Improvements relating to Receptacles which are Filled and Emptied Alternately, more especially to Filters or Bacteria Beds for Sewage or Sewage Effluent.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Sept., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 14th June, 1899--Accepted, 16th Sept., 1899
PROVISIONAL
SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Receptacles which are Filled and Emptied
Alternately, more especially to Filters or Bacteria Beds for
Sewage or Sewage Effluent.
We, DONALD CAMERON, of No. 1, Sylvan Road, Pennsylvania, Exeter, Civil
Engineer, FREDERICK JAMES COMMIN, of 7, Bedford Circus, Exeter, Fellow of the
Institute of Surveyors, and ARTHUR JOHN MARTIN, of Bradninch House, Exeter,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to receptacles which are filled and emptied alternately,
especially to filters or bacteria beds for sewage or sewage effluent, and has for
its object the automatic control of such filling and discharge.
It embodies improvements in our inventions for which, as hereinafter set forth,
we have already made applications for Letters Patent. The receptacles to which
"filters."
our invention is to be applied will be referred to herein as
The first part of our invention relates to filters of which two are used at one
time, whether with or without a spare filter in reserve, and consists in an improve-
ment in the means for emptying the actuating buckets described in our Pro-
visional Specification No. 5671 dated 8th March 1898. As described in the
specification referred to, the actuating buckets are suspended in the discharge
wells or in chambers connected therewith, and are emptied by independent
siphons which are brought into action by the fall of the liquid in these wells.
We now propose to dispense with such independent siphons, and in lieu thereof
to form the overflow pipe which connects the two discharge wells or chambers
and through which the actuating buckets are alternately filled, into a siphon
having its legs extending to near the bottoms of the buckets when these are in
their higher positions. The end of each leg may be turned up so that the siphon
shall not empty itself.
The action of the improved apparatus will be as follows:-
As
During the filling of a filter the actuating bucket in its discharge well will be
full, and in its lower position, and that in the other discharge well empty or
nearly empty and in its higher position. When the filter fills a small quantity
of filtered liquid will overflow through the siphon into the raised bucket.
soon as the weight of water in this bucket is sufficient to overcome the pressure
on the discharge valve of the full filter, this bucket will descend opening this
valve and releasing the contents of the filter. The actuating bucket in the dis-
charge well of the filter which has just been filled will thus be brought into the
higher position, and its contents (or a part of them) will pass off through the
siphon into the other bucket.
The second part of our invention also relates to filters of which two are used
at one time with or without a spare filter in reserve, and consists in an improve-
ment in the apparatus described in that part of our Provisional Specification
No. 5671 dated 8th March 1898 whereby a gradual discharge of the contents of
each filter is secured instead of the rush which takes place when the discharge
077

page_text: valve is suddenly opened to the full extent. The improved apparatus would be
used more particularly in cases in which the supply to the filters is controlled by
valves. These valves will be so connected with the actuating buckets that the
latter may move to a certain extent without changing the position of the former,
the slack connection preferably taking the form of a loop in the rod or link which
carries the valve, and of a pin on the valve or valve lever moving freely within
such link. The effect of such slack connections will be to relieve the valve lever
of the weight of the valve which is closed, so that the weight of the open valve
will constitute an unbalanced force tending to change the position of the lever
and the apparatus connected therewith. When one of the filters is filled and
overflows, thereby causing the descent of the opposite actuating bucket, and the
opening of its own discharge valve, such motions, instead of being completed at
once, will be arrested as soon as the supply valve which was open falls on to its
seat, when its weight will cease to assist that of the liquid in the descending
actuating bucket. The apparatus will remain in the new position until the
level of the liquid in the discharge well of the emptying filter has fallen
sufficiently to reduce the pressure on the discharge valve to the extent necessary
to allow the actuating buckets to continue their motion. This motion will be
again arrested by the weight of the supply valve which was hitherto closed, when
the slack in its connection is taken up, and will be again resumed and completed
when the level of the liquid in the discharge well has fallen sufficiently. For
the better regulation of the rate of discharge, the discharge valve may be pro-
vided with an extension moving within the valve opening, and so formed as to
constrict the opening to any desired extent in any position of the valve. The
slack connections provided in this part of our invention may also be used on the
discharge valve rods. Such slack connections may be so arranged that the supply
valve and discharge valve of the same filter cannot both be open at the same time.
A further advantage secured by this improvement in our apparatus consists in
the total stoppage in the supply of liquid to the filters during the time when
both supply valves are on their seats, and the sudden release of the liquid accu-
mulated during such cessation of flow as soon as one of the supply valves is
opened.
The third part of our invention consists in means whereby a similar accumu-
lation of liquid is caused to take place with the other forms of our apparatus.
