[D8822AAF], Letter from J B Hall, Jr. to Thomas Alva Edison, March 24th, 1888
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Title
[D8822AAF], Letter from J B Hall, Jr. to Thomas Alva Edison, March 24th, 1888
Editor's Notes
"Being aware of your opinion and knowledge of the Patent Office, I take the liberty of submitting the following to you hoping to interest you. ### Last fall I constructed an Electric Gas Meter Indicator, the object of which was to record at any distance from the meter, every cents worth of gas passing thro the meter enabling a consumer to determine, at any time, the amount of his gas bill, at a glance at a dial placed in his office. ### In a three light gas meter the arms make eight revolutions in passing a cubic foot of gas--40 revolutions pass 5 ft or 1c at $2.00 per [unclear], I have attached a wheel with 40 cogs to meter arm at each revolution of which circuit is closed and current conveyed to indicator in office recording 1c or one revolution. ### This instrument if perfect would be very valuable to gas consumers and gas companies ### First: It would prevent errors in meter statements. ### We have lost this winter thro' errors 13 consumers averaging $4.00 per mo. Or an annual total of $639.60. ### Second: It would enable consumers to test the correctness of meter-- capacity of hi burner--or detect leak in pipe. ### Thousands of dollars are paid annually to gas inspectors for testing meters. ### Thousands and thousands of dollars are thrown away annually on gas saving burners--gas governors and like frauds. ### Leaks lose as many consumers as any other agent ### Third: It would detect neglect or extravagant use of gas by servants or others. ### Fourth: It would keep before soncumer the amount of his bill and prevent disputes. As the Indicator and bill must necessarily be th same. ### There are 1000 Gas Cos in the U.S. There are about 100,000 meters made annually, a small royalty would aggregate a handsome sum. ### It is necessary that the circuit closer e perfect and not stop at any point--in case the gas should be turned off--& keep the current constant. ### This I have tried to avoid by a spring but it does not work right. I can get nothing made here and after reflection concluded to write you If you will permit me I will express prepared the meter and attachment to you for opinion and if practicable, join you in pushing it. ### I enclose Mann & Co's opinion and clippings. I do not see that this idea comflicts with the patents they refer to." Yours truly, J.B. Hall Jr. TAE marg: : "Write and say I havn't time to go into the matter but if wlill put down just what his trouble is with his circuit closer and just want he wants to do I will try to help him out. E."
Author
Recipient
Mentioned
Date
1888-03-24
Type
Folder/Volume ID
D8822-F
Microfilm ID
122:699
Document ID
D8822AAF
Publisher
Thomas A. Edison Papers, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University