IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS, LAVATORIES, ANDE URINALS, AND IN REGULATING SUPPLIES FOR SAME BY WATER VALVES
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James George Stidder, of Hanover Street,
Long Acre, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERCLOSETS, LAVATORIES, AND
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said James George Sidder
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition
and Declaration, on the 28th February 1868, pursuant to the 9th
Section of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
GEORGE STIDDER, of Hanover Street, Long Acre, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in. possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATERCLOSETS. LAVATORIES, AND URINALS, AND IN REGULATING SUPPLIES FOR
SAME BY WATER VALVES," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant
unto me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters
Patent for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that I am the true
and first Inventor thereof.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James George Stidder, do hereby
declare that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and
seal, fully describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, in and by the following state-
ment thereof, that is to say:-
This Invention has reference to the construction of waterclosets, urinals,
and regulating supply valves, useful for the purposes of the same, and for
other purposes, the object being to economise the use of water, and
also as regards the waterclosets to secure facility and efficiency of
action.
And in order that the Invention may be readily understood I have
annexed to these presents Sheets of Drawings illustrating the nature and
character thereof, and in what manner the same is to be performed or
carried out in practice, which I now proceed to describe.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Sheet No. 1, Fig. 1 is a vertical section of a watercloset and trap;
Fig. 2, discharge valve of watercloset and its axle; Fig. 3, front elevation
of inspection door in trap.
In these Figures a denotes the pan which is to be constructed of
earthenware by preference (though it might be made of metal or other
substance if thought desirable). It will be seen that this pan is of
peculiar form as exhibited by the Drawing, being adapted and fitted to the
trap aforesaid, b, b, being a part of the pan which forms the seating of
the valve, which valve consists of a ring c, c, of india-rubber, leather, or
other suitable substance secured between circular rims d, d, which are
turned over to retain in position the said ring c, c, and also to secure the
circular plate of earthenware e placed in the centre, the whole being
supported in the brass plate f, of which that rim which is between the
earthen plate and india-rubber forms part, the other and outer rim
also marked d, d, being a separate piece fixed in position by means of
screws in the lugs in the said brass plate f. This brass plate rests
on and is secured to a triangular projection h* proceeding from the
valve axle h. For securing the brass plate to the said axle there is a
threaded centre pin at f with a nut screwed thereon, also three set
screws i, i, i. The curvilinear dotted lines on the axle shew a cam
secured to the end of the said axle, and by means of a pin *, *, working
in the cam slot the valve is opened and shut, such pin being fixed to

page_text: the lever, this lever being worke.! (by the usual action) on its fulcrum
at *, and is fixed on the outside of the said trap. This trap is of the
form shewn, and is provided with a vertical inspection cover m, a detail
view of which is given at Fig. 3, such inspection cover being fitted in the
front or back of the trap, so as to close the part marked with the
➡in Fig. 1. This inspection cover is secured to
the trap by screws which screw together the lugs thereon. n is an over-
flow passage in the said trap; o, a pipe inserted therein terminating at top
in the overflow arm of the basin, as she wn; a*, ax, denote a flange part
of the pan which is secured to a flango of the trap, shewn in the
Drawing, by means of bolts or screws or other method of fastening.
Sheet No. 2, Fig. 4 is a vertical section of another arrangement of
pan and trap. In this case the conformation of the pan and of the trap
differ from those conformations already described, as will be seen by
inspecting the Drawings. The valve and lever arrangements vary from
those already described in respect of the discharge valve acting from
a vertical position instead of the horizontal position as before stated,
and in the inspection cover being situate on the top end of the trap.
A brass ring seating secured to this trap by turning over the same is
shewn in this Drawing, being there marked p, p. Where the same
letters of reference are placed on this Drawing, Sheet No. 2, they denote
the saine parts as those denoted by the same letters as Sheet No. 1.
Sheet No. 3 shews at Fig. 1 a vertical section of a watercloset pan
and valve intended for portable waterclosets, the same having a deep
collar or rim A to form a water-tight joint on the top of the receiver or
pail B (part cut away), the balance valve C being secured to the
bottom D of the basin by means of a brass collar E fixed to the said
part D by four set screws and cement; the lever E, having the usual
balance ball Fx at its end, is secured by its fulcrum pin in pendants G.
