IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS OR VALVES OR APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS."AL SP
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Lorimer Corbett and William Lochhead, both of
Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS OR VALVES OR APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND
CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Lorimer Corbett and
William Lochhead at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
3rd June 1881.
JOHN LORIMER CORBETT and WILLIAM LOCHHEAD, both of Glasgow, in the
County of Lanark, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS OR VALVES OR
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND
OTHER LIQUIDS."
This Invention relates to certain improvements in taps or valves or waste
preventing supply apparatus for delivering uniform quantities of water to water
closets, for the flushing and after-flushing operations, and for the like delivery of
water or other liquids to baths, lavatories, urinals, and other vessels for domestic
and public purposes. The improved apparatus is simple in construction, easily
nade and fitted, reliable and efficient in action, and is specially designed to regulate
or control the supply of the liquid automatically.
Under one modification of the Invention, mainly applicable for controlling the
supply from pressure water mains, but also adapted for use with service cisterns,
the improved apparatus comprises a two-way cock fitted in a seat at the inlet
orifice or pipe, which may be turned to close this inlet or admission pipe, or to
admit water through it to either of two short inlet tubes, one on each side of the
cock, leading into a small cylinder or barrel set transversely and fixed to them, and
which has a discharge nozzle at or near its centre on the side opposite to the inlet
tubes. This cylindrical chamber or barrel is for convenience made in two parts,
being cut transversely at or near the centre and screwed or otherwise fixed together.
Pain S

page_text: The barrel is closed at both ends, and it is divided centrally into two compartments
by a strong thick partition, in which outlet ports are formed leading from the
interior of the barrel to the discharge nozzle formed on it. Through the
partition there passes a rigid piston rod fitted at each end with a piston
or plunger free to reciprocato together in the barrel. The inner side of cach
piston or plunger is fitted with a rubber, leather, or other soft washer to close
tight against an annular flange or seat on the dividing partition. A small
hole, groove, or waterway is pierced through each piston, forming a communication
between the contral and outer parts of each compartment of the barrel, and the
size of these holes is regulated to allow the water to pass from the centre to the
outer ends in a fixed period of time, which may be greater for the one than for the
other.
The water from the inlet orifice is admitted by the two-way cock to either
compartment of the cylindrical chamber or barrel by the small inlet tubes between
the central partition and the piston in that compartment, which for the time being
will be at the outer end of its stroke, and the water flows freely through the
chamber and through the outlet port in the partition to the discharge nozzle. But
whilst the water is thus being steadily delivered a portion also passes through the
small hole or water-way in the piston to the outer end of this compartment, and
the surface of the piston exposed to the pressure of the water on the outer side
being greater than that on the inner side by the extent of the area of cross section
of the piston rod the piston is pressed inwards gradually (as the outer compartment
fills) until it closes up against its seat on the partition and also covers the outlet
and the water ceases to flow. If now the two-way cock be reversed by hand the
same operation of delivering a uniform supply of water will be performed through
the opposite compartment in the same way, and the process may be repeated as
often as desired, or the two-way cock may be turned to cut-off the supply of
water.
This arrangement of the improved apparatus may be modified in construction
for convenience in casting or fitting the various parts. For example, the two-way
cock may be fitted in a seat directly over the cylindrical piston chamber or barrel,
and bored to admit the water to each compartment on each side of the central
partition. In this case the barrel may be inade or cast in one piece with the scat
of the two way cock and the piston chambers bored from each end and fitted with
screwed caps or covers, the inlet and outlet ports or orifices being cored out in
casting. The communicating water way between the inner and outer sides of the
piston in cach compartment may also be formed by a small tube reaching nearly
from end to end of each compartment of the piston chamber; or a similar tube may
pass outside the chamber from the inlet to each outer end of the piston barrel quite
outside the barrel, the operation of automatically closing the water inlet by the
moving piston being effected as described by any of these arrangements.
Under another modification of the Invention the two way cock is dispensed
with and a small valve chamber interposed between the main inlet orifice or pipe
and the two small inlet tubes of the piston chamber or barrel is substituted therefor.
