US906509A - Electric water-valve. - Google Patents

Description

G. P. CARROLL. ELEUTRIG WATER VALVE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25, 1907.

Patented Dec. 15, 1908.

Mm WM GEORGE P. CARROLL, OF BRIDGEPORQCONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC WATER-VALVE.

- To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE P. CARROLL,

, residing at Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented a new and useful Electric Water-Valve; of which the following is'a: specification.

My invention relates to valves which are automatically opened when power is appliedto operate some other mechanism and are automatically closed when such power is turned off from said other mechanism; and it especially relates to Water valves, in the water pipes-leadingtothe condensers andwater jackets in com ression refrigerating systems, which are ma e to open and close simultaneously withthe startmg and stopping of the compressor.

The means employed areautomatic means whereby, at the time the compressor or other mechanism is started or stopped, the valve, by the ap lication of electric power, is opened or close also automaticmeans whereby, while the compressor or other mechanism-1am" o eration, the valve is locked in an-open posi-' tion so that it will remain open without the further employment of power until the compressor or other mechanism is to be'stop d; and also automatic means whereby, if additional power becomes requisite to operate said compressor or other mechanism, while such con tion continues, an Increased supply of fluid will be permitted to pass through the valve.

In the drawings Figure -1 is a vertical cross section of the valve and its operative electrical connections shown diagrammatic in part. Fig. 2' is a side elevationof the valve and of parts of its connections as seen from the right of the preceding figure.- Fig. 3 is a vertical cross section of the valve with a ,valve stem of an alternative construction.

A casing 1 has an oblong port 2 with its longer axis vertical. A gate valve 3 is adapted to partially or wholly open the port according to its position of elevation. A valve stem 4'is' secured at its lower end to the top of the valve and passes up and out throu h a detachable cap 5 closing the casing 1 an being provided with a suitable stufli'ng box. A sprin 6 coiled about the valve stemand abutting against the inside of .the cap and the valve keeps the valve closed when not opposed by a greater force. The valve stem 4 above the cap 5 is rovided with, say three,

Specification 01' Letters Patent. i Application filed larch 25, 1907. Serial No. 36!,fl8.

PatentedDec. 15, 1908.

justment in the socket 10. In this latter constructiononly the lower collar heads 8*" and 9* are threaded and provided with set screws; and the upper valve stem- 4" and the collar head 7rece1ve their roper longitudi nal positionby a proper adjustment in the socket 10'. e

A solenoid-11 has a'core 12 insulated at itstop and provided= with an arm- 13 projecting at right angles from the core above the solenoid andbelow the insulated top. The outer end of the arm 13 has a' vertical face. A dog 14, pivoted at 1 5- on an extension of the lower end of the core 12, has a lower arm 16, which when the core 12 is in its lowest position, rests on a pin- 1'7, sup orted by an extension of the cap 5, so as to cop the dog away from the valve stem. But when the core is elevated, aflat spring 18-, attached at one end to thecore 12, presses the dogagainst the valve stem or against one of its collar headsif one of these is ad='acent.

A- double switch arm- 19, pivoted at the left of its center at 20, has an insulated flat spring 21 on its under side at the right of the pivot 20, and a coiled spring 22, attached to lts upper sideat the'l'eft of the pivot 20 and tendin to kee in an elevated position the left'en 'offthe ouble switch arm. The arm is insulatedbetween the pivot 20 and the 23 and 24, which) are insulated fromeach other. 7

A double locking arrn 25 pivoted at 26 by? means of a tooth 27 projectmg from the upper member of the locking arm, isadapted to engage the left end of the switch arm- 19 from above, soas to hold the right end of the switch arm elevated away from the contact points 23 and 24. A coiled s ring 28, attached to the lower member 0 the locking arm, tends to pull that member to the left so as to force the upper member and the tooth 27. to the right. When out of engagement the left end of the switch arm 19 rests on the adapted to close a circuit on contact points I a trifle to the left of the arm 13.

A detent lever 29, pivoted at 30 on an exa tension of the cap 5, is normally kept in pivot 20 back to the mains 36 on the further nearly a vertical osition by a coiled spring 31 tending to pull 1t to the right. Just above the pivot 30 the detent lever 29 has a detent 32 adapted to engage from beneath and to lock in an elevated position whichever one of the adjacent collarheads it may be under. The extreme to of the detent lever 29 has a in 33 adapte on occasion to engage and lieep in position a lock extension 34 extending to the left from the upper member of the double locking arm 25.- An electro-magnet 35 is operative when energized to pull the detent lever 29 to the left in opposition to the spring 31.