Fig. 2 represents a plan of the brass collar E and valve C; it also
shews the pendants G with the pin or axle H of the lever in the said
pendants. The balance ball has a small piece of india-rubber Fxx
inserted at top for the purpose of causing the rebound of the valve
by the elastic action of the india-rubber when brought into contact
with the part E upon the valve being opened and emptying itself.
Fig. 3, Sheet No. 3, a vertical half section of arrangements for
supplying lavatory and watercloset basin by a push-down action on the
knob or lever handle. This arrangement consists of the basin I, which

page_text: for lavatories may be made to turn on and serve through the axes J, one
of which may be for hot and the other for cold water, as may be found
desirable, (one only being represented in the Drawings,) through which
axes, shewn in the Drawing, is the supply passage opening into the
basin and passing in a curve to the valve K, which is made of brass
faced with india-rubber or leather; the back of this valve, after a
lever L working on a fulcrum M which is secured in the side of the
valve body N, O, denoting the brass bearing with pin through it.
J* denotes the bearing for the axes J fixed to the outside of the pan,
as shewn K* denotes the metal seating for valve K inserted through
the end of the valve box of that valve. In the end of lever L the end
of an upright spindle P acts, such end being slotted to receive the end
of said lever L, the same being kept closed except when in action by the
spring Q, coiled around the said upright spindle P; this spindle passes
up through the slab frame on top of the lavatory or watercloset, the
top end of such spindle having a knob Px, which when pressed upon
presses down the lever L and opens the valve K, thus supplying the
water as may be required, which supply will cease immediately upon
pressure being withdrawn from the knob, thus economising the use of
water. The spring Q presses on the top of the packing*, through which
the upright spindle works, this spring also pressing at its upper end
against a socket collar on the upper part of the spindle P, by which
means the packing is tightly pressed, and the water is prevented from
working up along with it by the action of the spindle. R, screw
securing the hollow supply axis J to the wooden frame of the lavatory or
otherwise.
Sheet No. 4 shews several views of an arrangement of valves for
regulating the supply of water to waterclosets and for the discharge of
.water from lavatory basins and other such like uses. Fig. 1 is an
elevation, Fig. 2 a vertical section, Fig. 3 a cross section of the supply
valve; Fig. 4, plan of water regulating valve; Fig. 5, an elevation of a
basin discharge, Fig. 6 a cross section of the same, Fig. 7 a plan of
the valve thereof. A denotes the valve body or case for the valve for
admitting the supply of water; B, the regulator chamber; C is a pipe
.allowing water to pass from A to chamber D, with which chamber it
communicates by the short spindle valve E; a pipe F with a stop-
cock FX communicates with a supply arm G, (Figs. 3 and 4,) which is
connected to the cover part of the valve body A, as shewn by the

page_text: dotted lines; H is the regulator valve, the spindle of which passes up
through the cover of valve body A, and such spindle is screwed to a
slotted piece H, into which fits the end of a lever I, this lever being
supported upon a standard or pillar K (jointed thereto), such standard
being secured by being screwed into the cover of valve body A;
L, denotes a piston rod and piston working in the chamber or cylinder B,
such piston rod passing up through the cover of cylinder B and being
jointed to the lever I, this arrangement being attached to a watercloset
or lavatory, the supply arm G being the pipe for conveying water
thereto; then upon raising the lever I (by a suitable handle placed
near the watercloset) the valve H is thrown open and admits water
from A by the arm G to the closet, and by the same action the piston L
is raised and the valve E opens and admits water into the chambers B;
the return action of lever causes the piston L to close valve E and
force the water that is in chamber B through pipe F into supply arm G,
and at the same time closes the valve H, and stopping the flow of water
to the closet or other basin; and it will be evident that as the pipe F is
provided with a stop-cock Fx this may be so turned as to regulate the
amount of water that will pass in a given time into the watercloset
through valve H, hence no greater supply will be afforded after closing
the regulating valve than can be measured by the supply power of the
pipe as controlled by the position of the stop-cock Fx, and this will
continue to be so as long as the stop-cock is set in that position. At
Figs. 5, 6, and 7, aforesaid, M is the body of the basin discharge valve N,
the valve which is worked by means of a cam slot and lever, as shewn,
this arrangement being precisely similar to that shewn and described with
regard to the Drawing, Sheet No. 1, except that instead of a triangular
projection, such as that marked h* in Drawing No. 1, for supporting the
brass plate, (marked fin Drawing No. 1,) which forms part of the basin
discharge valve, I here adopt a one arm projection S, as shewn by the
dotted lines at Fig. 7. of this Sheet of Drawings, No. 4, O being the valve
spindle from which the arm S projects. These arrangements, shewn by
Figs. 5, 6, and 7, exemplify the adoption of the same to the purposes of
lavatory and urinal basins.
