IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID METERS
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Ernest Seyd, of Princes Street, in the City of
London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN FLUID METERS,"
-A communication from abroad by Charles Frederick Jenny, of
the State of New York, America.
Sealed the 5th November 1869, and dated the 7th May 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Ernest Seyd at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
7th May 1869.
I, ERNEST SEYD, of Princes Street, in the City of London, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FLUID
METERS," a communication from abroad by Charles Frederick Jenny, of
the State of New York, America, to be as follows:-
The first of these improvements relates to a reciprocating piston meter
represented in Sheets 1, 1º, and 2, on which Figure 1 represents a
longitudinal section partly departed from the better to show the arrange-.
ment of the registering apparatus; Figure 2, Sheet 1*, represents an end
017

page_text: view with parts removed; Figure 3 represents a cross section also
departed from the better to show the counting apparatus; and Figure 4
represents a plan view of the water channels and ports, representing
them as though the inner casing A was unrolled and formed a plane.
The "escape" and "supply "ports thereon are represented where they
are located on the outer skin B.
The nature of this improvement consists in making a piston fluid
meter as follows:--First, of such a form as to have great strength and
durability combined with cheap construction and little weight; secondly,
to float the moving valve pistons with cork or its equivalent, and to
leave them disconnect and free to move independent of each other, so
that they will obey the slightest impulse of the water, and thereby bring
friction resistance, and therefore the reduction of head to a minimum;
thirdly, so as to avoid the carrying of dead water, which seriously
obstructs free motion; fourthly, to let the water in upon the valve
pistons or their equivalents in such a manner as to have them perfectly
balanced under any pressure, and thereby also to prevent reduction of
head; fifthly, so as to avoid the bursting of the meter through the
ram action" of water suddenly checked, and in case the water therein
should freeze; sixthly, with a registering arrangement by which the
distance travelled over by the pistons is recorded, and by which small
fractions of the liquid can be measured as well as large quantities
recorded with only two index fingers; and such other minor advantages
and improvements as are herein minutely set forth.
The first step in the construction of the meter is the casting of the
central brass pipe A, which is in one piece with the ribs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
and 8, Figures 3 and 4, and with tne transverse end partitions connecting
these, as shewn in Figure 4. The pattern of this piece A is shaped, as
shewn in Figure 3, so that the ribs will draw from the sand, and so that
the ports will form their own core. When that piece is cast the ports
therein are trimmed to proper shape, for which there is free access all
around. These channels are then filled with core sand, so that the piece A
thus filled and rounded off with core sand forms a core around which
the outer shell B is cast. In doing this the following precautions are
necessary: A gas or other pipe is placed into the central cavity of the
piece A, projecting a few inches at each end. Its diameter must be
so as to leave a space of about an inch between it and the shell A; this
space is filled with sand properly vented. This gas pipe remains open

page_text: at both ends entirely through the flask. The casting being made it is
allowed to remain in the sand and flask over night, the pipe being open
as named, so that it will cool off by the centre and thus allow the shell B
to shrink down upon the brass without rupture. The inlet and outlet
nozzles 20 and 21 I make by preparing short pieces of pipe with the
desired thread, which are placed in the mould so as to run the metal
which forms the outer shell B around the same; this mode saves con-
siderable labor. As nearly all the channels are open at the end, and
two of them at both ends, the core sand is readily removed and obstruc-
tions are conveniently expelled. The body of the meter is then ready
to be bored out and faced off, as the meter is open from end to end;
this can be done with a boring bar, and at one operation, that is,
without having to move the meter.
The next step is to divide the meter into two parts by the bulkhead H.
This bulkhead consists of the central disc h' and the recessed rim h²;
the space between the latter and the casing A is filled with red lead or
some other metallic cement able to form a water-tight joint with
sufficient resistance to the bumping of the pistons, which however is
slight for the reason hereafter stated. A couple of pins might be
inserted to insure its stability. The rim h² is recessed, as shown at ³, to
admit the port Q', as shown, with the view of saving space endways, and
to allow the piston to abut against the bulkhead without covering the
port. The port P' is admitted in like manner. The edges of rim h² also
serve for abutment to the cork filling in the pistons. If the latter were
to abut on their whole face suction could take place, which would
interfere with the free working of the meter. With a like view the
projection K' on the end cover K is made, which prevents the whole
surface of the cork to lay against the face of the cover. The
bulkhead being put in place and the end covers bolted on, as shewn,
the body of the meter is ready for surface. By this manner of
construction the expensive mode of boring out an iron casting for the
insertion of a brass lining also requiring preparation is totally avoided
and a superior result is produced. The only moving parts in the meter
besides the registering apparatus are the two valve pistons C and D,
which while doing service as pistons act as valves for each other.
Each piston has two annular recesses 7 and 8, which act in the
following manner: Taking the piston D as an example, the port T¹
which connects through port T with the right-hand end of piston C (sce

