IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND RECORDING THE SPEED AND DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY VEHICLES, THE FLOW AND QUANTITY OF WATER. AND OTHER ANALOGOUS PURPOSES
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND RECORDING THE SPEED
AND DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY VEHICLES, THE FLOW AND QUANTITY OF WATER.
AND OTHER ANALOGOUS PURPOSES."-A communication from abroad by Mr.
Pierre Pradel, Mechanical Engineer, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin,
Danie
Sealed the 17th April 1863, and dated the 29th October 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 29th
October 1862.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND RECORDING
THE SPEED AND DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY VEHICLES, THE FLOW AND QUANTITY OF
WATER, AND OTHER ANALOGOUS PURPOSES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to an improved apparatus applicable for indicat-
ing the distance travelled by vehicles, or for measuring quantities of water
027

page_text: or gas supplied, and for other purposes. This indicator is composed, 1st,
of a system of clockwork setting in movement a train of grooved rollers;
these rollers impart a regular and corresponding movement to index
hands which mark the hour on a dial. A band of paper of sufficient
length passes between two of the cylinders, and has thereby a regular
movement imparted to it, at same time the cylinders impress on the band
or strip of paper regular marks indicating the exact moment when the
strip of paper passed between the two cylinders. It consists, 2ndly, of
suitable parts, such as cutters, pencils, or pointers, which at given
moments leave traces on the strip of paper; these parts, which vary in
number according to the number of functions which the indicator is to
fulfil, are put in and out of connection with the indicator of the vehicle
by the driver, as herein-after described (when applied to an omnibus or
cab), at the commencement and termination of each engagement, so that
the space left on the strip of paper between two traces made by the pointer
or other means will indicate the length of the engagement, provided the
strip of paper moves regularly, and that on passing between the cylinders
it is divided into spaces equivalent to any length of time (five minutes, for
example), if the divisions are made in such way that the spaces between
each division passes in five minutes between the cylinders. It will be
understood that an indicator thus constructed may be made so as to give
legible indications, and show the commencement, termination, and dura-
tion of each movement, whether it be applied to vehicles, water or gas
mains, or applied for other similar purposes.
MEANS OF SETTING APPARATUS IN GEAR BY DRIVER OR PASSENGER.
The vehicle is furnished with a false movable bottom supported by oscil-
lating levers and pawls, which, when the vehicle is unoccupied, are raised
out of gear with ratchets mounted on one of the cylinders before men-
tioned. Immediately a passenger is taken up the false bottom lowers by
the weight to which it is subjected, and the parts thereby put in gear for
producing the indications described, while it again rises on his alighting,
and so on.
The apparatus may also be actuated by the driver's seat, which is made
movable for that purpose, the parts being arranged as above.
DESCRIPTION OF CLOCKWORK.
The system of clockwork, before mentioned, consists of wheels and pinions,
usually termed a train of wheels, actuated by a spring barrel, which are
liberated and controlled in their motion by means of a ratchet mounted
on one of the axles of the vehicle gearing with another ratchet on the axis
of the upper indicating roller.

page_text: METHOD OF ACTUATING CUTTERS OR POINTERS.
