CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN APPARATUS APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO BE USED THEREWITH
Year: 1853

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to John Tayler, of Manchester, in the County
of Lancaster, Engineer, James Griffiths, of Wolverhampton, in
the County of Stafford, Engineer, and Thomas Lees, of Stockport,
in the County of Chester, Machinist, for the Invention of
CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN APPARATUS
APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO BE USED THEREWITH."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Tayler, James
Griffiths, and Thomas Lecs at the Office of the Commissioners
of Patents, with their Petition, on the 2nd September 1858.
We, JOHN TAYLER, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer, JAMES GRIFFITHS, of Wolverhampton, in the County of
Stafford, Engineer, and THOMAS LEES, of Stockport, in the County
of Chester, Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN APPARATUS
APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO BE USED THEREWITH," to be as follows:-
Our said Invention relates to means of cooling boilers in order to
render them more promptly accessible for purposes of cleaning, repairs,
A

page_text: or inspection; to the application of heat fadiated from their external
surfaces to useful purposes; and to instruments or apparatus to be
applied to or used with them, for ascertaining and indicating their
condition as respects the supply of feed water and the elasticity of the
contained steam; and also for ensuring the escape of the latter when
generated in excess of the quantity required.
It consists in the following improvements, and in the combinations
and arrangements of mechanical parts or apparatus whereby the same
are to be carried into effect:-Firstly, establishing a means of commu-
nication between the interior of a boiler and the furnace flue, for the
purpose of permitting a current of air to be drawn through any conve-
nient opening into the boiler, and rapidly circulated through it by means
of the draught in the chimney, thereby quickly reducing its temperature
and clearing it of vapor, so as to allow prompt access to its interior.
Secondly, causing the air admitted to the furnace to have its temperature
previously raised by passing through an interstitial space left between the
shell of the boiler and a casing or jacket enveloping the same. Thirdly,
the construction and use of a pressure guage made to indicate varia-
tions in the elastic force of the steam by the traverse of an index finger
over a graduated arc. The motion of the index is derived from the
pressure of the steam upon the end of a rod resting upon and sup-
ported by a spring, and passing thro' a disc or washer composed of a
flexible material, such as leatlier or india-rubber, which allows the rod
to move freely without the friction, attending the ordinary mules of
packing. Fourthly, the construction and use of a pressure guage
made to indicate variations in the elastic force of the steam by the rise
and fall of a column of mercury or other fluid in a glass tube commu-
nicating with a reservoir which has one or more of its containing sides
composed of a yielding and elastic material, so that the capacity of the
reservoir is contracted under an increased pressure of steam, and a
portion of its contained fluid forced into the glass tube. Fifthly, an
instrument or apparatus to be applied on the top of a boiler for the
purpose of indicating variations of the level of the water in the boiler,
and of giving an alarm when such variations exceed prescribed limits,
as also when the elasticity of the steam rises above a predetermined

