the jackets of the compressing cylinders and of the chambers 19
and 20. These chambers are provided internally with webs or diaphragms 74
(Figure 7) which cool the air by conduction. This circulation of water which is
employed in many machines of this class and forms no part of the present invention
is obtained by the aid of pipes 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 which are indicated
in the drawing for the sake of completeness only. In the refrigerators 25 and 35
the water preferably circulates downwards this being most favourable to the
exchange of temperature. After cooling all these parts of the apparatus the water
finally escapes through the pipe 80 (Figure 1) into a cooling tank where it is
B

page_text: allowed to remain for a sufficient time to enable it to cool before returning to the
pump 69.
A very thorough lubrication of all the rubbing or working parts is necessary
for the proper working of the compressing apparatus which is designed for working
at high speeds and for considerable periods without stopping. These conditions
are provided for by means of a single lubricator or oil chamber represented in
Figures 29 to 33 of the accompanying drawings. This apparatus which is attached
to the refrigerator 25 as represented in Figures 5 and 6 is constructed with a
small chamber 81 divided by a horizontal partition 82 into two unequal compart-
ments 83 and 84. The upper and larger of these two compartments marked 83
communicates at its upper part with a funnel 85 which can be closed by a screw
down valve or plug 86. Another plug or valve 87 is provided at the lower end of
the lubricator and controls the communication between the upper compartment 83
and the lower compartment 84. The latter is divided by radial partitions into a
number of cells 89 in the form of sectors corresponding with the number of parts
to be lubricated in the machine. From these cells a corresponding number of feed
tubes 90 conduct the lubricant to the parts of the machine such as the interior of
the cylinders stuffing boxes and the like which require lubrication. Valves 91
(Figure 5) placed at the extremities of the feed tubes enable oil to be injected into
the interiors of the cylinders when required. A tube 92 likewise provided with a
stop valve or plug 93 places the upper part of the compartment 84 in communi-
cation with the chamber 20 which contains air under the maximum pressure
obtained in the apparatus. The valves 87 and 93 being closed and the valve 86
opened the upper compartment 83 can be filled with oil through the funnel 85
after which the charging or filling orifice is closed by screwing down the valve 86.
The valve 87 is then opened and allows the oil to flow from the upper com-
partment into the cells in the lower compartment after which the valve 87 being
again closed the apparatus is ready for action.
In order to lubricate the machine the valve 93 is opened and the pressure in the
chamber 20 is transmitted to the oil in the cells being a greater pressure than that
existing in the four cylinders after which it is simply necessary to momentarily
open the valves 91 in succession in order to deliver the contents of the cells to the
parts requiring to be lubricated.
The cells 89 are of unequal capacity their dimensions being regulated according
to the amount of oil required by the different working parts of the machine with
which they are severally connected. When empty the cells are recharged with
oil by unscrewing or opening the valve 87. After the cells have been charged and
emptied a certain number of times the supply of lubricant in the upper compartment
is exhausted and it is then recharged by again proceeding as hereinbefore described.
The oil is supplied to the stuffing boxes through small vertical tubes 66 (Figure 8).
Hand holes 94 closed by plugs or covers 95 (Figure 7) enable the stuffing boxes to
be inspected and adjusted when required.
The apparatus has been described as being applied to the compression of air but
it is evident that it is equally applicable to the compression of any other gas or
gaseous mixture. The apparatus may be modified by arranging the pistons to be
worked by a bent shaft with two cranks. The details of the arrangements and the
forms dimensions, proportions and materials employed may also be modified within
certain limits without affecting the principles of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be perforined I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. An apparatus with compound action for compressing air or other gaseous
fluids comprising two groups of unequal cylinders arranged tandemwise the two
groups being capable of working either independently of one another or of acting
in succession upon the same cylinderful or body of air according to the degree of
compression to be obtained substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: 2. In compressers for air or other gaseous fluid comprising a plurality of cylinders
a rotary distribution valve consisting essentially of a rotary part or valve proper
divided internally into compartments and constructed in such a manner as to be
capable of rotating upon a stationary seat provided with a tightening device as
hereinbefore set forth and formed with ports arranged and operating substantially
as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
3. In compressers for air and other gaseous fluids in general the arrangement of
the refrigerator as hereinbefore set forth formed by a tube provided internally and
externally with longitudinal ribs or webs the said tube being surrounded by water
or other refrigerating medium.
4. In air compressers, pumps and other machines of the same class a stuffing box
constructed with a series of superposed boxes each containing a ring made in two
pieces drawn together by a spring so as to compensate for wear substantially as
hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
5. In air compressers, pumps, steam engines and other machines of the same
class, an oil chamber or lubricator divided into two compartments one of which acts
as a magazine for oil the other compartment being divided into as many cells as
there are parts to be lubricated substantially as and for the purpose herein before
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
6. The arrangements and combinations of parts constituting an apparatus for
compressing and pumping air and other gaseous fluids substantially as herein
before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 28th day of Wahmann 1000
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.