Improvements in or relating to Portable and other Pumping Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Nov., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 24th Aug., 1892-Accepted, 22nd Oct., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Portable and other Pumping
Apparatus.
We, DONALD NOBLE, and JOHN ARTHUR BROWN, of Little Quicen Street,
Leeds in the County of York, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
-
This invention relates to improvements in portable or other pumping apparatus
applicable for use in connection with baths or trays that may be removed from one
room to another as well as with baths that are a fixture. It may also be used for
washing or bathing dogs, horses, or other animals, carriages, windows, watering or
sprinkling flowers, plants, trees, and the like, or for extinguishing fires, and for
other similar purposes. Its object is to provide a light, cheap, simple, effective,
and portable or other single or double acting pumping apparatus capable of being
worked by the heel or heels of one foot or both feet of the operator for raising the
water from a bucket receptacle, or the like on to the operator, or any other desired
object or thing, and at the same time permitting of the operator having the free
use of both hands (when working the apparatus with the feet) for washing purposes
or for directing or controlling the supply of water.
According to this invention one or more pump barrels are mounted either
vertically, diagonally, or horizontally within a water receptacle such as a bucket,
vat, cistern, or the like, or upon a stand or platform of any convenient description.
In the pump barrel or barrels is or are mounted one or more pistons connected in
some cases together by one or more tubes or water passages, said tubes being
armed with suitable bali or other valves, or the valves may be fixed in a suitable
receptacle separate from or fixed to one or both ends of the pump barrel or barrels.
Or when a barrel having a double piston is employed the two ends thereof may be
connected together by means of a tube armed with suitable ball valves.
A reciprocating motion is imparted to the piston or pistons from pedals (jointed at
their toes directly to the receptacle or stand or by suitable connections so as to permit
of the heel portions thereof being free) through a rocking shaft fulcrummed at or
about its centre to the outside of the receptacle or stand (under the said pedals)
and one or more levers fixed to a second rocking shaft within the receptacle
or stand.
By this means water may be drawn into one barrel or end thereof and ejected
from the other end or barrel.
The ejection end or ends of the barrel or barrels may be armed with an india
rubber or other tube or tubes attached to the handle of a self feeding brush, jet,
douche, or rose in such a way that the said handle may be shortened or lengthened
as circumstances require.
Dated the Twenty-fourth day of November 1891.
DONALD NOBLE,
JOHN ARTHUR BROWN,
By W. Fairburn-Hart,
Agent.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Portable and other Pumping
Apparatus.
We, DONALD NOBLE, and JOHN ARTHUR BROWN, of Little Queen Street,
Leeds, in the County of York, Engineers, 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 :-
This invention relates to improvements in portable or other pumping apparatus,
such as is described in the Specifications of Letters Patent granted to the said
Donald Noble No. 2449 of 1889; 11830 of 1889; and 13418 of 1890; and it is
applicable for use in connection with baths or trays that may be removed from one
room to another, as well as with baths that are a fixture. It may also be used for
washing or bathing dogs, horses, or other animals, carriages, windows, watering or
sprinkling flowers, plants, trees, and the like; or for extinguishing fires, and for
other similar purposes.
Its object is to provide a light, cheap, simple, effective, and
portable or other single or double acting pumping apparatus capable of being
worked by the heel or heels of one foot or both feet of the operator for raising the
water from a bucket, receptacle, or the like on to the operator, or any other desired
object or thing and at the same time permitting of the operator having the free
use of both hands (when working the apparatus with the feet) for washing purposes
or for directing or controlling the supply of water.
.
In the drawings hereunto annexed I have shown the invention applied in two
ways; first, within a portable water receptacle; and second, within a portable
casing applicable for use with a bath or tray, but it may also be applied to baths,
vats, cisterns, or other water receptacles that are a fixture.
Fig. 1. is a front elevation with a portion of the water receptacle removed in
order to show the pump barrels.
Fig. 2. is a plan of same looking at the top.