page_text: pressure. It is actuated in the one case by a common float and
counterweight, and in the other by the elastic force of the steam over-
coming the resistance of a spring; and the parts of the apparatus liable
to accidental derangement or undue interference are capable of being
enclosed and secured by a lock. Sixthly, an instrument or apparatus.
to be applied on the top of the boiler, and governed by a float and
counterweight, or by a float and counteracting spring, for the purpose.
of giving an alarm by whistle whenever the level of the water is
unduly depressed so as to endanger the exposure of the tops of the
flues or tubes, and in which apparatus the spindle of the valve which
admits steam to the whistle is made to form the connection between
the float and the balance wheel or spring, so as to dispense with the
perforation of the boiler for the float rod, and the consequent packing.
Seventhly, an instrument or apparatus similar to that last mentioned,
except in the form of the valve employed, which is so constructed as to
admit steam to the alarm whistle when the water is in excess, as well
as when it is deficient in quantity. Eighthly, an instrument or appa-
ratus which is substantially a modification of one of those last men-
tioned, but which is adapted in form and arrangement to be applied at
the end instead of on the top of the boiler. Ninthly, the application
of a lining or layer of cork or india-rubber to the valve seat of the
safety valve, or to the part of the valve lid in contact with the seat; to
prevent adhesion between the touching surfaces. Tenthly, an improved
arrangement of the levers of the safety valve, by which the tendency of
the weight or spring to press the valve spindle obliquely is corrected.
Eleventhly, a new safety valve spring so applied that its adjustments,
and the means of access to them, can be secured by lock and key,
whilst at the same time the acting parts of the apparatus are open to
inspection, but present no parts upon or by which additional weight
or tension can be surreptitiously applied.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Tayler, James Griffiths, and Thomas Lees
in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 1st March 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, wc,
JOHN TAYLER, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer,
JAMES GRIFFITHS, of Wolverhampton, in the County of Stafford,
Engineer, and THOMAS LEES, of Stockport, in the County of Chester,
Machinest, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Second day of September, One thon-
sand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the seventeenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said John Tayler, Janies Griffiths, and Thomas Lecs, Her
especial license that we, the said John Tayler, James Griffiths, and
Thomas Lees, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as we, the said John Tayler, James Griffiths, and Thomas Lecs, our
executors, administrators, or 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
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN APPARATUS APPLICABLE
THERETO AND TO BE USED THEREWITH," upon the condition (amongst others)
that we, the said John Taylor, James Griffiths, and.Thomas Lees, by
an instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand
and scal of one of us, 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 we, the said John Tayler, James Griffiths,
and Thomas Lecs, do hereby declare the nature of our 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 said.

page_text: Our said Invention has reference to the construction, use, and
management of such closed vessels or boilers as are used for the con-
version of water into steam under pressures exceeding that of the
atmosphere. It consists in the following improvements, and in the.
modes of combining, applying, and arranging the mechanical agents,
parts, or apparatus whereby the same are to be carried into effect, as
lierein-after described :-Firstly, an improved method of rapidly cooling
boilers, with a view to render their interiors more easily and promptly
accessible for the purposes of cleaning, temporary repair, or inspection.
Secondly, a mode of intercepting the heat radiated from the external
surfaces of boilers, and converting the same to a useful purpose, in.
raising the temperature of a portion of the air admitted into the
furnace to support the combustion of the fuel. Thirdly, improved
forms and modes of construction of certain instruments or apparatus
commonly known as "pressure guages," and applied to or used in con-
nection with steam boilers for the purpose of exhibiting on inspection
the degree of elasticity of the contained steam. Fourthly, improved.
forms, arrangements of parts, and modes of construction of certain
other instruments or apparatus herein-after described, and intended to
be applied to or used in connection with steam boilers for the purpose
of giving a signal or raising an alarm on the occurrence of any material
deficiency in the quantity of water in the boiler, or of undue excess in
the same, as well as of excessive augmentation of the pressure of the
steam, or on some or one of the said occasions. Fifthly, improved
modes of constructing certain parts of "safety valves" used for per-
mitting the escape of surplus steam when it is generated in excess of
the quantity required.
For the purpose of rendering the following statement more easily
intelligible we have annexed to these Presents five Sheets of Drawings,
the figures or representations in which are progressively numbered, and
their subordinate parts referred to by letters of the alphabet; and in
explaining and describing the details of the several improvements which
constitute our Invention we shall follow the order wherein they have
been previously set forth and enumerated.
Firstly, our method of rapidly cooling boilers consists in establish-