Such accumulation may, if so desired, be continued until the liquid so accumu-
lated is sufficient to fill a filter, whereby a rapid filling of the filter is substituted
for the gradual filling which would otherwise take place. In order that such
accumulation may take place a siphon or siphons may be used being so arranged
as to come into action when the liquid has accumulated to the desired extent.
In this case means should be provided for stopping the flow through such siphon or
siphons as soon as a filter is filled, unless sufficient liquid is then available to
fill the next filter. The flow through a siphon may be conveniently stopped by
admitting air thereto, either at the foot, by lowering the level of the liquid into
which it dips, or elsewhere by means of a valve which is opened by the motion
of the actuating buckets. A momentary opening of such valve will suffice. In-
stead of a siphon the apparatus described in our Provisional Specification
No. 5671 of 1898 above referred to, consisting of a valve operated by a single
actuating bucket, such bucket. being filled by an overflow from the chamber in
which the liquid accumulates, may be used. In this case the actuating bucket,
after falling so as to open the valve, will be kept down by a catch, which will be
released by the motion of the actuating gear of one of the filters as soon as a
filter is filled.
The fourth part of our invention consists in means for causing valves to be
opened gradually instead of suddenly, and for bringing them to rest without
shock. In the Complete Specification of our application for Patent No. 27849
dated 22nd November 1897, it was stated that dashpots or other suitable devices
might be used for the purpose, and in our Provi ional Specification No. 5671 of

page_text: 1898 above referred to a chamber is mentioned in which the actuating bucket
is hung and by the filling of which the actuating bucket is caused to rise into
its higher position. Our present improvement consists in so forming this cham-
ber as to retain therein a quantity of water or other liquid into which the actua-
The liquid displaced by the
ting bucket shall fall thus retarding its descent.
bucket may remain in the chamber, or may be allowed to escape, either freely,
or through a regulating orifice so as to control the rate of descent of the bucket.
The fifth part of our invention relates to apparatus for filling and discharging
filters or receptacles in which liquid is successively stored, or through which
it is successively passed, and consists in means whereby the valves controlling
such filling and discharge are opened and closed in the proper order and at the
proper times. In such cases it will often be practicable to dispense with inde-
pendent supply valves for the second and subsequent filters, as the discharge
valve of one filter will act as the supply valve to the next filter. The discharge
valve of a second or subsequent filter may be so arranged as to close by its own
weight, or the weight of other parts connected thereto, such closing taking place
on the release of a catch operated by the motion of the actuating gear of the pre-
vious filter; and may be opened by means of an actuating bucket, which may be
filled either by an overflow from the filter which it discharges, or by a portion
of the liquid discharged from a previous filter, or by liquid otherwise supplied
for the purpose.
The valves of several filters may be so arranged as to be opened and closed
by a single set of actuating gear, either simultaneously or preferably in suc
cession, sufficient slack motion being given to the connection of each valve to
allow it to find its seat irrespective of the other valves operated by the same gear.
Where two or more sets of filters are used it may be advantageous to make the
actuating gear for two sets work alternately, so that the filters in one set may rest
full or empty while those in the other set are filling.
The sixth part of our invention provides means for aerating the liquid dis-
charged from a filter, the velocity of such discharge being preferably utilised
for the purpose. For the purpose of this part of our invention the emerging
liquid may be broken up into spray or small streams so as to be freely exposed
to the air; or air may be introduced into the liquid through nozzles or tubes
placed therein and so disposed that the flow of the liquid shall induce a flow of
air thereinto.
Dated this 15th day of September 1898.
ALLISON BROS.,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements relating to Receptacles which are Filled and Emptied
Alternately, more especially to Filters or Bacteria Beds for
Sewage or Sewage Effluent.
We, DONALD CAMERON, of No. 1, Sylvan Road, Pennsylvania, Exeter, Civil
Engineer, FREDERICK JAMES COMMIN, of 7, Bedford Circus, Exeter, Fellow of the
Institute of Surveyors, and ARTHUR JOHN MARTIN, of Bradninch House, Exeter,
Civil Engineer, 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 receptacles which are filled and emptied alternately,

page_text: especially to filters or bacteria beds for sewage or sewage effluent, and has for its
object the automatic control of such filling and discharge,
It embodies improvements in our inventions for which as hereinafter set forth,
we have already made applications for Letters Patent. The receptacles to which
our invention is to be applied will be referred to herein as filters."
Our invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:--
Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing an arrangement we may employ for emptying
the buckets by which the supply and discharge valves of a pair of filters are
actuated.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a lever having two supply valves connected there-
with so as to obtain a certain amount of slack motion as hereinafter described.
Fig. 3 shows the form of discharge valves we may use in connection with this
arrangement.
Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section and
Fig. 5 a plan view illustrating one method of carrying out part of our inven-
tion relating to means for causing an accumulation of the liquid to be treated
to take place, a pair of siphons and a tipping diverter being employed.
