FILTERING Apparatus
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Bell at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1878.
ANDREW BELL, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
FILTERING Apparatus."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
My Invention relates to the apparatus employed in the filtering of water, and
more particularly to filters for use in households in the filtering of water for
drinking, cooking, and other purposes.
The filters or filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with my Invention
are adapted for application to or connection with the water service pipes in order
that the pressure of water within the said pipes may be utilised to facilitate the
filtering of the water.
I construct a chamber which is adapted to be connected with the service pipe,
and is provided with a discharge pipe for the filtered water. In this chamber I
place sponge and a bag or envelope filled with granulated or powdered animal
charcoal, or bone black or wood charcoal, or other similar material, but I prefer to
employ animal charcoal.
I prefer to make the said chamber cylindrical in form, and to provide it with
hemispherical ends, one end being formed or provided with a branch for connection
with the service pipe. This branch may be formed or provided with a two-way
cock in order that unfiltered water may be obtained, but in some cases this cock
would not be required. The other end is formed or provided with a branch having
a tap through which the filtered water is discharged when the said tap is opened.
The filtering media are enclosed between removable perforated plates.
For cheapness of construction I form the cylindrical part of the chamber from a

page_text: length of tube of brass or other suitable metal or alloy screwed at each end into
the two ends.
The chamber can be readily unscrewed from one end; so that when necessary the
filtering media may be removed and cleansed or changed, a tight joint being
obtained by uicans of a ring of leather or caoutchouc, or by other suitable means.
If preferred a flanched joint secured by means of screws or of a screw and bridle
may be employed.
When the tap is opened the water is forced first through the sponge and then
through the charcoal, the pressure of the water compressing the filtering media to
some extent, and thereby increasing the filtering effect of such media.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Andrew Bell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th February
1879.
ANDREW BELL, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
FILTERING APPARATUS."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
My Invention relates to the apparatus employed in the filtering of liquids, and
more particularly to filters for use in households in the filtering of water for
drinking, cooking, and other purposes.
The filters or filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with my Invention
are adapted for application to or connection with the water service pipes in order
that the pressure of water within the said pipes may be utilised to facilitate the
filtering of the water.
I construct a chamber which is adapted to be connected with the service pipe,
and is provided with a discharge pipe for the filtered water. In this chamber I
place sponge and a bag or envelope filled with granulated or powdered animal
charcoal, or bone black or wood charcoal, or other similar material, but I prefer to
employ animal charcoal.
I prefer to make the said chamber cylindrical in form, and to provide it with
bemispherical ends, one end being formed or provided with a branch for connection
with the service pipe. This branch may be formed or provided with a two-way
cock in order that unfiltered water may be obtained, but in some cases this cock
would not be required. The other end is formed or provided with a branch having
a tap through which the filtered water is discharged when the said tap is opened.
The said envelope enclosed in a chamber may also be used in the filtration of other
liquids than water.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood I have appended here-
unto a Sheet of Drawings marked with letters of reference, to which Drawings I
will now refer.
Figs. 1 and 2 represent one of the improved filters, Fig. 2 being drawn in vertical
section on a plane at right angles to that of Fig. 1.

page_text: In the said Figs. a is a cylindrical metal shell which forms the body of the
filter. In practice I make this shell and the ends and fittings of brass, but any
suitable metal or alloy may be employed.
The cylindrical body is provided with a hemispherical or dished bottom in which
is cast the passages of a two-way cock or valve b. In the example the said shell
and bottom are cast in one piece, but, if preferred, the shell may consist of a length
of tube screwed or brazed to the casting forming the bottom. The said bottom is
cast with a branch c which is suitably formed for connection with the bib of an
ordinary service tap or supply valve or cock indicated by d. The end of the said
bib enters the branch, and is attached by means of solder. This method of attach-
ment is adopted for convenience of application and removal.
In some cases the branch may be suitably formed to be soldered or connected by
means of a plumber's joint to a supply pipe, or be formed with a screw or coupling
joint, or be otherwise arranged for connection. To the shell a is screwed a cap or
dome-shaped cover e which is formed with a branch f, to which is screwed a screw
valve g.
A leather packing ring is employed to make a water-tight joint between the
cover and the body of the filter.
In the lower part of the body of the filter is placed a layer of sponge or asbestos h.
Above this is a cylindrical flannel bag or envelope which is filled with animal
charcoal i. The mouth of the said bag is stitched up, or is closed by stitching a
circular piece of flannel to the mouth of the bag, or is otherwise suitably closed so
that the filtering material cannot pass out with the flow of water.
Woven fabric other than flannel may be used in the formation of the said bag.
Above the said bag is a perforated plate k. When the valve b is closed by screwing
the valve against the mouth of the passage 1, the water flows upwards through the
passage m into the filter. When the valve g is opened the water flows through the
layer of sponge or asbestos, which acts as a preparatory filter, and thence through
the filtering material in the bag or envelope. The pressure of water has a tendency
to force the envelope against the plate k, and thereby to compress the contents of
the envelope, whereby it is caused to fit tightly to the interior of the shell a, so that
the water cannot escape between the envelope and the said shell. The animal
charcoal within the envelope, besides its action as a filtering material, acts to remove
organic matters, and thereby to render the water more wholesome. When it is
supposed that the charcoal is surcharged with organic matter the stop-tap is closed
and the cover e can then be removed. The stop-tap being now opened the pressure
of water forces out the envelope and a fresh one can be put in its place, or the
contained charcoal may be dried or treated in order to restore its beneficial
properties and be replaced in the filter. When the valve bis opened the unfiltered
water flows out through the passage n.
I have found that when the valves b and g are both opened there is an inductive
action which causes the water contained in the filter to return downwards, and
thereby to have a self-cleansing effect to some extent. The apparatus thus serves
as a source of supply for both filtered and unfiltered water.
I do not confine myself to the use of animal charcoal as a filling material for
the said envelope, but I prefer to use it because of its beneficial action upon the
water.
Modifications may be made in the form and design of the apparatus so long as
the important features are retained; and modifications of the apparatus containing
the envelope charged as herein indicated, and fitting tightly in a casing or chamber,
may be used in the filtration of other liquids than water, as, for example, in the
filtration of saccharine liquids.
Fig. 3 represents the filter which I have designed for use more particularly in
"bars," that is, in places in which liquors are sold.
The filter a is formed or fixed upon the top of an ornamental pillar o which is
secured to the counter. The unfiltered water is supplied through a stop-tap p
situated below the counter.