page_text: ing a temporary communication between the interior of the boiler
and a furnace flue in which a sufficient draught exists for the pur-
pose, and at the same time admitting air into the boiler by another
opening. The flue with which the communication is made may be
either that of the furnace of the boiler to be operated upon, or of an
adjoining one. By these means a current of air is drawn into and
rapidly circulated through the boiler, carrying off with it the heated air
and the vapor generated within the boiler by the residuary heat and
moisture, and thereby rapidly abstracting the heat and lowering the
temperature. The application of this method must necessarily vary
according to the particular form or construction and setting or other
circumstances and conditions of the boiler to which it is to be applied.
Generally speaking, the manhole may serve for one of the proposed
openings, another being formed, if not already existing, in such a
position relatively to the manhole that the current of air passing
between them may pervade the greatest portion of the internal space
of the boiler. One of the last-mentioned openings is to be connected
with the flue by means of a light wrought iron or other pipe of
sufficient capacity, and adapted in form to the purpose. In Figures 1,
and 2, on Sheet 1, of the Drawings, we have shewn an example of
such an application as is above described in a supposed case of a
common double furnaced boiler, with external as well as internal flues.
Figure 1, is a longitudinal section partly deflected from the middle line
so as to include one of the furnaces. Figure 2, is a view of the firing
end. a, is the ordinary manhole. b, is a lower manhole, with which
such boilers are commonly provided for the purpose of obtaining
entrance to the space between the internal flues and the bottom of the
boiler, which would otherwise be inaccessible. c, is the external flue
leading up one side of the boiler, and, after passing transversely under
the firing end, returning down the other side to the stack or chimney.
Into this flue there is a door or opening made at d; and a thin sheet
iron pipe e, is provided of suitable shape and size, which can be
readily applied so as to form a channel of communication between the
lower manhole b, and the opening into the flue at d. This pipe being
inserted, and the manhole a, open, the draught in the main stack or

page_text: chimney causes a rush of air through the manhole into the boiler, after
traversing which it escapes into the flue through the pipe e, and this
current is kept up, carrying with it the heated air and vapor previously
occupying the interior of the boiler. The current of air ought to, bė
conducted through the boiler between points as far removed as possible,
so as to pervade the whole of the interior space. The above exempli-
fication will render the nature and mode of carrying into effect this part
of our Invention sufficiently intelligible, but it will be evident that
the arrangements must vary according to circumstances, depending, as
before mentioned, upon the construction, setting, and arrangements
of the particular boiler to which it is to be applied.
Secondly, we will now proceed to describe our mode of inter-
cepting the heat radiated from the external surface of the boiler, and
applying the same to aid the combustion of the fuel in the furnace.
This we shall explain by reference to the last before-mentioned
Figures; namely, Figures 1, and 2, on Sheet 1; and also Figures 3,
and 4, on the same Sheet. The object of the arrangement here repre-
sented is to draw a thin stratum or current of air in close contact with
the upper surface of the boiler in such manner that, in the course of
its transit, it may absorb as much as possible of the radiated heat, and
having had its temperature thereby raised may be projected into the
furnace to aid in the combustion of the unconsumed gases evolved
from the burning fuel. To this end we enclose the exposed part of
the surface of the boiler in a light casing of wood or iron f. f, open to
the atmosphere at the end of the boiler furthest from the fire, and sup-
ported at a slight elevation above the boiler surface by ribs or flanches
9. 9. 9, curved to correspond with the outline of the top of the boiler.
These ribs are represented in the detached Figures 3, and 4. Each of
them has only length enough to extend over half of the convex outline
of the boiler top, and they are placed on alternate sides of the boiler
at equi-distant intervals so that the current of air drawn within the
casing cannot pass in a direct line along the interstitial space between
the casing and the shell of the boiler, but is obstructed in its course
at intervals by the ribs, and diverted from one side to the other in a
sinuous course until it reaches the firing end of the boiler, where it.