The small tubes passing out from the valve chamber to the piston barrel form seats
for small clacks or conical valves closing against the seats by the pressure of the
water and thus preventing the passage of the water in the normal position of the
valves. The valves are opened by means of a central spindle passing outside the
valve chamber having a handle or lever fitted to it and acting when turned on a
cross bar or levers inside, either jointed or fitted with pins and slots to lift one
valve off its scat whilst the other remains closed. An action similar to that of the
two-way cock previously referred to is thus obtained, with the advantage, however,
that when the handle is left free to open by mistake the valves close automatically
by the pressure of the water on them.
By a further improvement a small conical or other valve is fitted in the inain
inlet pipe or orifice to open against the pressure of the water. This valve is fitted
with a guiding spindle passing into the valve chamber described and is opened

page_text: either separately or simultaneously with either valve of the tubes leading to the
piston barrel by means of a cam or cams on a separate spindle or on the opening
handle spindle when that is turned. This additional valve, by closing automatically,
serves the two-fold purpose of preventing the flow of water through the apparatus
when by wear or accident any leakage occurs, and adınits of the valve chamber
being opened or any other part of the apparatus being disconnected for repair.
without shutting off the water from the street main. This arrangement of the
apparatus is thus particularly adapted for supplying water closets with pressure
water from the main without the use of a cistern.
The apparatus can be arranged to supply baths, lavatories, cisterns, or other
vessels, to fill them and close automatically without causing overflow, by regulating
the size of the waterway or communication between the inner and onter ends of
the piston barrel, and when this passage is formed outside the barrel it can be,
adjusted by means of a screw plug to time the flow of water to fill a bath, or
different sizes of vessels without overflowing or waste.
In applying the apparatus for the supply of water to water-closets where it is
desirable to obtain a comparatively large supply for the flushing operation, and
only a very small supply for the afterflush or sealing of the closet, the bore or size
of the regulating water-ways described may be made smaller for the one compart-
ment than for the other. In this way a handle or cock can be turned to supply
the flushing water through the compartiment with the small water-way, and secure
a large supply or flow of water during the slow traverse of the piston in its barrel,
and the cock may then be turned to admit water through the opposito compart-.
ment, the inlet to which would be closed much quicker and the after-flush supply
cut-off after a corresponding short flow.
To obtain a constant and equal pressure of water on the outer ends of the moving
pistons in the barrel the small regulating water ways may be carried into the
valve chamber described and terminate in orifices therein, close to the water
supply tubes for the barrel, in which case the one would be closed by the rubber
faced or other valve also covering the supply tube, while the other is opened by
the lifting of the corresponding valve of the second supply tube.
By a further modification of the Invention the timing or measuring barrel or
cylinder and piston are confined within a close water-tight box or chamber of
square, cylindrical, or other suitable shape with movable cover. The small barrel
or cylinder, which by filling and moving the piston times or regulates the supply
of water, is in this case made movable as well as the piston, and is formed with a
flanged seat or slide fitted in guides within the containing box or chamber, to
move longitudinally in a line with the inlet water tube to the box or casing and
the outlet nozzle therefrom.
The barrel is a simple cylinder with a cover at one end to admit a closely fitting
piston and piston-rod, which passes out through the end cover and terminates in a
flat or conical valve face in a line with the outlet from the casing. A small pin
hole or opening is made preferably in the opposite end of the cylinder or barrel,
and when the water at any pressure is admitted to the chamber the barrel or
cylinder fills, and the water pressure acting on a greater area at the back of the
piston than on the other side, to which the piston rod is fitted, the piston is forced
towards the end of the cylinder, and the valve on the end of the piston closes
against a valve seat formed in the outlet tube or nozzle, thereby preventing further
passage of water, The continued pressure on the piston within its barrel, due to
the inlet of water, being unable to move the piston further, forces back the barrel
itself in its guides till it comes in contact with the opposite side of the chamber or
casing. The tap or supply regulating apparatus is now in its normal closed
position, and to open it to pass a fixed quantity of water the barrel is pressed
towards the outlet to slide over the piston within it, until the piston reaches the
opposite end of its stroke, and then the barrel and piston within it are traversed
back in the guides to the inlet end of the casing, and there strikes against and
opens a conical valve which may be fitted in the inlet to close by the water

page_text: pressure. The casing which remains filled has now the full pressure admitted to
it, and the water again enters the barrel, drives forward the piston, and closes the
outlet, the amount of water passed being regulated by the time it takes to nove
forward the piston to close the outlet valve. The operation of sliding the barrel
back and forth in its guides as described is effected by a small lever fitted to a
spindle passing through a stuffing box in the cover and fitted or formed with a
handle outside.