Electric mains 36 leadto and from a motor M. From the mains, through a resistance 37, abranch line 38 leads to the solenoid 11. From the solenoid a line 39 leads to the contact point 24. A line 40 leads from the side of the motor M. A line 41 leads from the line 39 to a circuit breaker 42, of the usual kind, and thence through a resistance 43 having a core 44 back to the mains 36 also on the further side of the motor M. The resistance 43 operates ou the core 44 so as, by opening the circuit breaker, to break the circuit when the current exceeds a predetermined limit. The circuit-breaker 42 is provided with a suitable arm 45, which serves the double pur ose of being a hand lever for closing when ifted the circuit and also is 1 adapted to be lifted with like effect by the elevation of a core 46 having a pin 47 for engaging the arm 45 when a solenoid 48containing the core 46 is energized. A line 49 leads from the line 39 through a resistance 50 back to the mains 36 also on the further side of the motor M. A branch line 51 leads to and through the solenoid 48 from the branch line 38 to the contact point 23. A switch 52 is adapted to close the circuit as shown when it is desired to start the motor M. The switch makes an intermediate contact at 53 for an instant on its downward dro to the insulated in 54 when the motor is to be stopped. ren contact is made at 53.9. slight current passes from the mains 36 through a branch line 55, provided with a resistance 56, to and through the solenoid 35 back to the mains 36 also on the farther side of the motor M, and thus energizes the electro-nlagnet for an instant when the current is turned ofi from the motor. The effect is to move the detent lever 29 and the detent many well known types.

from engagement with whichever collar head ply pipe leading to the condenser and wateracket of a refrigerating system. And the motor M is intended to operate the compressor of the system, which may be of any of the Of course, however, the motor may be employed to operate any other mechanism where it is desired to have a valve open and close simultaneously with the starting and stoppingof the mechanism. And instead of operating a motor the mains 36 may be employed to turn on power to an electric heater, or for any other purpose in connection with which electric power is useful, simultaneously with the opening of a valve; in which connection also the valve would be closed when the power was turned off. In any of these applications, until the current is to be turned on to the motor M or is to be otherwise employed, the gate valve 3 is in its lowest position, entirely closing the port 2 also the top collar head 7 is below the detent 32, the under side of the detent resting on the collar head; also the left end of the double switch arm 19 rests on top of the tooth 27; and also the right end of the double switch arm rests on the contact points 23 and 24. When, to start the compressor, taking from henceforward a refrigeration system as a type for the employment of my invention, the current is turned on to the motor M, as by closing the switch 52, as shown, a small current passes from the mains 36 through the resistance 37, the branch line 38, the solenoid 11, the line 39,,the contact point 24, the double switch arm 19, the pivot 20, and the line 40 back to the mains. A

part of the current from the branch line 38- also passes through the line 51 ,the solenoid 48, the contact point 23, and thence to the double switch arm 19; but has no effect at present on the operation of the valve. The passing of the current through the solenoid 11 lifts the core 12 and the dog 14. As' the dog is lifted, its lower arm 16 is raised from off the'pin 17 so that the flat spring 18 then presses the dog against the valve stem 4 under the collar head 7. The continued elevation of the core 12 lifts the collar head 7' arid through it forces the detent 32 and the detent lever 29 to the left, overcoming the coiled spring 31 in so doing. J ust' as soon as the collar head 7 passes the detent 32, the coiled spring 31 forces the detent 32 against the stem under the collar head'7, thus lock- 32 to the left and thus release the detent ing the valve stem and the valve in a partially open position asshown. As the core 12 is being elevated and before the detent lever is forced to the left, its insulated top strikes the insulated fiat spring 21 and thereby tends to break the contact of the double switch arm 19 with the contact points 23 and 24. But at the instant of strikin the face of the arm 13 is 'ust opposite the fa lower member of the double locking arm and thereby holds the tooth 27 so that the left end of the double switch arm cannot drop below the tooth.- An instant later, however, the arm 13 has passed above the lower member of the double locking arm 25 and the 15 core 12 has fully compressed the flat spring 21 so that the current through the contact point-s 23 and 24 will be completely broken as soon as the tooth 27 can be forced to the left. The tooth is so forcedto the left an instant later by the down pressure upon it of the left end of the double-switch arm 19 and especially by the movement to the left of the pin 33 along the lock extension so as to depress the lock extension as the detent lever 29 rotates to the left on its pivot 30. This rotation takes place, as just stated, while the collar head 7 is passing the detent 32. The breaking of the current denergizes the solenoid 11 so that the core 12 and its dog 14 resume their original position. All the parts are now in the position shown in Fig. 1. The effect of this entire operation is to leave the collar head 7 locked by the detent 32, the valve partially open and the current through the line broken. Therefore no current is employed to keep the valve open while the motor is running. It is assumed that the collar head'7 has been adjusted on its stem so that a sufiicient supply of water can ass through the port 2 to satisfy the norma requirements of the condenser and water jacket when the valve is thus partially open. If at any time it is found that too much or too little water is flowing through for the normal requirements of the system, a proper adjustment of the collar head u or down the stem 4 will remedy the ditficu ty. The structure in Fig. 3 differs from that in Fig. 1 only in that in the former the adjustment will be made by turning the upper stem 4 up or down in the socket 10.

