US919465A - Fluid-controlled mechanism. - Google Patents

Description

IE'. H. RICHARDS.

FLUID GONTROLLBD MEGHANISM.

v APPLICATION FILED 00T. 22,1902. 919,465.

Patented A111127, 1909.

2 SHEETSSHEET 1.

l |i l F. H. RICHARDS. lFLUID CONTROLLED MECHANISM.. APPLICATION FILED 0012,22, 1902.

91 9,465, Patented Apr. 27, 1909. 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2. 76' 2; x 2 26 35" gl UNiiifrnn sirA'rEs Parana' onirica.

FRANCIS I-l. RICHARDS, UF HARTFORD, CON NEGTIGUT, ASSIGN Oli, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, OF ONE-HALF TO AMERICAN TYPOGRAPHIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

FLUID-CONTR'OLLED Mncrrarrrsirr.4

' a specification. i

This invention relates to apparatus, or mechanism, in which it is desired to employ a confined volume of fluid for transmitting movements from an actuated device oi' mech anism to an actuatable device or mechanism, and has for its object to provide improved vmechanism whereby' such results may be accomplished and the efficiency of the apparatus maintained.

lhe present invention is in part in the nature of an `improvement on the invention illustrated and described in Letters Patent of the United States No. 576,154, granted to me on Feb. 2, 1897, for hydraulic apparatus.

'lhe present improvements relate moi'e especially to means for supplying' the appara-v -newed, supplyY of fluid.

tus with a constant, and a constantly re- '.llie manner of accomplishing this result is such that the containers for the confined volume of fluid be tween the actuating and the actuated devices ai'e supplied with fluid independentlyT ofthe working of the body of fluid in the transmission of the desired movements. 'lhis result may be accomplished by introducing the fluid supply at a point intermediate said devices and in controlling the ladmission of fluid for supplying and also surcharging the container, be this what it may and connected spaces so as not to interfere with the operation of the fluid in the container. 1

In carrying out my invention means is provided whei'eby a confined body of fluid has pressure applied to it for actuating a device or mechanism.

The apparatus may be a key controlled one i and each of the keys may be in operative con.

nection with some suitable device, such as a plunger or piston. capable of taking a predetermined `quantity of fluid from a reservoir and forcing it into a container"iiiclosing a body of fiuid, which container may be connected with a piston or other suitable pressure-actuated device so constructed that Specification of Letters Patent.

Application :filed October 22, 1902.

Patented April 27, 1909.

Serial No. 128,319.

of fluid incident to its increase. in volume it will move the piston vor device and impart movement to some portion of the apparatus, and if desired upon the movable pai't having completed a predetermined length or amount of movement the pressure may be relieved upon the body of fluid, if desired, by conveying suoli Huid away from the container. The piston or other device may then be retui'ned b y any convenient means, and the be vice for adding the fluid to the body may also be returned to its normal or initial position by some convenient means.

Upon each actuation the quantity of' fluid, contained in the reservoir from which the measured fluid for the working impulse is taken, may be diminished and such diminishing of thc fluid may be compensated for by fluid from some suitable source of supply.

All the several .finger-keys may be operative upon pistons drawing their supply of fluid from the same reservoir, but each piston operative upon fiuid contained Vin its individual container, which fluid will be operative upon its individual part of the apparatus. All the containers may be connected with a single pump drawing from a suitable source of supply and forcing the fluid into a main line to which all the containers may be connected. nected with a storage device. The overflow from all the parts may be connected with the supply for the pump.

In the drawings'accompanying and forming part of this speciication, Figure l is a diagrammatic view illustrating a Aforni of apparatus embodying my invention, some of' the various parts being shown in vertical section, and Fig. 2 is a plan` view thereoll showing some of the parts in horizontal section and -also arranged diagrammatically.

A designates in a general Way a key-board wherein three keys 3 are shown, this number The main line may also be con-` being employed in the present instance for upon the increase of pressure upon the body l Work and having a slot in the other arm l() the side wall thereof and provided with a pin engaging the slot in the lower end of one of the bell-crank-levers.` It will be seen that the cylinders 11 open into the reservoir B at a point below the top \of'this, which is to enable the piston to get a solid charge of fluid tol force into the container, fluid which is not rendered elastic by presence of air bubbles which might be the case in certain forms of the device. ,Suitable means, here shown as s rings 14, may be employed for returning t e bell-cranks and the keys to their normal positions. Y

The working end of the piston is shown as comprising an open-ended hollow cylinderl having an entrance opening or port 16 capable of communicating with the interior of the reservoir. A suitable overflow may be provided for the reservoir, which in the present instance is illustrated as comprising a dome or bell 17 rising from the cover 18 and having an overflow pipe 19 leading from the same, which is shown as emptying in a tray 20 provided upon the base of the framework.