page_text: enters an enlarged chamber h, whence it is conduted downwards by the
pipe k, into another chamber at m, which has communications with the
furnaces through apertures o, in the dead plate or under the fire doors.
Through these apertures it is drawn into the furnaces, and then brought
into contact with the gascous products escaping from the burning fuel,
for the consumption of which it has been prepared by the previous eleva
tion of its temperature from its prolonged contact with the boiler plates.
Thirdly, our Invention relates to improvements in the construction
and application of guages to be applied in connection with boilers to
indicate variations in the elastic force of the steam. Of these we usc
two forms, in one of which the clastic force or pressure is denoted by
the traverse of an index finger over a graduated are, in the other by the
variations in the height of a column of mercury or other fluid con-
tained in a glass tube to which is attached a graduated scale. The
arrangement and construction of these instruments will be easily
understood by the following description, aided by inspection of the
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, on the second Sheet of the accompanying
Drawings. The first construction is represented in Figures 5, 6, and 7;
Figure 5, being a front view; Figure 6. a back view, the working
parts of which are shewn partly in section; and Figure 7, a side view.
❝, is a small cylinder, through the bottom of which works the spindle 6,
tapered and screwed towards its upper end to receive the boss or
piston c, which is secured by the nut 7. Between the boss or piston
c, and nut d, the spindle b, passes through a perforation in a disc
or washer of vulcanised india-rubber, the external edges of which
are confined between the upper flanches of the cylinder a, while
its centre is closely compressed between the nut d, and boss c; so
that it forms a water-tight packing or joint sufficiently pliable and
elastic to permit the spindle b, to play freely, and at the same time
separates the upper part of the cylinder so as to form a separate
chamber. The boss or piston c, rests on the top of a spiral spring e,
which resists the descent of the piston c, and spindle b, with a force
gradually increasing with the compression which it undergoes. The
bottom of the spindle b, has an enlargement and horizontal slot at f,
through which projects the pin of a small crank g, fixed on a spindle h,

page_text: which latter passes through the front plate or dial &, of the guage, and
carries on its outer extremity the index or pointer l. The point of the
latter moves over an arc m, on the dial plate, which is divided and
figured to indicate gradations of pressure in known denominations.
, is a pipe open at one end to the steam space or steam passages of
the boiler, and terminating at the other by a junction with the upper
chamber of the cylinder a, above, the india-rubber disc d'. This cham-
ber, and a short portion of the lower end of the pipe n, contain water,
which, whilst it transmits the pressure of the superincumbent steam to
the piston or boss c, prevents it from coming into immediate contact
with the india-rubber washer or disc . The instrument operates
thus: The steam admitted through the pipe n, exerts, through the
medium of the water on the boss or piston c, a pressure which is in
the compound ratio of its own elastic force and the area of the upper
surface of the piston. The latter it will be most convenient to make
of a determined magnitude, such as a square or circular inch. The
clastic force of the steam thus exerted on the piston and spindle
depresses them, and compresses the spring e, until balanced by the
increasing resistance of the latter. The spindle in its descent moves
the crank g, and spindle h, round their centre; and the index or
pointer 7, being fixed on the spindle h, receives a radial motion round
the same centre, causing its point to traverse over the arc m, by the
graduations of which corresponding to the spaces through which the
spring e, is compressed it indicates the amount of the pressure exerted
by the steam on the piston. Our second form of pressure guage is.
represented in Figs. 8, and 9, the former being a front view, the latter
a vertical section. a, is a pipe communicating with the boiler or steam
passages, and terminating in the chamber b. Above the latter, and
separated from it by two india-rubber discs or washers d, is a cylindrical
vessel c, having an aperture opening upwards into the glass tube f.
The latter is open to the atmosphere. The edges of the india-rubber
discs d, are confined between the flanches which join the lower chamber b,
and upper cylinder c; and between them is a ball c. of metal, porcelain,
glass, or some other hard substance. The glass tube f; is fixed in an