Eigs. 3 and 4 are enlarged sectional elevations of pump barrels showing the
pistons and valves in different positions.
Fig. 5. is a front elevation with one of the sides of the platform removed.
Fig. 6. is a plan of same looking at the top.
0
Fig. 7. is an elevation of apparatus shown at Fig. 5 with one of the ends
removed.
Fig. 8. is a sectional elevation of cylinders, pistons, and valve box.
Figs. 9 and 10 are respectively a sectional elevation and plan of valve box.
Figs. 11 and 12 are respectively a front elevation and end elevation of arrange-
ment for throwing the pedals in and out of action.
Like or corresponding parts in all the views are marked with the same letters of
reference.
1 will first describe the invention applied within a water receptacle, and then
within a platform which also serves as a casing for the pumping mechanism as well
as for the appliances required for bathing purposes.
At Figs. 1 and 2, A. & is the water receptacle which is shown in the drawings in
the form of a galvanised water bucket cylindrical in form, but it may also consist of
a bath, vat, cistern, or the like and may be made of any suitable material, such as
for instance, wood, brass, copper, zinc, stone, earthenware, slate, or the like, and of
any convenient size and shape.
Within the water receptacle A. are mounted two pump barrels B B¹. These are
shown in the drawings in a horizontal position, that is to say, the axes of each
barrel is parallel (or nearly so) with the bottom a of the water receptacle. But
the axes of the barrels are in the drawings arranged at an angle to each other.

page_text: We would have it understood, however, that the barrels may be arranged in any
other suitable position, that is paralled with each other, or at any convenient angle
to each other, as well as to the bottom a of the receptacle, or they may be arranged
vertically. Also the number of barrels may be increased or diminished as circum-
stances require. But in practice we prefer to employ two barrels B B' of any
suitable length, diameter, or shape arranged as shown in the drawings.
The ends of the pump barrels B B are closed by covers band to which
are attached separate valve boxes C C¹ C³ C³ communicating with the interior of
the pump barrels at c e¹² c³. In the valve boxes are fixed the valve seats c¹ c³ cª c²,
provided with ball valves c³ cc as shown. Lugs cccc are also cast on
or fixed to the valve boxes CC¹ C³ C³ for securing the barrels to the water
receptacle A.
To the valve boxes C¹ C³ are, at the rear of the barrels, fixed the inlet
pipes D D which are carried down to within a suitable distance of the bottom a of
the water receptacle and armed with suction nozzles d d as shown. While the valve
boxes C Cat the front ends of the barrels are connected to a single bifurcated
pipe E which in turn communicates with an air vessel F consisting of a tube bent to
form a ring, and fixed at or near the top of the water receptacle A either on the
inside as shown, or on the outside for the purpose of strengthening it. The ring F
may also be fixed so as to form a handle for carrying the water receptacle, and it
may in addition provided with a semi-circular tube arched over the water receptacle
and connected at its ends to the ring F. The outlet tube G is arranged to pass
through air vessel F and down the tube E to about the point at which the latter
is bifurcated to form a connection with the valve boxes. C C². In each of the pump
barrels B B are provided two pistons H and H, Hand H³ connected together by
hollow piston rods H* H*. To the pistons H H are fixed "clack" valves H® H
for closing the orifices of the hollow piston rods. When preferred the valves H'H'
may be formed of balls. In the arrangement of pump barrels, pistons, and rods
shown at Figs. 1 to 4 four chambers H H H H are provided between the
pistons and covers, for the reception of water, but two are only filled at a time as
will be readily understood from the hereinafter description of the working of the
pumps. A reciprocating motion is imparted to pistons H H H H³ from pedals ! I'
to the pistons H H H H through rocking fever I", rocking shafts 1 1 and
levers The pedals II' are jointed at their toes or rear ends by means of
the fixings 12, 13 secured to the pedals and provided with bearings for connecting
them to the rocking shafts 1 Is which are arranged to pass through the sides of
the water receptacle A and mounted respectively in the bearings 1° 17 18 1º. The
bearings 118 are formed on brackets fixed within the water receptacle A to its
bottom a.