page_text: Figure 4) is never covered, but always open to the annular recess 8,
while port Q; which connects through port Q to the nearest end of
piston C, is likewise always open to recess 7. In the position shewn
piston C is at the end of its stroke, and piston D midway of its path, and
just in the act of changing the ports for piston C. After moving a
little to the left the supply port S¹ will be in connection with port Q,
and the escape port E' will be in connection with port T'; in con-
-sequence, while piston D is continuing to the end of its stroke the
piston C is travelling in the right-hand direction, and midway of its
stroke performs the same office for piston D. The end ports R and T are
partly recessed into the covers, as shewn in faint lines at R' for the
purpose of saving space as well as to prevent the covering of the port
when the cork abuts against the cover. There. is a possibility of both
pistons covering the ports at the same time, in which case the action of
the meter would cease. This is guarded against by the two pairs of relief
ports X, X', each two forming a pair, which are placed opposite each
other, so as to equalize the pressure upon the piston. These ports are
very small, so as to admit a mere thread of water, which is sufficient to
move the other piston off its centre. These relief ports cause no leakage
when the pistons are free to obey the impulse of the water, which they
are by the mode here below given, because the water will not travel
around corners and through narrow channels, causing friction, while free
vent is given to it by floating off the pistons. These ports are placed in
the right-hand piston, because the latter by its connection to the
counters is prevented from turning. All the ports, which are alternately
covered by the pistons, are made in pairs, opposite to each other, so as
to equalize the pressure upon the pistons. The manner in which this is
accomplished with the construction above given is clearly shown in
Figure 4, which also shews the course of the water to and from all the
ports.
As it is impracticable to make the pistons light enough to float they
are made of such thickness that when filled with cork they will be
of a specific gravity equal to that of the fluid in which they are to
operate. This gravity is regulated by reducing the amount of cork in
the centre of the piston. This cork serves for a five-fold purpose:-First,
it floats the pistons, as named. Secondly, it forms the bulkhead in the
piston to prevent the passage of water through the same; if the pistons
are cast with a bulkhead in them they would be too heavy, and they

page_text: could not be finished with so much ease on a mandril.
Thirdly, the cork
displaces water, which would otherwise be moved backwards and for-
wards as dead weight, with four times the inertia to be overcome, cork
having one-fourth the specific gravity of water. Fourthly, the cork serves
as bumpers to check the motion of the pistons at the end of their stroke,
and returns to them on their return stroke most of the force with which
it was compressed; this is an advantage which continuously moving
pistons have over those which move alternately. Fifthly, the cork, by its
compressive quality, serves as preventive against the bursting of the
meter through the bursting of the "water ram" when a cock is suddenly
closed, and also when the water is exposed to a freezing temperature the
expansion of the freezing water will compress the cork instead of finding
space by bursting the meter. Any other material of similar qualities
could be substituted for cork, however no better material is now known
to me. This completes the construction of the meter per se. The mode
adopted for recording the amount of water which passes through the
meter is such as to record the distance travelled over by the pistons, and
not the number of their strokes. This is necessary, because with a small
stream the pistons do not make full stroke. The driver L, which is
carried by the piston C by means of piece M, is pivoted to the arm N,
which turns loosely on shaft G, and the point of the driver L is kept in
contact with the wheel 12 by spring pressed upon by projection n' on
arm N. The wheel 12 moves with the shaft and screw G, which turns
in standards I, I; screw G turns wheel V, the shaft of which passes
through the sleeve u' into the registering wheel chamber 14. The water
is excluded from chamber 14 by the usual washer 10 ground to a close
joint with the sleeve u', and by the rubber sleeve 9. When the
piston C moves to the right the driver L, the point of which is to the
right of a central line, will lock with the wheel 12 and carry it along;
when the piston returns to the left the dog 15 will prevent wheel 12
from returning on its path while the driver L slides loosely over its
surface. This surface may be "milled" or formed into small saw teeth
or merely roughened in some way. Instead of using dog 15 the wheel
12 and its appendages may be placed in the centre, and another arm N
and driver L used on the opposite side, in such manner that the one will
drive while the other slides. These parts, the wheel 12 and its
appendages, may be recessed into the end cover W, so that the piston C
can be entirely filled out with cork-like piston D the better to equalize
their action. The pinion u¹ of ten teeth on shaft drives the two

page_text: wheels of 100 and 101 teeth, the three forming the old plan of
differential wheels. The dial 3 is fastened to wheel 100, and the index
finger 2 is fast by a sleeve to wheel 101; thus when the wheel 100 has
made one revolution the finger 2 has advanced one of the hundred
divisions on the dial plate. The finger 16, Figure 2, denotes units, in
this case cubic feet, the finger 2 counts hundreds, and up to ten thou-
sand in one revolution. This is sufficient for common use as a water
meter, but to be able to measure fractional parts in testing meters, and
especially when measuring valuable liquids to be subdivided into
fractional parts, the following arrangement is added:-The wheel "80"
of 80 teeth fastened to pinion u' drives the pinion "8" of eight teeth
fastened to dial plate 19. By this arrangement one revolution of the
dial 19 gives one cubic foot, and from division "3" to division "4"
counts one-tenth part of a cubic foot, and half a small division
indicates the hundredth part of a cubic foot, all indicated by the same
finger 16. For extreme accuracy a registering apparatus could be
attached to the other piston and cover also. The "supply" and
escape" ports may be interchanged without any change in the result.
The meter may be used on end or in a horizontal position; if used on
end it is screwed fast by the knob K².
What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-
First. The arrangement within one barrel A of two pistons C and D
acting as valves for each other.
Secondly. The arrangement of the two pistons C and D acting as
valves for each other, when the piston D acting as a valve for C changes
the ports for the latter at or near half stroke of D, and vice versa, and
when the two pistons are disconnected and move independent of each
other.
Thirdly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of floating
the valve pistons or their equivalents.
Fourthly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of
displacing the water, which would otherwise be moved backwards and
forwards as obstructing dead weight.
Fifthly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of
obstructing the flow of water through the valve pistons, and at the same
time to serve as bumpers.
Sixthly, The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of

