IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS, COCKS, HYDRANTS, OR VALVES, AND APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH, FOR OPENING, CLOSING, REGULATING, AND FACILITATING, AND OTHERWISE CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OR FLOW OF WATER, AIR, STEAM, GAS, AND OTHER FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS
Year: 1863

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles Tomlison at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th October
1863.
I, CHARLES TOMLISON, of Grove Vale Cottage, in the Parish of Great
Barr, and County of Stafford, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS, COCKS, HYDRANTS, OR VALVES, AND APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH, FOR OPENING, CLOSING, REGULATING, AND FACILITATING,
AND OTHERWISE CONTROLLING THE PASSAGE OR FLOW OF WATER, AIR, STEAM, GAS,
AND OTHER FLUIDS AND LIQUIDS," to be as follows:-
I construct a tap which opens and closes by the motion of a valve or plug ;
the valve or plug is governed by a wedge or conical ended stem being screwed
or pressed or otherwise moved on to the valve or into a hole or recesss on the
valve in such a manner that the valve is opened or closed by the movement of
the stem. The stem may open the valve against or with the pressure of the
article whose passage it regulates, and may with its seating be ground to a
face, or covered with leather, india-rubber, or other material, so as to form
a perfect contact when the valve is closed. Suitable bridge pieces or guides
and other arrangements may be attached to the valve and body or shell of the
apparatus, so as to keep the valve in its proper position. The stem may be actuated
by a screw pressure weight or otherwise, and may be made so as to prevent any
escape or leakage by passing through suitable diaphragms, cup leathers, or stuffing
box, the latter by preference, which I form in any of the known ways, but
prefer to do so by first inserting a ring of metal, gutta percha, or other substance,

page_text: accurately fitting the stem and shell of the tap or cock or valve; I then insert
the stuffing or packing, which may be of hemp, india-rubber, or other material,
which I cover with another ring similar to the first, the whole being pressed
or covered by a cap perforated with small holes in its flange or rim for inserting
studs or set pins. Similar holes for the reception of the studs or set pins
being made in the rim or flange of the shell or body or adjoining portion of
the tap or cock. By these means the packing in the stuffing box is protected
from the destructive and displacing effects of the cap or stem when being
screwed or otherwise moved, the holes and the studs allow the cap or adjoining
part to be fixed in any position, thereby preventing the cap unscrewing in the
operation of turning or otherwise moving the stem.
By another method I add to this tap or cock a second valve, or 'cause the
other side of the first valve to act as a second valve, covering them with
suitable material, as previously described in reference to the first valve; the object
of this second valve is to enable the tap or parts thereof to be repaired without
shutting off the pressure or emptying the pipe or other vessel through or by
any other means than the action of the first valve. This may be effected by
means of the wedge or conical ended stem and other arrangements, as stated
in the foregoing description, or by any of the following methods, viz. :-
A V or bell-cranked valve is so fixed and actuated that either side of it
shall form a valve, which, with suitable hinge, guide, and other fixings and
facings, shall enable the passage of the tap or cock to be closed with one side
or valve, whilst the other side or valve is being repaired.
Another method is by having a flange on the stem of the cock, each side of
which flange forms a valve, the stem may be actuated by a screw on the s
induction side of the valve, so as to hold the valve down on to its seating for
the purpose of repairing the other parts of the tap or cock.
Another method is by inserting a globular, flat, or other shaped valve in the
induction portion of the cock, and also a double sided seating on the induction
side of which the valve named can sit, and through suitable passages in which
seating the article to be controlled can flow. Another valve is then placed
on the eduction side of the seating, to which valve is affixed the stem, which
being actuated opens and closes the passage as desired. The stem or valve is
provided with a projection on the side nearest the induction, and this projection
is attached to, or loose, and pushes back the valve placed in the induction part
of the cock, so as to allow a free passage, but also so as to allow the first valve
to close by the pressure of the fluid, liquid, or otherwise when the tap or cock
requires repairs. The stem may be actuated from the induction or other side
of the tap or cock, the double sided seating may be screwed or soldered into