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section, and
Fig. 7 a plan view of another method of carrying out this part of our inven-
tion, and in which a single syphon is employed through which the liquid is
delivered.
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section and
Fig. 9 a plan view of a modified arrangement in which a tipping bucket con-
trols the delivery of the liquid.
Fig. 10 is a side elevation of a lever provided with a modified means for caus-
ing the gradual opening or closing of the valves.
Fig. 11 shows an apparatus for carrying out part of our invention relating to
the means for controlling the filling and discharge of a pair of filters through
which the liquid passes in succession.
Fig. 12 shows a modified arrangement for this purpose.
Fig. 13 shows the application of one method we may employ for aerating the
liquid discharged from a filter, and
Fig. 14 shows a modification of same.
The first part of our invention relates to filters of which two are used at one
time, whether with or without a spare filter in reserve, and consists in an improve-
ment in the means for emptying the actuating buckets described in the specifi-
cation of our Letters Patent No. 5671 dated 8th March 1898. As described in
the specification referred to, the actuating buckets are suspended in the discharge
wells or in chambers connected therewith, and are emptied by independent
siphons which are brought into action by the fall of the liquid in these wells.
We now propose to dispense with such independent siphons, as shown in Fig. 1
of the accompanying drawings, and in lieu thereof to form the overflow pipe
which connects the two discharge wells or chambers 1 and 2 and through which
the actuating buckets 3 and 4 are alternately filled, into a siphon 5 having its
legs extending to near the bottoms of the buckets when these are in their higher
positions. The end of each leg may be turned up as shown so that the siphon
shall not empty itself. As described in the specification of our previous patent
above referred to we have shown the buckets 3 and 4 mounted on the valve rods
suspended from lever 8 and carrying the discharge valves 6 and 7 of the two
filters.
The action of the improved apparatus will be as follows:-During the filling
of a filter (say that connected with discharge well 1) the actuating bucket in its
discharge well will be full as shown, and in its lower position, and that in the
other discharge well 2 empty or nearly empty and in its higher position. When
the filter fills a small quantity of filtered liquid will overflow through the siphon 5
into the raised bucket 4. As soon as the weight of water in this bucket is
sufficient to overcome the pressure on the discharge valve 6 of the full filter, this

page_text: bucket will descend opening this valve and releasing the contents of the filter.
The actuating bucket 3 in the discharge well 1 of the filter which has just been
filled will thus be brought into the higher position, and its contents (or a portion
of them) will pass off through the siphons 5 into the other bucket 4, which will
then in its turn remain full and hold the parts in the position to which they have
been moved until the other filter and its discharge well 2 are filled, when the
action will be repeated.
The second part of our invention also relates to filters of which two are used
at one time with or without a spare filter in reserve, and consists in an improve-
ment in the apparatus described in that part of the Specification of our Patent
No. 5671 dated 8th March 1898 whereby a gradual discharge of the contents of
each filter is secured instead of the rush which takes place when the discharge
valve is suddenly opened to the full extent.
In carrying out this part of our invention we render the supply means and the
discharge means so far independent of each other as to be operated successively
instead of simultaneously, even though both derive their motion from the same
apparatus.
Our invention may be applied to filters of which each has an independent
apparatus for effecting its supply and discharge; and it may also be applied to
filters two or more of which have their supply means and discharge means actu-
ated by the same apparatus.
Where each filter has an independent apparatus, the supply valve and discharge
valve may be connected to the same lever, in which case the ends of the valve rods
may be looped over pins fixed in such lever, so that either valve may come to its
seat before the downward motion of the pin which carries it is complete, and
before the other valve begins to open.
Where as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 two filters have their supply means and dis-
charge means actuated by the same apparatus, the supply valves 9 and 10 and
the discharge valves 6 and 7 may be connected to one or more levers on the same
shaft 11, or otherwise receive their motion from the actuating bucket or buckets 3
and 4. Such actuating buckets 3 and 4 may as described in the Specification of
our Patent No. 5671 of 1898 above referred to be mounted on the valve rods carry-
ing the discharge valves, or they may be carried by a separate lever mounted on
the same shaft 11. The buckets are actuated by the overflow from a filter or other
receptacle (or the collecting well connected therewith), such overflow passing
through the pipe 5 into the bucket 3 or 4 to be next actuated.