The 'actur ted device, represented in a general way by C, which in the present instance for the purpose of illustrating a practicable employment for my invention comprises an adding machine embracing a stationary dial 21 and a movable indexiinger 22, the linger in the present .instance being carried by a shaft 23 mounted in suit' able bearings 24 rising from a base frame 25 and a number of ratchet-wheels 26 mounted upon the shaft corresponding in number to the number of keys employed, to wit, in the present instance three.

Each ratchet-wheel is illustrated as having as many teeth as there are characters upon the dial. Each ratchet-Wheel is capable of 'being moved forward by means of a pawl 27 carried upon the end of a bell-crank-lever 28, and spring pressed desired, by a suitable spring 29. as mounted upon suitable bearings 29 rising from the base of the frame. The bearings for the several bell-cranks are shown as mounted in a line at an' angle to the axis of the shaft and each one is provided with an upper arm of a length different from the length of the upper arms of the other bell cranks whereby the shaft will be moved forward a dierent distance upon the same amount of movement of the lower arm of the 65.

bell-crank.

land support for the stem 32.

The bell-crank-levers are shown sienes In the present instance the organization is supposed to represent that pressure on the key bearing the character'one will move the 'shaft forward one tooth or step and the actuation of the key bearing the character three will move the shaft forward three teeth or steps, thus indicating upon the dial, by the advance of the indicator, the number of points corresponding with the number borne by the finger-key which has been depressed. '75

For moving each bell-crank-lever a suit able piston-chamber, designated in a general way by D, may be employed, which in the present instance com rises a cylinder 30 connected with a suita le base, which in the present instance is shown as the same base which carries the actuated device C. Each cylinder is shown as provided with a suitable piston 31 adapted to reciprocate in the cylinder, from which piston projects a stem 32 8,5 adapted'to engage the lower end of its bell-v crank and upon reciprocation in one direction to move the ratchet-wheel engaged by its pawl forward and upon the return to allow the awl to rideover the ratchet-wheel when it 1s being returned by some suitable device, in the present instance shown as a spring 33. The forward end 34 of the cylinderin the present instance is shown as closed and having an opening 34 forming a bearing 95 Each end of the cylinder 30 is provided with a vent. The vent 35 in front of the piston is quite near the bearing for the stem, and the vent 36 behind the iston is located in such -a positionA that it will be uncovered by the piston when the s=ame has reached the end of its working stroke. The vents are at each side vof the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke, the vent 35 is for 105 the purpose of admittingthe free passage of air and for the overflow from any regitation, and the vent 36 for permitting the overflow of fluid from the cylinder to the end that the pressure upon the piston may be relieved and 1l it be returned to its normal position.

Conduite, designated in a general way by E, and in the present instance comprising tubes 37 may be employed to communicate the movement from the selector and its piston to the selected actuated device, and each conduit is shown as entering the ends of a cylinder from each of the respective series and as bent downward and then sidewise.

The conduit and cylinders constituting a Huid container and the increment of volume of fluid in the container will actuatethe piston controlling the actuated device. Each of the tubes 37 is provided with a service pipe 38. The several service iipes are shown as connected with a main line 39. Themain line in the present instanceis shown as connected with a pump, designated in a general Y way by F, and may be of any suitable construction, which pump drawsbymeans of a sienes suction pipe from a source of supply, designated in a general way by G, and forces the fluid into the tubes 37, which tubes bel also for accommodating the intermittent adi mission of fluid to the main liiie from a supply mechanism operating continuously. rlhis regulating device may cbiisist ofl an accumulator of ordinary and of suitable proportions, and the surplus after filling the various parts of' the apparatus may be conveyed along the` main line to the accumulator, desigiiated'in a general way by ll, which in the present instance comprises a cylinder 41 entered at its bottom portion by the main line and provided with a piston 42, here shown as ol' weighty construction and closely fitting` the cylinder. A piston-rod 43 may be attached to the piston and to any suitable counterweight (not shown) `for forcing the fluid up the service pipes and into the tubes, provided the drain from the reservoir is greater than the normal action of the pump will su iply. lWeights 44 may be placed upon tie piston to regulate its pressure. overflow pipe 45 may run from the cylinder 4i to the supply tank G and a drain pipe 46 from a suitable tray 47 may connect therewith to carry off the overflow from the actuating pistons. A suitable overflow tube 48 Y may'run from the tray 20, catching the surplus from the reservoir. The overflow pipes run into a portion 49 of the supply tank, which in the present instance is shown as divided by a partition 50 solid at its lower portion and provided at its upper portion with a screen 51 whereby any dirt or foreign substance carried by the fluid may be permitted to be thrown down or sink bygravity to the bottom and the upper part of the fluid be emptied in a clean condition into the side of the supply tank drawn from by the suc-tion pump.