In some cases, as for use in connection with water closets, as supply apparatus
for giving a flush and after-flush, the barrel and piston arrangement may be
duplicated, and both barrels acted on in unison by a double lever worked by a
handle outside the casing. An outlet valve would be provided for each barrel,
leading however to a single discharge pipe, and one outlet valve would be opened
to flush the closet pan, while the other would be closed by a single movement of
the handle, and the turning back of the handle would allow a supply of water to
pass for the after flushing operation.
In a modification of the moving barrel and piston arrangement described a
rubber ball replaces these parts, and is fitted in a guiding casing within the water
box or chamber. The ball has a small guiding spindle and rubber faced valve
fitted to close the outlet in its normal position, and it may be placed so as to be
acted on by a lever and handle at the side of the casing, or be formed when placed
vertically with a long spindle passing up through a stuffing box and worked by
a quick scrow or by a depressing and raising handle or lever. The ball has a small
hole in it, or a conical valve fitted in a tube attached to it, and when a supply of
water is to be passed the ball is collapsed within the water by turning or depressing
the handle, and the outlet valve raised from its scat. Water now continues to pass
through the outlet until the ball fills with water through the small valve or opening
in it, and by filling closes down the outlet valve to shut off the passage of the
water.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Lorimer Corbett and William Lochhead in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 2nd December 1881.
JOHN LORIMER CORBETT. and WILLIAM LOCHHEAD, both of Glasgow, in the
County of Lanark, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN TAPS OR VALVES OR
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND
OTHER LIQUIDS."
Our said Invention relates to certain improvements in taps, or valves or wasto
preventing supply apparatus for delivering uniform quantities of water to water
closets, for the flushing and after-flushing operations, and for the like delivery of
water or other liquids to baths, lavatorics, urinals, and other vessels for domestic
and other purposes. The improved apparatus is simple in construction, easily mado
and fitted, reliable and efficient in action, and is specially designed to regulate or
control the supply of the liquid automatically.
And in order that our said Invention and the manner of performing the same
may be properly understood, we have hereunto appended for that purpose two
Sheets of explanatory Drawings to be hereinafter referred to, and representing
modifications of our improved water taps. In these Drawings the same reference
letters are used to mark the saine or like parts whero repeated.
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of these Drawings is a vertical section, and Figure 2 is a
horizontal section of one modification of our improved tap as constructed and
adapted for regulating or controlling the passage of water through it for the supply
of uniform quantities to jaw-boxes, baths, lavatories, and the like; Figure 3 on
Sheet 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of another modification of the improved
regulating tap, and Figure 4 is a horizontal section of the same, while Figure 5 is a
horizontal section of a further modified form of the improved tap.
Under the modification of our Invention, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and which
is mainly applicable for controlling the supply from pressure water mains, but
also adapted for use with service cisterns; the improved apparatus comprises a
two-way cock A fitted in a seat A' at the inlet orifice or pipe A², which may be
turned to close this inlet or admission pipe A², or to admit water through it to
either of two short inlet tubes or ports a, a¹, one on each side of the cock, leading
into a small cylinder or barrel B set transversely and fixed to or formed with
them, and which has a discharge nozzle B' at or near its centre on the side opposite
to the inlet tubes a, a'. This cylindrical chamber or barrel B may for convenience
be made in two parts, being cut transversoly at or near the centre, and screwed or
otherwise fixed together, or it may as shown be cast in one piece and bored. The
barrel B is closed at both ends by means of screw caps B, and it is divided
centrally into two compartments b, b', by a strong thick partition B³ in which
outlet ports 6, b³, are formed, leading from the interior of the barrel B to the
discharge nozzle B¹ formed on it. Through the partition B³ there passes a rigid
piston-rod C, fitted at each end with a piston or plunger C. C', free to reciprocate
together in the barrel B. The inner side of each piston or plunger is fitted with a
rubber, leather, or other soft washer c to close tight against an annular flango b
or seat on the dividing partition B³. A small hole, groove, or waterway c¹ is
pierced through each piston C¹, C¹, forming a communication between the central
and outer parts of each compartment of the barrel, and the size of these holes may
he regulated to allow the water to pass from the centre to the outer ends b, b', in
a fixed period of time, which may be greater for the one than the other, or the
pistons C', C', may be fitted a little easy in the cylinder B for the same purpose.