The discharge valves 6 and 7 may as shown in Fig. 3 have connections without
any play, so that they may move during the whole motion of the lever to which
they are connected, and the supply valves 9 and 10, may have looped connections
formed by loops 12 on the valve rods 13 engaging pins 14 on the lever 15 as
shown in Fig. 2, so that they may move during a part only of the motion of the
lever. The effect of such slack connections will be to relieve the lever 15 of the
weight of the valve which is closed, so that the weight of the open valve will
constitute an unbalanced force tending to change the position of the lever and the
apparatus connected therewith, this being the position in which the parts are
shown in Fig. 2. When one of the filters is filled and overflows through pipe 5,
thereby causing the descent of the opposite actuating bucket, (for example we
will say the bucket 4) and the opening of its own discharge valve, such motions
instead of being completed at once, will be arrested as soon as the supply valve 10
which was open falls on to its seat, when its weight will cease to assist that of
the liquid in the descending actuating bucket 4, this position being indicated by
the broken centre line b in Fig. 2. The apparatus will remain in the new position
until the level of the liquid in the discharge well of the emptying filter has fallen
sufficiently to reduce the pressure on the discharge valve to the extent necessary
to allow the actuating buckets to continue their motion. This motion will be
again arrested by the weight of the supply valve 9 which was hitherto closed,
when the slack in its connection is taken up (the parts being then in the position

page_text: indicated by broken centre line c), and will be again resumed and compiete
the level of the liquid in the discharge well has fallen sufficiently, the parts then
coming into the position indicated by broken line d.
Instead of as above described utilizing the weight of the supply valves 9 and 10
for first aiding and then checking the action of the actuating buckets 3 and 4,
it will be readily understood that independent weights may be used for this
purpose.
A further advantage secured by this improvement in our apparatus when the
supply valves are so used consists in the total stoppage in the supply of liquid
to the filters during the time when both supply valves 9 and 10 are on their seats,
and the sudden release of the liquid accumulated during such cessation of flow
as soon as one of the supply valves 9 or 10 is opened.
For the better regulation of the rate of discharge, the discharge valves 6 and 7
may as shown in Fig. 3 be provided with an extension moving within the valve
opening 16, and coned or otherwise formed so as to constrict the opening to any
desired extent in any position of the valve.
The third part of our invention relates to apparatus for controlling the supply
of liquid to a filter or other receptacle, and it consists in means by which an accu-
mulation (similar to that above described) of the liquid to be delivered is caused
to take place, which accumulation may continue until the liquid so accumulated
is sufficient to fill a filter or other receptacle, whereby a rapid filling of the latter
is obtained instead of the gradual filling which would otherwise take place.
In carrying out this part of our invention as shown in Figs 4 and 5 we arrange
a pair of siphons 17 and 18 in such a position in connection with the receptacle 19
in which the sewage or other liquid accumulates that when the level of such liquid
reaches a certain height in such receptacle it will overflow through either of same.
The outer ends of the syphons dip into the liquid contained in a tipping diver
ter 20, over the edges of which such liquid can pass into distributing channels 21
and 22 delivering the liquid respectively to the filters 23 and 24.
This diverter is actuated in any suitable manner to deliver the liquid to either
of such channels, such for instance as the pair of buckets 3, 4, mounted on a
frame secured to the shaft 11 on which the diverter is also secured, the buckets
being operated by a portion of the liquid from the filter 23 or 24 flowing through
the overflow pipe 25 or 26 as soon as the filter being supplied is full.
In order to stop the flow through either siphon on the filling of one of the
filters we may arrange a valve 27 in the upper part of each siphon, the valves
being carried by levers 28 to the ends of which rods 29 are secured which extend
downwards and are adapted to be lifted on the diverter being actuated, thereby
lifting the valve and so admitting air to the siphon and stopping its action.
In the positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5 liquid is flowing through the siphon 18
into the diverter 20 and thence into channel 22, from which it passes into the
filter or receptacle 24. As soon as the latter is full a portion of its contents will
overflow through overflow pipe 26 into bucket 4 thus depressing the latter and
so changing the position of the diverter 20, and this movement will lift the
rod 29 actuating the valve 27 of siphon 18, and so admit air to the latter and
stop its action, while at the same time the valve 27 of siphon 17 will close by its
weight.
The sewage or other liquid will then commence to accumulate again in the
receptacle 19 until it reaches the height necessary to charge the other siphon 17
the valve 27 of which is closed, when this siphon will be brought into action
and the above described operations will be repeated.
In the arrangement shown in Figs. 6 and 7 it will be seen that the sewage or
other liquid accumulating in the tank or receptacle 19 passes therefrom through
a siphon 17 into a chamber in which valves 9 and 10 opening into passages 30
and 31 leading respectively to the two filters 23 and 24 are placed.
The opening and closing of the valves 9 and 10 may be effected in any suitable
manner, but we prefer the arrangement shown which consists in mounting them

page_text: on a lever 15 secured to a shaft 11 actuated by a pair of buckets 3, 4, mounted
on a suitable frame, and which oscillate the shaft when one or the other of such
buckets is filled by the overflow from one of the filters or receptacles 23, 24, such
overflow passing through pipe 25 or 26 when the filter or receptacle is filled.