Each of the-service pipes may be provided with suitable means for preventing the pressure of' the actuation of one device being communicated to the entire system, which in the present instance are shown as ball-valves 52 comprising casings 53 each secured at its lower end upon the service pipe and at its upper portion connected thereto by a gland 55 and containing a ball54 seating by gravity or pressure upon the bottom of the chamber, which constitutes a valve seat 56. The val-ve is provided with a downwardly-projecting flange 57 having an opening 58, so

- that upon the rise of the ball from its seat it will engage such flange, but the Vpassage of' fluid wi l not be checked thereby owing to the A suitable opening in the flange. To prevent lost niotion and the smallest amount of loss of pressure the ball or other valve employed may be organized to be. efficient upon a small amount of movement, whereby upon the a iplication of pressure to the fluid the ball wi iinmediately seat itself and very little movement will be lost.

fii operation this apparatus, supposing it is empty of fluid, first supplies fluid by the action ol' the pump, or other sup ly mechanism, through a suitable main line and the check-valve, into the conduits or individual lines at a point between the actuating and actuated mechanisms connected thereby. 'lhe fluid passing into the conduits in this way naturally flows in both directions, thus expelling the air contained therein and finally reaching both mechanisms and flowing out of air from the connecting conduits and the interior spaces of the two apparatuses. For it will be remembered that notwithstanding the substantially inelastic character of ordinary fluids, sucli as water or oil, if a column of considerable length of such fluid contains even .a small percentage of air in the form of' bubbles, the column, considered as a whole, thereby becomes elastic, and its efficiency is greatly depreciated when applied to the transmission of mechanical movements from one ap aratus to another.

In tie a paratus described in my aforesaid prior etters Patent the fluid for maintaining tlie supply in the conduit passes through the ports or spaces formed in connection with the actuating piston 5 and while that method is found effective even in mechanisms of small dimensions (for which p urpose the present improvements are more especially intended) t e present method has been found more effective for use under a wider range .of conditions, especially when using oil.

Each of the actuated devices, in the present instance, has its selector for actuating it, and upon the depression of a selector, illustrated as a finger-key, the piston connected thereto will force an amount of fluid from a reservoir B, common to several of' such pistons into a container for a confined volume of fluid, and here illustrated as the conduit E connecting the cylinder of such piston with the cylinder of thedevice selected for actuation. The former piston u on entering its cylinder ,cuts 0H or valves t e communication between the reservoir and the conduit g.

I duit or container to advance and actuate the selected member lof the actuated mechanism. Upon the` latter piston completing its Working stroke it uncovers the vent, the inlcrement of' fluid is vented out or Withdrawn from the cond-uit and the piston may then be returned to its initial position either by the return of the actuated device or otherwise. The reservoir is always in communication with the supply and regulator through thenon-active conduits, and is replenished and maintained constant from the lregulating accumulator and thepump and the volume of fluid or the pressure in the conduits is maintained normally constant or at not less than normal. The back-pressure valves maybe constructed to have the minimum of movement in seating and rising so that there Will be but small loss of pressure upon the actuation of the piston. f

Of course, many changes in detail may be had in practice Without departure from the spirit of' my invention. The number of actuated devices and selectors may be varied asthe requirements of each particular/ employment may demand. And the invention may be applied to'an actuated device Wherein several selectors may put into operation a number of actuated members simultaneously, and the reservoir and conduits in such case will be replenished through the conduits not in use at that particular actuation7 so that upon any of the individuals of one combination beingrepeated in the next successive combination the fluid in the reservoir Will be efficient and the pump and regulator Will have filled the conduits of such individuals instantly. The pressure and volume of fluid throu hout the entire apparatus is maintainecl constant, except during the brief instant of the increase in any conduit for actuationv and the decrease due to venting the actuated cylinder.