Sheet No. 5, Fig. 1 is a vertical section of a water economiser for
waterclosets, urinals, &c.; Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a fountain
watercloset; Fig. 3 is a cross section, and Fig. 4 is a plan of improved
lock rim grate. In Fig. 1 the external box marked A, A, A, with

page_text: its cover marked B is a receptacle for water. The water is admitted
through the valve C and escapes through the valve D; these two valves
C and D are simultaneously worked by the lever E from the rod F.
Whilst the closet, &c. is in use the lever E is down, so closing the
outlet valve 1 whilst opening the supply valve C; by this action the box
is filled with water each time the closet, &c. is used, and by the reverse
action, viz., the rising of the lever E, the box is emptied each time the
closet, &c. is used. As a provision against vacuum in the box an air
valve Kis closed by a float L, when the box is filled with water and
opened by its own weight, or by vacuum when the box is empty;
by its connection with the lever G and its rods H and 1 inside the box
the various levers and rods are restored to their original position, when
out of use, by the action of the strong spiral springs J, also inside the
box, by its action upon the lever G. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of a
fountain watercloset, of which the lower pau M, M, forms the base, into
which fits the upper pan N, N, at the junction O, O, made air-tight by
cement, and screws P, P. For the use of the closet, water is supplied
through the pipe Q, Q, into the upper pan N, and through a smaller
pipe R, R, into a trap pan S, S, which is placed beneath the outlet end
of the upper pan N, N, and so adjusted at level that keeps this outlet
immersed in water constantly, and so forms a perfect stench trap. The
lower end of the pipe R, R, is used as a support to the trap pan S, S;
a valve T is introduced at the bottom of the trap pan S, S, and screwed
to the pipe R by means of the screw S, to disperse the water uniformly
around the inside of pan S, S. Having used the closet, water is admitted
into the upper pan by the pipe Q and into the trap pan by the pipe R
simultaneously, so washing out the closet effectually, and the waste water
and soil pass away over the upper edge of the trap pan S, S, and away
through the outlet at the base of the lower pan M, M, into the drain.
Fig. 3 is a cross section, and Fig. 4 a plan of an improved rim grate for
lavatories, baths, &c. A circular grate U fitting by a rabbit recess into a
ring V, V; this grate is made secure in its position by lugs W, W, which
pass down and through recesses provided in the rabbit, and by a partial
turn of the grate, when in its seating, it is made secure by a taper face
provided on the under side of rabbit.
