US1306217A - Gas-meter - Google Patents

Description

E. S. DICKEY GAS METER.

IHIIHH IIIHHHI woe-n Cor WWI wane: /WW M X 7 4 SHEETS-SHEET l- E. S. DICKEY. I

GAS METER.

APPLICAHON FILED MAR.20, I9l8.

Patented June 10, 1919.

4 SHEETSSHEET 2 E. s. DICKEY. GAS METER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 20,1918.

Patented June 10, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- E. S. DICKEY.

GAS METER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 20, 1918.

- Patented June 10, 1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

' citizen of the United States,

EDMUND S. DICKEY, OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN METER COMPANY, IN (3., OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

GAS-(METER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 10, 1919.

Application filed March 20, 1918. Serial No. 223,574.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDMUND S. DICKEY, a residing in the county of Baltimore and State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gas-Meters, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to dry-type gas meters.

The object of the invention is to increase the capacity of the meter, without materially increasing the size of the unit, and at the same time, decrease the number of revolutions or cycles of the rotary and other moving parts, thus reducing the retarding effects of the meter mechanism upon the gas in passing through the meter, and greatly adding to the life of the meter, as well as the continued accuracy in measurement of the gas, due to the absence of lost motion that, as above indicated, results from wear.

Another object of my invention is to so construct the gas channels that complete drainage of the gas condensates is accomplished.

In the installation of meters, size or dimensions of the units is a consideration of great importance, in connection with the utilization of floor space, and this particu larly with regard to the width and height of the meter, the depth of the unit being of comparatively minor importance.

It is well recognized that in the average town or city, the greater portion of gas consumption will be found in the downtown section, where there is an ever increasing tendency toward greater consumption of gas for industrial purposes, and at the same time, it is. usually found that in such sections, the distributing plants have their oldest mains, which are subject to the greatest leakage. With the natural tendency of the gas to throw its heavier pressure into what are usually the higher outlying sections of the community, the result is that the lower sections, where the industrial requirements are greatest, suffer from lack of pressure. To offset this loss, the distributing plant is compelled to increase the pressure in the downtown sections, with the undesired result of unnecessary increase in pressure in the outlying sections, and consequently, any means, device or contrivance that will facilitate the distribution of gas to industrial and other consumers in all sections, and parcompany suffers, and which ticularly in low sections, with a minimum amount of pressure absorption between the mains and the consumers appliances, is of great and important moment.

Especially is this true when it is recognized that gas companies do not wish to increase their street main pressures abnormally for the purpose of overcoming loss of pressure resulting from meter absorption, or otherwise, for obviously, if increase in pressure means a corresponding increase in pressure on all joints throughout the distribution lines, which in turn means an increase in the amount of leakage, which the is a direct loss, the desire of a gas manufacturer is to distribute the gas under reasonably low pressures. Usually, in large cities, the distribution pressure will run anywhere from 2" to 5 water column per square inch, or an average distribution pressure of 3 to 3 water column. Under this pressure, it is highly important that the meter or measuring instrument in use should absorb the least possible amount of pressure in operation, thus leaving available the maximum pressure for direct application at the consumers burners or appliances. This is particularly true in the present day use of gas for industrial purposes and in the household, where gas is used for lighting on Welsbach mantles, or for cook stoves or other appliances, for in such cases, about ninety per cent. of all gas used is consumed through the so-called Bunsen burner, in which the gas pressure is depended upon for proper mixture of gas and air for proper combustion, determined by the adjustment of the burner. The natural desire is to distribute gas under the lowest reasonable pressure, and although seemingly paradoxical, nevertheless it is desired, at the same time, to deliver gas at the highest reasonable pressure. Therefore, it is highly important that themeter itself measure and pass the gas with the least possible absorption of pressure.

Inthe Standard meter, it is figured that an absorption of 1%" water column pressure persquare inch for meter operation, is allowed, which is a loss of pressure in operation. Therefore, my purpose is, as above indicated, to increase the capacity of the meter, without increasing its external dimensions, without increasing the pressure absorbed from the meter operation, and without increase in speed ratio of the meter. This I doby increasing the number of valves employed and structurally changing the meter unit to adapt it for cooperation with the additional valves. and by certain changes in the mode of operation of the valves, and s0 constructing the parts that the volumetric capacity of the diaphragms or measuring chambers for each complete cycle, will greatly increase the amount of gas measured and accordingly increase the capacity of the meter as represented in cubic feet of gas passed per hour, without a corresponding increase in the number of cycles or revolutions of the working parts of the meter. This, in effect, is a reduction in the speed ratio of the meter or a reduction in the number of revolutions of the meter per cubic foot of gas measured. By this reduction in the speed ratio per foot, the moving parts of the meter are subjected to less wear in delivering any given quantity of gas and less strain or torque on the moving parts, with consequent great durability and longer life of the meter, and accuracy and reliability in measuring the gas, which accuracy results primarily from the absence of lost motion due to wear.