Having described myfinvention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. The combination with a fluid container, of' a movable device actuatable by a predetermined change of' volume of fluid in the container, a fluid reservoir, means for removing a volume ol' fluid equal-to said predetermined volume from the reservoir and mtroducmg the same mto the contamer,

fluid into the container and from the container into the reservoir to maintain the volume of the fluid in each of these at not less than normal, and means for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and Withdrawing the same from the container to vary the vo ume therein and cause the respective movements of the said device;

3. The combination With a fluid container, of a movable device connected there- With and movable upon change ofpressure Within the container, a fluid reservoir, means for introducing a portion of fluid from the reservoir into the container, and means continuously in communication with the container for maintaining the fluid Within the container constant. p

4. The combination With a series of fluid containers, of a plurality of `devices connected therewith, severally capable of reverse movements, and actuated vby a change of fluid conditions in the connected container, a fluid reservoir connected to each of the containers means for introducing fluid into the containers and maintaining the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal, and for introducing fluid into the reservoir through the idle containers; means `for stopping the flow of fluid from a selected `container into the reservoir and for introducing fluid from the reservoir into said selected container,

and means to Withdraw fluid from said selected container', for varying the pressure therein and causing the respective movements of the `elements connected therewith.

5. ln a device of the character specifled, the combination with a series of movable devices a series of pistons connected therewith and mountedin piston chambers; a series of actuators 5 a series of pistons mounted in piston chambers operated thereby a series ol conduits respectively connecting Ythe piston chambers from each series a fluid reservoir for supplying fluid tothe pistons of the second4 named series, and through which said pistons pass 5 a supply main, a service pipe connecting each of the conduits With t e main, back pressurevalves in each of the.

service pipes, the organization being such that fluid may be supplied to the conduits at all times irrespective of the position of the par-ts, and that fluid will be supplied to the reservoir from the conduits, which for the time beingare idle.

6. The combination with a plurality of fluid containers, of a piston cylinder located Within each container; a piston mounted Within each cylinder and actuated by a change of pressure Within its container; a

plurality of devices severally capable of av number of movements and each controlled by one of the pistons a fluid reservoir; means continuously open for the introduction of fluid into the containers .to maintain the pressure of the fluid therein and in the andl withdrawing fiuid from a selected container to vary the pressure therein and causeV the respective movements of the device connected therewith.

7. The combination with a pluiality of fiuid containers, of a piston cylinder connected with each container; a piston rmounted within each cylinder and actuated by a change of Volume of fluidwithin its connected container; a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one ofthe pistons `;'a fluid reservoir; continuously active means for supplying' fluid; alconnection and a back pressure valve between each container and said supplying; means; and means for introducing iiuid from the reservoir into and withdrawing the fluid from a selected container to vary the volume of fluid therein andV cause the respective movements of the devices connected therewith.

8. In a device of the character specified,

the combination with mechanism embodying a series ol work performing members, of a reservoir means for operating the members and each embodying a cylinder connected to the reservoir; `a piston mounted therein; a stem on the piston ['or engaging' themember; means for guiding and sup orting; the piston stem; and a vent in the cy inder at each side of the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke; a iiuid conduit in communication with each cylinder; a fluid reservoir; means for constantly introducing iiuid from the reservoir into the conduit operative upon'a selected membei` to actuate the member; and means for replenishing the reservoir and inaintaining the pressure within the conduits at not less than normal.

9. In a device of the character specified, the combination with a container; of a series of movable members located therein; means for operating` said members and embodying a series of' cylinders; pistons mounted therein for actuating the members; anda vent in each of the cylinders behind the space occu- 1 pied by the piston at the completion of its workingl stroke; selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing fluid; a series of piston cylinders connected with the reservoir; i

conduits each connecting a piston cylinder from each series; pistons mounted in the pis- I ton cylinders opposite the reservoir and each controlled by a selector and embracing in a hollow open ended cylinder; and a port in the same adapted to make 'communication be'- tween the interior. of the reservoir and the conduit and establishing communication between the same, and upon movement into the cylinderto cut 0H and also introduce a predetermined amount of fluid from the reservoir into the conduit and upon a selected member to actuate the member, and means for replenishing the selector and maintaining the fluid in the conduit normally constant.