page_text: preventing the bursting of the meter by the water ram or through
freezing, substantially as named.
Seventhly. The arrangement of the water channels around the
working cylinder, substantially as shewn.
Eighthly. The arrangement of the duplicate ports to balance the
pressure upon the valve pistons C and D or their equivalents, substan-
tially as named.
Ninthly. The mode described of first casting the central barrel A with
the ribs which divide the water channels, and then casting the outer
shell around the same, substantially in the manner named and for the
purposes specified.
Tenthly. The bulkhead H as a separate piece, used substantially in
the manner and for the purposes named.
Eleventhly. The small relief ports a, a', used to prevent the pistons
from remaining simultaneously upon the ports.
Twelfthly. Placing the counters into the end cover of a reciprocating
meter, substantially in the manner named.
Thirteenthly. The mode of measuring the distance travelled over by
the pistons by means of the wheel 12, oscillating arm N, driver L, and
spring, or their equivalents, with or without dog 15.
Fourteenthly. The additional counter wheel 80, pinion 8, and dial
plate 19, or their equivalents, for the purpose named.
This meter is admirably suited to be cast in forms or moulds of white
metal; thus made it has still ample strength on account of its double
skin connected and braced by the ribs.
Another form of a fluid meter suited to particular circumstances is
represented on Sheet 3, on which Figure 5 represents a longitudinal
vertical section, and Figure 6 a transverse vertical section of the same.
The prominent feature of this meter, which is of the rotary class, is
that the upper part of the measuring drum is filled with a lighter fluid,
in this case air, and the heavier fluid to be measured, water for instance,
passes through the lower part of the casing, rotating a suitably shaped
paddle wheel, the revolutions of which are recorded in the manner usual
in rotary meters. This plan has been proposed heretofore.
My improvement consists in providing a mode by which the upper
part of the chamber is always kept full of air automatically.
A is the

page_text: casing with inlet I and outlet O; B is the cover containing the outside
registering wheels, and C is the paddle wheel. This wheel C is made
as light as possible of thin sheet brass or other durable material with its
axle bearings in casing A, as shewn at d, and in the cover B, as shewn
at b', running in lignum vitæ o, c, or arranged in any other usual mode
to diminish friction. The buckets d, d, are so sloped as to pass the ai
in the chamber with little resistance and to allow the air free passage
out of the way of the buckets. The diameter of the casing A is made
much larger than that of the wheel, the Drawing representing it to be
half an inch larger; there is therefore a quarter of an inch space between
the periphery of the wheel and paddles and the casing. At the lowest
part however the casing has a projection E a little longer than the space
between two buckets which fits the periphery of the wheel, and which
prevents the passage of the water around the wheel, compelling it to
revolve the latter to find free vent. The sides of the buckets are closed
by annular discs f, f, the outer edges of which are fitted loosely into the
right-angled recesses g, g, in the casing and lid B. The screw h on the
wheel axle turns the wheel i; the shaft of the latter revolves in
standards h, k, and is formed into a screw which revolves wheel m,
the shaft u of which passes through the sleeve u into the chamber 14,
in the manner indicated in the reciprocating meter above described; the
counters in this chamber 14 are also arranged in a manner similar to
that already described. N is a pipe closed at the bottom and open at
the top, and is bolted down upon the inlet piece I on the sides. The
bent tube is screwed into the bottom of pipe N and opens into the
narrowest part of the inlet I near where it discharges into the casing.
This pipe N is closed by cap piece Q screwed or bolted on. The inner
projection q is bored out to meet another channel g bored from the
outside, and the end of projection g' is formed into a valve seat upon
which the valve is ground to a tight joint. This valve ris upon the
long stem S, which is guided by the usual three-ribbed ends S, S', the
former in tube p the latter in projection q¹. Upon this stem S the
piece of cork T is fastened, and the whole is so arranged that the valve
with its stem and the cork can play up and down to close and open.
the channel through piece Q, while communication through tube p
is always open.
The manner in which the casing becomes automatically filled and
replenished with air is as follows:-When the water in the inlet pipe I
acquires a certain velocity it will by its impetus and by its tendency

