Multi-stage Pump Bellows

"A" shows the bellows components. The bellows consists of two chambers, an upper and lower created by three boards: a top, a center and bottom. The center board is stationary while the top and bottom are hinged to a box around the air exit pipe. The center board is located on the lower side of the exit pipe. The bottom and center boards contain flapped one way air holes.

"B" shows the bellows at rest with the upper chamber collapsed and the bottom chamber extended.

"C" shows the bellows when the bottom is raised which forces the air from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. At this stage a certain amount of air is forced through the pipe as the lower chamber air is compressed upwards.

"D" shows the bellows as the lower chamber is expanding and the upper is collapsing. The air in the upper chamber is forced through the pipe as the lower chamber begins filling. When the lower chamber is filled the process is repeated.

The bellows is normally operated by a rope attached to the bottom chamber at its outermost point. The rope travels upwards and is connected to a lever so that when the lever is pulled the rope pulls the lower chamber up.

This is the simplest form of multi-stage bellows and was in use up to the American Civil War when it began to be replaced by a rotary mechanical blower.

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