Sheet No. 6 shews several views of an arrangement of equilibrium
valves for regulating the supply of water to waterclosets, &c. Fig. 1, a
plan; Fig. 2, a longitudinal section; Fig. 3, a cross section, represents

page_text: a form of valve adapted to ordinary watercloset; Fig. 4, a longitudinal
section Fig. 5, a cross section; Fig. 6, section at A, B; Fig. 7, a
section at C, D, represents a form of valve adapted to regulate the supply
of water required in cleansing out the pans of dry closets after their
discharge. Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the letters a, a, a, represents the externa]
case of valve; the letters b, b, b, the cover to case; the letters c, c, c, is the
inlet pipe; the letters d, d, d, the outlet pipe; the letters e, e, the
piston rod, into the mid-length of which is placed the supply valve e**
to the lower extremity the piston ex which works in the cylinder f, f,
and passing out through a stuffing box in the cover b is then connected
to the lever g, 9, 9; the letter h. is a valve required to supply water to
the underside of piston; i is a screw plug to regulate the egress of
water passing from the cylinder away to the outlet pipe d; j, j, are
two screw caps provided as a means of examining or cleaning the
valves e or h. Having used the closet, the lever g is raised so
opening the supply valve exx, and raising the piston e* and opening
the valve h, and so making communication from the inlet pipe C
to the outlet ; having raised the lever g it is allowed to lower by
its own weight gradually, and in so doing by checking the current
the valve closes and obliges the water to pass out only through
the outlet regulated by the screw i, so leaving time for the
necessary supply of water to pass into the pan of closet through the
valve exx before it closes. Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, all the upper portion of
the valve case and valves acts precisely like that before described in
Figs. 1, 2, and 3, with the exception of an addition of an extra
chamber L, L, and valves M, M, below the outlet pipe D; this valve
is worked by a lever gxx like the upper valve lever gx, but with the
addition of a balance weight H; the letters N, N, N, is a side passage
communicating in the inlet passage C through the supply valve e** into
the chamber L, through the valve M, M, into the outlet passage D;
the letters O, O, represent two tappets placed upon a vertical rod P
jointed to lever Q, which also works the discharge valve of closet;
after the closet has been used the rod P is raised, which by the
tappet Oraises the lever gx which opens the discharge valve Q, and
so empties the closet, and the supply valve ** whilst the valve M, M,
is closed by the weighted lever g**, on losing the rod P and ever Q
tappet Ox presses down the lever 9**, opens valve M, M, admits water
to pass through D into the closet, while at the same time the lever g*

page_text: acts as before described in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, gradually lowering and
closing the supply valves by degrees as adjusted by the screw i.
Sheet No. 7, Fig. 1 is a cross section; Fig. 2, sectional elevation of a
treadle arrangement for closets, urinals, lavatories, &c.; Fig. 3 is an
elevation; Fig. 4, a plan; Fig. 5, vertical section; Fig. 6, section of
valve seat; Fig. 7, vertical section of high-pressure valve; Figs. 8 and 9
is vertical section of sunk dish and handle for closets; Figs. 1 and 2
represent a metal frame A, A, with a water lute or gutter B, B, passing
around the upper edge of frame, on to this closes and rests the treadle
plate C, C, hinged at 1), and latched at Ex in order to prevent its being
raised higher than necessary for its working, the treadle plate C, C,
is strengthened by a rim E, E, which passes around its under surface
immediately above the lute or gutter; a bracket F, F, carries the water
supply valve. The use of the above arrangement is that when using
the closet, urinal. or lavatory the treadle plate C, C, is pressed down
by the foot, and by pressing upon the spindle head of the supply
valve, which is suitably placed upon the bracket F, F; this valve is
then opened and water passes through and into the closet, &c., until the
the foot is removed, and the treadle plate rises by the force of a coil
spring provided for that purpose in the valve. The lute or gutter B, B,
is provided to prevent water running from without into the interior space
of frame A, A, and so causing injury to the working parts there placed.
The flange E, E, form's a drip to prevent water passing across the under
face of treadle plate C, C; provision is made at the back of the lute B, B,
to carry away any surplus water into the drain at G. The stop valve
represented by Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6, is applicable to either
or lavatories, &c. It consists of an external case a, a, a, a, furnished with
a moveable valve case b, b, b, fitted up with a conical valve C, C, adjusted
in position by a screwed spindle and hand wheel d, d, d; this spindle
passes through a long screwed boss e, e, and thence up through a
stuffing box ff. The high-pressure supply valve represented by Fig. 7,
consists of an external case g, provided with an inlet brauch h, and
outlet branch at sides; a bearing flange J at bottom screwed into the
case at , an extension of the case at top side 7 forms a receptical for
a spiral spring m and cylinder mx, which raises the spindle n, and so
closes the valve o; a casing p, p, encloses the spring m, and passes out
through the stuffing box and cap Q. If required the supply can pass
closets, urinals,

page_text: up through the bottom direct under the valve o, and so form a bib valvo
(bib shewn in dotted lines). Figs. 8 and 9, a sunk dish and handle
for closets, &c., shewing two appliances for fastening same in position,
either by a bolt » cemented into the pottery s, or by means of a dovetail
block t cemented into a suitable recess ; a gutta percha or india-rubber
bush is provided in the bottom w around the spindle of the handle to
prevent noise or damage to the rod, &c.