\Yhen it is desired to stop the motor, the switch 52 is dropped to the insulated pin 54. The instantaneous intermediate contact at 53 sends a current through the branch line 55 v and thus energizes the electro-magnet 35 so as to draw the detent lever 29 to the left and thus'to disengage the detent 32 from the collar head 7. This disengagement permits the coiled spring 6 to depress and close the valve 3, thus shutting off the supply of water at the same time power is turned ofi from the mains 36. As this shutting down of the valve ocrurs whenever the power is turned off, irres pcctive of which collar head has been therece of the tofore engaged, the precise method need not be repeated. Simultaneously with the release ofany collar head, the rotation of the detent lever 29, through its pin 33 acting on the lock extension 34, moves the tooth 27 to the left. The double switch arm 19 is then acted upon by the coiled spring 22 so that it again makes contact with the contact points 23 and 24; but as the switch 52 is now open no current passes through the line 40.

Sometimes it happens that the current required to' drive the motor M increases beyond what would be sutficient to pass throu .h the resistance 37 alone and becomes su cient to pass through the branch line 38, the solenoid 11, the line 39, the line 41, the circuit, breaker 42 and the resistance 43 back to the mains. This would occur in a refrigeration system while the motor M was running and when the supply of water passing into the condenser, by reason of becoming heated in its source of supply, had become insuflicient to remove enough of the heat of compression for the economical operation of the plant. In other words this would occur when, as indicated by the high pressure gage, the supply of water was insufficient to keep down the head pressure to the'point of economical operation. The efiect of a current passing through the resistance 43 is to again energize the solenoid 11, to lift the core 12, to engage the dog 14 with the collar head 8 so as to lift the stem 4 still higher until the collar head 8 gets above the detent 32 and is held by it in a locked position. At this time the only action of the core 12 on the flat spring 21 is to keep the double switch arm 19 from ofi the contact points 23 and 24 until the detent 32 locks the collar head 8 on its under side, when the tooth 27 again becomes operative to lock the double switch arm. As the valve 3is lifted up to a position corresponding to that of the collar head 8 over the detent 32, the supply of water to the condenser iscorrespondingly increased. The 110 normal effect of such an increased supply of condensing water is to decrease the ower required to operate the motor M. onsequently, when this point is reached, the current no longer passes through the resistance 43; and the valve remains locked in its sec- 'ondary lifted position, and without the expenditure of power, until the current is shut off from the motor and the valve is closed in the manner previously ekplained. But should it happen, from the continued heating of the water in its source of supply or from any other reason, that this increased supply of water is insuflicient to reduce the power operating the motor and the power required continues to increase, "the. current assing through the resistance 43 will soon ift the core 44 so as to act on-the circuit breaker 42 and thereby break the current fiowingthrough the resistance. By this action the arm drops on the pin 47. Under these circumstances, also, the valve remains locked in its secondary lifted position, and without the expenditure of power, until the current is shut ofl fromthe motor and the valve is closed. In other words this further opening of the valve either brings the power back to normal and so prevents power from being used to hold open the valve; or, if the power is not brought back to normal, the

ower is automatically shut oii so as no onger to be employed in holding the valve open.

Should the power required to operate the motor continue to increase beyond the point sufiicient to open the circuit breaker 42, a branch current will eventually pass through the branch line 38, the solenoid 11, the line 39, the line 49 and the resistance 50 back to the mains. The energization of the solenoid 1.1 again lifts the core 12 and in consequence the dog 14 engages the collar head 9 and lifts the stem 4 to its highest elevation until the collar head 9 gets above the detent 32 and is held by it in a locked position. Here again the only eflect of the core 12 on the fiat spring 21 is to keep the double switch arm 19 from off the contact points 23 and 24 until the tooth 27 again interlocks with it. It will be observed that, under the circumstances, while some current continues to pass through the resistance 50, no current is employed in holding the valve lifted to this its highest position. And if the increased flow of Water is normally operative to decrease the current required to operate the water, the current will cease to flow through the 'resistance 50. If on the other hand, the current through the resistance should continue to increase, such a fact is proof that the difiicfilty does not lie with any insufficiency of water supply; but that something more serious is responsible. When,

under these latter conditions of the highest elevation of thevalve, the current is turned oil, thevalve drops to its closed position and the double switch arm 19 again makes contact with the contact points 23 and 24 as before. When again the current is turned on to the motor, at the same time, as before explained, that the solenoid 11 is first energized by a current passing through the contact point 24, a current also passes through the line 51, the solenoid 48, and

a three stage valve.

the contact point 23 to the double switch arm 19', there uniting with the current.

passing through the contact point 24. This energization of the solenoid 48 lifts the core 46 and the pin 47 and thereby lifts the arm 45 so that the circuit breaker 42 is again put in operative position.

