Improvements in and relating to Valves for Flushing Tanks and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Oct., 1895-Accepted, 30th Nov., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Valves for Flushing Tanks and
the like.
1, FRANK WILBER FOSTER, of No. 178 Devonshire Street, in the City of
Boston and State of Massachusetts, United States of America, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained, in and by the following
statement :--
One object of my invention is to prevent the valve proper from closing suddenly
and to do this by causing a portion of the water escaping through the valve to act
as a cushion, and thus to greatly decrease or entirely do away with the water
hammering which always results where the valve is suddenly closed in a passage
through which water is being forced under pressure and also to prevent the
accumulation or increase of pressure on the inlet side of the valve, such as would
result from its sudden closing. Another object of my invention is to cut off the
quantity of water passing into the chamber of the valve in a constantly decreasing
amount. Another object is to prevent what is known as the whistling of the water
as it passes through the discharge port at the valve seat. Another object is to
improve the construction of the lever for controlling the auxiliary valve. Generally
speaking, it is the object of my improvement to reduce the strain upon the different
parts of the valve and thus to decrease the wear and tear upon it while at the same
time increasing the certainty and efficiency of its operation.
My invention has special reference to that class of valves in which the main
valve is operated through and by means of an auxiliary valve which is connected
with some part of the main valve chamber and which serves to release or confine
the pressure in that particular part of the valve chamber and thereby to open or
close the main valve, through and by means of a suitable piston.
Another object of my invention is to increase the efficiency and accuracy of
operation of the piston in such a valve and at the same time by means of the
construction and arrangement of the piston to improve and perfect the cushioning
action of the valve.
My invention consists first in so constructing the parts of the valve that, while
the valve is being closed, a quantity of water will be caught or entrapped between
two parts of the valve, as for example between the valve disc and the lower part
of the valve stem, both of which parts fit closely the corresponding parts of the
valve shell, as a result of which this water will be forced out slowly and will
during this time serve as a cushion to prevent the valve from closing suddenly and
to cause it to close against the valve seat with a gradual motion. This part of my
invention also contemplates such a construction of the valve as will cause the inlet
pipe to be obstructed in part or in whole prior to the beginning of the cushioning
action.
My invention consists secondly in so constructing the inlet opening between the
inlet or supply pipe and the valve chamber that the inflowing current of water will
be cut off in gradually decreasing quantities, that is to say, so that as the valve
closes it will during the first quarter of its movement cut off a large amount of the
supply or more than a quarter of the entire volume, and during the second quarter
of its movement cut off a less quantity and during the third quarter cut off a still
smaller quantity and so on.

page_text: My invention cousists thirdly in dividing the inlet opening between the supply
pipe and the valve chamber by one or more partitions for the purpose of enabling
the valve chamber to be bored out more accurately and also for the purpose of
diverting the inflowing current of water and preventing it from striking directly
against the valve or valve stem and cramping the valve in its chamber.
My invention consists fourthly in the combination with a piston fitting the valve
chamber closely, and an auxiliary valve controlling the pressure above the piston,
or on the side of the piston away from the discharge port, of a stem fitting the
discharge port closely, whereby the piston acts as a guide for the stem, and the
stem for the piston, each serving to make the operation of the other more certain
and accurate and efficient and thereby improving the operation of the valve.
My invention consists lastly in the various combinations of parts hereinafter
described and claimed.
What I believe to be the best form of my invention is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a vertical section of the valve shown as applied to a tank and
operated by a fleat, the valve being closed;
Figure 2 is a top or plan view of the toothed discs and their connections;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the discs and connecting bolt;
Figure 4 is a section on the line y-y of Figure 1, showing the shape of the inlet
openings between the supply pipe and the valve chamber;
Figure 5 is a horizontal section of the auxiliary valve on the line - of
Figure 1;
Figure 6 is similar to Figure 1, except that it shows the valve when nearly closed,
and at the point where the main cushioning action of the water commences.