The cutters, pencils, or pointers are actuated by means of a vertical
rod sliding in guides, and having an intermittent motion imparted to it
by the ratchet before mentioned; this rod acts on the end of an oscillating
lever, which bears on pointers contained in a guide box forming part of
the apparatus, and causes them to make the required marks on the paper
strip; the pointers are returned to their normal position by springs, the
same action being repeated for each tooth of the ratchet.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters l'atent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
29th April 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said
William Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said William Clark, 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 APPARATUS FOR ASCERTAINING AND RECORDING
THE SPEED AND DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY VEHICLES, THE FLOW AND QUANTITY
CF WATER, AND OTHER ANALOGOUS PURPOSES," a com". to me from abroad
by Mr. Pierre Pradel, Mechanical Engineer, of 29, Boulevart St. Martin,
Paris, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Clark,
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.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do bereby 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, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings here-
unto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to
say):-
This Invention relates to a universal indicating apparatus, parts of
which are rendered inaccessible if desired, which measures and indelibly
inscribes with exactitude the nature, quantity, or amount, space and
duration of any operation, at the same time indicating the commencement,
end, renewal, intervals of any action. The term diergraph, which I
apply to this apparatus, signifies to mark the nature and duration of an
operation as it proceeds. Whenever an operation is effected beyond the
immediate control of those interested in the result, the returns will vary
according to the greater or less fidelity of the clerks or others in chargé,
or who are entrusted with the products of such operation. I will here
only give two or three illustrations taken from operations of general
utility, but which have never hitherto been regulated under any con-
trolling system, viz., omnibus or cab fares, and the consumption of water
& gas
in towns. This improved apparatus may be employed for rendering
an exact account of the work performed by a vehicle whatever may be
the variations of speed and the distance it travels, and also to render
account of the supply of water at various pressures, and give the quantity
distributed; the problem is thus solved of producing a universal con-
trolling apparatus actuated by mechanism which may be easily adapted
to the producing agent, and which transmits faithfully in an unvarying
manner the result of any operation in its various phases.
I will now give an exact description of the apparatus, which is
applicable not only to vehicles, and for measuring the flow of water or
gas, but also for controlling any species of work that may be carried on
beyond the reach of superintendence. This apparatus inscribes the re-
sult of each operation on a chronometric band, and it may be applied, 1st,
for indicating the distance travelled by vehicles of all kinds, whatever
may be their rate of speed and the extent of distance traversed; 2ndly, for
registering the flow of water or gas whatever may be the amount of
pressure or the quality distributed; 3rdly, it may be applied in the wake
of a ship for indicating the variations in the rate of speed in a given time,
also for indicating the force of wind according to the direction in which
the ship is moving; 4thly, for surveying or measuring ground, giving the
ängles of deviation instantaneously according to the various deviations
from a straight line, which are measured with greater facility and correct-
ness than with the chain; 5thly, for registering the work done by a work-

page_text: man or machine at any fixed point, furnishing a chronometric and exact
indication of the renewals and duration of each phase of the operation;
6thly, for indicating the degree of assiduity of workmen at a point where
such is indispensably required, also indicating chronometically the time
they are away from their post; and the time they are present at it; 7thly,
for indicating the lengths of various games which are paid for by the hour,
and the amount received by the attendants in such establishments,
especially in billiard rooms; 8thly, the apparatus may also be used in
astronomy, being termed a chronograph, for marking the time passed
between two facts, or during the accomplishment of a period, and for de-
termining the commencement and end of each observation; lastly, by a
peculiar arrangement, the principle of which is based on the organization
of various modes of pointing which may be applied on the band, the
apparatus may also be usefully employed in the reproduction of tele-
graphic dispatches.
The principal features of novelty on which the present Invention is
based are as follows:-1st, a band of paper of suitable width and of a
certain length, without any previous preparation is wound on a reel or
bobbin, and is replaced by another when used up; this paper strip re-
ceives the various accidental marks or chronometric points, the nature
of which is determined according to that of the operation to be con-
trolled. This band is divided and pointed by the instrument itself, so
that the divisions of time shall be indicated by groups and details clearly
and visibly, by means of a pointer which cannot err with regard to the
fidelity of its indications; 2ndly, two cylinders are suitably disposed, which
carry a band with them in their chronometric motion, which strip is
graduated to an extent according to the purpose for. which it is required,
and divided into fractions of hours, or by measures according to each
impulse imparted, by means of points projecting on one of the cylinders,
and taking into the other one in the manner of toothed gearing; 3rdly, a
series of piercers of various forms, indicative of the nature of the opera-
tion, are caused to pierce the band at the divisions without arresting its
progress at the moment where the controlling action is accomplished, that
is to say, at its commencement and termination, according to the order
previously determined by the nature of the operation. The parts for
actuating the apparatus are appropriate to each kind of operation, and
they are both regular and accidental in their action.
In order to give an exact idea of the nature of the Invention, I will
now describe two or three principal applications, which I will class under
two heads, one relating to movable and the other to stationary apparatus,
the first-mentioned being applicable to vehicles, and those for registering.
the flow of water.

