Improvements in Differential Automatic Gas Governors,
Year: 1897

page_text: Comalada On
Date of Application, 7th Oct., 1897
1000
4000
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Differential Automatic Gas Governors,
We, DAVID J. FARMER, Manufacturer, and SAMUEL FARMER, Manufacturer, both
of Front Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States of America, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
-
Our invention relates to improvements in differential automatic gas governors,
adapted to be operated by liquid weight and for controlling the supply of gas to
the mains; the object thereof being to provide a device of this character which is
serviceable and operative under all conditions of pressure; furthermore to supply
an apparatus adapted for obviating the difficulties in adjustment heretofore met
with in devices of this character. A further object is to supply a governor which is
susceptible of differential adjustment to meet the varied requirements of gas-plants
and which will efficiently act under conditions of maximum as well as minimum
pressure.
In automatic governors where fluid weight is employed and transferred from one
vessel to another for change of pressure, much difficulty has been heretofore experi-
enced in adjusting the fluid weight to ensure prompt automatic change of
pressure.
In our improved governor, prompt automatic change of pressure is brought about
partly by means of an adjustable plunger located within the fluid receptacle and
partly by means of a compound valve seat, as will be hereinafter fully described.
In the practice of our invention, the body or base of the governor comprises a
preferably globe shaped casing through which the gas is adapted to pass from a
source of supply to the street mains. The compound valve seat forming part of
our invention is located centrally of this said casing and gas is supplied thereto
through the medium of the flanged inlet and passes therefrom into the mains
through the flanged outlet. These said two openings being adapted for attach-
ment to pipes leading respectively from the source of supply and to the mains.
The compound valve comprises two valves and mounted upon a vertical rod and
operated within downwardly projecting seats which form an integral part of the
casing. Surrounding these seats are sliding collars adapted for adjustment
vertically upon the seats for the purposes of controlling the supply of gas there-
through, whereby the valves may be caused to travel downwardly to variable.
distances before the maximum supply of gas is allowed to pass into the mains
from the source of supply, as will be hereinafter more fully described.
Projecting upwardly and centrally from the upper wall of the casing is a tube
through which the valve rod or stem passes.
Surrounding this said tubular projection is a cylindrical chamber upon which is
mounted the water tank. This said tank is provided with a centrally located and
upwardly projecting tubular opening through which passes the tube and the valve
stem.
A cork is tapped into the chamber for the purpose of drawing off any overflow
of water or other liquid adapted for filling the tank.
Tapped into the casing is a tube which communicates with a globe valve and
leading from this said valve into the chamber is a tube or pipe whereby gas may pass

page_text: .
from the main into the casing and thence through these said pipes into the chamber
for operating a float which is mounted upon the valve stem. This said float is
cylindrical in shape and the lower end thereof is open, whereby when the tank is
filled with water or other suitable fluid matter, an effectual seal for the gas is
provided.
For the purpose of lubricating the valve stem, an oil tube is led through the head
of the float.
Securely fitted to the upper edge of the tank is a dome or cover, and the operative
mechanism of the governor is mounted thereon. This said mechanism, comprises
primarily, fluid receptacles, which said receptacles are designated as weight vessels
and are adapted to receive the mercury or other fluid matter adapted for operating
the device, as will be hereinafter fully described.
Of these said fluid weight vessels, the centrally located vessel is mounted upon
the valve stem, and the vessels are suspended from cross rods forming part of the
oscillating wheels, which said wheels are mounted upon shafts through the medium
of anti-friction rollers, whereby the device can be operated with a minimum of
friction. These said parts are all located between uprights which are securely
mounted upon the dome of the tank.
The vessels are preferably closed at each end and they are suspended from the
cross rods by means of slotted hangers and adjusting screws which said screws are
threaded through the head portions of the hangers and bear against the cross rods
for the purpose of vertically adjusting the vessels.
The liquid weight vessel is open at its upper end and has an adjustable plunger
located therein. This said plunger is adjustably secured to the valve stem by, any
suitable means.
but preferably by means of a nut which engages with a thread of
the valve stem. This said nut engages loosely with an aperture in the head of the
plunger, whereby the said plunger can be adjusted vertically without having rotary
action imparted thereto.
The said vessels are connected to each other by means of flexible tubes and these
said tubes are supplied with stop cocks for controlling the flow of liquid when
desirable.
}) .