10. ln a device of the character specified, the combination with a series of movable members, of means for operating the niembers and embodying;l a series of cylinders, pistons mounted therein for actuating the members, and a vent in each of thecylinders behind the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke; selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing iiuid'; a series of piston-cylinders connected with the reservoir; conduits each connecting' a piston-cylinder from each series; pistons mounted in the piston-cylinders of the reservoir and each controlled by a selector and embracing' an open-ended hollow cylinder, andV a port in the same adapted to permit comniunication between the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the saine and uponv movement into the cylinder to cut ofi and also introduce a predetermined amount of fluid from the reservoir into the conduit andop-r erative upon the selected member to actuate the member; and means 'embodying a source. of iluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom, connections between the pump` and the conduits, au accumulator fed by the surplus delivery oi the pump; and connections between the accumulator and conduits for replenishing thereservoir and maintaining the Huid in the conduits normally constant.

11. In a device of the character specified, l0@

the combination with a series of movable members, of means operable by change of fluid for actuating the members selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing Huid; a .series of piston-cylinders connected with 105 the reservoir; conduits each connecting a pis ton-cylinder and an actuating means; pistons mounted in the piston-cylinders and each controlled by a selector and embracing an open-ended hollowy cylinder; a port in the saine adapted to permit communication between the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut oii and also introduce a predetermined ainount of fluid from the reservoir into the conduit and operative upon the selected member to actuateftlie member; and means for replenishing the reservoir through said conduits and maintaining the iiuid in the conduits normally constant.

12. ln a device of the character specified',- the combination with a series of movable. members, of means operated by change oi" fluidfor actuating the members selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing fluid; a series of piston-cylinders connected with the reservoir; conduits each connecting a piston-cylinder and an actuating means; pistons mounted in the piston-cylinders and movements of the device connected there with; and means for kreplenishing the reser- 80 each controlled by a'selector andembracing an open-ended hollow cylinder; a port in the same adapted to permit commumcation between'the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut off and also introduce a predetermined amount ofluid from the reservoir into the conduit and operative upon the selected-memberto actuate the member; and means embodying a source o'iluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom, connections between the pump and the conduits an accumulator fed bythe surplus del-ivery ofthe pump; and connections between the accumulator and conduits for replenishing the reservoir and maintaining the fluid in the conduits normally constant.

13. The combination with a plurality of lluid conduits, of a plurality of devices, severally capable of a number of movements, respectively connected therewith and each controlled by change of volume of fluid within its respective conduit; means for introducing Huid from the reservoir into and withdrawing fluid from a selected conduit to vary the volume ltherein and cause the respective voir and maintaining the luid in the conduits normally constant and embodying a source of fluid supply, a pump drawing there# from, a main supplied by the pump and an accumulator fed ythe surplus ldelivery of the pump and comprising a cylinder in communication with the main, a pressure-piston therein and means for varying the pressure of the piston. l

14. In a device of the character speciied, the combination with a series. of movable members, oi' means operable by change of volume of fluid for actuating themembers;

4 selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing fluid; a series of piston-cylinders connected with the reservoir; conduits. each connecting a piston-cylinder and an actuatin means; pistons mounted in the pistoncy inders and each controlled by a selector and adapted to permit communication be'- tween the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut off and also introduce a predetermined amount of iluid from the reser,

voir into the conduit operative upon the selected member to actuate the member; angl means for replenishing the reservoir and maintaining the fluid in the conduits normally constant and embodying a source of iluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom, a main su lied by the pump and an accumulator fedplliy the surplus delivery of the pump and comprising a cylinder in communication with the main and a pressure-pistontherein.

15. In a device of the character.specified,y

Vconnecting la piston-cylinder and an actuating means; pistons mounted in the pistoncylinders and each controlled by a selector and adapted to permit communication-between the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut oil and also introduce a predetermined amount of iluid from the reservoir into the conduit operative upon the selected member to actuate the member; and means' for replenishing the reservoir and maintaining the fluid in the conduits normally constant and embodying a source of iluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom, `a main su plied by the pump and an accumulator fed) by the surplus delivery of the pump and comprising a cylinder in communication with the main, a pressure-pistontherein and 90 means for varying the pressure of the piston.