page_text: to keep on its direct path create a vacuum at the mouth of the tube p,
which is filled by the contents in pipe N. If the latter is filled with
water it will be drawn out until the cork sinks and opens the valve r,
when the air will pass freely through tube p and mix with the water at
its entrance into the casing. As the air has an immediate tendency to
rise it will collect in the angles of the buckets, and is thus effectually
prevented from passing out to any extent through the outlet O until
the casing is filled with air under a pressure corresponding to that of the
water. The surplus will pass off with the water with beneficial effects
upon the same. When the water ceases to flow with the necessary
velocity it enters the pipe N through tube p and raises the cork by
floating it, with the result of pressing the valve closely upon its seat.
I do not confine myself to this particular mode of applying the
principle involved, as it can be done in various ways with a similar or
identical effect; but what I do claim as my Invention and desire to
secure by Letters Patent is, the mode of keeping a supply of air in the
upper part of the measuring chamber of a rotary paddle wheel meter
by the effect of the rapid motion of the measured fluid when air is
brought into contact with it in a proper manner, and so as to result in
the air being carried along by the measured fluid mechanically and
otherwise, substantially as described and effected by means of tube p,
pipe N. valve and stem r, s, float T, and channel q, or their equivalents,
or by any other combination effecting the same result.
I also claim the general arrangement of the meter, as described and
shewn.
Sheet 4, Figures 7 and 8, represents another form of a rotary meter
particularly suited for rough usuage and to measure impure fluids.
The principal feature of this improvement consists in causing the
pistons to roll upon the inner and outer shells which form the casing
instead of sliding upon the same, with the advantage of reducing friction
and increasing the efficiency of the pistons.
Furthermore, it consists in substituting rubber roll pistons in place of
pistons with a hard surface whenever their intended use admits of it;
such rubber roll pistons form a perfectly tight joint with a minimum of
friction, and are capable of passing over sand, gravel, and other obstruc-
tions without injury.

page_text: Figure 7 represents a section of the meter through the line A, B,
Figure 8, and Figure 8 represents a section through the line C, D,
Figure 7. The meter is formed of the two annular working chambers 2, 2¹,
with a stationary outside shell 3, 3', and a rotating inside shell 4, 4', to
each chamber. In each of these annular chambers two pistons 5, 5,
opposite to each other are confined by their axles 6, 6, in the two end discs
7, 7, these shafts 6 being free to revolve in their bearings. These discs 7
are firmly keyed upon shaft 8, which has bearings in the two ends of
the meter casing. The moveable casing 4. may be a mere pipe, as shewn,
in the casing 2, which revolves upon rim projection 9 of disc 7, or it
may have arms 10 and a hub 11 which revolves around shaft 8, as shewn,
in the casing 2'. The pistons 5¹, 5', in casing 2' are set at right angles
to the pistons 5, 5, in casing 2, so that the abutment 12 may serve for
both sets of pistons. The abutment 12 is grooved so as to chamber a
piston, as shewn, and is of such diameter and the chamber so shaped
that the pistons can pass freely in and out of the abutment. In order
to keep the pistons and the abutment chamber in their proper relative
positions they are geered together by cog wheels 13, 13', and 14, which
are arranged to give two revolutions to the abutment to one of the pistons.
The pistons may be of metal, wood, hard rubber, or any other suitable
material; when applicable vulcanized rubber is preferred, as making a
tight joint while they are able to pass over considerable obstructions
without injury. The Drawing represents the pistons as made of rubber
pipe stretched upon the shafts 8 with hard rubber or metal washers 15 at
each end. The pinion 17, which is fastened into shaft 8, drives the regis-
tering wheels in any of the usual modes. Either of the other shafts
might be used instead. To prevent leakage a usual washer 18 is ground
to a tight joint with the sleeve 18', and a rubber sleeve 19 intervenes
between the washer and the disc 7. If fluid is to be measured without
sufficient fall to revolve the pistons the shaft 16 is passed out through a
stuffing box at either end, but most suitably at the end Y, and provided
with a crank to be turned by hand or otherwise. When this crank is
revolved the effect will be thus:-The pinion 14 will drive the two wheels
13, 13', and with them shafts 8, discs 7, and the two sets of pistons. As
the outer casing 3 is stationary the pistons roll upon the same as well as
upon the inner moveable casings 4, 4', which they revolve in the
direction of their own path and with double their own speed.
water channels and ports are arranged thus:-The water entering
The

page_text: through the "inlet" nozzle fills the channel M which feeds the port M'.
This channel towards the end Y has the cross section a, b, c, as far as
the port M' extends, where it ceases; towards the end X it has the cross
section a, b, d, e, as far as the port P extends; from there for the purpose
of bringing the feed water to the feed port Q' it enlarges to the cross
section a, f, g, and extends out far enough to open into the end
chamber E, E, through which it connects with the opposite channel Q
which feeds port Q' and has the same dimensions a, f, g; this cross
section is reduced to e, f, g, where it meets port R', which is fed from
channel R, and it is reduced to the cross section d, f, g, where it meets
the junction of channel R having section a, d, b, with the "outlet"
nozzle; with this cross section d, f, g, it extends to the end of the
port Q Thus the water enters through port Q' into casing 2, and after
passing around the same in the direction of the arrows it escapes through
port P into channel P, which is shaped to match the channel M above
described, that is, to fill the space not filled by the same. The
channel P connects with the channel R at the end through the
chamber D, D, in the same manner as already described in reference
to channels M and Q at the end X. The water escaping from casing 2'
passes directly through port R and channel R to the "outlet" nozzle.
This mode of utilizing the end chambers E and D for channels serves to
prevent sediment from lodging there.
This style of meters can be built in various forms. One casing with
three or more pistons and two abutments would answer, and the abut-
ments could be of the hinged gate style properly balanced against the
water pressure.
I do not claim the abutment as such, nor do I confine myself to any
particular kind of abutment, nor to any particular shape in which this
meter can be made; but what I do claim is, a rotary fluid meter with
a stationary outer casing 3 and a moveable inner casing 4 in com-
bination with one or more pistons 5 rolling upon the said casings or
their equivalents, with the necessary ports, channels, and appendages.
I also claim the arrangement of the channels, ports, and waterways,
substantially as described.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Ernest Seyd in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 6th November 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ERNEST
SEYD, of Princes Street, in the City of London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her, most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-
second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Ernest Seyd, Her special licence
that I, the said Ernest Seyd, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Ernest Seyd, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN FLUID METERS," a communication from abroad by Charles Frederick
Jenny of the State of New York, America, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Ernest Seyd, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to
be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that 1, the said Ernest Seyd, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, that is to say:-
The first of these improvements relate to a reciprocating piston meters
represented in Sheets 1 and 2, on which Figure 1 represents a longitu-
dinal section partly departed from the better to show the arrangement
of the registering apparatus; Figure 2, Sheet 1, represents an end view
with parts removed; Figure 3 represents a cross section also departed
from the better to show the counting apparatus; and Figure 4 repre-
sents a plan view of the water channels and ports, representing them