As a means for supporting the valve stem and its connected parts, a vertically
adjustable nut engages therewith. This said nut is provided with projecting
arms which bear upon anti-friction rollers mounted upon cross rods secured to the
wheels.
The upper end of the valve stem is provided with a cup shaped receptacle adapted
to receive weights for balancing and adjusting the apparatus.
Weight receptacles or troughs are also suspended from the wheels by means of
rods for a similar purpose.
As a means for setting or properly adjusting the fluid matter within the fluid
receptacles, these said receptacles are each provided upon their bottom surfaces
with projections adapted for engagement with a straight edge, as will be herein-
after described.
We do not confine ourselves to the specific number of float weight receptacles;
for. instance, two centrally located vessels can be used and their plungers are
operated for vertical adjustment. through the medium of the screws which are
threaded through the head covering the vessels.
F
In the operation of the governor, the movement of the valves is effected or actuated
by the float which is controlled by the pressure in the service main through the
pipes.
When the governor is in position for day service or when the minimum of gas
is being passed through the valves to the street, it will be observed that the vessels
are below the centrally located vessel mounted upon the valve stem, and they con-
tain all the fluid and sustain the valves in their upward position, whereby a
minimum supply of gas is supplied to the street mains.
When consumption increases or there is a call for more gas in the district, the
pressure is reduced in the mains which causes the float to descend by gravity. The

page_text: weight fluid in the vessels then begins to flow from the said vessels to the vessel
mounted on the valve stem, and a gradual change of weight of vessel mounted upon
the valve stem causes the valves to descend, whereby an increased volume of gas is
allowed to pass into the mains and the pressure therein is increased.
The collars surrounding the valve seats may be set so as to cause the valves
to drop slowly for either a short or long distance before giving out the full volume
or maximum supply of gas, whereby full weight pressure is not supplied to the
mains until the valves are below the lower edges of the collars, as will be under-
stood, and all the weight fluid is transferred from the vessels suspended from the
cross rods to the vessel mounted upon the valve stem. The valve is then supplied
with its maximum weight and full maximum pressure is delivered to the mains.
When the consumption is diminished and lights are being turned out in the
district, the float begins to rise by the back pressure in the mains, and upward
movement of the valves will be continued until the maximum pressure in the mains
causes the valves to assume the position whereby the minimum supply of gas is
permitted to enter the mains and the weight fluid is gradually transferred back
to the vessels suspended from the cross rods.
In order that the advantages of our improvement may be better understood, we
will describe the method of putting the governor into working operation.
After the governor is set up and the working parts are in readiness, the vessels
suspended from the cross rods are supplied with the proper weights of liquid that
is necessary to be transferred for change of pressure.
The valve is then opened and the gas is passed through the governor to the street
and after allowing time for pressure in the mains to settle as ascertained by the
gauge; if the pressure maintained is too much for the minimum of consumption,
shot or other weight is placed in the receptacles; or weights may be secured to the
rods if desired. This weight is added until the pressure is reduced as required.
After pressure settles giving out the minimum consumption, the governor is
adjusted by placing a straight edge on the projecting plate of the vessel mounted
upon the valve stem, and on a line with the bottom of the said vessel. The straight
edge in length extends to the outer vessels, which said vessels are lowered or raised
by their adjusting screws until the surface of the fluid therein is on a level with the
under side of the straight edge, which represents the bottom of the plunger vessel;
when this is done the governor is adjusted to minimum or day pressure.
As soon as night pressure is on and the liquid is transferred from
the outer vessels to the inner vessel, the governor is giving out its maximum
volume of pressure.
The straight edge is then placed on the projecting plates which extend from the
inner vessel and on a line with the bottom of said vessel. The liquid in the centre
vessel is then adjusted for the maximum pressure by the simple operation of raising
or lowering the plunger until the liquid is on a line with the bottom of the straight
edge, and the full adjustment is made accurately for automatic use the first night,
and no further adjustment is necessary to meet the requirements of minimum
and maximum pressure, and it will be observed that the preliminary and final
adjustment is made when the governor reaches its maximum pressure on the first
night.
The mechanism, we have described for connecting and operating the fluid weight
vessels may be varied if found necessary without departing from the scope of our
invention, and we do not confine ourselves to arrangement of the two outside liquid
vessels, as it is obvious that one vessel may be made to encircle the plunger vessel
for carrying the liquid weight to be transferred to said plunger vessel.
Dated this 7th day of Databon 1807
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents..