16. In a device of the character speciied,} the combination withva series of movablell members, of means operated by change of volume of Huid for actuating the members; selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing luid; a lseries of piston-cylinders connected with tharese'rvoir; conduits each connecting a piston-cylinder and an actuatino' means; pistons mounted in the 'pistoncylinders and each controlled by a4 selector and adapted to permit communication between the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and. establish communication betweenl the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut off and also introduce a predeterminedV amount of fluid from the reserr voir into the conduit operative upon the selected member to actuate the member; and means for replenishing the reservoir and maintaining t e fluid in theconduits normally constant 'and embodying a source of fluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom,- a main supplied by the pump, a cylinder in communication with the main, aweighted-1l5 piston within the cylinder and means for adjustably var ing the weight thereof.0

17 .v In aevice of the character specified, the combination with a series of movable members, of means operated by chan e of 120K tween the same and upon movement into the l of the piston a vent behind the piston; a cylinder to cut oil' and also introduce a prereservolr for containing fluid; a series ol' l determined amount of lluid from the reservoir into the conduit operative upon the semaintaining the fluid in the conduits normally constant and embodying a source of fluid supply, a pump drawing therefrom; a main supplied by the pump, an upright cylinder in communication with the main, a* piston within the cylinder and weights for adjustably varying the pressure thereof.

18. ln a device of the character specifled, the combination with a series of movable members, of means operated by change of volume of fluid for actuating the members; selectors for the members; a reservoir for containing fluid; a series of piston-cylinders connected with the reservoir; conduits each connecting a piston-cylinder and an actuating means; pistons mounted in the pistoncylinders and each controlled by a selector and adapted to permit communication between the interior of the reservoir and the conduit and establish communication between the same and upon movement into the cylinder to cut olf and also introduce a predetermined amount of fluid from the reservoir into the conduit operative u on the selected member to actuate the mem er; and means for replenishing the reservoir and maintaining the fluid in the conduits normally constant and embodying a source of fluid suppl a pump drawing therefrom, a main supp ied by the pump, a cylinder in communication with the main, a weighted piston Within' the cylinder and means for adjustably varying the weight thereof.

19. The combination with a `fluid-container, of a movable device connected therewith and operable upon change of volume of fluid within the container; a Huid reservoir; means for introducing a portion of fluid from the reservoir into the containeryand means for replenishing the reservoir and for maintainer not less than the normal volume and embodying a source of fluid supply, a'puinp drawing therefrom, a main supplied by the pump, an upright cylinder in communica- -tion with the main, a piston within the cylinder and weights for adjustably varying the pressure thereof. 4 v

20. In a device of the character specified, the'combination with mechanism embodying a series of work-performing members; means for yieldably holding the members in their idle positions, means for operating the members and each embodying a cylinder; a piston mounted therein; a stem on the piston for engaging the member; and means for guiding and su porting the iston-stem andccmprising a c osed end of t e cylinder provided with an opening; a vent in front piston cylinders connected with the reser- 5 voir; tubes each connecting a piston cylinder lected member to actuate the member; and from each series; pistons mounted 1n the means for replenishmg the reservoir and piston cylinders of the reservoir and each l l y f embracing an open-ended hollow cylinder;

a port in the same adapted to communicate with the interior of the reservoir and establish communication between the same and the cylinder and upon movement into the cylinder to cutoff; a stem on each piston passing-through the wall of the reservoir; a series of depressible finger-keys; a stem depending from each key; a bell-crank-levcr connected with the stem of each key and with the stem of one of the pistons; means for retracting the pistons; a vfluid-supply tank; a pump for drawing fluid therefrom; a supply main connected to the pump; a service pipe connected to the main for each tube; a back-pressure valve in each service pipe; an accumulator connected Iwith the main and embodying a cylinder; a piston therein; weights for regulating the pressure of the piston; a receiving compartment in the supply tank embodying a partition closed at its lower ortion and provided at its upper portion wit i a screen communicating with the'body of the tank; an overflow pipe from the accumulator to the receiving compartment an overllowvpan for receiving the fluid from the actuated pistons; a conduit therefrom to the receiving compartment; a valvev 21. In a device of the character specilied,.