In order to allow the liquid in the receptacle 19 to accumulate so that the fill-
ing of the filters may take place rapidly, we arrange the siphon 17 at a suitable
height in relation to the receptacle 19 so that sufficient liquid will have accumu-
lated to fill a filter by the time the level in such receptacle reaches such a height
in the siphon that the latter will be fully charged and so brought into action,
and we provide suitable means by which the flow through such siphon will be
stopped when the filter is full. This we prefer to effect by admitting air at the
top of the siphon 17 through a valve such as that shown at 27, and which is lifted
by any suitable means on the filling of the filter. The means shown in the draw-
ings consist of an arm mounted on the shaft 11 of the buckets 3, 4, and to which
is pivotally connected a rod 32 passing through an extension of the valve and
provided with a cam surface 33 which acts on such extension and so lifts the
valve slightly on each movement of the buckets 3, 4, in either direction. Air
will thus be admitted into the upper end of the siphon and so immediately stop
its action.
In the position shown in the drawings bucket 4 is depressed, valve 10 being
closed and valve 9 open, so that the sewage or other liquid in receptacle 19 is
passing from receptacle 19 into filter 23. As soon as filter 23 is filled a portion
of the contents of its collecting well will overflow through pipe 25, thus depres-
sing bucket 3 and closing valve 9 and opening valve 10, and at the same time
drawing the cam surface 33 through the extension on the siphon air valve 27,
raising the latter and so admitting air to the siphon and stopping the flow there-
through. As above stated the valve 10 will be opened by this movement of the
buckets 3, 4, but the filter 24 supplied by this valve will not be filled until a
sufficient quantity of liquid has again accumulated in receptacle 19 to fully
charge and so bring the siphon 17 into action.
According to the modification of our invention shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the
supply of sewage or other liquid from the receptacle 19 is controlled by means
of a tipping bucket 34. An overflow pipe 35 is so arranged as to deliver liquid
into this bucket from the receptacle 19 when it reaches the desired height in the
latter, so that the bucket when filled will be tipped on its pivot, and being con-
nected by lever 36 with the valve 37, will open the latter and so cause the filling
of one of the filters or receptacles 23 and 24, the admission of the liquid to either
of these being preferably controlled by valves 9, 10, carried by a lever 15
mounted on the shaft 11, on which shaft a frame carrying a pair of buckets 3, 4.
is also mounted. These buckets are operated by overflows from the collecting
wells of the filters or receptacles 23 and 24. such overflow passing through the
pipe 25 or 26 when the filter or receptacle 23 or 24 is filled.
The liquid escapes from the bucket 34 after the latter has been tipped through
a small hole provided for the purpose, but such bucket is retained in its tipped
position during the filling of a filter by means of any suitable catch operated by
the alternating gear, and which will be released from the bucket as soon as the
filter is full, thereby allowing such bucket to return to its normal position and
the valve 37 with which it is connected to close.
As above stated any suitable form of catch may be employed for retaining the
bucket 34 in its tipped position during the filling of a filter, the arrangement
shown for this purpose consisting in an arm 38 mounted on the shaft 11 carrying
the buckets 3, 4, and the end of which acts on one arm of a bell crank lever 39
pivotted at 40, and the other arm of which forms the catch to hold the bucket 34
in its tipped position. It will be seen that when the buckets are actuated in
either direction the arm 38 will act on the end of the bell crank lever and turn
the latter slightly on its pivot 40, so that its other end will be removed from

page_text: the path of the bucket 34, which will thus be able to return to its normal posi-
tion and so close the valve 37 with which it is connected.
In the positions shown in the drawings the filter or receptacle 23 is nearly
filled, the bucket 34 having been tipped and being retained in its tipped position
by catch 39, while the valve 9 is open and valve 10 closed. As soon as filter or
receptacle 23 is filled a portion of its contents will overflow through pipe 25 into
bucket 3 and so depress the latter, this movement turning the shaft 11 so that
catch 39 will be released from bucket 34, and the latter will then resume its
normal position and the valve 37 with which it is connected will be closed, thus
cutting off the further supply of liquid from receptacle 19, which will not be
resumed until sufficient liquid has accumulated in such receptacle 19 for a por-
tion of same to again pass through overflow pipe 35 into bucket 34, when the
latter will be again tipped and will be retained in its tipped position until
filter 24 has been filled.
The fourth part of our invention consists in means for causing valves to be
opened gradually instead of suddenly, and for bringing them to rest without
shock. In the Complete Specification of our Patent No. 27349 dated 22nd Novem-
ber 1897, it is stated that dashpots or other suitable devices might be used for
the purpose, and in the Specification of our Patent No. 5671 of 1898 above re-
ferred to a chamber is mentioned in which the actuating bucket is hung and by
the filling of which the actuating bucket is caused to rise into its higher position.