page_text: "
Improvements in Differential Automatic Gas Governors.
We, DAVID J. FARMER, Manufacturer, & SAMUEL FARMER, Manufacturer, Front
Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.A., do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our invention relates to improvements in differential automatic gas-governors
adapted to be operated by liquid weight and for controlling the supply of gas to the
mains, the object thereof being to provide a device of this character which is service-
able and operative under all conditions of pressure; furthermore, to supply an
apparatus adapted for obviating the difficulties in adjustment heretofore met with
in devices of this character.
A further object is to supply a governor which is susceptible of differential
adjustment to meet the varied requirements of gas plants and which will efficiently
act under conditions of maximum as well as minimum pressure.
In automatic governors where fluid weight is employed and transferred from one
vessel to another for change of pressure, much difficulty has been heretofore
experienced in adjusting the fluid weight to insure prompt automatic change of
pressure. In our improved governor prompt automatic change of pressure is
brought about partly by means of an adjustable plunger located within the fluid
receptacle and partly by means of a compound valve seat, as will be hereinafter
fully described, and specifically set forth in the annexed claims.
In the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is
a vertical sectional elevation of the governor. Figure 2 is an end elevation of the
upper portion thereof. Figure 3 is a side elevation of the governor, illustrating
a slightly modified form thereof. Figure 4 is a diagram in section of the valve and
the fluid receptacles illustrating the relative position of the parts when the valve
is open; and Figure 5 is a similar view with the valve closed.
In the practice of our invention the body or base of the governor comprises a
preferably globe shaped casing A, through which the gas is adapted to pass from a
source of supply to the street mains. The compound valve seat forming part of our
invention is located centrally of this said casing and gas is supplied thereto through
the medium of the flanged inlet A¹ and passes therefrom into the mains through
the flanged outlet A³, these said two openings being adapted for attachment to
pipes leading, respectively, from the source of supply and to the mains.
The compound valve comprises two valves B and B₁, mounted upon a vertical
rod C and operated within downwardly projecting seats D, which form an integral
part of the casing A. Surrounding these seats are sliding collars E, adapted for
adjustment vertically upon the seats for the purpose of controlling the supply of
gas therethrough, whereby the valves may be caused to travel downwardly to
variable distances before the maximum supply of gas is allowed to pass into the
mains from the source of supply, as will be hereinafter more fully described.
Projecting upwardly and centrally from the upper wall of the casing A is a
tube F, through which the valve rod or stem C passes. Surrounding this said
tubular projection F is a cylindrical chamber F1, upon which is mounted the water
tank G. This said tank is provided wth a centrally located and upwardly project-
ing tubular opening G¹, through which passes the tube F and the valve stem. C.
The cock H is tapped into the chamber F1 for the purpose of drawing off any
overflow of water or other liquid adapted for filling the tank G.
Tapped into the casing A is a tube a, which communicates with a globe valve a¹,
and leading from this said valve into the chamber F¹ is a tube or pipe a³, whereby

page_text: gas may pass from the main into the casing A and thence through these said pipes
into the chamber F¹ for operating a float I, which is mounted upon the valve stem C.
This said float is cylindrical in shape and the lower end thereof is open, whereby
when the tank G is filled with water or other suitable fluid matter an effectual seal
for the gas is provided. For the purpose of lubricating the valve stem C an oil
tube is led through the head of the float I.
Securely fitted to the upper edge of the tank G is a dome or cover G2, and the
operative mechanism of the governor is mounted thereon. This said mechanism
comprises, primarily, fluid receptacles J and J', which said receptacles are desig-
nated as weight vessels" and are adapted to receive the mercury or other fluid
matter adapted for operating the device, as will be hereinafter fully described.
Of these said fluid weight vessels, the centrally located vessel J is mounted upon the
valve stem C, and the vessels J¹ are suspended from cross rods k, forming part of the
oscillating wheels K, which said wheels are mounted upon shafts K' through the
medium of anti-friction rollers k¹, whereby the device can be operated with a
minimum of friction. These said parts are all located between uprights L, which
are securely mounted upon the dome G2 of the tank G.