page_text: upright frame or standard, on the anterior surface of which is marked
the scale y, divided to indicate known denominations of pressure. The
reservoir c, and the lower part of the tube f, up to the initial point of
the scale g, contain mercury or some other fluid. The chamber b, and
the pipe a, up to a level rather higher than the top of the chamber b,
are occupied by water. The operation of the instrument is as follows:
The steam entering the pipe a, communicates through the water a
pressure on the india-rubber discs d, commensurate with its elastic force.
The india-rubber is thereby pressed into and contracts the internal
capacity of the cylinder or reservoir c, in consequence of which a
portion of the mercury or other fluid contained in the latter is driven
into the tube f, and raises the column therein. The scale g, being
graduated to correspond with the elevations of this column resulting
from given pressures on the india-rubber discs, shews correctly the
pressure indicated by the column. The ball e, inserted between the
india-rubber discs d, is for the purpose of equalizing the tension of
the india-rubber, and preventing it from being stretched upwards in
the form of a cone, in which case it would soon be weakened and
liable to rupture at the point forming the apex of the cone.
Fourthly, our Invention relates to the construction and use of certain
instruments to be applied for the purpose of giving a signal or raising an
alarm by whistle in certain cases. Our description of these instruments
will be illustrated by Figs. 10, 11, and 12, on Sheet 3; Fig. 13, on
Sheet 1; Fig. 14, on Sheet 4; Fig. 15, on Sheet 5; Fig. 16, on Sheet 4;
and Figs. 17, and 18, on Sheet 3. Fig. 10, Sheet 3, represents the first
of these partly in section. at, is the shell of the boiler, to which is
screwed the plate b. c, are hangers or pendant brackets depending
from the plate b, and terminating in bearings for the axis of the
grooved balance wheel d. A chain passes over and is fastened to
the wheel d; and to one end of this chain is attached the rod of a
common stone float, and to the other the counterweight. The pin or
stud which serves as the axis of the wheel d, projects through the
hanger, and on the outer side thereof has a cam plate or disc e, keyed
on its extremity. Two small pins or studs f, f, adjustable in slots.

page_text: m, is a
provided for them, stand out from the face of the disc or cam plate e,
and project through the loop or opening which forms the lower ex-
tremity of the rod or spindle g. The rod g, rests with the upper edge
of its loop or opening, supported by the pins, and it is maintained in
its vertical position by passing through guides or lugs h, h, which
project laterally from the plate k, screwed to the hanger c.
steam whistle, the foot of which is bolted to the plate b, over a hole in
the latter, answering in position to the valve n, through which steam
is admitted to the whistle. The cross section of the lower part of the
valve n, which is intended to act as a guide, is shewn in Fig. 12. The
valve stem or spindle o, rises upwards, with free liberty to move verti-
cally through the pillar of the whistle, and also passes through a
cylinder p, which crowns the dome of the whistle, and through the
capstan headed screw nut r, which closes the top of the cylinder p.
There is a collars, resting on a small shoulder on the valve stem o,
which serves for the spring t, to abut against, and enables it to keep
down the valve n, in its seat by the force of its reaction against the
compression which it undergoes from the screw nut. This force is
regulated by screwing down or relieving the screw nut 2, in the top of
the cylinder p. v, is a cap or cover which encloses all the external
part of the apparatus, and may either be secured to its place by a lock
or by the bolts which fasten the plate b, to the shell of the boiler.
Fig. 11, shews the relative positions of the hangers c, c, the plate the
rod or spindle g, and the valve », supposed to be reduced to the same
horizontal plane. The operation of this instrument is as follows:-The
spring t, being regulated by screwing down the nut 7, to a degree of
resistance corresponding to the pressure of steam at which the boiler is
intended to be worked, serves to keep down the valve n, so long as that
pressure is not exceeded, but in case of its being so exceeded the spring
yields, and the valve being raised by the pressure admits steam to blow
through the whistle, and thus notifies the fact of excess of steam. The
wheel d, actuated by the float and counterweight in the usual manner,
upon any variation in the level of the water, partially revolves on its axis,
and in doing so beyond certain limits in either direction brings one of