page_text: Hired vehicles, as also all those on which it is desired to exercise any
control, should be furnished with two motors of peculiar construction
acting in combination, and forming part of this Invention; they consist,
1st, of a false inner movable bottom or seat, which when the vehicle is
unoccupied is raised and supported in such manner as to form an obstacle,
which, although allowing the driver to enter the vehicle for any purpose,
prevents him seating himself therein, and thus renders the vehicle un-
suitable for use. This obstruction can only be remedied by lowering it,
and each movement will produce a stroke of the stamper, and the piercing
of the band at two opposite points, which indicates the moment of hiring
the vehicle, and the duration of the same. The band which travels
chonometrically all the time between these two indications indicates
exactly the duration of each phase of the work. Immediately the false
bottom is raised, the words "for hire" (a louer) are caused to appear on
the vehicle, which if proceeded with while the obstruction still remains
lowered is to the account of the driver. The raising of the obstruction
obliges the driver to inspect the vehicle, and facilitates the finding and
recovery of any objects, whatever may be their size and nature, which
may have been left behind by the fare, which examination forms an
essential feature of the system; 2ndly, the mechanism for measuring the
distance travelled is connected with one of the wheels of the vehicle, the
circumference of which determines the number of teeth in a ratchet
set in motion by a hinged lever, so that the flexibility of the springs shall
not destroy the effect, the number of turns equal to a mile, or other
fraction of a mile being represented by a second ratchet forming part of
the apparatus. A piercer marks the divisions on the paper, while a
succession of figures on the exterior indicate the progress of the operation.
The distances marked on the band are opposite to the chronometric
divisions, and consequently give the various speeds, while at the same
time an index hand, starting from zero, indicates on the hour dial the
number of units traversed by each fare, shewing the passenger at once the
time occupied and distance travelled, which facilitates payment in
localities where the tariff is regulated according to the distance travelled.
Luggage may be placed on a board at the back of the vehicle, which, in
falling, produces a mark on the band. The apparatus, properly so called,
consists of a spring train enclosed in a box which is fixed to the back seat
of the vehicle, so as to be sheltered from the weather and from contact
with anything tending to injure it. It is furnished, 1st, with a dial,
visible in the interior of the vehicle, for indicating the hours and minutes,

page_text: as also the distance traversed by each passenger.
At the side of the dial
there is an opening for indicating from time to time the number of hirings
in the course of a day. 2ndly, it indicates with exactitude on a strip of
paper in the interior of the apparatus, to which the driver cannot have
access, not only the day's work such as is inscribed on the way bill, but
also the number of miles traversed during each hiring of the vehicle, the
general stoppage during each hour, as also the arrivals and departures
from the different stations. 3rdly, it also indicates on the outside, by the
words "for hire," that the vehicle is disengaged, and gives successively in
figures the total number of miles travelled in the course of the day. 4thly,
the simplicity and strength of the mechanism, as also the position it
occupies, enables it to withstand all the shocks and motion of the vehicle.
It will be readily understood that the band of paper, which moves simul-
taneously with the hands on the dial, indicates exactly the several phases
of the work, as they may have been agreed upon between the driver and
passenger, in accordance with the dial, either the distance by the hour or
by the mile, at same time indicating the nature and duration of the work
done by the horse, which is of more importance than is generally sup-
posed, as horses die and are rendered unfit for service in consequence of
excessive work, which has never hitherto been taken into account. The
cylinders gear with the minute wheel and are pierced according to the
fraction of an hour, which serves as a unit of time, so that the band will be
naturally divided into the requirements of the service. In order that.
the driver shall not tamper with the hands on the dial and the indicating
strip, nor derange the functions of the apparatus in any way, a safety
fastening with peculiar combinations is adopted which places the appa-
ratus beyond the reach of any such indiscretion.