page_text: "
as though the inner casing. A was unrolled and formed a plane.
The
escape" and "supply" ports thereon are represented where they are
located on the outer skin B.
The nature of this improvement consists in making a piston fluid
meter as follows:-First, of such form as to have great strength and
durability combined with cheap construction and little weight; secondly,
to float the moving valve pistons with cork or its equivalent, and to
leave them disconnect and free to move independent of each other, so
that they will obey the slightest impulse of the water, and thereby bring
friction resistance, and therefore the reduction of head to a minimum;
thirdly, so as to avoid the carrying of dead water, which seriously
obstructs free motion; fourthly, to let the water in upon the valve
pistons or their equivalents in such a manner as to have them perfectly
balanced under any pressure, and thereby also to prevent reduction of
head; fifthly, so as to avoid the bursting of the meter through the
ram action" of water suddenly checked, and in case the water
therein should freeze; sixthly, with a registering arrangement, by
which the distance travelled over by the pistons is recorded, and by
which small fractions of the liquid can be measured as well as large
quantities recorded with only two index fingers; and such other minor
advantages and improvements as are herein minutely set forth.
The first step in the construction of the meter is the casting of the
central brass pipe A, which is in one piece with the ribs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
and 8, Figures 3 and 4, and with the transverse end partitions connecting
these, as shewn in Figure 4. The pattern of this piece A is shaped as
shewn in Figure 3, so that the ribs will draw from the sand, and so
that the ports will form their own core. When that piece is cast the
ports therein are trimmed to proper shape, for which there is free access
all around. These channels are then filled with core sand, so that the
piece A thus filled and rounded off with core sand forms a core, around
which the outer shell B is cast. In doing this the following precautions
are necessary:A gas or other pipe is placed into the central cavity of
the piece A, projecting a few inches at each end. Its diameter must
be so as to leave a space of about an inch between it and the shell A;
this space is filled with sand properly vented.
open at both ends entirely through the flask.
it is allowed to remain in the sand and flask over night, the pipe being
open, as named, so that it will cool off by the centre, and thus allow the
This gas pipe remains
The casting being made

page_text: shell B to shrink down upon the brass without rupture. The inlet and
outlet nozzles 20 and 21 I make by preparing short pieces of pipe with
the desired thread, which are placed in the mould, so as to run the
metal which forms the outer shell B around the same; this mode saves
considerable labour. As nearly all the channels are open at the end,
and two of them at both ends, the core sand is readily removed, and
obstructions are conveniently expelled. The body of the meter is then
ready to be bored out and faced off; as the meter is open from end to
end, this can be done with a boring bar and at one operation, that is,
without having to move the meter.
The next step is to divide the meter into two parts by the bulk-
head H. This bulkhead consists of the central disc and the recessed
rim ; the space between the latter and the casing A is filled with red
lead or some other metallic cement able to form a water-tight joint with
sufficient resistance to the pumping of the pistons, which, however, is
slight, for the reason hereafter stated. A couple of pins might be
inserted to insure its stability. The rim his recessed, as shown at h³,
to admit the port Q', as shown, with the view of saving space endways,
and to allow the piston to abut against the bulkhead without covering
the port.
The port P' is admitted in like manner. The edges of rim h
also serve for abutment to the cork filling in the pistons. If the latter
were to abut on their whole face suction could take place, which would
interfere with the free working of the meter. With a like view the
projection K' on the end cover K is made, which prevents the whole
surface of the cork to lay against the face of the cover. The bulkhead
being put in place and the end covers bolted on, as shown, the body of
the meter is ready for service. By this manner of construction the ex-
pensive mode of boring out an iron casting for the insertion of brass
lining, also requiring preparation, is totally avoided, and a superior
result is produced. The only moving parts in the meter besides the
registering apparatus are the two valve pistons C and D, which while
doing service as pistons act as valves for each other. Each piston has
two annular recesses 7 and 8, which act in the following manner;
Taking the piston D as an example, the port T' which connects through
port T with the right-hand end of piston C (see Figure 4) is never
covered, but always open to the annular recess 8, while port Q, which
connects through port Q' to the nearest end of piston C, is likewise
always open to recess 7. In the position shewn piston C is at the end