I have found in practice, taking the ordi-- nary thirty light meter as a type, that without increasing its external dimensions, can, with my improvements, get a greatly increased capacity. The average capacity of the thirty light meter is approximately 600 cubic feet ofgas per hour, at approximately 960 revolutions per hour of the working parts, with speed ratio of 1% revolutions for each cubic foot.

I have improved this thirty light size meter so that I can, without in any way changing the external dimensions of the meter, pass approximately 800 cubic feet of gas per hour, at the same time reducing the speed ratio from 1% to 1- revolutions per foot, and this, without increasing the pressure absorption by the meter in operation.

It will be apparent from the foregoing, that the increase in capacity of meter units of any present standard capacity, will cause a decrease in the number of units required for any given purpose, or to meet any given requirement, and that there will be a corresponding decrease in expense incident to manifolding or connecting up the various units and an incident saving in floor space. For instance, I estimate that with my improvements, the capacity of the meter unit is increased 33- consequently where nine meters of former construction are required in a given instance, six of the improved meters would suflice. So far as I am aware, in meters heretofore constructed, the gas enters the meter from the intake through a revolutions per foot,

gas-tight channel supported upon the valve table. In my improvements, I provide above the valve table, a plate spanning the .entire area. of the meter, thus forming a gas compartment or chamber above the valve table, entirely separated from the upper part of the meter. I am thus enabled to introduce agreater volume of gas with a com sequent increase in pressure, and I also slightly increase the size of the intake and outlet openings to meet this changed condition. V

WVith the above and other objects, having in view the structural improvements of me tors in detail, which will become apparent in the course of the following description, the invention consists in the novel combination and arrangement of parts whereby my objects are accomplished.

In the drawings illustrating the invention;

Figure 1 is a top plan View of the meter embodying my improvements, with the top removed and a plate immediately below it,

partly broken away to show the valve arrangement.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the meter taken below the valve table and looking toward the top of the meter.

Fig. 3 is a. section taken about on line a-Z Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section of portions of the meter below the valve table, taken about on line c-d of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail elevation of the valve operating shaft, showing the manner of connecting the valve arms to the cranks of the shaft.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a cross. section of one of the valves, valve seat, and a portion of the valve table and channels below the same.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the casing, which in exterior formation does not differ in any material way from the casing now commonly used, which is rectangular in shape and comprises front and rear walls 2 and 8, side Walls 4 and and top 6, and intake and outlet manifolds A and B, respectively, and of course, a suitable bottom, not shown. The numerals 7 and 8 designate diaphragms of the bellows type, and of usual construction, that is to say, comprising circular metallic plates 9 and 10, which are connected to a central metallic ring 11 by leather sections 12, which adapt the diaphragms for the usual dilating and contracting movements caused by the flow of gas into and out of them, during the movement of the meter parts. The diaphragms are suitably supported centrally, and the plates 9 and 10, may be connected in the usual way to the flags of the meter.

These diaphragms, while they operate in unison to receive and expel the gas'are independent of, or separated from each other by a vertical central partition 13 to which the diaphragms are attached. The partition extends from the bottom of the meter to the valve table, which is designated by the numeral 14, the partition extending also to the sides of the meter casing, thus forming two diaphragm chambers in which the gas, in passing through the meter, flows, and whose pressure in the chambers is utilized under certain valve controlled operations, to exert a pressure upon the diaphragms to cause their collapse and the consequent ejection of gas therefrom, through suitable. ports and channels to the outlet or discharge opening of the meter.

The numerals 15 and 16 designate the flagstaifs stepped in suitable bearings at the bottom of the meter, and extending upwardly through the stufling boxes 17 and 18, rigidly supported in the present instance, by the valve table and flange of an addltional plate, which I provide in the upper portion of the meter, and which will be presently described in detail. The stufling box in the present instance is, for the purposes of strength, made somewhat longer than the usual stufling box, so that it may span the space between, and have the support of the valve table 14, and the additional plate just mentioned.