Our present improvement consists in forming this chamber as shown in Fig. 10
so as to retain therein a quantity of water or other liquid into which the actua-
ting bucket 3 shall fall thus retarding its descent. The liquid displaced by the
bucket may remain in the chamber, or may be allowed to escape, either freely,
or through a regulating orifice 41 so as to control the rate of descent of the
bucket.
The fifth part of our invention relates to apparatus for filling and discharging
filters or receptacles in which liquid is successively stored, or through which
it is successively passed, and consists in means whereby the valves controlling
such filling and discharge are opened and closed in the proper order and at the
proper times. In such cases it will often be practicable to dispense with inde-
pendent supply valves for the second and subsequent filters, as the discharge
valve of one filter will act as the supply valve to the next filter.
One arrangement for carrying out this part of our invention is illustrated in
Fig. 11, in which as will be seen two filters 23 and 24 are arranged to be used in
succession the liquid passing from the upper one 23 into the lower one 24 when
the discharge valve of the former is raised.
The raising of the discharge valve 6 of the upper filter is effected by means of
a single actuating bucket 3, which is depressed by liquid passing thereinto from
the discharge well 1 of such filter. A pipe 25 leads from discharge well 1 to a
four way cock 41, and from thence pipe 42 leads to the actuating bucket 3, so
that when filter 23 is filled and the level of the liquid in its discharge well 1
reaches the necessary height part of such liquid will pass into the actuating
bucket 3 and so depress the latter.
The lever 8 carrying the discharge valve 6 and bucket 3 and mounted on
shaft 11 also carries the supply valve 9 through which the liquid to be treated
passes to the upper filter 23. Such supply valve 9 is mounted on the same side
of the lever 8 as the actuating bucket 3, so that when the latter is in its raised
position the valve 9 will also be raised and the liquid enabled to pass through
passage 21 into filter 23, while when the actuating bucket is depressed to open
the discharge valve 6 such supply valve 9 will be closed.
As above stated the liquid passes from the discharge well 1 of the upper
filter 23 to be further treated in the lower filter 24. being delivered direct on to
the surface of the filtering material in the latter. The discharge valve 7 of such
lower filter 24 is actuated by a bucket 4 carried by a lever 43 mounted on shaft 44.
the rod carrying the discharge valve being pivotted to such lever near the end

page_text: opposite to that carrying the bucket. The liquid for filling the bucket 4 and so
causing the opening of the discharge valve 7 of the lower filter may pass from
the lower filter itself, or from the upper filter 23, or from any other suitable
source. In the arrangement shown part of the liquid discharged from the upper
filter 23 is caused to pass into the bucket 4, a weir 45 being interposed between
the discharge valve 6 of the upper filter and the surface of the lower filter, so
that the main portion of discharged liquid will have to pass over such weir,
and thus a portion of same will pass through pipe 46 into a reservoir 47, from
which it is supplied to the bucket 4, preferably through an orifice the size of
which is capable of adjustment so as to permit the time occupied in the filling
of such bucket 4 to be regulated.
The remainder of the liquid from discharge well 1 will when the level falls
below the top of the weir 45, pass off through a small opening made in the lower
part thereof for that purpose.
One end of a siphon 48 extends into the bucket 4, the other end of same open-
ing into the discharge well 2 of the lower filter, so that the rush of liquid from
such discharge well on valve 7 being opened will bring such siphon into action
and so empty the bucket. The effect of this would be to cause the immediate
closing of the discharge valve 7, the weight of which would then overcome that
of the nearly empty bucket 4, and we therefore arrange a catch acting in con-
nection with the lever 43 to prevent the closing of such valve until the upper
filter is about to be discharged. This catch may as shown consist of a pivoited
part having a finger 49 which projects into the path of a cam or projection 50
pivotted on the rod carrying the actuating bucket 3 of the upper filter, such
pivotted part also having a projection 51 engaging the hooked end of a rod 52
connected to the end of the lever 43 carrying the discharge valve 7 of the lower
filter. These parts are so arranged that when the discharge valve 7 of the lower
filter 24 is raised the projection 51 of the catch will engage the hooked end of
rod 52 and so prevent the lever 43 and discharge valve 7 from falling, until on
the descent of the actuating bucket 3 of the upper filter the cam or projection 50
on its rod will engage the finger 49 and by turning the catch on its pivot remove
the projection 51 of the latter from the path of the hooked end of rod 52 and so
allow the latter together with lever 43 and discharge valve 7 to fall owing to the
weight of the latter, thus returning the bucket 4 to its raised position.
In the position shown in Fig. 11 the upper filter 23 is filling, its supply valve 9
being opened and discharge valve 6 closed, while the lower filter 24 is being dis-
charged, its discharge valve being held open by means of the catch described.