Sheet No. 8, Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of equilibrium ball supply
valve; Fig. 2, another longitudinal section of an hydrostatic ball supply
valve ; both applicable to waterclosets, urinals, &c. Fig. 1, the external
shell a, a, is bored out to receive a piston b attached to a piston rod c
which passes through a stuffing box in the cover d, and jointed above to
the lever e, working on a fulcrum f, and regulated in its rise and fall
by the copper float g. The water enters at the passage h, flows under
the valve at i, i, and escapes at j; at the same time it flows into the
chamber above the valve at , and so producing the equilibrium action
of the valve; is a small passage provided opening communication
between the chambers m and i, i, being a provision acting as a vent to
relieve the weight otherwise upon the piston when working under very
high pressures, which vent may be dispensed with under low pressures.
Fig. 2, the external shell a, a, a, is provided with a valve face; b, b, is
inclosed by a cover c, c, the joint secured by screws is made by a
diaphragm of india-rubber d, d, to the centre of which a disc of brass or
other metal e, e, is provided as a valve, which is faced with a disc of
rubber, secured by a central bolt g; the cover c, c, is provided with a
central stuffing box h, through which the plunger rod i passes, and
on the lower extremity of which a valve ; is provided closing against.
the face , and the cover is furnished with an inlet vent passage o, ard
an outlet vent passage p; the plunger joints above to the lever
working from the fulcrum m, and regulated in its rise and fall by the
copper float n.
The water enters at Q, flows over the valve seat b, b, and
through the outlet nozzle 7, at the same time it flows up the passages,
and through the vent passage o into the chamber p* above the valve.
When the float n is up the valve j is closed, the water now exerting a
superior pressure upon the increased surface of the diaphragm d, d, so
causes it to fall and close the valve upon the face b, b, and excludes the
water. On the fall of the ball the valve j opens the communication
from the chamber p* to the vent outlet p, by this action the pressure

page_text: down upon the diaphragm d, d, 18 relieved, it again rises and the water
as before passes through the valve seat b, b, and flows away at r. The
regulating screw is simply a means of adjusting the flow of vent
water when under high pressures. These vent passages may be raised
in position in relation to the lever as circumstances require. The dotted
lines shew another position of the branch pipes if required.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
I hereby declare that I claim the Invention of "Improvements in
Waterclosets, and Regulating Supply Valves for Water, Lavatories, and
other Uses," as herein-before set forth and described, and illustrated
by the Drawings hereto annexed, it being understood that I do not
claim the constituent parts herein referred to when taken per se and
apart from the purposes of my said Invention, and I have to remark
that the following are important parts of the several arrangements
described in these Presents.
In regard to Sheet No. 1 and 2 of the said Drawings the forms of pan
and trap secured together as described, the valve seating in Sheet No. 1
being the lower portion of the pan itself. The vertical inspection door
or cover placed on the top of the trap in Sheet No. 2, also the overflow
passage carried direct into the trap.
In regard to Sheet No. 3 of the Drawings the fountain of the pan or
basin with a deep rim or collar serving for a water joint to the receiver
or pail, and securing the balance valve to the bottom of the basin by a
brass ring or collar, with the lever of the balance valve secured by its
fulcrum pin in pendants which belong to the said brass ring. The
balance ball having a small piece of india-rubber inserted at the top
for the purpose of causing the rebound of the valve by the elastic action
of the india-rubber when brought into contact with the said brass ring
surrounding the bottom of the pau. In Sheet No. 3 a lavatory or
watercloset basin which is actuated by means of a knob with a push-
down action, the basin being served through the hollow axes upon which
it turns when such basin is intended to be discharged by turning over the
same; also the valve arrangements, consisting of an upright spindle
pressing on a lever with a valvo at its end, all working in a suitable
valve box, so as to shut off the inlet and outlet as required.
