Koch's Combined Automatic Lifting Pump

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The object of this pump is to produce a continuous flow of water, by means of mechanical appliances brought into action by occasional exertion of force storing up power, for the time when required. The intention is to concentrate a force by a moment's application of physical power, to develop gradually into a power extending through a period much longer than that required for condensing or compressing it. The cylinder, A, is suspended in a well, tank, or cistern, having inside it a piston, B, to which is connected a wire or other rope by which it may be lifted. This rope passes between rollers, C, at the top of the cylinder, made of elastic or flexible material, thus forming an air-tight joint, or packing. It is wound around a barrel by means of the double crank, D, and pinion and gear at the top of the well or cistern, or at, any convenient point in the building. Connected with the piston is a series of spiral springs two or more in number, guided by means of diaphragms fitting the interior of the cylinder, but not necessarily air or water tight. In raising the piston, B, of course these springs must be compressed, and this compression is the means for furnishing the power necessary to re-depress the piston by their resilient force, and thus raise the water. Suppose the cylinder be, as represented, filled with water, the piston raised,and the springs contracted ; it is evident, if pipes E and F, are furnished with cocks and they are closed, no air could enter the cylinder from these sources when the piston was raised, and a consequent vacuum would be formed under the piston. Then water passes from the pipe, G, to above the piston and rushes down through the cylinder and the central hole in piston, B, up through the upright pipe, to be delivered by the pipe, E, or the pipe, F. The descent of the piston will be governed entirely by the water drawn through these pipes, so that the amount of water that can be drawn, before again contracting the spring, is limited only by the capacity of the cylinder. Patent pending through the Scientific American Patent Agency. Further information may be obtained by addressing Christian H. Koch, at Davenport, Iowa.

Scientific American Magazine Vol 20 Issue 16This article was published with the title “Koch's Combined Automatic Lifting Pump” in Scientific American Magazine Vol. 20 No. 16 (), p. 248
doi:10.1038/scientificamerican04171869-248b

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