As soon as the upper filter 23 is full a portion of its contents will overflow through
pipe 25, four way cock 41 and pipe 42 into actuating bucket 3 thus causing the
latter to fall and so closing supply valve 9 and opening discharge valve 6. The
liquid will then pass through the valve opening and over weir 45 onto the sur-
face of the lower filter 24, a portion of same passing through pipe 46 into reser-
voir 47 to be delivered into bucket 4, which has in the meantime been allowed
to return to its raised position by the release of its catch on the descent of
actuating bucket 3 as hereinbefore described, and the discharge valve 7 of such
lower filter carried by the lever on which said bucket 4 is mounted having con-
sequently closed. The regulating orifice from reservoir 47 is so adjusted that
the bucket 4 will not be caused to descend until filter 24 has been filled, and when
this takes place such filter 24 will be discharged, the discharge valve 7 being
held open by the catch until the upper filter 23 is again about to be emptied.
The actuating bucket 3 of the upper filter may be emptied by a siphon or any
other suitable means, such means being preferably brought into action on the fill-
ing of another upper filter and may be caused to rise again into its higher
position either by the weight of the discharge valve 6 or a counterweight if
necessary.
The cam or projection 50 is so mounted on the rod of bucket 3 that when the
latter rises such cam or projection will turn on its pivot to pass the finger 49.

page_text: We generally use a number of pairs of filters arranged as above described, and
for the purpose of enabling any such pairs to be cut out we provide the four-
way cock 41 by means of which the overflow from the upper filter 23 may be led
to any other pair and so used to actuate the mechanism of same as above des-
cribed, the arrangement of the overflow pipes in a continuous ring with connec-
tions to the different pairs of filters being similar to that shown in the Specn.
of our prior Patent No. 3003 dated 10th February 1890.
The valves of several filters may be so arranged as to be opened and closed by
a single set of actuating gear, either simultaneously or preferably in succession,
sufficient slack motion being given to the connection of each valve to allow it
to find its seat irrespective of the other valves operated by the same gear.
This arrangement is shown in Fig. 12 in which as will be seen the filters
through which the liquid is to pass in succession are superimposed one over the
other. Two series of filters 23 and 24 are shown, but it will be readily understood
that three or more of such series one over the other may be employed if desired
and convenient.
The discharge valves of these filters only are shown in the drawing, the means
for controlling the supply to the upper series not being shown. It may consist
of a pair of buckets carried by a lever secured on shaft 11 and actuated by the
overflow from the upper filters or otherwise.
As will be seen by a reference to Fig. 12 the discharge valves 6 and 7 of the
upper and lower filters respectively are actuated by valve rods depending from
lever 8 secured to shaft 11, the upper discharge valves 6 being secured to such
valve rods so as to be always moved therewith, while the lower discharge valves 7
are acted upon by buttons or enlargements 53 on the valve rods. The object of
this arrangement is to enable a certain amount of slack motion of the lever 8
to take place, whereby the upper discharge valves 6 will be opened before the
lower discharge valves 7, and each valve will thus be allowed to find its seat irre-
spective of the others operated by the same gear.
In the position shown in the drawing the right hand upper filter 23 is being
discharged, the liquid passing through tube 54 leading therefrom into the left
hand lower filter 24, on issuing from which when valve 7 is raised it may pass
if desired through tube 56 to a further filter or filters, or be led away for irriga-
on or other purposes.
We prefer in carrying out this part of our invention to construct the valves 7
of the lower filters with tubes 55 through which the valve rods pass, thus pre-
venting leakage of liquid through the holes formed in the valves for the passage
of the valve rods.
Where two or more sets of filters are used it may be advantageous to make
the actuating gear for two sets work alternately, so that the filters in one set may
rest full or empty while those in the other set are filling.
The sixth part of our invention provides means for acrating the liquid dis-
charged from a filter, the velocity of such discharge being preferably utilised
for the purpose.
For the purpose of this part of our invention the emerging
liquid may be broken up into spray or small streams so as to be freely exposed
to the air; or air may be introduced into the liquid through nozzles or tubes
placed therein and so disposed that the flow of liquid shall induce a flow of air
thereinto.
In carrying out this part of our invention according to the method shown in
Fig. 13 we provide a discharge pipe or passage 57, into which the sewage effluent
or other liquid passes from the collecting well 1 when valve 6 is lifted from its
seat. The outer end of such discharge pipe or passage 57 is closed, but a number
of perforations or holes are made through such end so that the liquid will have
to pass through the perforations, and owing to the pressure of the liquid behind
it will issue therefrom in the form of a spray. Such liquid will thus be brought
into intimate contact with the air and so thoroughly aerated before it passes off
by the channel 59

page_text: According to the modification of this part of our invention illustrated in
Fig. 14 we provide the discharge pipe or passage 57 with any suitable number of
small pipes or tubes 58, which pass through the discharge pipe into the liquid
to be aerated, and are open to the air at their upper ends. The effect of this
arrangement will be that when valve 6 is lifted to empty the collecting well 1
and the filter or receptacle with which it is connected, there will be a rush of
liquid along the discharge pipe or passage 57, which will draw air through the
small pipes or tubes 58. Such air issuing from the inner ends of these pipes
or tubes will be intimately mixed with the liquid as it passes along the discharge
pipe or passage 57, and so aerate the liquid.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
In apparatus for treating sewage or other liquids,
1. The combination with the discharge wells of a pair of filters or other recep-
tacles and a pair of actuating buckets suspended therein, of a siphon serving to
convey a portion of liquid from either of the discharge wells to the opposite actua-
ting bucket, and by its continued action to empty the bucket in the discharge
well from which such liquid passes, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2. In combination with a receptacle which is alternately filled and emptied,
and automatic means for opening and closing the supply valve and the discharge
valve thereto, a lever or member to which such valves are loosely connected com-
municating motion to such valves in turn, substantially as described.
