Note: I originally posted this on:
New lever machine - club style-Closed Boiler- Second Stage Thread.
But it seems they have gone to a closed boiler design and I am off their topic. So please pardon the double post.
...................
Would someone be willing to point me to a diagram/schemata/post of gravity open-boiler designs as they connect to the open boiler? Maybe Sorrentina, as you seem to have quite the collection of info?

Their thread has me hooked on trying to learn how the valve system works to allow water in, then closing off the intake when the lever comes down (Caravel; Peppina, etc.). You all have taught me much about closed boilers.

It would be much appreciated.
Thanks to all.

Orphan Espresso has rebuild guides for both of these machines with all the good bits in pictures.

That should get your research kicked off.

-Cecil

We have been through this before, and here is the thread that was going for a long time about that type of machine.
Click Here
-Richard

Caravel couldn't be simpler- raising the lever raises the piston- before it is raised the piston itself blocks the boiler inlet hole. When raised water can flow freely into the piston chamber via gravity. Lowering the lever closes the hole again.

The Peppina employs a series of valves and is more complex.

Thanks much for the reply. I recall that you had a collection of technical drawings of machines.
Any chance that of one showing a cross section or exploded view of the Caravel? Or other open boiler?

It sounds like the Caravel valve is similar to a Europiccola in that there is simply a hole that is either open or closed depending on piston position. Have I got that correct? (Of course the Europiccola relies on steam instead of gravity.)

By the way I think your project to build a moderately priced 'club' machine is great.
Regards

Hello there Cas,

hopefully one day you will buy one the new club machines? with a HB discount of course...

there are some diagrams of the Caravel in the Caravel thread... the system really couldn't be any simpler- the water just falls stright from the boiler into the cylinder when the piston moves away from the hole that connects the two- when the lever is pulled down the hole is covered and the piston chamber sealed. The pavoni works kind of the same- but it has special seals and the water is forced past the front one under pressure (the piston does not clear the hole). not so in the caravel.