In the annexed Drawing I have represented the diergraph as applied
to a vehicle. Fig. 1 shows a front elevation of the apparatus; Fig. 2,
vertical section of the same; Fig. 3, end view of the box containing the
apparatus; Fig. 4 shows the strip of paper which passes between the two
cylinders in order to be divided into spaces representing hours and frac-
tions of hours, and for indicating the various phases of work; Figs. 5
and 6 show details of the levers for transmitting motion from the wheels
of the vehicle to the indicator; while Figs. 7 and. 8 show details of a
trembler applied to the diergraph, which bears on the axis of the upper
cylinder, with more or less force at intervals, with a kind of jerking action
for producing marks more or less distinctly on the paper strip, which in-
dicate whether the vehicle is at rest or work; an examination of the marks
will also furnish other information, as, for example, if the vehicle has
travelled on macadam or paving. The same letters and figures of refer-
ence indicate the same parts seen in different positions.

page_text: a, framing or platform of the apparatus supporting the various parts;
b, spring barrel; c, movable platform carrying the small circular balance
movement d; this plate may be easily removed and replaced by another
in case of repairs being necessary; e, pillars connecting the two plates
a, a; f, ratchet wheel supporting the axis of barrel h by means of
catch gi h, hour dial, having figures marked thereon, and also furnished
with an index hand; i, cylinder, keyed on the axis of wheel j of the
clockwork; this wheel j moves simultaneously the index hands on the
dial; the cylinder i bears relief surfaces for penetrating the paper;
2, second cylinder, placed above the cylinder i, having small cavities m
corresponding to relief surfaces k made in cylinder i; these projections,
gearing in the cavities, connect the two cylinders together and produce
the indentations on the strip of paper passing between them, indicating
the hour at which it passes; n, lever supporting the axis of cylinder
and oscilating on point o so as to raise the cylinder l; p, levers, connected
by rod r, oscillating on point q, set in motion each time a passenger
enters or alights from the vehicle by means of gearing contained inside
the vehicle for indicating the moment of entering and leaving the latter;
s, ratchet wheel, governed by lever p and catch t; when lever P descends
it rotates wheels one tooth, and when it is raised, the other lever, with
which it is connected, gearing with another ratchet wheel having the
teeth in a reverse direction, raises it another tooth; u, vertical rod sliding
in guides v, x, and having an up-and-down movement produced by its
reşting on the teeth of a ratchet wheel s'; y, lever oscillating on point z,
actuated on the one part by the vertical rod u, and on the other part acts
on a stamping punch 1; 2, guide box of punch 1; 3, spiral spring for
returning punch 1 to its position when the action of lever y ceases and
the paper
has been perforated in its passage through the compartment 4
of box 2. A greater or less number of these parts may be mounted and
arranged so as to indicate, for example, the number of miles travelled
in a given time, the time of departure of the vehicle, and other necessary
information. 5, reel on which the paper is wound oscillating on point 6;
7, paper as it passes off reel 5 into compartment 4 of box 2, in which it
receives the perforations indicative of the different stages of the work.
The paper thence passes between cylinders l, i, where it receives regular
marks indicating the moment at which the paper passes between the
cylinders. The paper is represented in red at Figs. 1 and 2, and in
detail, showing the perforations, at Fig. 4. 8, lever oscillating on point
q, acting at same time as levers 2; said levers set in motion the mech-
anism of a dial for indicating the number of passengers, at same time
opening and closing an apperture at which is exhibited the words "for
hire," according as to whether the vehicle is empty or occupied; a spiral

page_text: spring 10 returns the spring to its original position. Figs. 5 and 6 show
the parts for transmitting motion from the wheel of the vehicle to the
indicator. 11 is the axle of the vehicle on which is placed an eccentric
12; 13, lever jointed at 14 to eccentric 12, and oscillating on point 15.
fixed to the needle; the bent arm 16 of lever 13 is also hinged at 17, to
permit of the movements of the vehicle; 18, groove made at the extre-
inity of the bent arm 16, into which takes the part for transmitting the.
motion to the indicating apparatus.