page_text: the body of the tap or cast in the same, and the first-named valve may be.
passed through the induction end of the cock or otherwise.
Another method is by having two valves, one on each end of a lever, one
valve sitting on the inlet and the other on the outlet part of the cock
respectively; to either end of the lever is fixed or applied the stem by any
convenient means, and by its being moved it will open or close either inlet or
outlet valve, and so as to stop the flow for repairs as before described.
.
Another mode is by having a hinge or flap valve so actuated and placed
that either side shall form a valve and have a suitable seat, the induction side
to have the power of stopping the flow for repairs as before described.
Another form is by passing a globular or other valve down the induction
part of the cock with suitable seating, which is on the inlet side of the
actuating stem, this stem shall communicate with the said valve by means of a
projection or arm on a second valve, placed in a line or at any angle attached
to or separate from the first valve. The stem is wedge or conical ended and
works into a hole or projecting piece on the second valve, which second valve
regulates the outlet orifice of the tap, the wedge or conical ended stem moves
so as to force the two valves from their seating or position, and vice versa; or
they may close by the pressure of the article whose flow is being regulated.
Instead of a wedge or conical stem an eccentric, cranked, toothed, or other
stem may be used and worked with suitable holes, projections, pinions, racks,
wheels, or other arrangements, so as to secure the facility of repairing the
tap or cock without shutting off the pressure by any other means than those
possessed in or by the tap or cock.
Another application of my Invention is the improvement of valves, plugs, or
hydrants and their appurtenances used for regulating the passage of water
or other liquids and fluids, and affixed to water pipes or services for the
purpose of supplying mills, works, or buildings with water for extinguishing
fires, or for the watering of streets or gardens, the irrigation of land, the
cleansing or flushing of water pipes or sewers, and the discharge of sewage
matter from drains or pipes and other similar purposes, and consists in applying
a bar of wrought iron or other material with a screwed spindle moving through
a similar screw in the bar, both being used for opening, closing, and governing
the passage of the air cock or hydrant, known as Bateman and Moore's
Patent, No. 12,032 dated 1848. The object of this bar and spindle being
used is to control the flow of the liquid without the use of the stand pipe or long
key now used for the purpose and independent of the pressure of the liquid;
suitable catches and bearings will be added to ensure efficient working, and
the spindle will be sufficiently short to admit of its being left in the street

page_text: box ready for use. The bar and spindle may be a fixed portion of the hydrant
and the stand pipe altered to suit the same. These improvements secure a
combined self-acting and screw cock.
Another application relates to a further improvement in hydrants or plugs
for similar purposes, and consists in placing a screwed spindle at one side of
the ball or other valve instead of at the top as in the previously mentioned
case, the spindle passes through a screwed or other suitable box or boss and
stuffing box, and is connected to the ball or other valve by an arm or lever,
and also fixed at the other end of the lever to, or in, or on a pivot hinge or
loop between the spindle and the valve or in any other suitable position. The
spindle, when turned moves the ball or other valve and correspondingly opens,
closes, or regulates the passage. The valve may be so fixed as to allow of its
opening when the pipe or other vessel is empty, so as to permit the escape of
air, and also to allow the valve by self action to close the passage when the
pressure of the liquid, steam, or gas, is sufficient, but the screw may have the
power of absolutely opening, closing, or regulating the passage.
Another modification of my Invention is an improved air-cock valve, plug,
or hydrant, which acts as a self-acting air-cock or valve and screw cock, and
also admits of its being absolutely controlled by the screw, and also repaired
without turning off the pressure, or emptying the pipe or other vessel of the
liquid or fluid by any other means than those contained within itself. This I
secure in similar modes to those mentioned in my previously described
improvements relating to taps or valves, the whole of which are applicable to
this part of my Invention, substituting suitable material and other requirements
and fixings to suit this particular application.
One modification is as follows, viz.:-A flange or ring of iron or other material,
with a hole of suitable size for the flow of liquid, steam, or gas, has a ring or
washer of leather or other material affixed betwen it and a flange pipe or
cylinder of suitable size. This pipe has a hole for the passage of the fluid,
steam, or gas, in addition to space for a double-acting valve or two valves, as
best approved. There is also a stuffing box in the upper flange of the cylinder
through which a screwed spindle works, with suitable counterpart. To this
spindle is attached a lever, fast, loose, or partly so; this lever is suitably fixed
at its other extremnity to a hinge, loop, or pivot, or other suitable fastening in
some convenient place. To this lever is also fixed, loosely or otherwise, the
double acting or the two valves named in such a manner that the spindles
when turned shall cause the valves to open or close the passage as desired.
On the top of this flange pipe or cylinder another ring or washer of india-
rubber or other material is fixed, and this is covered with a flange piece or