All the foregoing appliances constitute It is obvious that, if desired, the collar head 9, the line 49, the resistance 50, the line 51, the solenoid 48,

' one stage type.

the core 46, the pin 47 and the contact point 23 may be dispensed with. When an excess current passing through the resistance 43 opens the circuit breaker 42, the arm 45 will. then be useful to subsequently close the circuit breaker by hand. Under these circumstances the valve has two stages and only two collar heads are necessary. It is also obvious thatby the insertion of more collar heads, intermediate resistances, circuit breakers, solenoids and "their connections, the number of stages of the valve may be increased above three. 011 the other hand, by the omission of the collar head 9, the line 41, the circuit breaker 42, the arm 45, the resistance 43, the line 51, the solenoid 48, the core 46, the pin 47 and the contact point 23, the valve is of a very simple two stage type. It is further obvious that the stem 4 and all the appliances for lifting and depressing it may be employed for other purposes than to actuate a valve. Again by omitting collar heads 8 and 9, the contact point 23 and all parts numbered from 41 to 51 inclusive, the valve is of the When so used the arrangement of parts can be slightly altered so that the stem 4 will come under the core 12 and the means connecting the stem and the core may then consist in making them both of one piece with the collar head 7 in an intermediate position.

I claim:

1. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes and for closing said port through said former means when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predeterminedv limit to further open said port.

2. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes and for closing said port by again applying electric power to said former means when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said. other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further open said port.

3. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close saidport, automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes, for keeping said port open and shutting ofi the power applied in connection therewith, and for closing said ort through said former means when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other urposes, and automatic means operative wlien the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further open said port.

4. In combination a casing having a port,

' means adapted toopen or'close said port,

automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes, for keeping said port open and shutting oii the power applied in connection therewith, and for closing said port by again applying electric power to said former means when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes turned 0fl ,f1011l being used for said other purposes, and au toniatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further open said port and without the further emp oymentof power to keep it so further open until such power is so turned off.

'6'. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also ap' plied for other purposes and for closing said port through said former means when the electric ower is turned off from being used for sai other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a. predetermined limit to further 0- en said port and without the further emplo merit of pow-er to keep it 5% further open until such power is so turned 0 7. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port,

automatic means'for, opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is alsoap plied for other purposes and for closing said port by again applyingelectric power to said 7 form-er means when the electric power is turned from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used f0 said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further 0 11 said port and without the further emp oyment of power to keep .it so further open until such power is so turned ofl.

8. In combination a casing having a port, a-valve adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said port by the application of power to said valve when such power is also applied for other purposes, for keeping sair the furtheremployment of power,.a'nd for closing said port when such power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further open said port and without the further employment of power to keep it so further open until such power is so turned off.

9. ,In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said' port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes, for keeping said port open and shutting oil the power applied in connection therewith, and for closing said port through said former means when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds apredetermined limit to further open said portand without the further employment of power to keep it so further open until such power is so turned oii.

10. In combination a casing having a port, means adapted to open or close said port, automatic means for opening said port by the application of electric power to said former means when such power is also applied for other purposes, for keeping said port open and shutting oil the power applied in connection therewith, and for closing said port by again applying electric power to said former means when the electric power is turned oil from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further 0 en said port and without the further enip oyment of power to keep it so further open until such power is so turned off.

11. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of power when such power is also applied for other purposes and for dropping said stemwhen such power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to furtlierlift said stein.

. 12. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stein by the application of electric power when such ower is also applied for other purposes and or'dropping said stem when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes port open without exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem.

13. In combination a stem, automatic ,means for lifting said stem by the application I power is turned off from being used for said other urposes, and automatic means operative w en the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to fur ther lift said stem.

- 14. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of power when such power is also applied for other purposes, for locking said stem in such lifted position, and for dropping said stem when such power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem.

15. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for other purposes, for locking said stem in such lifted position, and for dropping said stem when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem. 7 .e

16. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for other purposes, for locking said stem insuch lifted position, and for dropping said stem by again applying electric power in connection therewith when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem.

17. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stern by the application of power when such power is also applied for other purposes and 'for drop ing said stem when such ower is turned 03 f fom being used for said ot er purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem and to hold it in such latter position without the further employment of power.

18. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for other purposes and for dropping said stem when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means opera ive when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem' and to hold it in such latter position without the further employment of power.

19. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for other purposes and for dropping said stem by again applying electric power in connection therewith when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means oper ative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem and to hold it in such latter position without the further employment of power.

20. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem ,by the applica tion of power when such power is also applied for other purposes, for locking said stem in such lifted position, and for dropping said stern when such power is turned off from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limitrto further lift said stem and to hold it in such latterposition without the further employment of power.

21. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for other purposes, for locking said stem in such lifted position, and for dropping said stem when the electric power is turned off from being used for said other purposes,

and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem and to hold it in such latter positionwitliout the further employment of power.

22. In combination a stem, automatic means for lifting said stem by the application of electric power when such power is also applied for otherv purposes, for locking said stem in such lifted position, and for dropping said stem by again applying electric power in connection therewith when the electric power is turned ofl from being used for said other purposes, and automatic means operative when the power used for said other purposes exceeds a predetermined limit to further lift said stem and to hold it in such latter position without the further employment of power.

23, In combination a casing having a port, a valve positionable in different positions so as to ermit of no fluid or of varying quantities o fluid passing through said port, a stem attached said valve and itself positionable to position said valve in any one of such pos' eoasoe so as to position said stem in a corresponding predetermined position, and a lockingdevice operative after each action of said means to hold in position the particular catch last acted upon until another predetermined exterior condition becomes existent. Y

24. In combination mains adapted to con duct varying quantities of current per unit offtime, a casin having a port, a-valve positionable in difl'erent posit ons so as to permit oi no fluid or of varying quantities of fluid passing through said port,a stem attached-to said valve and itselfi positionable to position said valve in any one of suchpossible positions, a plurality of engagement catches on."

said stem and corresponding tothe varyin quantities -of current conducted by sai mains, means responsive to predetermlned conditions of such current and operative tov act on that one of said catches corresponding to a predetermined condition of such current so as to position'said stem in a corresponding predetermined position, and a locking device operative after each action of said means to hold in position the particular catch lastacted upon until the condition of such current becomes as predetermined.

25. In combination mains adapted to conduct varying quantities of current per unitof time, a caslng having a ort, a valvepositionable in different positions so as to permit of-no fluid or of varying quantities of fluid passing through said port, a stem attached to said valve and itself positionable toposition said valve .inany one of such possible positions, a plurality of engagement catches on said stem and corresponding to the varying quantities of current conducted by said mains, means responsive to predetermined conditions of-such current and operative to act on that one of said catches corresponding to a predetermined condition of such current so as to position said stem in a corresponding predetermined position, a locking device operative after each action of said means to hold in position the particular catch last acted upon until the quantity of such current increases or decreases according to predetermined conditions, and means operative after the turning of such current to close said valve.

. 26. In combinationmains adapted to conduct varying quantities of current per unit of time, a. casing having a port, a valve positionable in diflerentpositions so as to permit of no fluid or of increasing quantities of fluid passing through said port, a stem attached to said valve and itself positionable to position .said valve in any one of such possible positions, a plurality of engagement catches on said stem and corresponding to the varying quantities of current conducted by said mains, means responsive to predetermined conditions of such current and operative to make engagement with that one of said catches corresponding to the passage of a predetermined quantity of such current/so as to position said stem in a corresponding predetermined' position, a locking device 0 erative after each action of said me'ansto ho .d in position the particular catch last acted upon until said means shall again act upon the next catch or until such current shall be turned ofl", and means 0 erative in such latter case to close said va ve.

2 7. In combination a casing having a port, a valve positionable in different positions so as to permit of no fluid or of increasing-quantities of fluid passing through said ort, a stem'attached to said valve and itseii positionable to osition said valve in any one of such possibl s ositions, a plurality of collars secured to sai stem, a dog adapted to engage any of said collars temporarily adjacent and to osition said stem in some one of such possib e positions, means for applying power to said'dog so as to bring it into engagement with such adjacent collar, means for intermittently applying power to said former means to cause t e same so to act, and a locking device operative after each such engagement to hold in position the collar last engaged until t-henextcollar is engaged by saiddog or until power is applied to close said valve.

28. In combination mains adapted to conduct varying, quantities of electric current per unit of time, a casing having a port, a

valve positionable in diflerent positions so as to permit of no fluid-or of increasing quantities of fluid passing through said port, a stem attached to. said valve and itself positionable to position said valve in any one of such possible positions, a plurality of collars secured to said stem, a dog adapted to engage any of said collars temporarily adjacent and to position said stem in some one of. such possible positions, means responsive to predetermined increases in the current conducted by said mains and operative to bring said dog into temporary engagement with an adj acent collar and thereby to permit of some fluid or of more fluid as the case may be passing through said port, means for "intermit- 29. In combinationa stemimovable. into 1 different positions, plurality of engagement catches on said stem and correspond ing to varying exterior conditions, means responsive to such exterior conditions and operative to act on that one of said catches corresponding to a special exterior condition so as to position said stem in a corresponding predetermined position, and. a' locking device operative after each action of said means to said dog so as to bring it into tem orary enhold in position the particular catch last acted upon until another predetermined exterior condition becomes existent.

