AN IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OR CONSTRUCTION OF APPARATUS OR FITTINGS TO BE USED IN SUPPLYING AND DISCHARGING HOT AND COLD WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Johnstone Wilson, of Edinburgh, in the County of
Mid Lothian, North Britain, Hydraulic Engineer, for the Invention of "AN
IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OR CONSTRUCTION OF APPARATUS OR FITTINGS TO BE
USED IN SUPPLYING AND DISCHARGING HOT AND COLD WATER AND OTHER
LIQUIDS, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Jolinstone Wilson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th January 1876.
JOHN JOHNSTONE WILSON, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North
Britain, Hydraulic Engineer. "AN IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OR CONSTRUCTION OF
APPARATUS OR FITTINGS TO BE USED IN SUPPLYING AND DISCHARGING HOT AND
COLD WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE FOR
OTHER PURPOSES."
This Invention relates to an improved arrangement or construction of apparatus
or fittings to be used in supplying and discharging hot and cold water or other
liquids, and whilst equally applicable to purposes generally wherein a supply of
hot or cold water is required the Invention is specially of service for domestic pur-
poses. As regards supplying hot water for such purposes the Invention is intended
to be employed in connexion with high or low pressure boilers, either heated by
common ranges or by other suitable means. For this purpose a pipe is connected to
the boiler, and communicates with a discharge outlet and also with a pressure guage,
at whose upper end an air vessel or chamber is placed. To the chamber a pipe pro-
vided with an ordinary cock or valve is also attached. The guage is employed for
the purpose of at all times indicating the height of water within the boiler, the
pressure of air above the column of water in the guage preventing the pressure
within the boiler from raising the water in the guage above the normal water level
of the boiler. The air pressure of the guage is regulated by the air cock or valvo
in the pipe attached thereto.
In the outlet pipe, or in communication therewith, a stop valve is placed, which
consists of a semicircular piece of vulcanised india-rubber or other suitable elastic
material. The valve is formed with a flanch around its flat side, by which it is held
in a bracket provided with projecting wings, which slide on guides formed within
1

page_text: the outer casing. The semicircular portion of the valve bears when shut against
a cup, and the bracket is either attached to a screw handle, after the manner of a
universal joint, or the valve spindle may be attached to a lever. By either of thoso
arrangements when the valve is drawn back or up from the cup the outflow or dis-
charge orifice is opened, and when pushed into the cup the said orifice is closed. To
prevent the dripping of water or other liquid from the discharge orifice, as is the
case with cocks or valves as hitherto made, an air space is formed in the outer
chamber of the valve which communicate by openings with the atmosphere, and the
rim of the cup is slightly raised to form a gutter at the bottom of the valve
climber into which the water remaining in the discharge cock after the valve is
chut off collects, and is from thence expelled by atmospheric pressure within the
chamber. At junctions of the different parts of the apparatus ordinary box and
scrow couplings with jamb nuts are preferably employed.
Cocks constructed as herein-before described, and without the gauging apparatus,
may also be employed in admitting or discharging water at such other parts of
dwelling houses where water is used, as, for example, at sinks, baths, and lavatories.
In lieu of making the india-rubber or other elastic valve semicircular, as herein-
before stated, it may be made completely circular, with a flanch around its diameter,
in which case after the part on one side of the flanch is worn the valve may be
reversed. A strainer is employed in connexion with the improved apparatus, which
is situate in the inlet pipe to prevent passage of sediment or other impurities
through the cock.
As regards apparatus for the discharge of water or other liquids the Invention
further consists in bending the discharge pipe into the form of a syphon and
placing at the lowest part of the syphon a trap or well, into which matters held in
suspension in the water are deposited.
In adapting the Invention to sinks, "slop stones," and other similar situations a
box is preferably used, to the outside of which the discharge cocks are fitted. The
cervico pipe is introduced into the box loosely, that is to say, it is not held up by
holdfasts or bands in the usual manner, and it is then coupled to the cock by means
of a joint piece and union coupling or other equivalent means. By this arrange-
ment provision is made for expansion and contraction of the service pipe, whereby
greater security to the same from such accidents as breaking or bursting is afforded.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Johnstone Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th
July 1876:
.
JOHN JOHNSTONE WILSON, of Edinburgh, in the County of Mid Lothian, North
Britain, Hydraulic Engineer. "AN IMPROVED ARRANGEMENT OR CONSTRUCTION OF
APPARATUS OR FITTINGS TO BE USED IN SUPPLYING AND DISCHARGING HOT AND COLD
WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, PART OR PARTS OF WHICH ARE APPLICABLE FOR OTHER
PURPOSES."