Referring to the drawings, a represents the supply pipe or inlet pipe, which may
be provided with the usual screw threaded nipple for attachment to the source of
supply. This pipe opens into the valve chamber c through and by means of the
inlet openings bb. These inlet openings, in the construction shown in the drawing,
are formed by dividing the inlet into two parts by means of partition or bridge
running in a direction parallel with the axis of the valve disc, so as to divide and
deflect the inflowing current and prevent it from striking directly against the valve
disc or piston. These openings are made wide at the top and of gradually
decreasing size toward the bottom, with the small ends of the openings on the side
nearest to the discharge port. When the valve shuts, as it first passes in front of
the wide end of the openings, it cuts off a large part of the inflowing current of
water. As it continues to descend or close, it cuts off a less and less quantity. In
this way
the
pressure and strain upon the valve and valve seat are reduced gradually
as the valve closes. This prevents increased pressure or water haminer. This
part or feature of my invention may be employed or secured by the use of a
single inlet opening wide at the top and gradually decreasing in size towards the
bottom.
d is the shell or casing of the valve, the walls of which form the valve chamber
and enclose the different parts of the valve. e is the valve seat, through which
is a discharge port f. 9 is the outlet pipe. is the valve proper or valve disc.
This is provided on its face with a suitable packing or washer, made of what-
ever material may be deemed best, such as rubber or other material. The valve
disc is supported upon the valve stem i. This valve stem also supports the valve
piston j. On the discharge side the valve stem has a projecting or depending
part, adapted to fit closely the walls of the discharge port when the valve is being
closed, and yet to move freely in the discharge port and to permit the passage of
water between it and the walls of the disebarge port, and adapted to move out of
its close fit in the discharge pipe in such a way as to make a free passage through
the discharge port. In the drawings when the valve stem opens the passage through
the discharge port it is moved entirely outside of the discharge port, so that the
water passes between the end of the stem and the discharge port. This particular
forin however might be varied in various ways, but so as in each case to make

page_text: a free passage through the outlet port when the valve is opened and in each case
the valve stem would be out of its close fit with the discharge port within my
meaning.
The valve disc and the valve piston are made to fit the walls of the valve
chamber closely and yet so as to enable them to move freely in the valve chamber
and to permit the passage of a thin film or current of water between them and
the wall of the valve casing. In addition to this, a hole or opening may be made
through the valve piston, if desired, to enable the water to flow into the chamber
or space above the piston more rapidly.
In Fig. 1, I have shown the best method of constructing the valve stem and
the connected parts. The valve disc and valve piston are made in a single piece,
having a central bore. In the form shown the piston and disc are separated by
an intervening space. In some forms of my invention the disc and piston might
be made solid, that is, continuous, but I prefer the form shown. The valve stem
is turned so as to nicely fit this bore, and is provided with an enlarged portion at
its lower end and with a screw threaded portion at its upper end. The valve
stem is preferably beveled at its outer end. The valve disc has a recess on its
under side or face to receive the packing or washer. The packing
inserted in
The
the disc, then the valve stem is slipped into place and drawn up and secured by a
nut bearing on the top of the valve piston. The packing is thus not only securely
held in place, but it can be easily renewed. By this method of construction the
valve stem can be kept in alignment with the valve disc and piston easily and
accurately. The upper part of the valve chamber is enlarged by an annular
recess w, formed in the shell or casing of the valve. is an auxiliary outlet
leading from that end of the valve chamber in which the valve piston moves,
preferably from the recessed portion w and is preferably curved upward as shown.
This outlet passage is controlled by an auxiliary valve (. The construction of this
valve is shown in section in Figure 5. In the form of device shown in the drawing
the auxiliary valve is adapted to be closed by a float, as in a water closet tank.
The auxiliary valve is worked by the lever m, this lever being pivoted at one end
at n and being connected at the other end with the float. The lever m is
provided at its inner end with a stop or foot u, adapted to strike against the shell.
or case and thereby limit the downward movement of the float and valve.
lever m is made in two parts, each part being provided with a toothed or notched
disc o o. These discs are adapted to turn one upon the other and to be fastened
in any given position or at any given angle by means of a screw threaded bolt
provided at one end with a ring or eye, and the thumb screw p. The disc o is
attached firmly to the inner arm of the lever and has a central perforation to
receive the bolt. The disc o is provided with projections or cars to form a
bearing or stop to prevent the outer arm of the lever and the bolt from turning
independently of the disc. The outer arm of the lever is passed through the ring
or eye in the bolt and between the projections or ears, and the parts are then
secured together by screwing home the thumb screw. Other means may be
employed for fastening these discs together when once adjusted. represents a
float. r is a screw cap screwed into one end of the valve case and forming the
head or end of the valve chamber. s is an annular ring or lip formed in the outlet
pipe or passage, having a central opening smaller in area than the discharge
port f This rings is placed at a short distance below or beyond the
discharge port.