3. The combination with two receptacles having each a supply valve and a dis-
charge valve which are operated automatically of weights bearing upon the
moving parts during successive stages of their motion, thereby rendering such
motion intermittent instead of continuous.
4. The combination of a receptacle or filter and a discharge valve so formed
as to regulate the rate of discharge in each position of the valve, substantially
as described and as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings.
5. The combination of a receptacle or filter and a discharge valve so formed
as to regulate the rate of discharge, together with means for imparting to such
valve an intermittent motion and causing it to rise successively giving a gradu-
ally increased opening, substantially as described and as shown in Figs. 2 and 3
of the drawings.
6. The combination with a receptacle in which sewage or other liquid accu-
mulates and from which it is to be delivered to filters or other receptacles, of
means for effecting the discharge thereof and for permitting such a quantity of
liquid to accumulate in same as will be sufficient to fill one of the filters or other
receptacles before such discharge can take place, substantially as specified.
7. The combination with a receptacle in which sewage or other liquid accumu-
lates and from which it is to be delivered to filters or other receptacles, of a
siphon or siphons for effecting the discharge thereof, the flow through which is
stopped when desired by the admission of air thereto, substantially as specified.
8. The combination with a receptacle in which sewage or other liquid accumu-
lates and from which it is to be delivered to filters or other receptacles, of a
siphon or siphons for effecting the discharge thereof, the outer ends of such
siphon or siphons dipping into the liquid contained in a tipping diverter which
delivers the liquid into channels by which it passes to the filters, the motion of
said diverter being utilized to admit air to the siphon or siphons to stop the
action of the latter when desired, substantially as specified.
9. The combination with a receptacle in which sewage or other liquid accumu-
lates and from which it is to be delivered to filters or other receptacles, of a
siphon or siphons for effecting the discharge thereof, and means operating on the
filling of the filter being supplied to admit air to such siphon or siphons, sub-
stantially as specified.

page_text: 10. The combination with a receptacle in which sewage or other liquid accu-
mulates and from which it is to be delivered to filters or other receptacles, of a
bucket adapted to be tipped or otherwise operated on the level of the liquid in
the storage receptacle reaching the desired height and thereby open the supply
to the filter to be filled, the bucket being retained in its tipped position by a
catch during the filling of such filter, and means being provided for releasing
the bucket from the catch when this has taken place, substantially as specified.
11. The combination of a lever operating a valve, an actuating bucket con-
nected therewith, and a chamber containing liquid into which the bucket des-
cends, such chamber retaining liquid which will retard the descent of the bucket,
so as to cause the valve controlled by the latter to be opened and closed gradually,
substantially as specified.
12. The combination with two or more filters or other receptacles through which
liquid is successively passed, the discharge valve of the first filter constituting
the supply valve of the next, of means by which the supply and discharge valves
are caused to open and close in the proper order and at the proper times, sub-
stantially as specified.
13. The combination with the arrangement specified in the preceding claim of
a catch to hold the discharge valve of each succeeding filter open until the pre-
ceding filter is filled and about to be discharged, substantially as specified.
14. The combination with two or more filters or other receptacles through
which liquid is successively passed, of means for actuating the whole of the
valves governing the supply of liquid thereto and its discharge therefrom by
a single set of actuating gear, a certain amount of slack motion being given
to the connection of some of the valves substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
15. The combination with a filter or other receptacle for use in the treatment
of sewage or other liquids, of a discharge pipe or passage therefrom and means for
aerating the liquid from such filter or receptacle as it passes from or through
such discharge pipe or passage, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
16. The combination with the discharge pipe or passage from a filter or other
receptacle, of an end piece provided with holes or perforations through which
the liquid will be forced to pass in the form of spray, substantially as and for
the purpose specified.
17. The combination with the discharge pipe or passage from a filter or other
receptacle, of air inlet pipes or tubes opening from the outer air into such dis-
charge pipe or passage, so that the liquid passing through the latter will draw
air into and mix it with such liquid, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Dated this 14th day of June 1899