While the bearings 1° 1° are attached to a skeleton stand 110 of a some-
what similar construction to that shown in drawings accompanying to the said
Specification No. 13418 of 1890. At the points where the shafts II enter the
water receptacle A suitable glands of ordinary construction, or packings such as
india rubber and metal washers 14 pressed against the inner side of the water
receptacle by helical springs 115 on said shafts, may be employed for making water-
tight joints. On the shafts II' are mounted the levers 1 13 which are employed
for reciprocating the pistons H H H H. The upper ends of the levers 112 [13
are arranged to work in the recesses [1* 117 attached to the piston rods as H* H* as
shown.
In order to raise the pedals II' alternately, that is to employ the motion
required for depressing one pedal for also raising the other, the pedals which are
revolving fixed at the shafts II are supported at or about their centres by the
double ended lever I", which is mounted in the bearings 119 by trunnions 118 so that
when pedal I' is depressed, the end I of lever I" will be raised simultaneously and
carry the pedal I upwards or vice versa.
The outlet pipe G may be armed with an india rubber tubing to which may be
attached any kind of self-feeding, brush, rose, or nozzle.

page_text: Instead of arranging the valves c c c10 cl in separate boxes as shown at Figs. 1
tot, they may be arranged in one box J somewhat similar to that shown at Figs. 5
and 9 and the ends of double acting pump barrels may be connected to said valve
box by tubes such as J J. Also when the pump barrels B B₁ are arranged at
right angles or diagonally to the bottom a with the chambers H' H" at the top,
then the tubes D D will require to be prolonged in order to admit the water into
the barrels at the upper ends. And further instead of the hollow piston rods H'H'
separate passages and valves may be provided for conveying the water from one
compartment to another.
The mode of operating the pump is as follows:-
The water receptacle A having been filled with water to the desired height.
The operator then stands upon the pedals II' with his heels near their free ends.
On depressing pedal the shaft I will be caused to partially rotate carrying with
it lever 11 causing the pistons H2 H³ (in pump barrel B') to travel in the
direction of arrow 2.
When this is done a vacuum will be formed in chamber H" which opens
valve cand draws the water out of the receptacle A up tube D' into said
'compartment. Whilst this part of the operation is being performed, the water
previously admitted to compartment H0 (from compartment H" through
hollow piston rod H) keeps the valve H' closed, and the water in said com-
partiment H is made by piston H³ to open valve and pass up one of the
bifurcations of and into tube E where it compresses the air in the air vessel
until the pressure from the latter is sufficient to force the water up the tube G and
deliver it therefrom in a continuous stream. When the pedals I is depressed, the
pedal I will be simultaneously raised by double ended lever 1" which partially rotates
shaft I carrying with it lever 112 and pistons H H (in pump barrel B) in the
direction of arrow 1. When this is done valves c³, are closed the water previously
admitted to compartment HP is forced through hollow piston rod H, opening
valve H into compartment H³, ready to be ejected therefrom on the return of
the said pistons.
A similar action is obtained when the pedal I is depressed and pedal I' raised,
only the action of the valves are reversed.
It will be readily understood in the arrangement of pump barrels above described
we obtain all the advantages of a double-acting pump by means of the single
acting pumps, in which one of the compartments in each barrel is employed for
receiving the water from the receptacle A at the same time that the water in the
other compartment of the same barrel is being ejected through tube G. By this
means a greater pressure may be obtained without any material increase of
actuating power. At the same time if desired an arrangement of double acting
pump barrels may be employed, and actuated by the herein described pedal
mechanism.