I have before stated that a trembler may be employed which bears on
the axis of the upper cylinder 1. This arrangement is represented at
Figs. 7 and 8 and consists of a flexible rod 19, of greater or less length,
oscillating on point 20, and furnished at its extremity with a weight 21,
the position of, which may be regulated is desired, and fixed to rod 19
by means of a thumbscrew 22; said trembler bears at 23 on the axis of
the upper cylinder, and by the jerks caused by the motion of the vehicle
causes said cylinder to bear at intervals on cylinder i, and so produce
the perforations more or less distinctly.
It has been stated that the band of paper pierced with holes repre-
senting hours and fractions of same will furnish an exact account of the
days' work; and that the trembler indicates the nature of the hiring
either by the hour or distance, at same time the apparatus may be modi-
fied so as to serve for all kinds of services. For example, if the tariff be
reckoned by the mile, the apparatus may be made to control the work:
either when at rest or when the vehicle moves slowly or at the ordinary
or high speeds. It may be taken as a rule that the vehicle may travel
at about 6 miles per hour, or at other rates according to the kind of
vehicle to which the apparatus is applied; but as the effect is the same
in different cases, it will be sufficient to describe the following modifica-.
tions in a diergraph to render it applicable for this species of traffic.
These improvements are represented in the Drawings at Fig. 9, which.
show a front view of the mechanism, Figure 10. an edge view of same,
while Fig. 11 shows a mechanism for indicating the real distance
travelled by the vehicle. The letters and figures of reference apply to
all the three Figures.
a, platform of the diergraph; b, b, b, three toothed wheels mounted on
different shafts, which are regulated chronometically so as to produce
one revolution per hour, 1st, of the long hour band c, 2ndly, of a cam
wheel d, having 8 projections, 3rdly, of the cylinder e over which the
paper passes; f, bent lever oscillating on point h; one end of said lever
bears on cam d, and the other arm carries a pencil g, mounted on a suit-
able holder i, oscillating on point j; k, small spring for maintaining the
pencil in question; spiral spring for pressing lever f against cam d;

page_text: toothed wheel fixed to cam d, and gearing with a wheel m, loose on
the mile shaft n, which receives motion from the vehicle; o, ratchet
wheel keyed on shaft n; p, jointed finger mounted on shaft n; q, pin fixed
to wheel m; r, paul; s, pinion fixed to cam d, communicating motion to
wheel t, mounted on a socket u, which imparts motion to an index hand v,
indicating the number of miles travelled by the vehicle; a, clutch for put-
ting the cam d in or out of gear, which clutch is applied by the driver
when mounting or leaving the vehicle; y, toothed wheel driven by a
pinion 2, cast on wheel b, and producing a rotating motion of the small
hour hand I mounted on socket 2; 3, Maltese cross; 4, dial, round which
a hand works for indicating the real distance travelled by the passenger";
this needle is returned to zero after each journey by a spiral spring 5;
6, catch lever actuated by the large lever of the mileage, and imparting
motion to the index hand by means of the spiral spring 5. It will be seen
that this hand indicates the exact distance travelled, it being governed
directly by the shaft 8 of the mile-indicating apparatus. 9, pawl of the
ratchet wheel actuated by a lever 10, worked by the driver, for example,
when the passenger leaves the vehicle, the driver disengages the pawl
which permits the wheel 7 to turn by the action of spring 5, and to
return to zero, while when the vehicle is engaged the pawl taking in
wheel 7 causes the latter to partake in all the movements of the mile
indicating apparatus. If the vehicle is at rest the cam d, working with
wheel b, by reason of its subdivision into eight projecting parts and eight
hollows, moves lever f eight times per hour, thus if the vehicle is moving
slowly, for example, at a funeral, such effect will be produced, but if the
vehicle travels faster than the average above-mentioned the mile wheel
m will quicken the speed of cam d in proportion to the number of miles
travelled by the vehicle exceeding 6 miles per hour. The hand which
partakes in the movements of cam d and wheel t, indicates to the pas-
senger the number of miles, either fictitious or real, to pay for, and
returns to zero after each setting down. All of this is of advantage to
the hirer; and as in all public services it is above all necessary to satisfy
the customer, the axis n of the mile wheel m, actuates a small indicator
consisting of a Maltese cross 3, which indicates to the passenger the
fraud in charging for 6 miles when there is, for example, but 4 or 5
miles due. I would here again observe that all the various indications
.herein-before described will be found marked on the paper which was
perfectly free from any traces of them on being introduced into the
apparatus; thus the punch g above-mentioned, marking on the paper
strip the fictitious number of miles, will indicate the loss to the passen-
ger caused by the slow rate of speed, while alongside of this indicator

page_text: The water supply of towns, as far as regards the house service, has up
to the present time been based on regulations dividing the service into
sections, according to the wants and importance of the consumer,. but
in such manner that each consumer pays for the water calculated as being
consumed, although none. may have been used. The pressures, which
vary according to the level of the place whence the supplies come, pro-
duce irregularities, which may be prevented, and the supply rendered.
