Fig. [603] is a perspective view of the Worthington water meter, the details of which are shown in the Figs. [604] and [605], the recording or “dial” mechanism is also shown in Fig. [606].
The internal arrangement of the meter is shown in longitudinal section, Fig. [604], and the transverse section, Fig. [605], on the opposite page.
Fig. 606.
The plungers, AA, are closely fitted into parallel rings. The water passes through the inlet and port I, and is admitted under pressure into chamber, D, at one end of each plunger alternately, while the connection is made between the chamber at the other end of the outlet. Thus, the plunger in moving displaces its volume, discharging it through its outlet. The arrangement is such that the stroke of the two plungers alternates, the valve actuated by one admitting pressure to the other. The plungers are brought to rest at the end of the stroke by the rubber buffers, EE. One plunger imparts a reciprocating motion to the lever, F, which operates the counter movement through the spindle and ratchet gear as shown. Thus, it will be seen that the counter is arranged to move the dial pointers once for every four strokes or displacements, and that water cannot pass through the meter without registration, for, in order to pass through, it must be displaced by the plungers, and, therefore, recorded by the movement of the lever and counter mechanism; nor can there be an over-registration, because the plungers cannot move without displacing the fluid.
To read the dial. The counter usually registers in cubic feet, one cubic foot being 7.48 gallons U. S. standard. When desired for special services, counters are furnished reading in U. S. gallons, Imperial gallons, and Hectolitres. This counter is read in the same way as the registers of gas meters.
The following example and directions may be of use to those unacquainted with this method:
Fig. 607.