the combination with a shaft, of ratchetwheels mounted thereon; a series oll bellcrank-levers mounted adjacent thereto and all having one arm of uniform length and the other rarm of dissimilar length; a pawl carried by each of the dissimilar arms 'for engagh g in@ the ratchet-wheel yieldable means for taining a volume of fluid within the conho ding the bell-cranks in their initial positions; means l'or operating the several bellcranks and each embodying a cylinder; a piston mounted therein; a stem on the piston for engaging the bell-crank; and means lfor guiding vand supporting the piston-stem and comprising a closed end of the cylinder provided with an opening; a vent in l'ront oll the piston; a vent behind the piston a reserl voir for containing fluid; a series of piston cylinders connected with the reservoir; tubes each connecting a piston cylinder from each series; istonsr mounted in the piston cylinders of t e reservoir and each embracing` the wall of the reservoir.; a series of depressible finger-keys a stem depending from each key; a bell-crank-lever connected withthe stem of each key and with the stem of one o'f y the pistons.; means for retracting the pistons; a fluid-supply tank; a pump for drawing fluid therefrom; a supply main connected to the ump; a service ipe connected to the mainl for each tube; a ack-pressure valve in each service pipe; an accumulator connected with the main and embodying a c linder; a piston therein; weights for regu ating the pressure ofl the piston; a receiving compartment in the supply tank embodying a partition closed at its lower portion and provided at its upper portion with a screen communieating with the body ol' the tank; an overflow pipe from the accumulator to the receiving compartment; an 'overflow pan for receiving the fluid from the actuated pistons; a conduit therefrom to the receiving compartment; a valve overflow connected with the reservoir; means for catching the overflow; and means for conveying the same to the receiving compartment.

22. The combination with a lurality of fluid-containers, of a piston-cyinder connected with each container a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of pressure within its container, a vent to relieve the pressure upon` each piston at the completion of its stroke, a plurality of dei l vices capable of a number of movements and 35 each controlled by one of the pistons, a fluid reservoir, means for introducingfluid into the containers to maintain the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal and from the idle containers into the reservoir, and means for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and venting fluid from a selected container' to vary the pressure therein and causel the respective movements of the device connected therewithi 23. The combination with a fluid-containers, of a piston-cy inder connected with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of volume oi fluid Within its container, a vent to relieve the pressure upon each plura ty of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled lurality of by one of the pistons, a fluid reservoir, meansy for introducing Huid into the containers to maintain the volume of fluid at not less than normal and from the idle containers into the reservoir, andmeans for introducing fluid piston at'the completion of its stroke, a i

with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change ol' pressure Within its container, a vent behind each piston, a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one of the pistons; a fluid reservoir,l means for introducing fluid into the containers to maintain the ressure of the fluid at not less thannormaland from the idle containers into the reservoir, and means for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and discharging fluid from a selected con- 3tainer to vary the pressure therein and cause the respective movements of' the device connected therewith.

25. The combination witha plurality of fluid-containers, of a piston-cylinder connected with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of volume-ol?l fluid within its container, a vent behind each piston, a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one ofthe pistons, a fluid reservoirI means for introducing fluid into the containers to maintain the volume of idle containers intothe reservoir, andA means for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and discharging fluid from a selected container to vary the volume-of fluid therein' and cause the respective movements of the device connected therewith.

26. The combination with a plurality ol: fluid-containers, ofl a piston-cylinder connected with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of pressure within its container, avent from the cylinder at each side. of the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke, a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one of the pistons, a fluid reservoir, means for introducing fluid into the containers to maintain the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal and from the idle containers into the reservoir, and means for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and venting fluid from a selected container to vary the pressure therein and cause the respective movements of the device connected therewith.

27. The combination witha plurality ofv Huid-containers, -of a piston-cylinder connected with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of volume of fluid within its container, a 'vent from the cylinder at cach side of the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke, a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one of the pistons, a fluid' reservoirfmeans for introducing fluid into the containers to maintain the volume of fluid at not less than normal and from the idle containers into the reservoir; and means lao for introducing fluid from the reservoir into and venting` fluid from a selected container to vary the volume of fluid therein and cause the respective movements of the device connected therewith,

28. The combination with a plurality of fluid containers, of a piston cylinder connected with each container a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of pressure within its tube a plurality ol' vdevices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by one of the pistons; a fluid reservoir, means for introducing fluid into the tubes to maintain the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal vreservoir into a selected tubeto vary the pressuretherein and cause a movement of the device connected therewith 5 and ,a vent from the cylinder behind the space occupied by the piston at the completion of its working stroke for permitting` another movement of the device.

