Memoir of a mechanic Being a sketch of the life of Timothy Claxton . ndeasier to use than many others, only take theplace of the more expensive ones before in use ;whereas this article has been introduced intomany small institutions, where it would havebeen quite impossible to introduce others, onaccount of their great expense. The large air-pump was invented soon afterthe completion of the small one. In fact, thefirst large pump was suggested by inventingthe small one, and was made very nearly inthe same shape, but much larger. It consistedof a stout mahogany stand, with a square top,like a t
Memoir of a mechanic Being a sketch of the life of Timothy Claxton . ndeasier to use than many others, only take theplace of the more expensive ones before in use ;whereas this article has been introduced intomany small institutions, where it would havebeen quite impossible to introduce others, onaccount of their great expense. The large air-pump was invented soon afterthe completion of the small one. In fact, thefirst large pump was suggested by inventingthe small one, and was made very nearly inthe same shape, but much larger. It consistedof a stout mahogany stand, with a square top,like a table, resting on the floor; but severalinches higher than a common table. The plateof the pump rested on the top of this stand,and the barrel projected through the top. Thepiston rod, which extended down below thebarrel, was worked by a simple lever; and theoperation was very easy. This pump was modified several times dur-ing five or six years, until a medium sizedpump was invented, to stand on a table, andconsequently, of a more portable character. INVENTIONS. 11. [Large Air-pump.] This contrivance was a great desideratum, forsome years before it was accomplished. Butin 1834, the medium sized pump was com- 78 MEMOIR OF A MECHANIC. pletedj and a patent obtained for it; and im-mediately after, the large pump was improvedby means suggested while finishing the port-able one. These pumps are worked by asimple lever ; and the barrel moves, while thepiston is stationary. Both valves are attachedto the piston. The barrel is completely closedat the bottom, and the exhaustion is performedby the downward action of the lever, pressingthe pump down upon the table or floor onwhich it stands, while the upward motion isgreatly assisted by the pressure of the atmos-phere. Thas the difficulty so long felt, offastening large pumps down, and of keepingthem steady while in action, is completelyovercome.
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