In Sheet No. 4 the arrangements of regulating supply valves working

page_text: by the counterbalance action of a piston upon a valve with a communica-
tion from the piston chamber to the valve box, through a pipe provided
with a stop-cock, so that no greater supply can be afforded after closing
the regulating valve that may be allowed by the supply power of such
pipe as controlled by the position of the stop-cock, so long as the stop-cock
remains in the same position; also the adaption of the discharge, shewn in
Sheet No. 1, to lavatory and urinal basins.
In Sheet No. 5 is a water economiser for supplying closets, urinals,
lavatories, &c. It will only give the quantity of water required for each
time using the closet, the rod and lever working the inlet valve and ontlet
valve. When the supply valve is open the box is full of water ready to
be discharged; when the outlet valve is open the small supply valves shut,
the water passes through the outlet valve into the closet or lavatory, as
the case may be, giving the required quantity of water, and worked
by the rod and lever, as seen on Sheet No. 5, from the outside of the
box. Fig. 2 in same Sheet shows a new form of watercloset different
from all others, since every chance of stench by open communication
with the main drain is effectually cut off at all times by means of the trap
pan, the pipes supplying water into the top pan and passes water
into the centre trap pan, and by these means forces all soil, paper, &c.
over the edge of trap into the drain below. Figs. 3 and 4, the arrange-
ment is of passing the lock studs through the recesses made in the
rabet, and being made taper on the under side causes the grate to lock
itself by a slight turn, and secures the same in its proper position without
the use of screws.
Sheet No. 6, arrangements of regulating supply valves working
equilibrium a lever connected on to the valve rod, on to bottom is a
piston working in a chamber to supply water, to the under side of
piston is a small valve working direct on to the main supply pipe;
when the lever rises up the valve opens; in the return action the
small valve shuts and regulates the supply of water to the closet by
passing out through the small regulating screw seen in Drawing in same
Sheet No. 6, Figs. 2 and 4.
soil in a solid form from the
use and purpose of this valve
Having made use of and discharged the
pan it requires washing out, which is the
arrangement, the rod and tappets working
the two levers from valve, likewise the discharge lever from closet,
the valve working on the same principle as valve, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, in the
same Sheet,

page_text: Sheet No. 7. It can be readily seen by the arrangement made by
passing a lute or gutter round the outside of frame that no wasto water
of the ground can pass into the inside of frame and stop the action of
the valve, and drops from the treadle plate must fall into the lute
or gutter below. In same Sheet, Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the moveable
valve case is a provision against leakage, since it can at once be replaced
by a duplicate case, and the valve restored to action without the
necessity of removing the outer casc or breaking any joint whatever,
and made for high and low pressure. Fig. 7 is applicable to closets.
urinals, or lavatories. Its peculiarity is a cylinder working through the
r
stuffing box to keep the water (when in action) from passing out of
the top of stuffing box. Its power to close itself when out of ise by
the action of the spiral spring it contains, which by rising the spindle
it closes the water passage. Eigs. 8 and 9 is a novel way of fastening
dishes to the frames of waterclosets, and allows the handle rod to work
freely through the bush in centre of sunk dish.
Sheet 8, Fig. 1 gives a form of equilibrium ball supply valve, the
advantage in the use of which rests in the momentary action. of the
ball lever upon the balanced valve under the slightest change of level of
water, and also the case with which it can be repaired without the
necessity for breaking any pipe joints, as now required with the present
ball valves. Fig. 2 gives a varied form of construction, but possessing the
advantages as above stated.
In witness whereof, I, the said James George Stidder; have
hereunto set my hand and scal, this Twenty-eighth day of
February, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-eight.
JAMES G. STIDDER. (L.S.)