Each of these staffs carries the usual flag 18 secured to the shaft or otherwise rigidly connected therewith, and having swivel connection with the outer metallic plates of the diaphragms, as indicated at 19, so that the expansion and collapsing of the diaphragms,

caused by the flow of the gas through the diaphragms and meter casing, will cause oscillation of the flagstaffs and consequently through certain link and arm connections about to be described, operate the valves, which, in turn, control the admission of gas into and out of the diaphragms and into, and out of the casing, and out of the channels which communicate with the outlet opening.

Mounted at the upper end of the staff 15 is staff arm 20 and upon the upper end of the staff 16 is mounted staif arm 21, and to the free end of the arm 20, is pivotally connected link 22 and to the corresponding end of arm 21, link 23 is similarly connected, and

both of these links are pivotally connected with a stud 24, carried by the threaded adjusting nut 25, working on the threaded tangent 26, which in turn is rigidly connected to the upper end of the valve operating shaft which shaft is stepped at its lower end into a socket in a stud 28, approximately centrally located upon the valve table 14, which forms the lower bearing for the shaft. A further bearing for the valve operating shaft is formed on the upper side of a substantial metallic disk 29, and is constituted by a stufiing box 30 through which the shaft above the cranks extends. This disk is supported on the valve table by a plurality of posts 31, sufficient in number to provide the required rigidity of the disk to adapt it to serve as be, rings for other operating parts.

Mounted upon this disk is an ear 32 which serves as a bearing for the horizontal dial shaft 33, which shaft carries a worm gear 34 in mesh with worm 35, secured to the valve operating shaft, and through which the revolutions of the valve operating shaft are communicated to the dial shaft and accordingly to the mechanism at the front of the meter, which mechanism and manner of operating the same in the present instance, is like that commonly employed for this pur pose and consequently no further detail description of this mechanism is necessary.

The numeral 36 designates, as a whole, an additional plate peculiar to my construction, which plate spans the entire interior area of the upper part of the meter and is sufliciently spaced from the valve table to allow for introduction and operation of the valves and their connected parts, and with the valve table and the walls of the meter casing, forms a tight gas chamber 36', into which the gas,- through the meter inlet, enters before passing into any other parts of the meter. This plate 36 also forms, with the top and sides of the casing, a separate gasfree chamber 36", which gives free access for adjustment of the meter at the time of test or proving. This plate 36 is of separable character, that is to say, when complete, it comprises an edge flange 37 soldered or otherwise attached in a gas-tight manner, to the walls of the meter, and this rectangular flange extends outwardly for a short dis tance, leaving a large rectangular opening 38 through which access can be had to the valves, and their connected parts,for the purpose of installation, in the first instance, or for the purposes of repair thereafter. In the completed structure, this aperture is entirely covered by a rectangular plate 39, flanged downwardly at its edges to fit over corresponding upturned edge-flanges 40 of the large flange 37, to which flanges 40, the plate is soldered. This plate 39 is further soldered to the disk 29, and thus a very rigid and durable construction is produced.

Reverting to the valve operating shaft, I provide this shaft with three cranks 41, 42 and 43, instead of with one crank, which characterizes meters of usual construction. Connected to the crank 41 by valve arm 44, is a valve 45, and connected with the crank 43, by valve arm 46, is valve 47. To the in termediate crank 42, through valve arms 48 and 49, are connected valves 50 and 51, the connections between the cranks and the valves, as shown, being pivotal connections, as usual. The valves 50 and 51 are, as I have termed them, primary valves, and valves 45 and 47 are supplementary valves, and the angulation of the cranks is such that a primary valve and a supplemental valve, located on one side of the partition, work in unison, and a primary valve and supplemental valve on the other side of the partition, also work in unison. All of the valves are provided with guide rods 52 which work through apertures in studs 53 supported on the valve table, thus insuring accurate lineal movement in the reciprocation of the valves.