At Figs. 5, 6 and 7 we have shown our invention arranged in a suitable form for
use with a portable bath or tray as follows:-
A is the platform preferably made of sheet brass, though any other suitable
material such as sheet iron, galvanised iron, zinc, wood, or wood lined with tin,
brass, or zinc may be used. The platform may be made in any suitable size,
shape, and depth, such as for instance, of say the same dimensions as given in the
aforesaid Specifications. The platform A is divided into two compartments a* a¹;
compartiment a being open at the top and compartment al being open at the
bottom; or it may be closed when desired by a hinged or other lid not shown in
the drawings.
In compartment a* are fixed the pumping mechanism, while the bathing or toilet
requisites may be packed away in compartment a'. By covering the compartment a
as shown water is prevented entering therein.
B B' are single acting pump barrels fixed vertically within compartment a* and
arranged so that the pistons H H₁, which reciprocates therein, shall be capable of

page_text: making a stroke the full length of the barrel, that is they are capable of being
raised until their upper surface is level with the top of the barrels.
The pedals II consisting of skeleton metal framing lined with wood, are
attached at their toes or ends furthest from the pump barrels to the platform A
at 11 by means of a wide joint or hinge so as to prevent as much as possible any
lateral movement at the front end of the pedals, thereby enabling the pistons to
work evenly. In order that the operator may stand on the pedals with his feet at
an angle to each other and still be able to impart a direct and even pressure to the
pistons, that is to cause them to work perfectly evenly in the pump barrels, the
pedals are made much wider at the toes than at the heels. The outer ends of
the pedals 11 are arranged to bear upon the double ended lever I" which in turn
is jointed at or about its centre between cranks L L mounted by trunnions L' L'
in bearings L' L' formed for their reception respectively in the bracket I and on
the valve box J. To the trunnion L' is fixed on the outside of the platform A a
lever L which is employed for raising, when turned to the right hand, the lever "
with its centre of oscilation above that of the trunnions, into the position shown
at Fig. 5, that is the end I of the lever will be raised while end [2 will be
depressed thereby placing the pedals in position for actuating the pistons. But
when the lever L is turned to the left hand with the centre of oscillation below
that of the trunnions then the lever I may be passed below the upper edge of
compartment a*, and both the pedals closed on to the top of the platform for
packing purposes. The ends 120 12 of lever 1" are armed with runners i*i** as
shown, on which the underside of the pedals rest. Or when preferred the ends of
lever I may be connected to the underside of the pedals by a universal or other
joint. Spring catches M M' are employed for retaining lever L' in position.
The pistons H H are connected to the pedals I 1' by means of links K K' which
are jointed at their respective ends to the said parts, that is link K is attached to
the pedal I and piston H at K K³; and link K' is attached to pedal !' and piston H¹
at K* K*.
The pump barrels B B' are connected at their lower ends by the pipes J2 J³ to
the valve box J. The valve box J is divided into two compartments J* J** com-
municating with the same inlet and outlet in which the valves eccleli are
arranged to work as described in the hereinbefore mentioned Specifications. From
the top of the valve box J is a tube J which is bent and carried down within a
second tube E (placed parallel with the valve box J and arranged to communicate
with and to form part of the air vessel F) to within a short distance of the line of
the bottom of the valve box. The air vessel F passes round the side and two ends
of compartment a* and it is also employed for strengthening the platform. The
outlet tube G is also passed down the tube E to the level of the bottom of tube .J*.
Water is admitted to the valve box J through pipe J³.
To the inlet pipe J and outlet tube G may be respectively attached pieces of
flexible tubing of suitable lengths, that for the inlet being armed with an ordinary
nozzle, and the outlet with any kind of self-feeding brush, or rose, or nozzle through
which water forced by the herein described pumping apparatus may be employed
and used therewith.
N is a handle attached to the platform for carrying purposes.
The mode of operating the pumping apparatus shown at Figs. 5, 6 and 7 is as
follows
The lever L having been turned to the right hand (and secured in position by
spring catch M) for placing the pistons H H in position. The nozzle on the
flexible tube attached to the inlet pipe J is then immersed in a bucket of water.