29. The combination with a plurality of fluid containers, of a piston-cylinder /connected with each container, a piston mounted within each cylinder and actuated by change of volume of iiuid within its container, a plurality of devices severally capable of a number of movements and each controlled by'one of the pistons, a fluid reservoir, means for introducing fluid into the containers to maintainl the volume of fluid at not less than norm al and from the idle containers into the reservoir. means for introducing iluid from the reservoir into a selected container to vary the volume of fluid therein and cause a movement of the device'connected therewith, and a vent from the cylinder behind the space occupied bythe piston at the completion .of its working-stroke for permitting the escape of fluidand another movement of the device.

30. The combination-with' a series of fluidcontainers, of a .series of movable devices severally connected therewith and movable upon change of pressure within the respecclosing communication between the reservoir and container, the onen end of said cylinder being directed toward the container. t

32. In a devi/ce of the character specified,

from each of the keys, and abell-crank-leveig.

engaged by each of the key-stems and engaging the respective piston-stems. o

33. The combination with a fluid-container, of a movable device connected therewith andmovable upon change of pressure within the container, means for introducing fluid into lthe container to maintain the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal,

means for introducing iiuid into the container to raise the pressure'therein and move the device, and means for bacl-valving the normal pressure maintaining means during the increment of pressure.

34. rlhe combination with a fluid-container, of devices capable of a plurality of movements, connected ytherewith and controlled by change of pressure within the container, means for introducing fluid into the container to maintain the pressure of the fluid at not less than normal, and means for intioducing fluid into and withdrawing fluid from the container to vary the pressure therein and cause the respective movements of the device, and means for baclr-valving the normal pressure maintaining means during' the increment of pressure, y

'35. The combination with a fluid-container, of devices capable of a plurality of movements in the container," connected therewith and controlled by change ofl volume of fluid within the container, means for introducing fluid into the container to maintain the volume of' the fluid at not less than normal, and means for introducing fluid into and withdrawing fluid from the container to vary the volume therein and cause the respective movements ofthe device, and means for baclr-valving the `normal pressure maintaining means 'during the increment of pressure.

.36. The combination with a plurality of .fluid-containers, of a plurality of devices sevvary the pressure therein and cause the respective movements of the device connected t erewith, and means forrback-valving the normal pressure maintaining means during the increment of pressure.

37. The combination with a plurality of Huid-containers, -of a plurality ofdevices severally capable of a number of movements, respectively connected therewith and each controlled by change of volume of fluid within its respective container, means for introducing fluidinto the containers to. maintain the volume of the fiuid at not less than nor- Vmalmeans for back-valving the normal pressure maintaining means during the incre-- ment of pressure, and means for introducing fluid into and withdrawing fluid from a selected container tovary the volume therein and cause the respective movements of the device connected therewith.

38. In a device lof the character'speciiied, the combination with a shaft, Vof ratchetwheels mounted thereon, a series of bellcrank-levers mounted adjacent thereto and all having one arm of uniform length and the other arm of dissimilar length, a pawl carried by each of the dissimilar arms for Lengaging the ratchet-wheel, yieldable means for holding the bell-cranks in their initial positions, and Huid-actuated means for operating the respective 'bell-cranks.

39. In a device of the character specified, the combination `with a shaft, of ratchet- Wheels mounted thereon, a series of. levers mounted adjacent thereto and all having one arm of uniform length and the other arm of dissimilar length, pawls carried by the dissimilar arms for engaging the ratchet-Wheels,

means for operating the respective levers and engageable with the arms of uniform length, a plurality of ratchet-wheels, a series of levers arm of uniform length and the other arm of dissimilar length, means of connection bethe respective pistons, pawls carried by the arms of dissimilar length, for engaging the maintaining the levers at initial posit-ion.

In testimony whereof, I -have hereunto signed my name at Nos. 9-15 Murray street,

New York, N. Y., this 21st day of October, l 1902. i FRANCIS H. RICHARDSl Witnesses:

FRED. J. DOLE, JOHNV O. SEIFERT.

mounted adjacent thereto and all having one' tween the several arms of uniform length and l vgaging the ratchet-Wheels, and means for.

yieldable means for holding the levers in I their initial positions, -and fluid-actuated ,A

ratchet-Wheels, and means for maintaining

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