The operation of this form of my improved valve is as follows. When both the
main valve and the auxiliary valve are closed, the pressure in the upper part of
the valve chamber c is substantially the same as the pressure in the inlet pipe. If
the auxiliary valve / be opened, either by the falling of the float or by any other
means, the pressure in the upper part of the valve chamber is at once relieved and
reduced below the pressure in the inlet pipe. This difference in pressure on the
upper side of the valve piston and under side of the valve piston and valve disc
causes that piston, together with the valve disc and valve stem to be lifted to its

page_text: highest position in the valve chamber, thus opening the main valve. The water is
discharged through the discharge port into the chamber or space between that
discharge port and the contracted openings in the outlet pipe, and from thence it
passes through the opening in the annular ring or lips and into the outlet pipe .
When the auxiliary valve is closed by the rising of the float or by other means,
the water is forced into the upper part of the valve chamber c, between the valve
piston and the valve case, until the pressures in the two parts of the valve chamber
are equalized or substantially so, then the valve piston with the valve disc and
valve stem are caused to move in the opposite direction and the valve is closed.
The first part of this closing motion of the valve is rapid, but the latter part of
the motion is made gradual by the cushioning action of the water which is caught
or entrapped in the lower part of the valve chamber, between the valve dise and
the valve seat and valve stem, as shown at a' in Figure 6. The lower end of the
valve stem enters the discharge port after the lower edge of the valve disc passes
the upper edge or part of the inlet openings bb, and begins to cut off or obstruct
the inlet pipe. As the valve disc fits closely the surrounding walls of the valve
chamber and the valve stem fits closely the wall of the discharge port, the water
which is caught or entrapped in the lower part of the valve chamber below the
valve disc is prevented from flowing out through the discharge port quickly, as it
has to pass through the narrow opening or passage between the valve stem and the
wall of the discharge port. The motion of the valve disc is therefore checked at
this end of its stroke and made gradual instead of sudden. One result of this
feature of the operation is the prevention of the usual water hammer in the inlet
pipe. It is well known that where a valve is closed suddenly the momentum of the
current flowing through it produces a severe water hammer, which causes a great
strain upon all parts of the valves and connections. The pressure immediately back
of the closing valve on the inlet side is considerably increased for the time being
by this momentum, as if the water or pressure were piled up behind it. This water
hammer not only increases the wear on the valve, but produces a very disagreeable
noise. My improved valve overcomes these difficulties.
This slow or gradual closing of the valve is also further secured by the action
or effect of the recess w in the upper part of the valve chamber. The valve is
enabled to close by the passing of the water between the casing and the valve
piston into the upper part of the valve chamber. When the valve piston is in its
highest position, it projects some distance into the recess w. The narrow passage
between the piston and the valve casing through which the water has to pass is
therefore shorter than the length of the piston. As the piston falls, the length of
this narrow passage is increased; consequently the water passes through more
slowly than at first and the closing motion of the valve is checked to some extent
and made more gradual.
By making the inlet openings 66 in the way described, that is, wide at the top
and of gradually decreasing size toward the bottom, the water hammer is still
more effectually prevented. As the valve disc passes in front of the wide end of
these openings it cuts off a considerable part of the inflowing current and then in
the latter part of its motion cuts off a smaller and smaller quantity. This also
improves the action of the valve.
When a stream of water or other liquid is forced through a discharge port, asf
which is smaller in area than the inlet, the water is caused to revolve or whirl
rapidly around as it passes through the discharge port. This causes what is
commonly known as whistling in the outlet pipe immediately below the discharge
port, and also tends to cut the valve seat. By providing the outlet pipe e with the
contracted opening s, smaller in area than the discharge port, this whistling is
prevented for the reason that a substantial body of water is maintained in the space
or chamber between the discharge port and the ring s, which makes the whistling
impossible, aud the cutting of the valve scat is also prevented.
By making the valve lever in two parts as already described and connecting
these parts by means of notched or toothed discs, the arms can be adjusted at any

page_text: desired angle or in any desired relation, and in this way the throw of the auxiliary
valve can be enlarged or diminished.
By employing a bolt provided with an eye to receive the rod connected with the
float, and providing the disc o o' with ears to prevent the rod from turning great
convenience and economy are secured. Floats are usually made with rods already
attached, and these rods vary in size. But any size of rod can be slipped through
the eye in this bolt, and secured firmly in place. The valve connections are thus
adapted to fit any size of float or rod without special adjustment. The cars or
lugs prevent the float rod from turning on the disc o'.