page_text: In consequence, while piston D is
of its stroke, and piston D midway of its path and just in the act of
changing the ports for piston C. After moving a little to the left the
supply port S' will be in connection with port Q, and the escape port E'
will be in connection with port T'.
continuing to the end of its stroke the piston C is travelling in the
right-hand direction, and midway of its stroke performs the same office
for piston D. The end ports R and T are partly recessed into the covers,
as shewn in faint lines at R', for the purpose of saving space as well as
to prevent the covering of the port when the cork abuts against the
cover. There is a possibility of both pistons covering the ports at the
same time, in which case the action of the meter would cease. This is
guarded against by the two pair of relief ports X, X', each two forming
a pair, which are placed opposite each other, so as to equalize the
pressure upon the piston. These ports are very small, so as to admit
a mere thread of water, which is sufficient to move the other piston off
its centre. These relief ports cause no leakage when the pistons are
free to obey the impulse of the water, which they are by the mode here
below given, because the water will not travel around corners and
through narrow channels, causing friction, while free vent is given to it
by floating off the pistons. These ports are placed in the right-hand
piston, because the latter, by its connection to the counters, is prevented
from turning. All the ports which are alternately covered by the
pistons are made in pairs opposite to each other, so as to equalize the
pressure upon the pistons. The manner in which this is accomplished
with the construction above given is clearly shown in Figure 4, which
also shews the course of the water to and from all the ports.
As it is impracticable to make the piston light enough to float, they
are made of such thickness that when filled with cork they will be of a
specific gravity equal to that of the fluid in which they are to operate.
This gravity is regulated by reducing the amount of cork in the centre
of the piston. This cork serves for a five-fold purpose:-First, it floats the
pistons, as named. Secondly, it forms the bulkhead in the piston to
prevent the passage of water through the same; if the pistons are cast
with a bulkhead in them they would be too heavy and they could not be
finished with so much ease on a mandril. Thirdly, the cork displaces
water which would otherwise be moved backwards and forwards as dead
weight with four times the inertia to be overcome, cork having one-fourth
the specific gravity of water. Fourthly, the cork serves as bumpers to

page_text: check the motion of the pistons at the end of their stroke, and returns
to them on their return stroke most of the force with which it was
compressed; this is an advantage which continuously moving pistons
have over those which move alternately. Fifthly, the cork by its
compressive quality serves as a preventive against the bursting of the
meter through the action of the "water ram" when a cock is suddenly
closed, and also when the water is exposed to a freezing temperature, the
expansion of the freezing water will compress the cork instead of finding
space by bursting the meter. Any other material of similar qualities
could be substituted for cork, however no better material is now known
to me. This completes the construction of the meter per se. The mode
adopted for recording the amount of water which passes through the
meter is such as to record the distance travelled over by the pistons and
not the number of their strokes. This is necessary, because with a small
stream the pistons do not make full stroke. The driver L which is
carried by the piston C by means of piece M is pivotted to the arm N
which turns loosely on shaft G, and the point of the driver L is kept
in contact with the wheel 12 by spring 'pressed upon by projection n¹
on arm N. The wheel 12 moves with the shaft and screw G which turns
in standards I, I; screw G turns wheel V, the shaft u of which passes
through the sleeve u¹ into the registering wheel chamber 14. The water
is excluded from chamber 14 by the usual washer 10 ground to a close
joint with the sleeve u' and by the rubber sleeve 9. When the piston C
moves to the right the driver L, the point of which is to the right of a
central line, will lock with the wheel 12, and carry it along; when the
piston returns to the left the dog 15 will prevent wheel 12 from returning
This
on its path while the driver L slides loosely over its surface.
surface may be milled" or formed into small saw teeth, or merely
roughened in some way. Instead of using dog 15 the wheel 12 and
its appendages may be placed in the centre, and another arm N and
driver L used on the opposite side in such manner that the one will
drive while the other slides. These parts, the wheel 12 and its appen-
dages, may be recessed into the end cover W so that the piston C can be
entirely filled out with cork like piston D the better to equalize their
action. The pinion ' of ten teeth on shaft u drives the two wheels
of 100 and 101 teeth, the three forming the old plan of differential
wheels. The dial 3 is fastened to wheel 100, and the index finger 2 is
fast by a sleeve to wheel 101, thus when the wheel 100 has made one
revolution the finger 2 has advanced one of the hundred divisions on

page_text: the dial plate. The finger 16, Figure 2, denotes units, in this case cubic
feet, the finger 2 counts hundreds, and up to ten thousand in one
revolution. This is sufficient for common use as a water meter, but
to be able to measure fractional parts in testing meters, and especially
when measuring valuable liquids to be subdivided into fractional parts,
the following arrangement is added-The wheel "80" of 80 teeth
fastened to pinion a' drives the pinion "8" of 8 teeth fastened to dial
plate 19. By this arrangement one revolution of the dial 19 gives one
cubic foot; and from division "3" to division "4" counts one-tenth part
of a cubic foot, and half a small division indicates the hundredth part of
a cubic foot, all indicated by the same finger 16. For extreme accuracy
a registering apparatus could be attached to the other piston and cover
also. The "supply" and "escape" ports may be interchanged without
any change in the result. The meter may be used on end or in a
horizontal position; if used on end it is screwed fast by the knob K².
What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-
First. The arrangement within one barrel A of two pistons C and D
acting as valves for each other.
Secondly. The arrangement of the two pistons C and D acting as valves
for each other, when the piston D acting as valve for C changes the ports
for the latter at or near half stroke of D, and vice versa, and when the
two pistons are disconnected and move independent, of each other.
Thirdly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of floating
the valve pistons or their equivalents.
Fourthly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of dis-
placing the water, which would otherwise be moved backwards and
forwards, as obstructing dead weight.
Fifthly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of obstructing
the flow of water through the valve pistons and at the same time to
serve at bumpers.
Sixthly. The use of cork or its equivalent for the purpose of prevent-
ing the bursting of the meter by the water ram or through freezing,
substantially as named.
Seventhly. The arrangement of the water channels around the working
cylinder, substantially as shewn.