My said Invention relates to an improved arrangement or construction of apparatus
or fittings to be used in supplying and discharging hot and cold water, or other
liquids, and whilst equally applicable to purposes generally wherein a supply of hot
or cold water is required, my Invention is specially of service for domestic purposes.
As regards supplying hot water for such purposes the Invention is intended to be
employed in connection with high or low pressure boilers, either heated by common
ranges or by other suitable means. For this purpose a pipe is connected to the boiler
and communicates with a discharge outlet and also with a pressure gauge, at
whose upper end an air vessel or chamber is placed. To the chamber a pipe pro-
vided with an ordinary cock or valve is also attached. The gauge is employed for
the purpose of at all times indicating the height of water within the boiler, the
pressure of air aboye the column of water in the gauge preventing the pressure
within the boiler from raising the water in the gauge above the water level of

page_text: the boiler. The air pressure of the gauge is regulated by the air cock or valve in
the pipe attaclied to the gauge.
In the outlet or service pipes of water fittings I place a stop valve which consists
of a semicircular or of a spherical piece of vulcanized india-rubber or other
suitable elastic material. The valve is surrounded by a flanch by which it is held
in a bracket or ring connected indirectly to the valve spindle, which latter may
either be of the ordinary screw form, or arranged to be actuated by a lever and
weight. Under either of these modes when the valve is drawn back or up from
its cup or seat the outflow or discharge orifice is opened, and when pushed into the
cup the said orifice is closed. To prevent the dripping of water or other liquid
from the discharge orifice which occurs with cocks or valves as hitherto made, an
air space is formed in the wall of the valve chamber which communicates by
openings with the atmosphere, and the bottom of the valve chamber is slightly
grooved to form a gutter into which the water remaining in the discharge cock
after the valve is shut collects, and is from thence expelled by atmospheric pressure
within the chamber.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now procced
more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in, or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to
the annexed Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say-
At Figure 1, on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, is shown a side view of
the gauge constructed in accordance with my said Invention for indicating tho
height of the water in the boiler with which it communicates. A pipe A connects
the boiler and gauge together, the latter being situated at any convenient place in
the house or building, as for instance, at the side of the fire-place or on the chimney
piece, a back plate I of suitable form fixed to the wall constituting the support of
the gauge, as shown. The glass tube B of the gauge is fitted at its upper end
with an air chamber C, provided with an escape pipe D which is furnished with a
tap or cock E.
A two or three-way valve or cock F is provided at the lower end
of the gauge for the purpose of opening or closing communication between the
boiler and the gauge as desired, Ġ being a discharge pipe with stop-cock con-
veniently attached. When communication is free between the boiler and the gauge
through the pipe A it is obvious that according as the column of air above the
level of the water in the gauge tube B is regulated by the air cock E, the height
of the water in the boiler is readily ascertained, regard being had to the vertical
position of the gauge relatively to the boiler, and of the boiler relatively to the
cistern supplying the boiler. By this means a minimum height of water may bo
fixed, whereby safety from bursting or cracking of the boiler is obtained, the
height of the water therein being ascertained at a glance at the gauge tube B. The
gauge may be brought into operation at any time, but it is especially useful in
cases of intermittent supply.
At Figure 2 on the accompanying Sheet of Drawings is represented a vertical
section of my improved stop valve and coupling; Figure 3 being a plan of the
same with the cover of the valve cup removed. As shewn on the Drawings a
circular piece of vulcanized or fibrous india-rubber, or other suitably elastic
inaterial, is held in the ring or bracket by the flanch or ring which encircles
its periphery horizontally. The lower end of the valve a fits in a seat whilst its'
upper end is grasped and protected from injury by the cover c, screwed or other-
wise fastened to the ring or bracket b. The screw spindle d by which the valve is
raised or lowered is in turn screwed into the upper end of the said cover c, an
india-rubber disc or diaphragm e resting at its edges on the rim of the cup or
valve chamber, being interposed between the cover and a paling on the spindle,
as shewn.