page_text: the pins ff, to bear upon and raise the rod g, which, encountering in its
ascent the foot of the valve n, raises the valve and admits steam to the
whistle, as in the former case, thus giving notice of undue variation in
the water level. Hence the instrument becomes a self-acting monitor
to warn the attendant in any of the three cases of irregularity, namely,
too much or too little water, or excess of elastic force in the steam. A
modified form of this instrument is shown at Fig. 18, Sheet 1, in which
the wheel d, is placed outside the boiler, being enclosed along with the
cam plate e, in a hollow drum w, supported by hollow pillars a, a,
through which the ends of the chain pass from the wheel d, downwards
in their respective directions to the float and counterweight within
the boiler. The whistle in, is placed on the top of and outside the
drum, its valve n, being lifted by swells on the edge of the cani
plate e, or by the clastic force of the steam, as the case may be. The
valve in this case is shewn as kept down by a lever and weight, but a
spring may be applied, as before, if preferred. The axis of the wheel
d, passes through a stuffing box in the centre of the drum on one side,
and is furnished externally with an index or finger, which, by its posi-
tion in respect of the graduations on a brass are fixed to the face of
the drum, indicates the height of the water in the boiler. The action
of the instrument is as in the case last herein-before described. Fig.
14, Sheet 4, and Fig. 15, Sheet 5, both partly in section, shew the
form and arrangement of an apparatus of simple construction, which
we designate a "low water alarm whistle." It is especially intended
to provide with certainty against the subsidence of the water below
its appointed lowest level without notice to the attendant. In the
arrangement represented in Fig. 14, a hollow pillar a, attached by its
flanch to the top of the boiler, has a link b, passing through it, which is
connected at its lower extremity to the float rod, and at its upper to the
inverted conical valve c. The valve spindle d, passes upwards with
free vertical motion through the whistle e, and is attached to the chain
f. which passes over and is fixed to the balance wheel 9. the counter-
weight h, being suspended from its other extremity. The chain f
valve stem d, valve, and link b, thus form a continuous connection

page_text: between the counterweight and float, and the usual perforation of the
boiler shell for the float rod with the consequent packing is ‹lispensed
with. The valve c, opens downwards, and is consequently closed by
the preponderance of the counterweight h, so long as the float remains
immersed, but on the subsidence of the water the float overbalancing
the counterweight draws down the link b, opens the valve c, and thus.
causes the whistle to he sounded. Fig. 15, Sheet 5, is a modification.
of the last-described apparatus, in which a spring is substituted for the
balance wheel and counterweight. The hollow pillar a, link b, and
valve c, are as before; but the valve spindle d, has a boss f, screwed on
its top, which rests upon the spring, contained in a cylinder rising
above the dome of the whistle. The valve c, is closed by the reaction
of the spring g, against the under side of the boss or nut f. By screw-
ing this nut upwards or downwards on the valve spindle the reacting
force of the spring y, can be regulated so as to counteract the gravi-
tation due to the difference in weight between the float and the volume
of water displaced by it, so that as long as the float remains immersed
the superior force of the spring will keep the valve closed; but on the
water subsiding, the gravity of the float, no longer neutralised by the
buoyant effect of the water, operates to overcome the resistance of the
spring, and open the valve, giving the steam access to the whistle, as
before. The external parts are shielded from interference or damage
by the perforated cage or cap 9, which is secured in its place by a
lock. The extreme upper end of the valve spindle projects a little
through and above the cap, as at h, so that by the application of a
moderate pressure the efficient condition, of the valve can at all times
be tested. Fig. 16, Sheet 4, shews in section a variation in the form
of the valve to be employed in the apparatus represented at Fig. 14.
It is intended as a substitute for the inverted conical valve before
described, and is so constructed as to admit steam to the alarm whistle
when the water either rises too high or sinks too low. a¹, is a short
tube, closed at top, but open at bottom, and connected with the chain f,
and link b, as before. It slides steam-tight in another tube b', which
passes through a small valve box or chamber c', closed at bottom, but