page_text: The filter is provided with two taps g, g, for the supply of filtered water, and a
tap below the counter, from which tap unfiltered water can be obtained. The
filter so constructed can be electro-plated and otherwise rendered ornamental.
Having now fully set forth and indicated the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which I carry the same into practical effect, I would have it to be
understood that I claim,-
First. The filters constructed, fitted, and arranged substantially as set forth and
indicated herein-before, and in and by the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. The filter adapted to be soldered to the bib of the ordinary service tap
or valve, substantially as set forth and indicated.
And, lastly. The bag or envelope of woven fabric filled with animal charcoal or
filtering medium made to fit an enclosing casing, substantially as and for the
purposes set forth and indicated.
In witness whereof, I, the said Andrew Bell, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.
:
Signed and sealed by the
said Andrew Bell in the
presence of
EDWARD K. DUTTON,
Agent to the Patentees,
St. Ann's Churchyard,
Manchester.
ANDREW BELL. (L.S.)

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Bell at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1878.
ANDREW BELL, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
FILTERING APPARATUS."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
My Invention relates to the apparatus employed in the filtering of water, and
more particularly to filters for use in households in the filtering of water for
drinking, cooking, and other purposes.
The filters or filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with my Invention
are adapted for application to or connection with the water service pipes in order
that the pressure of water within the said pipes may be utilised to facilitate the
filtering of the water.
I construct a chamber which is adapted to be connected with the service pipe,
and is provided with a discharge pipe for the filtered water. In this chamber I
place sponge and a bag or envelope filled with. granulated or powdered animal
charcoal, or bone black or wood charcoal, or other similar material, but I prefer to
employ animal charcoal.
I prefer to make the said chamber cylindrical in form, and to provide it with
hemispherical ends, one end being formed or provided with a branch for connection
with the service pipe. This branch may be formed or provided with a two-way
cock in order that unfiltered water may be obtained, but in some cases this cock
would not be required. The other end is formed or provided with a branch having
a tap through which the filtered water is. discharged when the said tap is opened.
The filtering media are enclosed between removable perforated plates.
For cheapness of construction I form the cylindrical part of the chamber from a

page_text: length of tube of brass or other suitable metal or alloy screwed at each end into
the two ends.
The chamber can be readily unscrewed from one end; so that when necessary the
filtering media may be removed and cleansed or changed, a tight joint being
obtained by means of a ring of leather or caoutchouc, or by other suitable means.
If preferred a flanched joint secured by means of screws or of a screw and bridle
may be employed.
When the tap is opened the water is forced first through the sponge and then
through the charcoal, the pressure of the water compressing the filtering media to
some extent, and thereby increasing the filtering effect of such media.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Andrew Bell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th February
1879.
ANDREW BELL, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster.
FILTERING APPARATUS."
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
My Invention relates to the apparatus employed in the filtering of liquids, and
more particularly to filters for use in households in the filtering of water for
drinking, cooking, and other purposes.
The filters or filtering apparatus constructed in accordance with my Invention
are adapted for application to or connection with the water service pipes in order
that the pressure of water within the said pipes may be utilised to facilitate the
filtering of the water.
. I construct a chamber which is adapted to be connected with the service pipe,
and is provided with a discharge pipe for the filtered water. In this chamber I
place sponge and a bag or envelope filled with granulated or powdered animal
charcoal, or bone black or wood charcoal, or other similar material, but I prefer to
employ animal charcoal.
I prefer to make the said chamber cylindrical in form, and to provide it with
bemispherical ends, one end being formed or provided with a branch for connection
with the service pipe. This branch may be formed or provided with a two-way
cock in order that unfiltered water may be obtained, but in some cases this cock
would not be required. The other end is formed or provided with a branch having
a tap through which the filtered water is discharged when the said tap is opened.
The said envelope enclosed in a chamber may also be used in the filtration of other
liquids than water.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood I have appended here-
unto, a Sheet of Drawings marked with letters of reference, to which Drawings I
will now refer.
Figs. 1 and 2 represent one of the improved filters, Fig. 2 being drawn in.vertical
section on a plane at right angles to that of Fig. 1