Guides are forined on the palm g, between which wings i cast on or
with the cover of the valve chamber enter. This arrangement prevents a rotatory
motion being imparted to the ring b and cover c, holding the valve as aforesaid,
and produces the vertical motion of the spindle & when the knob or top is turned,

page_text: The rim or lip of the valve seat is preferably rounded and forms a gutter or
trench m around the bottom of the chamber f, into which, when the valvo a is
closed, the water remaining in the chamber f collects. Air is introduced into the
chamber by means of a groove n cut in the rim of the cup or chamber f, and
communicating by the orifice o with the atmosphere, and by the orifice o¹ with the
interior of the valve chamber f, as seen at Figures 2 and 3, a partial vacuum being
produced by the closing of the valve the air rushes into the valve chamber f and
at once expels the water collected as aforesaid in the gutter or trench ; thus
no dropping occurs at the mouth of the tap, and the valve and spindle are saved
from the undue pressure customarily exerted with a view to arrest the dropping
from valves and cocks hitherto in use. The valve cup or chamber fis secured to
the cover by means of a box nut p. An index consisting of a pin x fixed to the
top of the screw spindle d and passing through tho head or knob l, and provided
with a button or study shows at all times whether the valve a is open or closed,
and when closed it serves to relieve the valve of undue pressure by arresting its
downward motion. The index will be especially of use in places were the supply
of water is intermittent as a safeguard against flooding.
At Figures 2 and 3 is further illustrated an improved modo (embraced by this
Invention) of coupling a valve or stop-cock to a pipe or junction H through a back
plate I. A diamond or other shaped nut K formed on the pipe H is inserted into a
correspondingly shaped hole formed in the back plate I. The screw tail of the
'cock or valve is then introduced into the female screw of the nut K, and screwed
up until the shoulder or check L of the tail rests firmly against the face of tho
back plate I. Holdfasts are by this means dispensed with and displacement
obviated, the pipe from the cistern or elsewhere being either soldered or brazed on
to the end of the junction H. Expansion and contraction are also free to take
place, whereby vibration and danger from rupture are avoided. This arrangement
is shewn at Figures 4 and 5 as applied to the hot and cold water pipes of a sink
of ordinary construction, Figure 4 representing a front view of a back plate I, and
Figure 5 a back view of the same.
Figuro 6, which is combined with Figure 4, shows my improved trap for the
reception of deleterious or other matters contained or held in suspension in the
water discharged from the sink. These matters collect in the chamber M screwed
to the pipe N, and by forming the female screw in the neck of the said chamber,
injury to the threads thereof or of the male screw on the pipe from the matters
deposited is obviated. The chamber M is readily removed for the purpose of clearing
it of its contents at intervals.
Figure 7 is a side elevation of a ball cock, such as is commonly used in connection
with cisterns, but having the principle of my improved valve, as herein-before
described in reference to Figures 2 and 3, adapted thereto. Figures 8 and 9 are 4
vertical sections of the same, the former representing the volvo closed, and the
latter open. It it to be understood that a floating ball is attached to the lover P,
and as it rises or falls it actuates the spindle d so as to force the valve a into its
scat and thereby close the pipe R, or to withdraw it therefrom and so admit water
from the pipe R to the pipe S. The valve a, ring b, and cover c, are similar to 4
those shown at Figures 2 and 3, but the valvo seat nis preferably screwed into the
tail of the supply pipe R, and the trench or gutter surrounding it is dispensed
with. For the purpose of preventing injury to the valve from the passage of lead
shavings and other injurious and impure matters into the cistern or other receptacle
a wire gauze strainer is placed in the end of the screw tail of the valve seat,
as seen in Figures 8 and 9, and at the couplings in Figures 2 and 3. The strainer
may casily be taken out to be cleaned. In cases where the gauze strainer r is not
used, the valve seat is or may be formed in the metal of the screw tail of the
pipe R, and in order to ensure freedom of the valve seat from corrosion, and other-
wise protect it, it is preferred that the seat bo tinned or incased with tin or other 5
suitable substance, more especially when applied to hot-water pipes, and to resist
chemical action. The spindle d of the ball cock works in the barrel d¹, which is

page_text: rendered water-tight by the packing washer attached to the spindle d, which
latter is so prevented from vibrating, while less friction is occasioned than when tho
spindle bears on the barrel as hitherto.
Figures 10 and 11 represent respectively a front view and transverse section of
a modification of my Invention, in which a lever T and weight U are employed to
open and close the valve a, the lever T being actuated from a handle attached at
any convenient place to the chain t. This arrangement is specially adapted to
baths, lavatories, and similar places, and in order to avoid the shock caused by the
great excess of power cominonly employed for closing the valves of such places a
weight U is adjustable on the arm T by means of the pinching screw w, and may
be fixed at any desired point where it will exert a power little in excess of the
pressure of the water on the valve a, which may be thus opened or closed without
unnecessary effort and without causing the shock and vibration at present
experienced. The corrugated rubber lining 8 of the valve chamber assists in the
prevention of vibration, the points of the corrugations bearing on the ring b,
while any water that may be above the valve escapes readily through the
cavities of the corrugations. An air orifice 8¹ is formed in the side of the cover k
to prevent the creation of a vacuum in the space between the disc e and the
stuffing box d. The pivot T¹ of the lever T may be supported at any convenient
point, either from the flanch of the valve chamber, as shown, or from a wall or
other bracket. The stool or platform V to which the apparatus is attached is pre-
ferably provided with a metallic edging forming a receptacle for water resulting
from leakage or other cause, and a pipe X acts as a warning of such leakage, it
being led to any convenient place for such purpose.