page_text: Eighthly. The arrangement of the duplicate ports to balance the
pressure upon the valve pistons C and D or their equivalents, sub-
stantially as named.
Ninthly. The mode described of first casting the central barrel A with
the ribs which divide the water channels, and then casting the outer
shell around the same, substantially in the manner named and for the
purposes specified.
Tenthly. The bulkhead H as a separate piece, used substantially in
the manner and for the purposes named.
Eleventhly. The small relief ports X, X', used to prevent the pistons
from remaining simultaneously upon the ports.
Twelfthly. Placing the counters into the end cover of a reciprocatting
meter, substantially in the manner named.
Thirteenthly. The mode of measuring the distance travelled over by
the pistons by means of the wheel 12, oscillating arm N, driver L, and 1
spring, or their equivalents, with or without dog 15.
Fourteenthly. The additional counter wheel 80, pinion 8, and dial
plate 19, or their equivalents, for the purpose named.
This meter is admirably suited to be cast in forms or moulds of white
metal. Thus made it has still ample strength on account of its double
skin connected and braced by the ribs.
Another form of a fluid meter suited to particular circumstances is
represented in Sheet 3, on which Figure 5 represents a longitudinal
vertical section, and Figure 6 a transverse vertical section of the same.
The prominent feature of this meter, which is of the rotary class, is that
the upper part of the measuring drum is filled with a lighter fluid, in
this case air, and the heavier fluid to be measured, water for instance,
passes through the lower part of the casing, rotating a suitably shaped
paddle wheel, the revolutions of which are recorded in the manner usual
in rotary meters. This plan has been proposed heretofore.
2
3
My improvement consists in providing a mode by which the upper
part of the chamber is always kept full of air automatically. A is the
casing with inlet I and outlet O; B is the cover containing the outside
registering wheels, and C is the paddle wheel. This wheel C is made as
light as possible of thin sheet brass or other durable material with its 3
axle bearings in casing A, as shewn at D', and in the cover B, as shewn

page_text: at b'. running in lignum vitæ V, V, or arranged in any other usual
mode to diminish friction. The buckets d, d, are so sloped as to pass
the air in the chamber with little resistance and to allow the air free
passage out of the way of the buckets. The diameter of the casing A is
made much larger than that of the wheel, the Drawing representing it
to be half an inch larger. There is therefore a quarter of an inch space
between the periphery of the wheel and paddles and the casing. At the
lowest part, however, the casing has a projection E a little longer than
the space between two buckets which fits the periphery of the wheel,
and which prevents the passage of the water around the wheel, com-
pelling it to revolve the latter to find free vent. The sides of the
buckets are closed by annular discs f, f, the outer edges of which are
fitted loosely into the right-angled recesses g, g, in the casing and
lid B. The screw on the wheel axle turns the wheel i; the shaft i¹ of
the latter revolves in standards k, k, and is formed into a screw 2² which
revolves wheel m, the shaft u of which passes through the sleeve u¹
into the chamber 14 in the manner indicated in the reciprocating meter
above described; the counters in this chamber 14 are also arranged
in a manner similar to that already described. N is a pipe closed
at the bottom and open at the top, and is bolted down upon the inlet
piece I on the sides. The bent tube p is screwed into the bottom
of pipe N, and opens into the narrowest part of the inlet I, near where
it discharges into the casing. This pipe N is closed by cap piece Q
screwed or bolted on. The inner projection q' is bored out to meet
another channel bored from the outside, and the end of projection q'
is formed into a valve seat, upon which the valve is ground to a
tight joint; this valve r is upon the long stem S, which is guided by
the usual three ribbed ends S, S', the former in tube p the latter in
projection q'. Upon this stem S the piece of cork T is fastened, and
the whole is so arranged that the valve with its stem and the cork can
play up and down to close and open the channel through piece Q while
communication through tube p is always open.
The manner in which the casing becomes automatically filled and
replenished with air is as follows:--When the water in the inlet pipe I
acquires a certain velocity it will by its impetus and by its tendency to
keep on its direct path create a vacuum at the mouth of the tube p,
which is filed by the contents in pipe N. If the latter is filled with
water it will be drawn out until the cork sinks and opens the valve r