The vessels J are preferably closed at each end, and they are suspended from the
cross rods by means of slotted hangers M and adjusting screws M', which said
screws are threaded through the head portions of the hangers and bear against the
cross rods for the purpose of vertically adjusting the vessels J¹. The liquid
weight vessel J is open at its upper end and has an adjustable plunger Js located
therein. This said plunger is adjustably secured to the valve stem C by any
suitable means, but preferably by means of a nut ', which engages with a thread j
of the valve stem C. This said nut engages loosely with an aperture in the head of
the plunger, whereby the said plunger can be adjusted vertically without having
rotary motion imparted thereto. The said vessels J and J¹ are connected to each
other by means of flexible tubes N, and these said tubes are supplied with stop
cocks n for controlling the flow of fluid when desirable.
As a means for supporting the valve stem and its connected parts, a vertically
adjustable nut c engages therewith. This said nut is provided with projecting
arms c', which bear upon anti-friction rollers c³, mounted upon cross rods secured to
the wheels K. The upper end of the valve stem O is provided with a cup shaped
receptacle C¹, adapted to receive weights for balancing and adjusting the apparatus.
Weight receptacles or troughs 0 are also suspended from the wheels K by means
of rods o for a similar purpose.
As a means for setting or properly adjusting the fluid matter within the fluid
receptacles, these said receptacles are each provided upon their bottom surfaces
with projections ³, adapted for engagement with a straight edge, as will be herein-
after described.
In Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the drawings we have illustrated but three fluid
weight receptacles, but we do not confine ourselves to the specific number thereof.
For instance, as illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, two centrally located
vessels J³ are used, and their plungers J are operated for vertical adjustment
through the medium of screws J5, which are threaded through the head j', covering
the vessels.
In the operation of the governor, the movement of the valves is effected or
actuated by the float I, which is controlled by the pressure in the service-mains.
through the pipes a and a³.
In Figure 1 the governor is shown in position for day service, or when the
minimum of gas is being passed through the valves to the street. It will be
observed that the vessels J are below the vessel J and they contain all the fluid and
sustain the valves B and B in their upward position, whereby a minimum supply
of gas is supplied to the street mains.
When consumption increases or there is a call for more gas in the district, the
pressure is reduced in the mains, which causes the float I to descend by gravity.

page_text: The weight fluid in the vessels J then begins to flow from the said vessels to the
vessel J, and a gradual change of weight of the vessel J causes the valves to descend,
whereby an increased volume of gas is allowed to pass into the mains and the
pressure therein is increased.
The collars E, surrounding the valve seats D, may be set so as to cause the valves
to drop slowly for either a short or long distance before giving out the full volume
or maximum supply of gas, whereby full weight pressure is not supplied to the
mains until the valves are below the lower edges of the collars E, as clearly
illustrated in the diagram Figure 4, and all the weight fluid is transferred from
the vessels J¹ to the vessel J. The valve is then supplied with its maximum weight.
and full maximum pressure is delivered to the mains.
When the consumption is diminished and lights are being turned out in the
district, the float begins to rise by the back pressure in the mains, and upward
movement of the valves will be continued until the maximum pressure in the
mains causes the valves to assume the position illustrated in the diagram of
Figure 5, whereby the minimum supply of gas is permitted to enter the mains and
the weight fluid is gradually transferred back to the vessels J¹.
In order that the advantages of our improvement may be better understood, we
will describe the method of putting the governor into working operation.
After the governor is set up and the working parts are in readiness, the vessels J¹
are supplied with the proper weight of liquid that is necessary to be transferred for
change of pressure. The valve a¹ is then opened and the gas is passed through
the governor to the street mains. If the pressure maintained is too much for the
minimum of consumption, shot or other weight is placed in the receptacles O,
or weights may be secured to the rods o if desired. This weight is added until the
pressure is reduced as required. After pressure settles, giving out the minimum
consumption, the governor is adjusted by placing a straight edge on the project-
ing plate of the vessel J and on a line with the bottom of the vessel. The
straight edge in length extends to the outer vessels J', which said vessels are
lowered or raised by their adjusting screws until the surface of the fluid therein is
on a level with the under side of the straight edge, which represents the bottom of
the plunger vessel J. When this is done, the governor is adjusted to minimum
or day pressure. As soon as night pressure is on, and the liquid is transferred
from the outer vessels to the inner vessel, the governor is giving out its maximum
volume of pressure. The straight edge is then placed on the projecting plates
which extend from the vessels J¹ and on a line with the bottom of said vessels.
The liquid in the center vessel is then adjusted for the maximum pressure by the
simple operation of raising or lowering the plunger J² until the liquid is on a line
with the bottom of the straight edge, and the full adjustment is made accurately
for automatic use the first night, and no further adjustment is necessary to meet
the requirements of minimum and maximum pressure, and it will be observed
that the preliminary and final adjustment is made when the governor reaches its
maximum pressure on the first night.