Figure 12 represents a mode or means of preventing the water in the supply
pipe A from freezing when in exposed situations. The semicircular cover A is
furnished with a cup A, in which the supply valve is placed with the nozzle pro-
jecting through an orifice formed in the cup A for that purpose. The knob % of
the valve projects up through the cover of the said cup, as shown, the wings or
lugs B of the semicircular pipe cover A¹ are for the purpose of fastening it to a
wall or other available support. The space between the pipe A and cover A', and
the space between the valve and the cup A2 is intended to be filled with sawdust
or other heat retaining substance, whereby the supply pipe A and valve are pro-
tected from the effects of frost. As no water remains in the valve chamber after
being closed, as herein-before described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, no
freezing can take place therein. Cocks or taps so constructed are equally applicable
to shower, douche, and other baths.
The ball constituting the valve proper is reversible, so that when one side is
worn it may be turned in the cover c, and when desired it may be fitted, as seen
at Figure 13, with a button and pin attached to the screw securing the cover c
to the spindle for the purpose of preventing the valve from being unduly forced in
its seat.
The valves constructed in accordance with this Invention are not liable to
spread or to be cut on their seats.
To provide for the wearing of the exterior casing of the screw spindle d at the
point where it impinges on the top of the neck of the cover of the valve chamber
the said exterior casing may be made with a serew thread on the interior and
secured to the socket in which the screw d works by a check or shoulder, and when
wear takes place it may be screwed down so as to bear firmly on the neck of the
cover. The cover may be continued up to the under side of the knob l, to
exclude dust from the swivel joint.
Instead of employing a circular or spherical valve, as herein-before described and
shewn on the Drawings, a semicircular valve with the flanch or ring arranged
around its diameter may be used in the various cocks or valves constructed in
accordance with my said Invention.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said In-
vention, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is or may

page_text: be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion, that what
I consider to bo novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The adaptation of the gauge, herein-before described and shewn at
Figure 1 of the Drawings, to boilers employed for domestic and other similar
purposes, as and for the purposes set forth.
Second. The general arrangement and construction of the cock or tap formed
with air communications and recessed valve seat for the purpose of expelling all
water from the valve chamber immediately after the valve is closed, sub-
stantially as herein-before described with reference to Figures and 3 of the
Drawings.
Third. The indicator y attached to the screw spindle for the purpose of
showing at all times the position of the valve and acting as a safeguard against
flooding, as describ'd with reference to Figure 3 of the Drawings hereunto
annexed.
Fourth. The circular and semicircular clastic valves for water fittings formed
with a projecting band around them, the circular valve being reversible in the
ring or bracket in which it is held, substantially as set forth and in part shewn at
Figures 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, and 13, of the Drawings.
Fifth. The mode of fixing hot and cold water cockes or taps over sinks, basins,
and in similar places without the addition of "holdfasts" or ties, and so
affording freedom for expansion and contraction while preventing trembling or
vibration, as described with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, of the accom-
panying Drawings.
Sixth. Protecting the valve from injury by preventing the passage of deleterious
matters into the pipe by means of the gauze protector, as set forth with reference
to Figures 2, 3, 8, and 9, of the annexed Drawings.
Seventh. Attaching to the waste pipe of sinks or other places of discharge a
receptacle for matters contained or suspended in the effluent liquid, as described
with reference to Figure 6 of the Drawings.
Eighth. The general arrangement and construction of the apparatus constituting
the valve or tap, herein-before described and shewn at Figures 7, 8, and 9, of the
Drawings hereunto annexed.·
Ninth. The combination of the valvo with a lever and weight to enable the easy
adjustment of the power required to close the valve, thus preventing concussion and
vibration, as herein-before described and shown at Figures 10 and 11 on the accom-
panying Sheet of Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Johnstono Wilson, have hereunto set my
band and seal, this Fifth day of July, One thousand eight hundred and
JOHN JOHNSTONE WILSON. (L.S.)