mathematically correct, by means of this improved apparatus, as it indi-
cates the amount consumed, and will re-establish the balance between
the consumer and the supplier. I will now describe the arrangement
of the apparatus as applied for the above purpose:-I take a supply pipe
of any suitable section and position relative to the water supply which is
to be regulated; for this purpose a cock with a graduated opening is sol-
dered to a branch pipe near the end, at which point the supply is to be
checked. The greater the pressure the greater will be the quantity of
water that will flow out of the surface, but the the cock, the passage of
which is regulated accordingly by a key, only allows the proper quantity
to pass. The water escaping from the cock through a funnel-mouthed
pipe runs into a receiver of suitable size. The receiver is furnished with
two supply pipes, one having its orifice at the bottom of the reservoir,
and the other, which I term the overflow, is placed at a certain height in
the reservoir. A wheel placed above the reservoir, and furnished with
cups, receives the water which escapes from the above-mentioned pipes.
When one cup is full, the weight of the water raises an escape piece fur-
nished with a counterbalance weight, the cup is then emptied, and the
next one presents itself under the tubes; and there remains until it is
filled in its turn, in such manner that the whole quantity of water passing
will be weighed in succession. Supposing that each cup contains a quart
(or 2 lbs.), a unit which I adopt in this apparatus), each stroke of a lever
acting on a ratchet carried by one of the puncturing cylinders will cause
the strip to be transmitted to the amount of a division, and for every 400
quarts will produce the descent of a piercer for marking hundreds of
gallons. Numerals are placed on the apparatus, which will give the con-
sumer the figure of expense, and the detached strip will also serve as
and indicator.
Fig. 12 of the annexed Drawing represents a vertical section of the
apparatus applied for measuring liquids. The indicator, properly so

page_text: called, is the same as that before described, the parts for transmitting
the movement only being changed. a is the box containing the indicat-
ing apparatus; b, dial, marking hours and the volume of water supplied;
c, secret lock for securing box a; d, pipe for conveying the water; e, cock,
opening more or less according to the pressure of the water; f, chamber
into which the water passes from pipe d; g, overflow, conveying the
water from chamber f into the bucket wheel ; i, second overflow, acting
in the same manner as the preceding, in case the water should run in
too great abundance into chamber f; h, wheel, having a certain number
of buckets j, each holding a quart, for example, or it may be more or
less,, according to the amount of water to be measured; k, counterbalance
weight, balancing the water which falls into buckets j; said weight is
mounted on a lever and oscillating on point m; n, arm of lever 1, bear-
ing on tappets o placed on the sides of the buckets j, in order to balance
the weight of water supplied; p, arm, also connected to arms n, l, having
at its extremity a stop piece q, which prevents the wheel h from passing
It
more than one bucket at a time by coming in contact with tappets o
will be seen as each bucket is filled the wheels turn to a certain extent,
which empties the bucket, and the levers in oscillating actuate the rod r,
which in its turn sets in motion the indicating apparatus, consisting, for
example, of a lever p, of the kind herein-before described with reference
to the vehicles, or it may act directly on the cylinders. In cases where
the apparatus is to be applied for measuring liquids in the usual manner,
that is, by the section of the supply pipe, the arrangement I employ has
for its object to act upon the parts controlling the operations on the strip
of paper by means of the stop cock itself, thus the action of turning the
cock either on or off either sets in motion or arrests the chronometric
movements. This arrangement is represented at Fig. 13. A plate a,
fixed to a wall, or in other suitable position, by means of screws or bolts;
b, diergraphic indicator fixed on plate a by screws d; e, f, g, dials on the