30. In combination mains adapted to conduct varying quantities of current per unit of time, a stem movable into different positions, a plurality of engagement catches on said stem and corresponding to the varying quantities of current conducted by said mains, means responsive to predetermined condi tions of such current and operative to act on that one of said catches corresponding to a predetermined condition of such current so as to position said stem in a corresponding predetermined position, and a locking device operative after each action of said means to hold in position the particular catch last acted upon-until the condition of such current becomes as predetermined.

31. In combination mains adapted to conduct varying quantities of current per unit of time, a stem movable into different positions, a plurality of engagement catches on said stem and corresponding to the varying quantities of current conducted by said mains, means responsive to predetermined conditions of such current and operative to act on that one of said catches corresponding to a predetermined condition of such current so as to position said stein in a corresponding predetermined position, a locking device operative after each action of said means to hold in position the particular catch last acted upon until the quantity of such current increases or decreases according to redetrniined conditions, and means operative after the turning of such current to restore said stem to its original position.

32. In combination mains adapted to conduct varying quantities of currentper unit of time, a stem movable into different positions, a-plurality of engagement catches on said stem and corresponding to the varying quantities of current conducted by said mains, means responsive to predetermined conditions of such current and operative to make engagement with tthat one of said catches corresponding to he passage of a predetermined quantity of such current so as to position saidstem in a corresponding predetermined position, a'locking device operative after each action of said means to hold in position thepartiGuJar cat-ch last acted upon until said meansshall again act upon the next. catch or until such electric current shall be turned off, and means operative in such latter case to restore said stem to its original position.

33,. In combination a stem movable into diiierent positions, a plurality of collars secured to said stem, a dog adapted'to engage any of said collars temporarily adjacent and to osition said stem in some one of such possib e positions, means for applying power to former means to cause the same so to act,

and a locking device operative after each such engagement to hold in position the collar last engaged until the next collar is en gaged by said dog or until power is applied to said means tending to restore said stem to its original position.

' 34. in combination mains adapted to con duct varying quantities of electric current per unit'of time, a stem movable into different positions, a plurality of collars secured to saidstem, a dog ada ted to engage any of said collars teinporari y adjacent and to position said stem in some one of such possible positions, means responsive to 'predetermined increases in the current conducted by said mains and operative to bring said dog into temporary engagement with an adjacent collar and thereby to position said stem in a corresponding position, means for intermittently applying electric power to said former means to cause the same so to act, a locking device operative after each such engagement to hold in position the collar last engaged until the next collar is engaged by said dog or until the electric power is turned oil' from said mains, and means operative in such latter case to restore said stem to its original position.

35. In combination a stem, a solenoid, a

.core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative to hit said stem when said solenoid 1S energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position aiter each such lifting,-

a line leading to and from said solenoid, end mg in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stein "has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact point is broken, andmeans for subsequently releasing and dropping said stem.

36. In combination electric mains, a stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is .lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position after each such lifting, branching from said mains a line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact point is broken, and means for releasing and dropping said stem actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the time when the current through said mains is turned off.

37. In combination a stem normally dopressed, a collar on said stem, a solenoid, a

core in said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm 13 so that when said solenoid is energized all the parts of said core are lifted, means connecting said collar and core and operative to lift said collar when said solenoid is energized, a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled to the right, a line leading to and from said solenoid, ending ina contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch 19 provided with a spring 21 and normally depressed on said contact point, a double locking arm 25 having a tooth 27 normally pulled to the right and a lock extension 34, and means subsequently operative on said detent after said core has been energized, after said stem has been lifted and locked, and after the connection between said switch and contact point has been broken to release said collar.

38. In combination electric mains, a stem normally depressed, a collar on said stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm 13 so that when said solenoid is energized all the parts of said core are lifted, means connecting said collar and core and operative to lift said collar when said solenoid is energized, a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled to the right, branching from said mains a line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch 19 provided with a spring 21 and normally depressed on said contact point, a double locking arm 25 having a tooth 27 normally pulled to the right and a lock extension 34, and means actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the time when the current through said mains is turned off and operative on said detent to permit said stem to drop.

39. In combination a stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative to lift said stem when said solenold is energized, means 0 erative to lock said stem in such lifted position after each such liftin a first line leading to and from said solenoi ending in-a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact point is broken, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said contact point and provided with a resistance, means whereby a current sufiicient to pass through said resistance further lifts and locks said stem after such connection has been broken, and means for subsequently releasing and dropping said stem.