page_text: casting with suitable passage and fittings, the whole being screwed or otherwise
fastened together. This top washer and flange form another seating for the
double acting valve or for one of the two valves, if two valves be used, thus
affording the facility for repairs referred to, and other advantages named. By
covering or facing the double valve bottom or bottom of the valve, if two valves
are used, with leather or other material, I avoid the joint at bottom of the
foregoing arrangement.
Another method consists in placing the actuating screw on the induction
side of the valve which is double faced and double acting for the purposes
named. The induction side of the valve is faced or covered with leather or
other material and has a screwed stem attached. The eduction side of the
valve has a nut suitable for working by a spindle or key, which may be
applied by a key or by a stand pipe, and so turn the valve and screwed spindle,
which latter working through a suitable counterpart opens, closes, or regulates
the flow of the liquid, and when required closes on the induction side, allowing
the rest of the apparatus to be repaired, as stated. I cover these cocks or
hydrants or valves, when placed in streets or other positions requiring a cover,
with suitable boxes of the ordinary description, or by making them larger and
dividing the lid or cover of the box into two or more parts, with one or more
intermediate grooved or countersunk bars or bearings loose so as to be removed
and allow of repairs to the cock without disturbing the box, pavement, or
earth surrounding the box. The cover being in two or more parts reduces
the liability of breakage, and will also tend to prevent accidents to a far greater
extent than the single lid boxes now in use for allowing of repairs to the cock
without disturbing the box or street.
Another part of my Invention relates to improved modes of connecting
stand pipes to hydrants, plugs, air cocks, taps, & valves. For this purpose
I form the flange or end of the pipe or plug to which the stand pipe is to be
connected in a peculiar manner by leaving two horizontal projections on the
same, of suitable size, and gradually reduced until they become even with the
rest of the flange or pipe. I affix to the bottom of the stand pipe two hooked
arms which
pass over the small part of the flange, and on being turned round
catch under and against the two projections, the stand pipe is then screwed to
a bearing in the ordinary way.
Another improvement consists in making the connection between the stand
pipe and hydrant by means of a pin and slot or groove, one on the hydrant
and the other on the stand pipe. For further security, springs may be used
to make a tight joint and secure the stand pipe in its position.

page_text: Another improvement consists in making the lugs, projecting flanges, or
holding arms of fire-cocks of wrought metal so as to prevent the breakage now
occurring through their being made of cast metal. I affix these lugs by means
of screws or other suitable contrivances.
A further application of these improvements may be used for baths, water-
closets, urinels, fountains, and all other purposes requiring the same, suitably
arranging the necessary fittings.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in stand posts and
valves attached thereto, for the purpose of preventing the frost freezing the
water; I effect this by covering the supply pipe with felt, gutta percha, wood,
or other material, which I enclose in a cylinder of iron or other material, and
make fluid-tight, leaving the ends so as to connect the cock and service pipe,
which, if necessary, I also cover as aforesaid or in some other suitable manner.
On the eduction side of the valve or valves of the cock, and as near the valve
as possible, is cast or otherwise fixed an air vessel, which, when the flow of the
liquid ceases, draws out all of the remaining water on the eduction side of
the valves by the action of the air in the air vessel, and thus reduces the
liability to be frozen. The cock and air vessel are covered with felt or other
material, and a wood or other covering is added, and may be provided with
an air vessel and spout, into the inner end of which the nose of the tap may
fit, thus further preventing the action of the frost.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in ball or float cocks.
By one method I use two valves, one on each side of the flow of the liquid or
induction part of the cock. The body of the cock is without a joint or
opening on the induction side of the first valve, which is of any required size, and
connected to the second valve by suitable screws or bolts; between the valves
is a seating, on the under side of which the second valve has its bearing, and in
case of repairs can be removed, and the first valve brought on to the upper
side of the seating, so as to allow of repairs being done without otherwise
turning off the pressure of the liquid. The valves are actuated by a stem and
ball float.
Another mode is by making the second valve, before alluded to, of the inlet
end of the eduction pipe, part of which is a face of metal covered with suitable
material, and the other part an annular or perforated passage. The face of
the eduction pipe opens or closes the orifice in the inlet part of the cock by
suitable actuation, or the lever or stem of the ball may be dispensed with
by passing the eduction pipe through the ball or float, and adjusting suitable
stuffing box to prevent leakage.

page_text: Another mode of securing an improvement is by making a double-acting
valve or plate of metal to work on a pivot at or near the centre.
One face of
this valve I fix opposite the induction part of the cock, the other opposite the
eduction, thus having an equilibrium maintained in proportion to the size of
the two faces. I actuate the valves by any of the means before described or
otherwise. The whole of these taps, cocks, valves, hydrants, air cocks, may be
made of any suitable material, and screwed or otherwise fastened together,
so as to facilitate repairs and to suit the circumstances of the case. The valve
or valves may be fixed or loose on their stems or each other, and may be self-
acting, and with their seatings ground to a face, or covered with any suitable
material, and actuated by any of the means alluded to or otherwise, in a line
or at any angle, and open or close with or against the flow of the article whose
passage they open, close, or regulate. Suitable bridge pieces, guides, studs, may
be used, and the stems may be made to prevent any escape or leakage by means
of diaphragms, cup valves, or stuffing boxes applied in any convenient position,
or as described.