plate of the diergraph; the first one, e, marks the minutes, the second, f,
the hours, and the third, g, the days, by means of index hands mounted
on said dial, set in motion by the chronometric apparatus; i, cylinder,
on which passes the paper strip j from reel h; said cylinder receives
motion from wheels k, l, of the chronometer movement; m, pipe for con-
veying the water, furnished with a cock n, the spindle of which bears a
small tappet o; p, lever bearing on part q, and oscillating on point ; the
arm of said lever which is above the cock n terminates in an inclined
planes, disposed in such manner that when the tap or cock is turned,
the tappeto bears on the inclined plane, which causes the part q to press
on the paper strip j, and so mark the time at which the cock is turned
on; t, lever oscillating on point u, also having an arm above the cock ter-

page_text: minating in. an. inclined plane acted on by tappet o, but in manner
reverse to that of lever p, that is to say, it raises the lever t out of contact
with a regulator of the chronometric arrangement, which renders it
free to act. From the foregoing it will be seen that if the supply, pipe
is calculated to furnish a given quantity per minute; the amount of
liquid supplied will be indicated each instant that the cock us open, 1st,
by the hands on the dials e, f, g, and, 2ndly, by the strip of paper, which
indicates the time at which the cock was turned on by the perforations
it bears.
It has been before stated that the apparatus is chiefly applicable to
vehicles and for measuring water and gas; I will now describe it as
adaped for the latter purpose, viz., for registering the consumption of
gas. This apparatus is represented in the accompanying Drawings at
Figs. 14, 15, and 16, and is constructed so as to measure the supply of
liquids or gas whatever may be the position in which it is placed, and
without interfering with the pressure in any way. The valve s affords
passage for any fluid through an opening of a size in proportion to the
extent of the supply which is to be checked; a simple calculation or
experience will prove the quantity which will pass at a given time through
an opening at a given section, taking a quart or other quantity as a unit
of measurement.
The following is a description of the apparatus:--The cylinder j is
worked by the wheel which drives the hour wheel for rotating the hands
on the dial, while the method in which the strip of paper is divided into
fractions of hours by means of the apparatus itself has been already
described in the course of the Specification. The valve s communicates
with the movement by a wheel having a nut 1, which regulates the size
of the orifice more or less by its revolution in either direction. The size
of said opening is indicated by the hand 5, mounted on wheel 4, gearing
with a wheel 3 on wheel 2. The latter wheel gears with a similar wheel
1, mounted on a square shaft, which is turned by a key. The shaft of
wheel 2 carries a pinion 6, gearing with a wheel 7 fixed to cylinder 8,
which actuates the pointer levers o. Thus, whether it be water, gas, or
other fluid which passes the valve, the various quantities passing in a
given time will be readily ascertained on the dial of the indicator, and
which will be infallibly marked on the paper strip.
This improved gas indicator is represented in the Drawing at Fig:-14
in elevation; at Fig. 15, which is another elevation of same, with the dial
removed to show the mechanism; Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the indi-

page_text: cator; while Figs. 17, 18, and 19, show details herein-after described.
The letters and figures of reference apply to all the six Figures.
hands on the dial;
corresponding to
These reliefs and
a, plates or frame of the apparatus serving to carry all the parts; b,
square part for winding up the barrel; c, pillars for connecting plates a;
e, ratchet wheel carrying the axis of the barrel by means of a catch f;
g, circular balance; h, hour dial furnished with hands i for indicating
time; j, cylinder, having small cavities, and keyed on the axis of a wheel
gearing with the wheel of the index hands, so as to impart a regular
movement to the cylinder corresponding to that of the
k, pointers placed on cylinder j, having projection
cavities made in cylinder j, to pierce the paper strip.