40. In combination electric mains, a stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position after each such lifting, branching from said mains a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact is broken, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said contact point and provided with a resistance, means whereby a current sufficient to pass through said resistance further lifts an locks said stem after such connection has been broken, and means for releasing and dropping said stem actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the time when the current through said mains is turned ofi.

41. In combination a stem normally depressed, a collar on said stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm 13 so that when said solenoid is energized all the parts of said core are lifted, a dog attached to said core and operative to engage said collar so as to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled to the right, a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch 19 provided with a spring 21 and normally do ressed on said lifted to permit said stem to drop. 1

42. In combination electric mains, a stem normally depressed, a collar on said stem, a solenold, a core ln-said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm 13 that when said solenoid is ener- 'zed all the parts of said core are lifted, a g attached to said core and operative to engage said collar so as to lift saidrstem when 5 said solenoid is energized, a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled to the right, branching from said 'mains a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to ener ize said solenoid,'a switch 19 provided wit a sprin'g 21 and normally depressed on said contact point, a double locking arm 25 having a tooth 27 normally pulled to .the right and a lock extension 34, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said contact point and provided with a resistance, means whereby after the action of said top on the spring 21 has elevated said switch from said contact point a current sufficient to pass through said resistance further lifts and locks said stem, and means actuated by the passage of a current at ap roximately the time when the current through said mains is turned off and operative on said detent to permit said stem to drop.

43. In combination a stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connectin said stem and core and operative to lift sai stem when said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position after each such lifting, a first line leading to and from said solenoid,

passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact point is bro ken, a second line leading from saidfirst line between said solenoid and said contact point and provided with a resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line, a core in said resistance operative to open said circuit breaker hen the current passing through said resi tance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby a current sufficient to I ass through said resistance further lifts and ocks said stem after such connection has been broken and before said circuit breaker has been 0 ened, means for subsequently releasing an dropping said stem, and means for again closing sai circuit breaker.

44. In combination electric mains, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connectin said stem and core and operative to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted positlon after each such lifting, branching from said mains a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact 65 point and adapted for the passage of an elecending in a contact point and adapted for the tric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said contact point, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and contact point is broken, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said contact point and provided i with a resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line, a core in said resistance operative to open said circuit breaker when the current passing through said resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby a current sufficient to ass through said resistance further lifts an locks said stem after such connection has been broken and before said circuit breaker has been opened, means for releasing and dropping said stem actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the time when the current through said mains is turned off, and means for again closing said circuit breaker.

45. In combination a stem normally depressed, a collar on said stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a rejecting arm 13 'so'that when said solenoid 1s energized all the parts of said core are lifted, a dog attached to saidcore and operative to engage said collar so as to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with apin 33 normally ulled to the right, a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact point and adapted for the assage of an electric current to energize sai solenoid, a switch 19 provided with a spring 21 and normally depressed on said contact point, a double locking arm 25 having a tooth 27 normally pulled to the right and a lock extension 34, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said contactpoint and provided with a resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line, a core in said resistance operative to open said circuit breaker when the current passing through 1 10 said resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby after the action of said top on the spring 21 has elevated said switch from said contact point a current suflicient to pass through said resistance further lifts and 1 l5 ocks said stem before said circuit breaker has been opened, means operative on said detent after said stem has been lifted to permit said stem to drop, and means for again closing said circuit breaker.

46. In combination electric mains, a stem normally depressed, a collar on said stem, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid having a top extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm'13 so that when said solenoid is energized all the parts of said core are lifted, a dog attached to said core and operative to engage said collar so as to lift said stem when said solenoid is energized, .a detent 32 and a detent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled scarce to the right, branching from said mains a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a contact oint and adapted for the'passage of aneffectric current to energize said solenoid, a switch 19 provided with a spring 21 and normally de ressed on said contact point, a double locking arm 25 having a tooth 27 normally pulled to the right and a lock extension34, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid'and said contact point and provided with a resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line, a core in said resistance operative to open said circuit breaker when the current passing through.

said resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby after the action of said top on the spring 21 has elevated said switch from said contact point a current sufficient to ass through said resistance further lifts and locks said stem before said circuit breaker has been opened, means actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the timewhenthe current through said mains is turned off and operative on said detent to permit said stem to .drop, and means for again closing said circuit breaker,

47'. 'In combination a stem, a first solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative to lift said stemwhen said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position after .eachsuch lifting, ajfirst'line leading "to and from said solenoid, ending in a first contact point and adapted for the assage of an electric current to energize sai solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said first contact point,-

means whereby after said core has been en ergized and said stem has been so lifted, and locked the connection between said switch andfirst contact point is broken, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said first contact point and provided with a first resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line having a projecting arm, a core in said first resistance operative to open said circuitbreaker when the current passing through said first resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby a current sufficient to pass through said first resistance further lifts and locks said stem after such connection has been broken and beforesaid circuit breaker has been opened, a second solenoid, a core in said second solenoid fitted with spin such that when said second solenoid is energized said pin acts on said arm to close said circuit breaker, a-second contact point adapted to make contact with said switch simultaneously with said first contact oint, a third line leading from said first line between said first solenold and the source of. power through said second solenoid to said second contact point, a fourth line leading from said first linebetween said first solenoid and said first contact-point and provided with a second resistance greater than said firstv resistance, means whereby a current sufficient to pass through said second resistance further lifts and locks said stem after said circuit breaker has been opened, and means for subsequently releasing and dropping said stem.