The numerals 54, 55, 56 and 57 designate the valve seats which are rectangular in shape and suitably supported in the valve table, and extend a short distance above the same, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. Each seat is provided with three ports, one leading to the diaphragm, another to the casing, or to the gas-tight chamber, in which the diaphragm is located, and the remaining or central port leading to the outlet or discharge channel which, as will appear presently, communicates with the outlet or discharge opening of the meter. For the purpose of strengthening the seats, a central rib is cast integral with them, which rib stops short of the upper or hearing edges of the valves, and seemingly gives to each valve, SlX ports, but since any two ports in a valve seat divided by the rib, will establish gas communication with either the diaphragm, diaphragm casing and outlet channel simultaneously, they can, and will be for the purpose of this description, regarded as single ports. The numeral 58 designates the inner or diaphragm ports, 59 the casing ports, and 60 the outlet ports, that is to say, the ports that establish communication between the chamber 86 and the diaphragms, and between the diaphragms and the outlet ports, and from the chamber 36' to the casing, and from the easing to the outlet ports, through the various channels provided for the transfer of gas from one point to the other.

The numerals 61 and 62 designate the two diaphragm channels, that is to say, the breathing channels or the channels through which the diaphragms successively fill and empty. These, as shown clearly in Fig. 4, are located one on each side of the central partition 13. The channel 62 opens at its upper end into channel 63, leading to the ports 58 in valve seats 56 and 57 which are successively covered and uncovered in the movement of the valves to seal the diaphragm ports against flow of gas to the tition 13, and the channel 65, in turn communicates with the diaphragm ports 58, through the valves, through the outlet ports 60, in the other valve seats 54 and 55, to the outlet channel 66, which also leads to the outlet B. In other positions of the valves (the valves and valve seats being of identical construction), than that shown in Fig.7, they will close the casing ports 59 against the flow of gas into the casing from chamber 36 and establish communication between the casing and the outlet ports 60. The operation of the valves is successive, say, first to permit the gas to flow through the diaphragm ports 58, through the channels into the diaphragms and out of the diaphragms to the outlet and from the casing to the outlet. V r

The numeral 67 designates an arm having a downwardly extending angular portion soldered or otherwise attached to the disk 29. This arm is provided at its inner end with an eye which surrounds the upper part of the valve operating shaft, and serves as a bearing for the same. Pivoted in a slot in the outer end of this arm, is a pawl 68, provided below its pivotal point with a shoulder adapted to limit its movement in one direction. This pawl is engaged by the tangent in the revolution of the meter parts, the movement of the tangent being unobstructed in one direction, but entirely prevented in the other direction, thus providing against retrograde movement.- of the parts, all of which is usual in meters of this character.

The numeral 69 designates a baflie which I place between the valve table 14 and the plate 36, opposite the intake opening. This baflle, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, extends only a short distance across the meter and serves the purpose of preventing the introduction of an instrument through the intake opening, to tamper with the mechamsm.

'In operation, gas comes in through the intake manifold A, into the chamber 36, and in the position of the valves shown in Fig. 1, which we may take as a starting point, the gas flows through the ports 58 which are open, to one of the diaphragms and as soon as the gas begins to flow into a diaphragm, the movement of the parts is started, whichstarts the opening of dia phragm ports 58 on the other side of the partition, and during this part of the cycle of the mechanism, both diaphragms are being filled. A further movement will move the valves to close the diaphragm ports against gas from chamber 36, and establish communication between said ports through ports 60, to outlet channels, and opening the casing ports 59, permitting gas to flow into the casing to collapse the diaphragms and force the gas out of them.

When the diaphragms are emptying at their full capacit the position of the valves will be such as that shown in Fig. 7. Then the valve has reached the limit of its forward movement and will continue the emptying until the front flange of the valve in its rearward movement has completely closed the port 58 and at this time, the rear flange of the valve has closed the casing port, preventing intake to the casing from the chamber 36. Its continued rearward movement opens the diaphragm port 58 for the intake of gas from the chamber 36 and immediately establishes communication for the outlet of gas from the casing, through the port 59, through the valve to the outlet port 60, through which it passes to the main outlet.

It will be noted that the connections between the flagstaffs, tangent and valve operating shaft, are above the plate 36, and between said plate and the cover proper of the meter, thus providing a gas-free chamber above the plate, and giving ready and convenient access tothe adjustment mechanism, without the necessity of emptying the meter.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim is 1. In a gas meter, a casing having compartments therein, in combination with the inlet and outlet, two diaphragms located in separate compartments, four valves controlling the flow of gas into and out of the diaphragms and their compartments, mechanisms for operating the valves, and suitable channels for conducting the gas to the meter outlet after it has passed through the diaphragms and their compartments. V

In a gas meter, in combination, a casing having compartments therein, two diaphragms in separate compartments, four valves, two of Which control the service of gas to and from one diaphragm and its compartment and the other two valves controlling the service of gas to and from the other diaphragm and its compartment, a

, single valve operating shaft, and connectlons between the shaft and all of the valves.