I have described the valve as being used for the discharge of water. The valve
may be used for the discharge of any other fluid.
The valve piston and the valve disc also act as guides to maintain the valve
stem and its connecting parts in their proper position in the valve chamber. The
valve stem also acts as a guide to maintain the valve piston in its proper position,
and to cause it to operate accurately. Thus the valve piston and the valve stem
co-act upon each other, making the operation of the valve more regular and
reliable. It is important that the piston which necessarily fits the valve chamber
closely, should move accurately in the chamber and should not be in the least
degree tilted or cramped, for if it should be tilted, it would have the effect of
partially or wholly closing the thin passage between its sides and the walls of the
chamber and this would prevent the water from escaping into the part of the
chamber above the piston, and thus entirely prevent or seriously impair
the operation of the valve, and secondly, such tilting of the piston would cause the
rapid wearing of the piston and the walls of the chamber and would soon loosen the
piston and make it unsuitable for use. Such tilting or cramping might prevent
the valve from operating at all. By making the stem fit the discharge port
closely, the stem acts as a guide to regulate the motion of the piston and to prevent
its tilting and hence to obviate the difficulties above mentioned. It is likewise
important that the stem, which necessarily fits the discharge port closely, should
not be tilted or cramped, but should move accurately, for if it should be tilted, it
would have the effect of preventing the valve from operating at all or of partially
or wholly closing the thin passage between it and the walls of the discharge port,
and this would prevent the water in the cushion from escaping and the valve from
successfully operating and moreover the stem would as a result of such cramping
quickly wear loose in its bearings.
Hence by combining a close fitting piston with a close fitting stem, the
operation of each part is greatly improved and new and highly useful results are
secured.
That part of my invention which relates to the combination with a valve piston
and auxiliary valve of an arrangement of parts for producing a cushioning action,
is not limited to a construction in which the water is entrapped between the valve
proper and the valve stem, but includes broadly any construction in which a body
of water is so caught between some moving part of the valve which fits closely the
corresponding part of the valve shell and the valve stem which fits the discharge
port closely.
The recess w is shown in the drawings as annular in form. This form is
preferred, but of course may be varied without altering the function of the
recess.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, an inlet pipe leading to the valve chamber, a valve piston fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve stem fitting the discharge port closely, and
operating with the piston so as to open and close the discharge port, an auxiliary

page_text: outlet leading from the valve chamber above the piston, and an auxiliary controlling
valve therefor, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
2. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, an inlet pipe leading to the valve chamber, a valve piston fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve disc, a valve stem which fits the discharge port
closely and operates with the piston and disc so as to move into and out of its close
fit in the discharge port in such a way as to almost close the discharge port or to
make a free passage through it, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve chamber
above the piston, and an auxiliary controlling valve therefor, the piston disc and
stem being so arranged that as the valve disc moves to its seat the valve stem
moves into close fit with the discharge port so as to form a water cushion between
the discharge port and the inlet port, substantially as set forth.
3. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe leading to
the valve chamber above the discharge port, a valve pistor and valve disc fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve stem which fits the discharge port closely and
operates with the piston and disc so as to move into and out of its close fit in the
outlet port, the valve piston, valve disc and valve stem being so arrange that as
the valve disc moves to its seat the inlet pipe is obstructed and the valve stem
thereafter moves into close fit with the discharge port so as to form a water
cushion between the discharge port and the valve disc, substantially as set forth.
4. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe leading
to the valve chamber above the discharge port, a valve piston and valve disc fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve stem which fits the discharge port closely and
operates with the piston and disc so as to move into and out of its close fit in the
cutlet port in such a way as to make a free passage through and almost close the
outlet port, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve chamber above the piston
and an auxiliary controlling valve therefor, the valve piston, valve disc and valve
stem being so arranged that as the valve disc moves to its seat the inlet pipe is
obstructed and the valve stem thereafter moves into close fit with the discharge
port so as to form a water cushion between the discharge port and the inlet port,
substantially as set forth.
5. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe leading
to the valve chamber above the discharge port, a valve piston and valve disc fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve stem which fits the discharge port closely and
operates with the piston and disc so as to nove into and out of its close fit in the
outlet port in such a way as to make a free passage through and almost close the
outlet port, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve chamber above the piston
and an auxiliary controlling valve therefor, the under side of the valve disc, when
the valve is closed, being exposed to the upward pressure of the water which tends
to open the valve, and being opposed by the downward pressure of the water above
the piston, substantially as set forth.
6. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, a valve scat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe leading
to the valve chamber above the discharge port, a valve piston and valve disc fitting
the valve chamber closely, a valve stem which fits the discharge port closely and
operates with the piston and disc so as to move into and out of its close fit in the
outlet port in such a way as to make a free passage through and almost close the
outlet port, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve chamber above the pistou
and an auxiliary controlling valve therefor, the valve piston, valve disc and valve
stem being so arranged that as the valve disc moves to its seat the inlet pipe is
obstructed and the valve stem thereafter moves into close fit with the discharge
port so as to form a water cushion between the discharge port and the inlet pipe,
the under side of the valve disc, when the valve is closed, being exposed to the

page_text: upward pressure of the water which tends to open the valve, and being opposed
by the downward pressure of the water above the piston, substantially as set
forth.
7. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a
discharge port, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe leading
to the valve chamber above the discharge port, large at the inner end and
gradually diminishing in size toward the outlet end of the valve, a valve piston
and valve disc fitting the valve chamber closely, a valve stem which fits the
discharge port closely and operates with the piston and dise so as to move into and
out of its close fit in the outlet port in such a way as to make a free passage
through and almost close the outlet port, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve
chamber above the piston and an auxiliary controlling valve therefor, the valve
piston, valve disc and valve stem being so arranged that as the valve disc moves to
its seat the inlet pipe is obstructed and the valve stem thereafter moves into close
fit with the discharge port so as to form a water cushion between the discharge port
and the inlet pipe, substantially as set forth.
8. In a valve device, the combination of a valve chamber provided with a valve
seat surrounding the discharge port, an inlet pipe communicating with the valve
chamber at the side and above the valve seat and provided with one or more
vertical partitions, a valve disc fitting the valve chamber closely, a valve stem
fitting the discharge port closely in such a way as to almost close the discharge
port and adapted to move out of its close fit when the valve is open in such a way
as to make a free passage through the discharge port, a discharge pipe leading
from the discharge port and provided with a contracted opening of less area than
the discharge port, the valve disc and valve stem being so arranged that as the
valve disc moves to its seat the inlet pipe is obstructed and thereafter the valve
comes into close fit with the discharge port so as to form a water cushion between
the discharge port and inlet pipe, substantially as set forth.
9. In a valve device, the combination of an inlet pipe, a valve chamber having
a recess W at its upper end, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, a valve
piston fitting the inner part of the valve chamber closely and adapted to extend
into the recess when the valve is open, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve
chamber above the valve piston, and an auxiliary valve to control the auxiliary
outlet, substantially as set forth.
10. In a valve device, the combination of an inlet pipe, a valve chamber having
a recess W at its upper end, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port, a valve
piston fitting the inner part of the valve chamber closely and adapted to extend
into the recess, when the valve is open, an auxiliary outlet leading from the valve
chamber above the piston, an auxiliary valve to control the auxiliary outlet, a
valve disc fitting the outer end of the valve chamber closely and a valve stem
supporting the valve disc and the valve piston, and adapted to fit the discharge
port closely, substantially as set forth.
11. In a valve device, the combination of an inlet pipe, a valve chamber, and
an inlet opening between the two, divided by one or more partitions running in a
direction parallel with the axis of the valve disc, whereby the inflowing current is
diverted and prevented from striking directly against the valve, substantially as
set forth.
12. In a valve device, the combination with an inlet pipe, a valve chamber, inlet
openings connecting the two, large at their inner ends and gradually diminishing in
size toward the discharge end, a piston fitting the inner end of the valve chamber
closely, an auxiliary outlet connected with the valve chamber above the valve
piston, an auxiliary valve controlling said outlet, a valve lever connected with the
auxiliary valve, consisting of two parts provided with toothed or notched discs
adapted to fit into each other and suitable means for fastening the discs together in
any fixed position, said valve lever being pivoted at one end, a float attached to
the valve lever, a valve seat surrounding the discharge port of the valve, a valve
disc fitting the outer end of the valve chamber closely, a valve stem supporting

page_text: the valve piston and valve disc and adapted at its lower end to fit the discharge
port closely, and an annular ring in the outlet pipe beyond the discharge port,
having an opening less in area than the area of the discharge port, forming a
chamber between the discharge port and the ring, all substantially as set forth.
Dated this 14th day of October 1895.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.