Motion for actuating the pistons is imparted by the heels of the operator's feet as
he balances himself upon the pedals. On pedal 1 being depressed, pedal l' will be
raised by end I" of lever I and by means of the vacuum formed by (the receding
piston H') in the compartment H of pump barrel B₁ (valves c c being then
opened and valves cc closed) water will be drawn from the bucket, through
flexible tube, inlet J' into valve box J, through valve c", pipe J³ into compartment H.

page_text: On the depression of pedal water thus drawn into the compartment H will be
ejected therefrom (the valves being automatically altered into the position shown
at Fig. 8 that is valves 8c will now be opened and valves closed) by the
piston H. The water from compartment H passes through pipe ³, valve into
pipe J when it is carried down to the bottom of the tube E (which forms a part
of the air vessel F) and gradually rises in this tube until a sufficient supply of water
has been admitted from both pump barrels to sufficiently compress. the air therein.
When this has been done the water will be forced up tube G and delivered through
the brush or other armature on the flexible pipe (attached to tube G) in a continuous
stream. Whilst the water is being forced from compartment H into pipe E as
described, water is simultaneously being drawn from the bucket into compartment H
of pump
barrel Bthrough inlet pipe J, valve box J, valve and pipe J. On the
depression of pedal I and on the descent of piston H (the valves being then in
the first mentioned order, namely open and closed) the water in com-
partment H will be forced through pipe J², valve 10, pipe J, tube E, and out
through tube G as already described. At the same time water will be drawn into
the compartment H as previously described.
By this means water may Le drawn into one compartment. simultaneously with
the ejection of the water from the compartment of the other barrel the valves
automatically adjusting themselves therefor.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1st. The arrangement and combination of valves and tubes,, pump barrels and
pistons, pedals and levers substantially as herein before described by means of which
the pumping apparatus may be worked by the heels of the operator's feet, that is
to say the combination of the pump barrels B, B arranged within a water
receptacle or platform as described having one or two pistons reciprocating therein
with the pedals 1 1' hinged at their toe ends, lever I alonc,, or levers [12 113 and
shafts combined, and valves eccll and tubes connected therewith whereby
water may be drawn out of a bucket or other receptacle into one pump, barrel
simultaneously with the ejection of water in a continuous stream from the other
barrel.
2nd. In pumping apparatus worked by the heels of the operator's feet the
arrangement and combination of parts substantially as herein before described by
means of which water admitted to the pump barrels arranged within a platform or
water receptacle as described may be admitted into the barrel at one end and on
the return stroke of the piston passed to the other end of the barrel prior to being
ejected therefrom, that is to say the combination of a pump barrel such as B or B₁
arranged within a water receptacle A having two pistons such as H H or H³ H
reciprocating therein, with the hollow piston rod such as H or.H' and valves such
as cc and H or co c¹ and H7 and the mechanism for reciprocating the pistons as
herein described.
3rd. In pumping apparatus such as herein. described worked by the heels of the
operator's feet the combination of two pump barrels B B' and their pistons and
valves, boxes and tubes arranged within a water receptacle with an air vessel F and
with the pedals I l' hinged at their toes, shafts 115 and levers I" 112 113 sub-
stantially as and for the purposes described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 of the
accompanying drawings.
4th. In pumping apparatus such as herein described worked by the heels of the
operator's feet the combination of the pump barrels B B', pistons H H' valve
box J and parts connected therewith and air vessel F, with pedals I I' hinged at
their toes, connecting links K K' jointed respectively to the pedals and pistons and
adjustable lever 1" and mechanism for operating the same whereby the pistons may
make a stroke the full length of the pump barrel substantially as described with
reference to Figs. 5 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 5th. The improved pumping apparatus worked by the heels of the operator's
feet substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Dated this Twenty-third day of August 1892.
DONALD NOBLE,
JOHN ARTHUR BROWN,
By W. Fairburn-Hart,
Agent.