hollows gear with each other at given times, and so perforate the paper
for indicating the time at which said paper passes between the cylinder
and the pointer. m, levers oscillating on point n carrying the pointers
k, there being an equal number of each; o, second series of levers bear-
ing on levers m carrying pointers k, there being also an equal number
of each, that is, as many levers as there are burners; said levers oscillate
on a point p so as to bear on the other series of levers and cause the
pointers to gear with cylinder j; q, spiral spring for returning levers
m to contact with levers o; r, second indicating dial, having an index
hand for marking the position of the valve and the number of burners
being supplied; s, valve placed on the safety pipe of the gas, represented
in detail at Figs. 18 and 19; it is formed of a plate t, sliding in a chamber
; u', stem of the valve having a screw v, on which is a nut x; y, square
part for opening or closing the valve by means of a key and also by the
aid of wheels 1, 2, which impart motion to nut a; 3, pinion gearing on a
wheel 4, and connecting the movements of valves with those of index
hand 5 of dial; 6, second pinion gearing with a wheel 7, also connecting
the movements of valves with those of the cam cylinder 8. This cam
cylinder is represented at. Fig. 17, and serves to actuate the levers o,
which in their turn act on pointers k. Cylinder 8, according to its posi-
tion (that is in turning) acts on a number of levers o, equal to the number
of the burners marked on dial r, by index hand 5; 9, strip of paper
wound on reel 10, and passing between pointers and cylinder j, after-
wards passing into box 11. It will thus be understood that if the hand
5 be turned by means of a key so as to indicate five burners, the valve s
will open sufficiently to pass gas enough for the five burners, while the
cam cylinder 8 will be turned sufficiently to raise five levers acting on
five pointers, which latter gear with cylinder j, having a regular motion
imparted by the chronometric apparatus; in this manner the strip of
paper 9 will be perforated with five lines by means of the five different
pointers during the whole time the valve is open. In this manner after

page_text: a certain time it will be shown by the paper strip that five burners have
been supplied for a certain time. To facilitate reading off the paper,
the pointers and cylinder j are formed in such manner as to make five
minute marks, while each quarter of an hour has a particular distin-
guishing mark.
It has been before mentioned that this apparatus may be rendered
inaccessible if necessary, and that it indicates, both visibly, both the
renewal or commencement of each operation. It will be understood
that the apparatus should not be opened except by a qualified person
charged with collecting with the actual proofs of the controlling action
If, for example, as many as 3,000 apparatus were
required for a public company, the ordinary fastening by means of a lock
and key would be very inconvenient, as it would require 3,000 keys and
complicated locks to prevent the apparatus from being opened; to
obviate this I apply to each apparatus a secret fastening, having certain
combinations, and known as Pradel's Patent Fastening."
of the apparatus.
66
I have before mentioned that the hands which indicate on the exterior
the duration of each operation may start from zero at the commence-
ment of each hour's work, as, for example, in the application of the appa-
ratus to billiard rooms in order to facilitate the reckoning of hours and
fractions of hours which compose each engagement. I obtain this result
by a very simple arrangement of this Invention, and which may be
applied for various purposes, it consists in rendering the minute wheei
independent of the movement each time the hand returns to zero, and to
reconnect it every time a fresh engagement is commenced. For this
purpose I place two discs of the same size, one of which is fixed to the
spindle of the hour hand, and the other on the wheel carrying the minute
hand. A roller is caused by the action of a lever to act either on one or
both of the discs; in the former case the hands partake in the movement,
while in the other case they are independent of it. A snail placed on
the wheel which carries the hour hand, may, by the pressure of a lever,
return the minute hand to the starting point.
per-
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of
forming the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be
protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters 'Patent is,―
First, the universal indicating apparatus termed a diergraph, by means
of which certain indications are obtained on strips of plain paper through
the medium of cylinders or other equivalents, as herein described and
represented in the Drawings annexed.
Secondly, I claim the arrangements and combinations of apparatus
herein described and represented in the Drawings annexed.

page_text: Thirdly, I claim the several applications of the diergraph as and for
the purposes herein-before specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
Witness,
W. G. E. SWINNOCK,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
W. CLARK.
(L.S.)