page_text: In the said Figs. a is a cylindrical metal shell which forms the body of the
'filter. In practice I make this shell and the ends and fittings of brass, but any
suitable metal or alloy may be employed.
The cylindrical body is provided with a hemispherical or dished bottom in which
is cast the passages of a two-way cock or valve 6. In the example the said shell
and bottom are cast in one piece, but, if preferred, the shell may consist of a length
of tube screwed or brazed to the casting forming the bottom. The said bottom is
cast with a branch c which is suitably formed for connection with the bib of an
ordinary service tap or supply valve or cock indicated by d. The end of the said
bib enters the branch, and is attached by means of solder. This method of attach-
ment is adopted for convenience of application and removal.
In some cases the branch may be suitably formed to be soldered or connected by
means of a plumber's joint to a supply pipe, or be formed with a screw or coupling
joint, or be otherwise arranged for connection. To the shell a is screwed a cap or
dome-shaped cover e which is formed with a branch f, to which is screwed a screw
valve g.
A leather packing ring is employed to make a water-tight joint between the
cover and the body of the filter.
In the lower part of the body of the filter is placed a layer of sponge or asbestos h.
Above this is a cylindrical flannel bag or envelope which is filled with animal
charcoal i. The mouth of the said bag is stitched up, or is closed by stitching a
circular piece of flannel to the mouth of the bag, or is otherwise suitably closed so
that the filtering material cannot pass out with the flow of water.
Woven fabric other than flannel may be used in the formation of the said bag.
Above the said bag is a perforated plate k. When the valve b is closed by screwing
the valve against the mouth of the passage 1, the water flows upwards through the
passage m into the filter. When the valve g is opened the water flows through the
layer of sponge or asbestos, which acts as a preparatory filter, and thence through
the filtering material in the bag or envelope. The pressure of water has a tendency
to force the envelope against the plate k, and thereby to compress the contents of
the envelope, whereby it is caused to fit tightly to the interior of the shell a, so that
the water cannot escape between the envelope and the said shell. The animal
charcoal within the envelope, besides its action as a filtering material, acts to remove
organic matters, and thereby to render the water more wholesome. When it is
supposed that the charcoal is surcharged with organic matter the stop-tap is closed
and the cover e can then be removed. The stop-tap being now opened the pressure
of water forces out the envelope and a fresh one can be put in its place, or the
contained charcoal may be dried or treated in order to restore its beneficial
properties and be replaced in the filter. When the valve b is opened the unfiltered
water flows out through the passage n.
I have found that when the valves b and g are both opened there is an inductive
action which causes the water contained in the filter to return downwards, and
thereby to have a self-cleansing effect to some extent. The apparatus thus serves
as a source of supply for both filtered and unfiltered water.
I do not confine myself to the use of animal charcoal as a filling material for
the said envelope, but I prefer to use it because of its beneficial action upon the
water.
Modifications may be made in the form and design of the apparatus so long as
the important features are retained; and modifications of the apparatus containing
the envelope charged as herein indicated, and fitting tightly in a casing or chamber,
may be used in the filtration of other liquids than water, as, for example, in the
filtration of saccharine liquids.
Fig. 3 represents the filter which I have designed for use more particularly in
"bars," that is, in places in which liquors are sold.
The filter a is formed or fixed upon the top of an ornamental pillar o which is
secured to the counter. The unfiltered water is supplied through a stop-tap p
situated below the counter.

page_text: The filter is provided with two taps g, g, for the supply of filtered water, and a
tap r below the counter, from which tap unfiltered water can be obtained. The
filter so constructed can be electro-plated and otherwise rendered ornamental.
Having now fully set forth and indicated the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which I carry the same into practical effect, I would have it to be
understood that I claim,―
First. The filters constructed, fitted, and arranged substantially as set forth and
indicated herein-before, and in and by the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. The filter adapted to be soldered to the bib of the ordinary service tap
or valve, substantially as set forth and indicated.
And, lastly. The bag or envelope of woven fabric filled with animal charcoal or
filtering medium made to fit an enclosing casing, substantially as and for the
purposes set forth and indicated.
In witness whereof, I, the said Andrew Bell, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-nine.
Signed and sealed by the
said Andrew Bell in the
presence of
EDWARD K. DUTTON,
Agent to the Patentees,
St. Ann's Churchyard,
Manchester.
ANDREW BELL. (L.S.)