page_text: communicating with the whistle above through the holes d', d'
Through the sides of the inner tube a', are openings y..y, which, when
the valve is in its middle position, as shewn in the Drawing, fall
opposite the solid parts of the outer tube b¹, and prevent the passage of
the steam. But on the valve being sufficiently raised or lowered the
holes y, y, are brought opposite the holes a, a, or a, a, above or below,
as the case may be, in the outer tube b', and the steam is in either
case allowed to pass into the chamber c', and thence to the whistle.
Fig. 17, Sheet 3, is a side view, partly in section, of another apparatus
for the purpose of giving an alarm when the water is either in excess
or deficiency, or the steam attains too high a pressure. We shall give
a very brief explanation of it; inasmuch as it is substantially a mere
modification of the apparatus previously described and represented at
Fig. 10, Sheet 3, or at Fig. 13, Sheet 1, the variations resulting chiefly
from its adaptation to the end instead of the top of the boiler. In
Fig. 17, a is a vertical section through the end of a boiler. 6, is a shaft,
carrying the balance, wheel c, and carried itself by the hanger d, and
the gland or stuffing box e, inserted into the end of the boiler. The
balance wheel c, is furnished with chain, float, and counterweight, as
usual, and from its boss r, project two pins p, p, which bear against
and elevate the open frame o, resting upon them whenever the balance
wheel turns on its axis in either direction. f, is the steam whistle,
projecting from the end of the boiler, and communicating with a
small valve box g, in which is a conical valve h. The valve h, is kept
down in its seat by the weight n, upon the lever m, the latter being
connected to the valve by a forked rod k, whose branches pass on each
side of the shaft b, and which has also at its upper end a small swivell
for adjusting accurately its length. The weight n, is adjusted on the
lever m, so as to counterbalance the highest pressure on the valve h,
which the latter is intended to bear. If this is exceeded the valve will
therefore be lifted, and steam admitted to the whistle. The lever m,
has its extremity attached to the open frame o, so that on the latter
being lifted by the motion of the balance wheel c, under the influence
of changes in the level of the water, the lever m, will also be raised,

page_text: .
and the valve ; relieved from the pressure of the weight 11.. The
steam will then lift the valve h, and blow through the whistle. Fig. 18.
shews a front view of the the open frame o, the boss, and the pins PP,
therein. s, is a finger, carried on the end of the shaft b, outside the
boiler, and indicating by its application to a graduated arc, seen in
section at t, the variations in the level of the water as they occur from
time to time.
Fifthly, our Invention includes improved modes of constructing
certain of the parts of safety valves: In these we apply a lining or
layer of cork or india-rubber to the valve seats, or to the part of
the valve which rests in contact with the seat; but the former mode
of application we consider preferable. We form a groove in the
valve seat, and introduce the layer of cork or india-rubber in the form
of a conical ring or washer, allowing its upper surface to rise about one'
sixteenth of an inch above the surface of the metal. In Fig. 21,
Sheet 1, this ring or washer is seen in section at a. If india-rubber is
The
employed, it must be enclosed between coats of thick canvas.
object of this improvement is to prevent the adhesion of the valve to
the seat, and to aid it in its rising by the elastic reaction of the cork
or india-rubber. We apply an improved arrangement of levers for
pressing down the safety valve with a view to correct the tendency of
the valve spindle to fall into an oblique position. This arrangement
is shewn in side view at Fig. 19, and in plan at Fig. 20, on the first
Sheet. The valve stem a, terminates at its upper end in ball which
fits into a socket or cavity in the cross head b. The ends of the latter
slide between the parallel guides c, c, c, c.
On the extreme outer ends
of the cross head are suspended the slings d, d, in the lower eyes of
which rest pins projecting laterally and inwardly from the branches of
the main levere. The latter is forked into two branches so as to pass
on both sides of the valve box, and turns on two fulcra or supports
at ff. Its single part or arm carries the usual adjustable weight.
We also apply a new kind of safety valve spring, whose adjustments,
though open to ocular inspection, are secured from interference by a
lock. Fig. 21, Sheet 1, is a side view of this arrangement; and Fig. 22,