The mechanism we have described for connecting and operating the fluid weight
vessels may be varied if found necessary without department from the scope of
our invention, and we do not confine ourselves to arrangement of the two outside
liquid vessels J¹, as it is obvious that one vessel may be made to encircle the
plunger vessel J for carrying the liquid weight to be transferred to said plunger
vessel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:
-
1. An automatic gas governor, comprising a plurality of fluid weight vessels,
and means for connecting them to each other and for transferring the fluid weight,
a valve, a projecting valve seat and an adjustable collar thereon, the stem of the
said valve having a float thereon engaging with a tank adapted to contain water

page_text: or other fluid for sealing the gas, and a vertically adjustable plunger mounted on
the valve stem for adjusting the fluid weight, the said plunger located within
one of the fluid vessels; and means for inclosing, supporting and mounting the said
parts, for the purpose set forth.
I
valve and projecting
2. In an, automatic gas governor, the combination of
4.
valve seats, the seats having sliding collars thereon for regulating the flow of gas,
and a float and one or more fluid weight vessels secured to the stem of the said
valve, said vessels having vertically adjustable plungers therein for adjusting the
fluid weight, a plurality of fluid weight vessels communicating with the other
said vessels and means for adjustably operating them, a casing surrounding the
said valve and a tank inclosing the said float, substantially as shown and described.
3. A differential automatic gas governor comprising a body portion having an
inlet thereto and an outlet therefrom, and downwardly projecting valve seats
therein, having adjustable collars thereon and a double valve for engagement with
said seats and collars, and a valve stem which is suspended from friction rollers
located between two revoluble discs or wheels, said stem having a float secured
thereto which is located within a tank for sealing the gas, said tank communicating
with a receptacle which connects with the outlet portion of the said body, said
stem also having a fluid weight vessel secured thereto with an adjustable plunger
therein;
and vertically adjustable fluid weight vessels communicating with the
other said weight vessel, these said vessels being suspended between the said wheels
which support the valve stem, whereby the fluid weight vessels will be alternately
raised or lowered for transferring the weight fluid and for governing the supply
of gas for the mains, substantially as and for the purpose shown and described.
4. In an automatic gas governor, a fluid weight vessel having an adjustable
plunger therein for raising and lowering the surface of the fluid weight, said
vessel being secured to the valve stem of a gas governor, combined with fluid weight
vessels for transferring and operating the said parts, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
5. The combination in an automatic gas governor of fluid weight vessels having
adjustable plungers therein, secured to the valve stem of the governor; with
auxiliary fluid weight vessels and means for supporting and adjusting them
substantially for the purpose shown and described.
6. The combination in a gas governor of a double valve and double valve seats,
said seats being vertically-adjustable, the stem of the said valve having a float
thereon, also a fluid weight vessel having an adjustable plunger therein, said vessel
communicating with adjustable vessels for transferring the fluid weight; with a
rock shaft mechanism for supporting and moving the said parts, substantially as
and for the purpose shown and described.
7. In an automatic gas governor, a fluid weight vessel having an adjustable
plunger therein for raising and lowering the surface of the fluid weight, said
vessel being connected to the valve stem of a gas governor, combined with fluid
weight vessels for transferring the fluid weight, for the purpose shown and
described.
8. The combination with a gas governor, of projecting valve seats, said seats
being provided with collars or casings surrounding said valve seats, said collars
adapted to be moved up and down on the seats to regulate the flow of gas to the
mains, substantially as shown and described.
9. In automatic governors where fluid weight is used and transferred from one
vessel to another, means for adjusting said vessels in proper vertical relation to
each other, said means comprising plates projecting from the bottoms of said vessels
or their equivalents and adapted to be used as supports upon which to apply a
straight edge for adjusting the same in any desired vertical relation to each other,
as described and set forth.
10. In automatic governors where fluid weight is used and transferred from the
vessel mounted on the valve stem to other movable fluid weight vessels, a vertically

page_text: movable plunger mounted on said stem travelling therewith and arranged in said
fluid weight vessel, and adapted to be so adjusted thereon as to change the weight
of the liquid in said vessel, substantially as shown and described.
Dated this 2nd day of July 1898.
WHEATLEY & MACKENZIE,
40, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents.