CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAPS AND COCKS FOR FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, PIERRE
ARMAND LE COMTE DE FONTAINEMOREAU, of 4, South Street, Finsbury,
London, Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-ninth day of
July, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in the sixteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Pierre Armand le Comte de Fontainemoreau, my exors, admors,
and assigns, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said Pierre Armand le Comte de Fontainiemoreau, my exors,
adiñors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Pierre Armand le
Comte de Fontainemoreau, my exors, admors, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark,
and Man, and also in all Her said Majesty's Colonies and Plantations
abroad, the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TAPS
AND COCKS FOR FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS," communicated to me from abroad; in
which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said Pierro
Armand le Comte de Fontainemoreau, shall cause a particular.description
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same. is to be performed

page_text: by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her
said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent,
as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at
large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Pierre Armand le Comte de Fontainemoreau, hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention communicated to me, and the manner in which the
same is to be performed, are fully described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed, in which the same letters of reference indicate the same parts
wherever they occur, that is to say :-
The Invention relates to the adaptation of tubes of vulcanized caoutchouc
or india rubber upon the conducting rods of the valves of taps and cocks, and
forming thereby a spring possessed of a permanent and strong elasticity (but
easily put in action); and in the application of the said caoutchouc or india-
rubber tube to the rods of every kind of valve, either conical, flat, round, or
otherwise, the said valve being also provided with a caoutchouc or india-
rubber tube to prevent the escape and loss of the liquid or fluid, and avoid
the wear of the tap.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Drawing 1, Figures 1, 3, and 5, represent a cock opening with a key to
different degrees, which does not close of itself, and is applicable to fountains,
vats, and every other recipient in ordinary use in factories and workshops.
This cock is similar in form to those ordinarily in use, and a joint can be
applied to it to unite it to a pipe. The mechanism, being entirely in the
stopper, can be detached from the body of the cock. The liquid is always
pressing against the valve L and the tube H, H, serving to surround the rod
E, which supports and guides the valve L. This casing H, H, is a tube of
vulcanized caoutchouc, fixed on the rod E at its upper part B by means of
a ligature Qin annealed copper wire, which makes it adhere strongly to the
part slightly indented to receive the ligature and to prevent its displacement.
The opposite extremity of the tube has in its interior a cylindrical piece of
metal of a conical form, with a shouldering pierced in the centre with a
hole of such a diameter that the rod E passes freely through it. The
caoutchouc tube H envelopes this piece O, and presses strongly on it. A
second ligature P in copper wire fixes it to the piece at its lower extremity.
The conical distention of the caoutchouc tube by means of the piece O just

page_text: described presses in the interior side of the stopper against a part of it, having
a form corresponding to it, and the constant tension of the caoutchouc tube
H forms a spring causing these parts to adhere in such a manner as not to
allow the slightest escape of liquid through the top of the key A. The liquid
which might rise in the interior of the tube is stopped by the pressure of the
upper ligature. Below this tube at the lower extremity of the rod E is tho
valve of vulcanized caoutchouc L. This valve is fixed between two washers R;.
S, of smaller diameters than the parts of the valve on which they are applied.
The valve has a conical shape, and rests on a corresponding part turned in
the interior of the cock. The meeting or separation of these two parts
produces the immediate and perfect division of the liquid on its spontaneous
flow, at the same time leaving a passage for the air, and avoiding that
spurting up which often takes place in opening or shutting the cocks now
employed. The two washers and the valve of vulcanized caoutchouc are
pierced in the centre with a hole, which allows the rod E on which they are
mounted to pass through them. The part of it which passes through the valve
and washer is considerably narrower than the upper part. The hole with
which the valve is pierced in the centre is one half less than the diameter
of the rod which traverses it, in order that it may adhere more strongly
through the effect of the elasticity of the caoutchouc. The lower washer is kept
by the rivetting of the lower extremity of the rod or by any other suitablo
means. At the upper extremity of the rod E above the ligature of the
caoutchouc tube there is placed a small key F, which slides in a groove
corresponding to it, made in the upper part of the stopper of the cock. This
key is intended to prevent the rod turning when it ascends and descends, and
also the twisting of the tube H. In the interior of the key A of the cock a
pin B is fitted, which serves as a guide and stop. This pin is in the form of
a screw, and can be taken off, and be replaced externally. It is flush on the
outside, and projects in the interior, and is intended to fit into the spiral:
groove K cut on the outside part of the stopper in a spiral form, and which:
gives a turning motion to the rod of the valve E. The length of this groove
gives the extent of the alternate motion to the right or to the left of the key
A (see Figure 5, which represents one quarter of a turn of this twisted part,
and the entrance for the pin). The interior of the key A provided with the
pin is turned, as well as the exterior of the stopper, in which the grooves are
cut spirally, corresponding to it, and guiding it in its to-and-fro motion.
Sufficient room for play is allowed, so that there may be no friction but
the pressing of the pin in the groove. To regulate the pressure of the valve
on the conical parts of the cock on which it rests, the length of the conducting.

page_text: rod E is increased or shortened by means of the screw at its upper part fitting
into the top of the key A. by means of which the necessary pressure for
hermetically closing the cock is obtained. The stopper which contains all
the mechanism is fixed to the body of the cock by means of a screw M
covered by a strong collar, above which is placed a washer in greased leather
D, if the cock is intended for cold liquids, or in vulcanized caoutchouc if it is
intended for warm liquids and steam. In the latter case it can support a
temperature of five atmospheres of steam without losing its properties. This
washer is fixed in the body of the cock in such a manner as to be invisible
when the stopper is screwed on in a space made for it at the junction of
the two pieces. Thus the stopper covers the orifice hermetically, so that
no escape is to be feared. The cock being mounted conformably to the
preceding details (see the section, Figure 3), the key is turned to the right
or left, according to the groove of the spiral. The key moves alternately
ascending and descending, the valve fixed to the conducting rod follows
exactly the same movement. The caoutchouc tube surrounding the rod acts
as a spring, and the hermetical closing of the valve is effected in a uniform
and constant manner. If it is desired that the cock should shut of itself, the
degree of inclination of the spiral groove K leading the stopping pin B must
be modified accordingly, making the descent more rapid, and then by means
of the tension of the tube forming the spring the pin slides in the groove,
and has a tendency to ascend or descend according as the direction of the
spiral groove is from right or left, and the cock will not remain open unless
the key be held. If, however, it is desired that this cock should remain open,
there must be added to the extremity of the spiral groove a small horizontal
or perpendicular part, of the necessary size for the pin B to rest. In this case
the pin B, conducting the valve, finding a place of rest, will be stopped, and
resist the force of the spring which draws it to shut the valve, then by slightly
turning the key the pin will escape from the notch, and the, cock will be
suddenly and hermetically closed.
Figures 2 and 4.-This cock has the same exterior form as that shown in
Figures 1, 3, and 5. Instead of the key A, a knob or ball A is employed
to open or shut the cock. The gearing of the rod and valve are lowered to
allow of the passage of the liquid, instead of being raised. It therefore follows,
that although they are the same as before, they are reversed. The effect of
the recoil produced on the valve by the caoutchouc tube operates downwards.
The valve L is introduced by means of a stopper C, screwed under the barrel
of the cock. The stopper is provided with a leather or caoutchouc washer D.
as before. This stopper C is pierced in the centre. with a hole, in which

page_text: the lower extremity of the conducting rod E fits, and serves to guide and
maintain the valve L in the central point, against the pressure of the liquid,
and furnishes the liquid with a passage of uniform capacity around the valve
L, and consequently divides it equally in the discharging tube. In contra-
distinction to Figures 1 and 2, the pressure of the liquid does not act con-
stantly on the conical extremity of the caoutchouc tube. It only arrives there
when the valve is open. In this case the tension produced by the lowering of
the rod carrying the valve assists the adherence of the conical part of the tube
on the correspoding sides of the head of the cock, and any escape of liquid
becomes impossible, unless through the mouth of the cock J. This form of
cock requires a screw joint to unite it to the conducting pipe, in order that
it may be taken off, if required. In consequence of the valve acting from top
to bottom, it is introduced under the barrel of the cock, and offers some diffi-
culty when it is wished to take it off. As in the preceding Figure, the valve is
fixed to the rod between two washers R, S', but the upper washer rests on a
pin T, traversing the rod E, instead of the shouldering. The range of the
valve is regulated as herein-before described by means of a screw at the end of
the conducting rod on which the knob serving for a key is mounted. In the
interior of a knob A, which plays freely on the top of the cock, a straight
and a vertical groove U is made to receive the stopping pin v, which guides
the knob A, and prevents its turning to the right or left (see the section
through A, O. Figure 6). This cock, besides the advantage of shutting
itself, may also be made to remain open, without the pressure of the band on
the knob. To effect this it is necessary to have a small horizontal notch
7)
) made in the upper part of the groove U, and which forms a
stopping point and obstacle to the shutting of the valve. As soon as the pin
V is disengaged from this notch, and brought back into the groove, the
valve ascends again immediately, and all escape of fluid is prevented. Again,
if it be required to obtain different degrees of flowing without the pressure
of the hand, it will be sufficient to establish the spiral groove to the body
of the cock, and to fix the stopping pin in the interior of the knob, as in
Figures 1 and 3, when the valve will act, as before, by turning the knob A.
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing 2, represent cocks similar to those of Figure 3,
Drawing 1. The valve acts in the same way, and is fixed and regulated
the same manner as in Drawing 1.
Figures 3 and 4, Drawing 2.-This cock is after the same model as
Figure 4, Drawing 1. It shuts of itself, or to any required degree, according
to the inclination of the spiral groove, and by turning the key more or

page_text: less a spiral spring W, made of brass wire or steel or any other metal, is
placed in the interior of the tube encircling the conducting rod, and presses
with its upper extremity against a metal ring or washer X, kept on the
rod of the valve by means of a pin traversing it. The point of support of the
lower extremity of this spring is another metal ring Y, which is placed on one
or more greased leather washers, pierced by the rod, on which they exercise
a certain degree of friction, preventing the infiltration of liquid when the
valve is open. The action of the spring W causes these washers to adhere
to the lower part of the tube, the more strongly when the valve is opened the
"
most.
opens with a key A.
Figure 4, Drawing 1.
Figures 1, 2, and 8, Drawing III.-This cock
The valve is conical, and works downwards, as in
The principal difference consists in the form of the conical piece of metal
o, o, which distends the upper extremity of the caoutchouc tube. This
conical piece is fixed by two screws K, K, passing through a ledge at its
extremity, to the upper part of the cock. It can by this means receive a
pressure which forces the caoutchouc to adhere more firmly.to the conical
parts corresponding to it, and renders any escape of fluid impossible, whatever
inay be the pressure.
Figures 4 and 5, Drawing III., are after the same model as the preceeding.
They do not differ in the interior, except in the fittings of the rod, which
resemble Figure 1, Drawing II. An endless screw, through the middle of
which the rod of the valve passes, serves to press together several washers
of greased leather, which rest on a shouldering in the interior of the tube in
the head of the cock, and by the pressure which they effect on the rod pro-
duces a strong friction, which prevents all escape.
Figure 6, Drawing III., is a cock made in the ordinary form, and with
fittings, as it has been herein-before described and shewn in Figure 3,
Drawing I., and Figure 1, Drawing II.
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing IV.-This cock differs from the others, inas-
much as the knob A serving for a key is placed at the end of its head.
This knob is small, and acts in the same manner as the stopping pin in the
other Figures. It slides in a straight groove to open the valve L, and when
let free regains its former position. If it be required to leave the cock open,
the knob A is lodged in a notch 1, at right angles, and forming the continua-
tion of the groove that guides it. The mouth J is placed under the knob A,
at the head of the cock, and is constructed in such a manner as to be introduced
into the neck of a bottle.
Figures 3 and 4, Drawing IV. represent a stop cock for the flow of liquids

page_text: in either direction. It is of the same internal structure as Figures 1 and 3,
Drawing 1. The conducting rod of the valve is fitted up in the manner as
herein before described, but with the exception of the conical piece O at the
lower extremity of the caoutchouc tube, which is fixed into a cap with two
pressure screws a, a, entering into the body of the stopper C.
Figures 5, 6, and 6, Drawing IV.-This cock is applicable for the
distribution of the gas. The stopper C of this cock is covered with a
cylindrical part A, in the form of a bushel measure reversed. The bottom
is partly flat, having a hollow receptacle for a detached key, intended to
open and shut the valve L. The interior of the cock is divided as in
Figure 3, Drawing 1, and Figure 4, Drawing IV. The setting of the rod
is the same as in Figure 3, Drawing I. The valve L is different; it has
the form of a flat ring, which rests on a level part Z, corresponding to it. At
the top of the spiral groove made in the side of the stopper there is a horizon-
tal notch for the pin to rest on when the cock is open, and when it is required
to leave it so.
Figure 6, Drawing IV., is similar to the preceding, and for the same
purposes. The caoutchouc tube which surrounds the rod acts as a spring,
and is fixed at the upper part by means of a ligature, similar to those
already described. It is fixed at its lower part to a socket, in the centre of
which the rod freely passes. This socket at its lower part forms a projecting
edge, which supports a washer of caoutchouc, which has its other point of
support on the lower part of the stopper, on which it is kept constantly
'pressed by means of the socket, which is screwed in the interior of the stopper.
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing 5.-The form of this cock is similar to those of
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing IV., and the fittings of the rod are the same.
It has no knob serving for a key, as in those Figures, but the same object is
attained by a sort of bolt A, screwed below the cock, and into the conducting
rod of the valve. By pressure it slides in a straight groove, and pushes the
valve. The liquid flows and falls into the receptacle, through an orifice J,
placed after the groove.
the form of a swan's
Their mode of action
The neck serves as a
sustained and pressed
Figures 5 and 6, Drawing V.--These cocks are in
neck, and are particularly adapted for baths, &c., &c.
is the same as that shown in Figure 3, Drawing I.
key, and the lower extremity of the caoutchouc tube is
by a metal washer a, a, similar to Figure 4, and produces the same effect.
Figures 3 and 4, Drawing V.These cocks are suitable for casks, and are
on the same system as the above, Figures 5 and 6.

page_text: ment.
Figures 9 and 10, Drawing V., represent a block having an horizontal move-
The knob A serves as a key. This knob is provided internally with a
pin V traversing a groove U, and moves the conducting rod as herein-before
described. The valve L has the form of a flat caoutchouc ring placed between t
two washers R, S. The spiral groove is arranged as in Figures 1 and 2,
Drawing VI.
Figures 7 and 8, Drawing V., represent a cock, of which the body and
head may be made of crystal, porcelain, or any other material which can be
pressed in a mould. The internal construction is the same as in Figures 9
and 10, Drawing V.
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing VI., the same principle as Figures 3 and 4,
Drawing IV.
Figures 3 and 4, Drawing VI., represent cocks similar to those shewn in
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing IV., except that the body of the cock is divided in
the middle into two parts, one of greater diameter, in which the valve is
placed, and through which the liquid flows. A cross piece m, m, is fixed
between the two parts, through a hole in which the end of the conducting
rod of the valve passes freely, and which serves as a guide for it.
Figure 6, Drawing IV., represents a cock of similar construction to that
shewn in Figures 1 and 2, Drawing VI.