page_text: on the same Sheet, shews some of the parts in plan view. The spring
consists of alternate layers or washers of india-rubber and metal
through the midst of which, and through the cross head c, the valvo
spindle rises. The cross head c, is forced down so as to compress the
india-rubber by the action of the nuts d, d, screwed on the uprights k, k
and these nuts, when the required degree of compression is attained,
are secured from being moved by the clamp piece or double key e, &,
whose ends embrace them. The clamp e, e, is fastened to the cross
head by a pin f, passing through both, and secured by the lock y
This form of valve presents no parts upon or by which additional
weight or pressure can be applied to keep down the valve. These
safety valves are proposed to be used in connexion on the same boilers,
so that the working pressure can be regulated by the weighted lever c
in that first described, and then the second or spring valve can be
adjusted so as always to blow off at the same pressure. Under this
arrangement there would always be onc valve secure from undue altera-
tion or interference, and another conveniently adapted for examining
and adjusting with facility the working pressure maintained in the boiler.
Having by the above statement described the nature of our Invention,
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, we desire further to
have it understood that what we claim as new and of our Invention,
are, Firstly, the method herein mentioned of reducing the temperature
of boilers by causing a rapid current of air to be drawn into and
circulated through the same by the agency of the draught in an
adjacent flue or chimney. Secondly, the method of heating air to be
subsequently introduced into the furnace by causing it to traverse an
interstitial space left between the shell of the boiler and a casing or
jacket enveloping the same. Thirdly, the arrangement and combina
tion of parts and construction of the "pressure guage" firstly herein-
before described, and represented in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, on the second
Sheet of Drawings, and all mere modifications of the same. Fourthly,
the arrangement and combination of parts constituting the "pressure
guage," secondly herein-before described, and represented in Figs. 8,
and 9, on the second Sheet of Drawings, and all mere modifications of

page_text: the same. Fifthly, the use and application of.a ball of metal or other
hard substance inserted between two discs or washers of india-rubber
for the purpose of equalizing the tension of the latter, and preventing it
from assuming a conical form under pressure, and becoming, weakened
or broken thereby, as the same is explained and described in connection
with the pressure guage last mentioned. Sixthly, the arrangement and
combination of parts constituting the apparatus. firstly herein-before
described for the purpose of giving an alarm by whistle in case of
undue variation in the level of the water in a boiler, or of excess.of
clastic force in the steam, and represented in Big 10; on-the third
Sheet of Drawings, and all mere modifications of the same. Seventhly,
the arrangement and combination of parts. exhibited in the modified
form of the last-mentioned apparatus represented in Fig. 18, on the
first Sheet of Drawings. Eighthly, the arrangement and combination
of parts exhibited in the form of the same instrument or apparatus as
modified and adapted to be applied at the end of a boiler instead of
on the top thereof, and which are represented in Fig. 17, on the third
Sheet of Drawings. Ninthly, the general forms, arrangements, and
combinations of parts constituting the low water alarm whistles"
herein-before described, and represented in Fig. 14, on the fourth Sheet
of the Drawings, and in Fig. 15, on the fifth Sheet. Tenthly, the use
of a spring in the last-mentioned apparatus, in lieu of a counterweight
and balance wheel, as herein-before mentioned and described. Eleventhly,
the mode of dispensing with the perforation of the boiler for the passage
of the float rod, and also of the packing thereby rendered necessary
by causing the valve and valve spindle in the last before-mentioned
apparatus to form the link of connection between the float within the
boiler and the counterweight or counteracting spring used to balance
the same outside the boiler. Twelfthly, the application of the tubular
form of double acting valve herein-before described, and represented in
Fig. 16, on the fourth Sheet of Drawings, to the apparatus represented
in Fig. 14, on the same Sheet. Thirteenthly, the application of cork
or india-rubber to line the touching surfaces of safety valves. Four-
teenthly, the improved arrangement of the levers of the safety valve
berein-before described. And, fifteently and lastly, the use and appli-

page_text: cation of india-rubber as a material for the springs of safety valves, and
the mode of applying the same herein pointed out.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Tayler, on behalf of myself
and of the aforesaid James Griffiths and Thomas Lees, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of
February, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-four
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the
herein-before-named John Tayler,
in the presence of
RICHARD HOWSON,
Engineer,
Manchester.
JOHN TAYLER.