48. In combination electric mains, a stem, a first solenoid, a core in said solenoid such that when said solenoid is energized said core is lifted, means connecting said stem and core and operative .to lift said'stem when said solenoid is energized, means operative to lock said stem in such lifted position after each such lifting, branching from said mains a first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a first contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to energize said solenoid, a switch adapted to be connected with said first contact point,

, means whereby after said core has been energized and said stem has been so lifted and locked the connection between said switch and first contact pointis broken, a second line leading from said first line between said solenoid and said first contact point and provided with a first resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line having a projecting arm, a core in said first resistance operative to open said: circuit breaker when the current passing through said first resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, means whereby a cur; rent sufiicient topass through said first resistance lifts and locks said stem after such connection has been broken and before said circuit breaker has been opened, a second solenoid, a core in said second solenoid fitted with a pin such that when said second solenoid is energized sa'd pin-acts on said arm to close said circuit breaker, a second contact {point adapted to make contact with said switch simultaneously with said first contact point, a third line leading from said first line between said first solenoid and the source of power through said second solenoid to said second contact point, a fourth line leading from said first line between said'first solenoid and said first contact point and provided with a second resistance greater than said first resistance, means wherebya current sufiicient to pass through said second-resistance further lifts and locks'said stem after said circuit breaker has been opened, and means for releasing and dropping said stem proximate through said mains is turned off.

49. In combination a stem normally depressed, a top collar on said stern, a first solenoid, a core in said solenoid having atop extending above said solenoid and a projecting arm 13 so that when said solenoid is ene a 0g attached to said core and operative to rgizedall the parts of said core are lifted,

120 actuated by the passage of acurrent at, ap-

ly the time when. the current engage an adjacentcollar on said stem so as to lift said stem when said solenoid isener- I gized, a detent 32 and adetent lever 29 with said first line between said solenoid and said first contact point and provided with a first resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line having a projecting arm, a core in said first resistance 0 erative to open said circuit breaker when t e current passing through said first resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, asecond collar 8 on said stem, a second solenoid, a core in said second solenoid fitted with apin such that when said second solenoid is energized said pin acts on said armto close said circuit breaker, a second contact point adapted to make contact with said switch simultaneously with said first contact point, a third line leading from said first line between said first solenoid and the source solenoid is energized, a detent 32'and a de-[ tent lever 29 with a pin 33 normally pulled of power through said second solenoid to said second contact point, a fourth lineleadin from said first line between said first solenoi and said first contact point and provided with a second resistance greater than said first resistance a third collar 9 on said stem, and means 0 erative on said detent after said stem has een lifted to permit said stem to drop.

50. In combination electric mains, a stem normally depressed, a top collar on said stem, a first solenoid, a core in said solenoid having a top extending above sald solenoid and a projecting arm 13 so that when said solenoid is energized all the parts of said core are lifted, a dog attached to said core and operative to engage an adjacent collar on said stem so as todift said stem when said first line leading to and from said solenoid, ending in a first contact point and adapted for the passage of an electric current to enerto the right, branching from said mains a gize said solenoid, a switch 19 provided with v leading from said first line between said,

solenoid and said first contact point and provided with a first resistance, a circuit breaker in said second line having a projecting arm, a core in said-first resistance operative to open said circuit breaker when the current passing through said first resistance exceeds a predetermined limit, a second collar 8 on said stem, a second solenoid, a core in said second solenoid fitted With a pin such that when said second solenoid is energized said pin acts on said arm to close said circuit breaker, a second, contact point adapted to make contact with said switch simultaneously with said first contact point, a third line leading from said first line between said first solenoid and the source of power through said second solenoid to said second contact point, a fourth line leading from said first line between said first solenoid and'said first contact point and provided with a second resistance greater than said first resistance, a

third collar 9 on saidstem, actuated by the passage of a current at approximately the time when the current through said mains is turned ofi and operative on said detent to permit said stem to drop.

51. In combination electric mains, a stem,

and automatic means actuated by some current and predetermined increasing quantities of current conducted by said mains to position said stem in different predetermined positions and by the turning off of such current to restore said stem to its original position.

i GEORGE P. CARROLL.

Witnesses;

EDWARD F; HALLEN, ArMAtmn KIMBER.

Images