Figure 7, Drawing VI., is a modification of Figure 6. The upper part of the
caoutchouc tube is pressed by means of a washer and two screws, as before
described, and shown in Figures 4 and 5, Drawing III.
Figures 1, 2, and 3, Drawing VII., represent a cock, which may be made
of crystal, porcelain, or any other analogous material. Its action is similar
to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 of Drawing VI. The rod E performs its
alternate motion as in Figure 6, Drawing VI.
Figures 6 and 7, Drawing VII. This cock is similar to Figure 3,
Drawing I. The caoutchouc tube H, H, which surrounds the rod, is fixed
at its upper part by the ordinary ligature Q, Q. The lower part of the
said tube surrounds a piece pierced in the centre through which the rod
E passes. The tube is compressed on this piece by another ligature P, P.
The lower part of this piece has a rim which fits on a caoutchouc washer d, d,
which is pressed by two screws. The rod has at its lower part a conical
bulge L, which forms the valve by means of its being enveloped by a
caoutchouc tube kept on the conical part, above and below, by two ligatures
W, W.
Figures 4 and 5, Drawing VII., represent cocks similar in construction to

page_text: Figures 1 and 3, Drawing I. The fitting of the tube is arranged as in Figures
1, 2, and 3, Drawing VII, on a socket with a washer forming a cap.
Figures 1 and 2, Drawing VIII., represent cocks similar to Figures 6 and 7,
Drawing VII. The valve L is fixed without ligatures, and rests on the con-
ducting rod on a conical part provided above it, with a shoulder serving as a
support. It is fixed underneath by means of a washer and screw.
Fig. 3, Drawing 8, shews a tap constructed upon the same principle as shown
in Drawings 3 and 8, with this exception, that the caoutchouc tube is
adapted to the conducting rod without the use of ligatures, being free in its
movements, which arrangement is applicable to all the Figures of the several
Drawings.
And having now described the nature of the said Invention com-
municated to me, and the best means for carrying the same into effect,
I wish it to be understood that I lay no claim to any of the parts
taken separately, nor do I confine myself to the precise details of construction,
or proportions of the different organs herein-before described, so long as the
peculiar character of the Invention be retained; but what I claim is,―
Firstly, the mode of surrounding the conducting rod of the valve with an
elastic tube forming a spring as herein-before described, reference being
bad to Figures 3 and 4 of Drawing I., Figure 3 of Drawing III., Figures
1, 2, and 4 of Drawing III., Figures 4, 5, and 6, Drawing IV., Figures 1, 4,
5, 8, and 10, Drawing 5, Figures 2, 4, 6, and 7, Drawing VI., Figures 1, 3, 5,
and 7 of Drawing VII., and Figures 2 and 3 of Drawing VIII.
Secondly, the mode of surrounding the valve L with an elastic tube, for
the perfect and immediate division of the liquid or gas, and its spontaneous
flow, as herein-before described, reference being had to Figs. 3 and 4 of
Drawing I., Figs. 1 and 2, Drawing II., Figs. 1, 2, and 4, Drawing III.,
Figs. 1, 4, 6, and 6, Drawing IV., Figs. 1, 4, 5, 8, and 10, Drawing V.,
Figs. 2, 4, 6, and 7, Drawing VI., and Figs. 1, 3, 5, and 7, Drawing VII.,
and Figs 2 and 3, Drawing VIII.
Thirdly, the mode of constructing the keys or knobs A, regulating the several
movements of the conducting rod of the valve, as herein-before described,
reference being had to all the Figures of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Pierre Armand le Comte de Fontaine-
moreau, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day)
of January, One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three.
C. DE FONTAINE (L.s.) MOREAU.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-ninth day of January,
in the year of our Lord 1853, the aforesaid Pierre Armand le Comte de
Fontainemoreau came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery,
and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing
therein contained and specified, in form above written. And also the
Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute
made for that purpose.
T
Enrolled the Twenty-ninth day of January, in the year of our Lord.
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.