3. In a gas meter, in combination, a casing having compartments therein, two diaphragms located in separate compartments, four valves, two of which control the service of gas to and from one diaphragm and its compartment, and the other two valves controlling the service of gas to and from the other diaphragm and its compartment, a single valve operating shaft formed with three cranks, connections between two of the cranks and two valves respectively, and connections between the other two valves and the remaining crank.

4. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing having compartments therein, two diaphragms, a pair of valves controlling the flow of gas to and from one diaphragm and its compartment, and two valves controlling the flow of gas to and from the other diaphragm and its compartment, a single valve operating shaft and connections between the valves and operating shaft, whereby two valves in each pair will operate in unison.

5. In a gas meter, in combination, a suit able casing having compartments therein, two diaphragms in separate compartments in the casing, a pair of valves for each diaphragm and its compartment, a single valve operating shaft formed with three cranks, connections between two of the cranks and two valves respectively, and connections between the other two valves and the remaining crank.

6. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a valve table, a gas tight chamber above the table and formed by a plate intermediate between the Valve table and the top of the meter casing, and completely spanning the space above the table, a meter inlet communicating with the chamber, and a suitable meter outlet.

7 In a gas meter, in combination with a plurality of separate gas-tight chambers of diaphragms located in said chambers, and the meter intake and outlet, of a primary set of valves and a supplemental set, one valve of the supplemental set working with a valve of the primary setto serve one diaphragm and chamber, and a valve of the primary set working with a valve of the supplemental set to serve the other diaphragm and the chamber in which it is located, a valve operating shaft, means for operating said valves to establish communication between the meter inlet and outlet openings through thediaphragms and the cham bers in which the diaphragms are located.

8. In a gas meter, in combination with a plurality of separate gas-tight chambers of diaphragms located in said chambers, and the meter intake and outlet, of a set of primary valves, and a supplemental set, a valve of the supplemental set working in unison with a valve of the primary set to serve one diaphragm, and another valve of-the primary set working in unison with another valve of the supplemental set to serve the other diaphragm, and the chamber in which it is located, a valve operating shaft, means for operating said valves to establish communication between the meter inlet and out let openings, through the diaphragms and the chambers in which the diaphragms are located.

9. In a gas meter,

in combination, a suit able casing,

a plurality of diaphragms and the meter intake and outlet, of a valve table above the diaphragms, a partition arranged within the meter casing and forming with the walls of the meter, and the valve table,

separate chambers for the diaphragms, a primary set of valves and a supplemental set, a valve of the supplemental set working with a valve of the primary set on one side of the partition, and a valve of the primary set working with a valve of the supplemental set on the other side of the partition, a valve operating shaft having connections with the valves, valve seats having suitable ports adapted to be covered and uncovered by the valves in their movement to establish communication between the meter inlet and outlet openings, through the diaphragms and meter casing.

10. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a plurality of diaphragms and the meter intake and outlet, of a valve table above the diaphragms, a partition arranged within the meter casing and forming, with the walls of the meter and the valve table, separate chambers for the diaphragms, a primary set of valves and a supplemental set, a valve of the supplemental set working in unison with a valve of the primary set on one side of the partition, and a'valve of the primary set working in unison with a valve of the supplemental set on the other side of the partition, a valve operating shaft having connections with the valves, suitable ports adapted to be covered and uncovered by the valves in their movement to establish communication between the meter inlet and outlet openings, through the diaphragms and meter casing.-

11. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a plurality of diaphragms and the meter intake and outlet, of a valve table above the diaphragms, a partition forming with the valve table and the meter casing, separate diaphragm compartments, separated valve seats on each side of the partition, and provided with ports, a primary set of valves and a supplemental set, a valve of the supplemental set working in unison with a valve ofthe primary set on one side of the partition, and a valve of the primary set working in unison with a valve of the supplemental 'setron the other side of the partition, a valve operating shaft and connections between the shaft and the valves whereby, when the valves are operated the ports will be covered and uncovered to establish communication between the meter inlet and outlet openings through the diaphragms and the diaphragm compartments.

12. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing having compartments therein, and an inlet and outlet, two diaphragms located in separate gas-tight compartments, a valve table above the diaphragms, valves on said table, two for each diaphragm, an operating shaft, connections between the operating shaft and the valves, whereby the valves in each set are operated in unison to serve one diaphragm and its compartment, suitable valve seats having ports in the valve table communicating with the diaphragms and with the compartments in which they are located, and with suitable outlet openings, whereby communication is established between the intake and outlet openings.

13. In a gas meter, the combinationwith a suitable casing having compartments therein and an inlet and outlet, two diaphragms located in separate compartments, a valve table above the diaphragms and having ports therein communicating with the dia-. phragms, and their compartments, suitable outlet channels communicating with said ports, a valve operating shaft formed with three cranks, valves adapted to be reciprocated to open and close the ports, two of the valves being connected with one of the cranks and two of the valves connected one each with the other two cranks.

14. In a gas meter, in combination with a suitable casing having compartments therein and an inlet and outlet, two diaphra ns located in separate compartments, a va ve table having ports therein for serving the diaphragms and their compartments separately, valves adapted to cover and uncover said ports, an operating shaft having connection with the valves, whereby when the shaft is rotated, the valves are rcciprocated, and a plate in the meter casing above the valve table and intermediate between. said table and the top of the casing, and spanning substantially the entire space between the casing walls, thus forming, with the valve table, a gas chamber for the reception of the incoming gas and from which chamber the gas is supplied below the valve table.

15. In a gas meter, the combination witha suitable gas-tight casing, a diaphragm in said casing, a suitable intake and an outlet, a valve table, valves on said table for controlling the flow of gas to the lower part of the casing, and mechanism through which the valves are operated, and a plate above the valve table and intermediate between said table and the top of the casing, which, withv the casing, forms a gas chamber for thereception of the gas, said chamber having communication with the intake opening. of the meter. y j

16. In a gas meter,..in combination with a suitable casing having compartments there-- in, and an intake and outlet, oftwo diaphragms located in separate compartments, a valve table above the 'diaphragms and having separated diaphragm, outlet, andcasing ports therein, a plurality of valves for each; diaphragm and its compartment, a channel leading from one diaphragm to theldiaphragm ports of two valves, and a channel I ing having ported above having intake and J the course of phragm ports of the other two valves, and a channel to the outlet ports of the last mentioned two valves, the outlet channels communicating with the meter outlet.

17. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing having intake and outlet openings, a plurality of channels for directing the flow of gas from the intake to the outlet, through the casing, said outlet channels being formed with bottoms inclining generally downward from the inlet toward the outlet, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In a gas meter, in combination, a casing outlet openings, a valve table, a plurality of channels below the table for directing the flow of gas through the easing, said outlet channels being formed with bottoms inclining generally downward from the intake toward the outlet.

19. In a gas meter, in combination, a casintake and outlet openings, a valve table, a plurality of channels secured to the under side of the table for directing gas through the casing, said outlet channels being formed with bottoms inclining generally downward from the in take toward the outlet.

20. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a valve table, valves on said table, a crank shaft, and connections between the valves and shaft, whereby the valves are reciprocated, a plate rigidly supthe valve table, and spaced 3 therefrom, said plate serving as a bearing for the valve operating shaft, and means for supporting the plate.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Washington, D. G.

21. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a valve table, a valve operating shaft, valves on the table having connection with the operating shaft, for the purpose set forth, and a plate above the valve table and spaced therefrom, a plurality of posts mounted on the valve table, and supporting said plate and a stufling box for the operating shaft carried by the plate.

22. In a gas meter, in combination, a suitable casing, a valve table in the casing, valves on said table, a valve operating shaft, connections between the shaft and the valves, whereby the valves are operated, a circular plate above the valve table spaced therefrom, posts carried by the valve table and a stuffing box for the operating shaft, carried by the plate, the plate serving also as a support for other operative meter parts.

23. In a gas meter, in combination, four valves, an operating shaft having three cranks, and suitable connections between the cranks and the valves, whereby the valves are operated.

24:- In a gas meter, in combination, four valves, an operating shaft having three cranks, .connections between two of the cranks, and two valves respectively, and connections between the other two valves and the remaining crank, whereby the valves are operated.

In testimony whereof I affix in presence of two witnesses.

EDMUND S. DICKEY. Witnesses FRANK G. BRERETON, TITIAN W. JOHNSON.

my signature Commissioner of Patents,

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