page_text: when the air will pass freely through tube p and mix with the water
at its entrance into the casing. As the air has an immediate tendency
to rise it will collect in the angles of the buckets, and is thus effectually
prevented from passing out to any extent through the outlet O until the
casing is filled with air under a pressure corresponding to that of the
water. The surplus will pass off with the water with beneficial effects
upon the same. When the water ceases to flow with the necessary
velocity it enters the pipe N through tube p, and raises the cork by
floating it, with the result of pressing the valve » closely upon its seat.
I do not confine myself to this particular mode of applying the
principle involved, as it can be done in various ways with a similar or
identical effect; but what I do claim as my Invention and desire to
secure by Letters Patent is, the mode of keeping a supply of air in
the upper part of the measuring chamber of a rotary paddle wheel
meter by the effect of the rapid motion of the measured fluid when air
is brought into contact with it in a proper manner and so as to result in
the air being carried along by the measured fluid mechanically and
otherwise, substantially as described, and effected by means of tube p,
pipe N, valve and stem r, S, float T, and channel q², or their equivalents,
or by any other combination effecting the same result.
I also claim the general arrangement of the meter, as described and
shewn.
Sheet 3, Figures 7 and 8, represents another form of a rotary meter
particularly suited for rough usuage and to measure impure fluids.
The principal feature of this improvement consists in causing the
pistons to roll upon the inner and outer shells which form the casing
instead of sliding upon the same, with the advantage of reducing friction
and increasing the efficiency of the pistons.
Furthermore, it consists in substituting rubber roll pistons in place
of pistons with a hard surface whenever their intended use admits of it;
such rubber roll pistons form a perfectly tight joint with a minimum of
friction, and are capable of passing over sand, gravel, and other obstruc-
tions without injury.
Figure 7 represents a section of the meter through the line A, B,
Figure 8, and Figure 8 represents a section through the fine C, D,
Figure 7. The meter is formed of the two annular working chambers 2, 2!
with a stationary outside shell 3, 3¹, and a rotating inside shell 4, 4', to

page_text: each chamber. In each of these annular chambers two pistons 5, 5,
opposite to each other are confined by their axles 6, 6, in the two end
discs 7, 7, these shafts 6 being free to revolve in their bearings. These
discs 7 are firmly keyed upon shaft 8, which has bearings in the two
ends of the meter casing. The moveable casing 4 may be a mere pipe,
as shewn, in the casing 2, which revolves upon rim projection 9 of disc 7,
or it may have arms 10 and a hub 11, which revolves around shaft 8, as
shewn, in the casing 2'. The pistons 5', 5', in casing 2¹ are set at right
angles to the pistons 5, 5, in casing 2, so that the abutment 12 may
serve for both sets of pistons. The abutment 12 is grooved so as to
chamber a piston, as shewn, and is of such diameter and the chamber so
shaped that the pistons can pass freely in and out of the abutment. In
order to keep the the pistons and the abutment chamber in their proper
relative positions they are geered together by cog wheels 13, 13', and 14,
which are arranged to give two revolutions to the abutment to one of
the pistons. The pistons may be of metal, wood, hard rubber, or any
other suitable material; when applicable vulcanized rubber is preferred,
as making a tight joint while they are able to pass over considerable
obstructions without injury. The Drawing represents the pistons as
made of rubber pipe stretched upon the shafts 8, with hard rubber or
metal washers 15 at each end. The pinion 17, which is fastened into
shaft 8, drives the registering wheels in any of the usual modes. Either
of the other shafts might be used instead. To prevent leakage a usual
washer 18 is ground to a tight joint with the sleeve 18', and a rubber
sleeve 19 intervenes between the washer and the disc 7. If fluid is to be
measured without sufficient fall to revolve the pistons the shaft 16 is
passed out through a stuffing box at either end, but most suitably at
the end Y, and provided with a crank to be turned by hand or otherwise.
When this crank is revolved the effect will be thus:-The pinion 14
will drive the two wheels 13, 13, and with them shafts 8, discs 7,
and the two sets of pistons. As the outer casing 3 is stationary the
pistons roll upon the same as well as upon the inner moveable casings 4, 4',
which they revolve in the direction of their own path and with double
their own speed. The water channels and ports are arranged thus:-
The water entering through the "inlet" nozzle fills the channel M
which feeds the port M¹. This channel towards the end Y has the cross
section a, b, c, as far as the port M' extends, where it ceases; towards
the end X it has the cross section a, b, d, e, as far as the port P extends;
from there for the purpose of bringing the feed water to the feed port Q¹

page_text: it enlarges to the cross section a, f, g, and extends out far enough to open
into the end chamber E, E, through which it connects with the opposite
channel which feeds port Q' and has the same dimensions a, f, g;
this cross section is reduced to e, f g, where it meets port R', which is
fed from channel R, and it is reduced to the cross section d, f, g, where
it meets the junction of channel R having section a, d, b, with the
"outlet" nozzle; with this cross section d, f, g, it extends to the end of
the port Q. Thus the water enters through port Q' into casing 2, and
after passing around the same in the direction of the arrows it escapes
through port P' into channel P, which is shaped to match the channel M,
above described, that is to fill the space not filled by the same. The
channel P connects with the channel R at the end Y through the
chamber D, D, in the same manner as already described in reference to
channels M and Q at the end X. The water escaping from casing 2
passes directly through port R' and channel R to the "outlet" nozzle.
This mode of utilizing the end chambers E and D for channels serves
to prevent sediment from lodging there.
This style of meters can be built in various forms. One casing with
three or more pistons and two abutments would answer, and the abut-
ments.could be of the hinged gate style properly balanced against the
water pressure.
I do not claim the abutment as such, nor do I confine myself to any
particular kind of abutment, nor to any particular shape in which this
meter can be made; but what I do claim is, a rotary fluid meter with
a stationary outer casing 3, and a moveable inner casing 4 in com-
bination with one or more pistons 5 rolling upon the said casings or
their equivalents, with necessary ports, channels, and appendages.
I also claim the arrangement of the channels, ports, and waterways,
substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Ernest Seyd, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of October, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.
ERNEST SEYD. (L.S.)