page_text: The water from the inlet orifice or pipe A is admitted by the two-way cock A
to either compartment b or b' of the cylindrical chamber or barrel B by the small
inlet tubes a, a, between the central partition B³ and the piston C, C, in that
compartment, which for the time being will be at the outer end of its stroke, and
the water flows freely through the chamber bor b' and through the outlet port
6 or 63 in the partition B³ to the discharge nozzle B'. But whilst the water is
thus being steadily delivered a portion also passes through the small hole or
waterway c in the piston C¹, C', to the outer end of this compartiment b or b', and
the surface of the piston C' exposed to the pressure of the water on the outer side
being greater than that on the inner side by the extent of the area of cross section
of the piston rod C, the piston C¹ is pressed inwards gradually (as the outer com-
partment b or b¹ fills) until it closes up against its sent bt on the partition B³, and
also covers the outlet 6 or 63 and the water ceases to flow. If now the two-way
cock be reversed by hand to open the opposite inlet a or a¹ to the barrel B the
same operation of delivering a uniform supply of water will be performed through
the opposite compartment b or b¹ in the same way, and the process may be repeated
as often as desired, or the two-way cock may be turned in such a position that
neither of the slots in it are open to the inlets u, a¹, or to the inlet tube A² to
cut-off the supply of water.
This arrangement of the improved apparatus may be modified in construction
for convenience in casting or fitting the various parts. For example, the two-way
cock A may be fitted in a seat directly over the cylindrical piston chamber or
barrel B and bored to admit the water to each compartment on each side of the
central partition. In this case the barrel may be made or cast in one piece with
the seat of the two-way cock, and the piston chambers bored from each end and
fitted with screwed caps or covers, the inlet and outlet ports or orifices being
cored out in casting; or the barrel may be bored from end to end with a
hollow chamber forming the seat for the piston. The communicating waterway
between the inner and outer sides of the piston in each compartment may also be
formed by a small tube reaching nearly from end to end of each compartment of
the piston chamber; or a similar tube may pass outside the chamber from the
inner to each outer end of the piston barrel quite outside the barrel, or from the
cock A to the outer ends of the barrel, as indicated in Figure 5, the operation of
automatically closing the water inlet by the moving piston being effected as
described by any of these arrangements. A small groove at is formed in the
cock A, and leading through a small port 6 into the barrel B, through which a
drop of water may pass from the back of either piston C' when it is on its seat,
and is starting on its outward traverse, or the port (6) may lead outside the
barrel. The object of allowing a little of the water to pass off in this way is to
relieve the pressure on the back of the piston C' at the moment of starting. The
groove a* is so formed that it is opened by the turning of the cork A only to relieve
the pressure behind the piston that is closed.
According to the modification of the Invention represented in Figures 3 and 4
of the Drawings, the two-way cock is dispensed with and a small valve chamber A*
interposed between the main inlet orifice or pipe A' and the two sinall inlet
tubes a, a, of the piston chamber or barrel B is substituted therefor. The small
tubes a, a, passing out from the valve chamber A* to the piston barrel B form
seats for small clacks or flap valves d, d, closing against their seats by the pressure
of the water, and thus preventing the passage of the water through the tubes a, a',
in the normal closed position of the valves d, d¹.
The valves d, d', are operated by means of a central spindle D passing outside
the valve chamber, having a handle or lever fitted to it, and acting when turned
on a cross bar or levers D' attached to it inside, either jointed or formed with
slots de fitting over pins d³ in the valves d, d, to lift one valvo off its seat whilst
the other remains closed, as indicated in Figure 4. An action similar to that of
the two-way cock arrangement described in reference to Figures 1 and 2 is thus
obtained, with the advantage however that when the handle is left free to open by

page_text: mistake, the valves d, d', close automatically by the pressure of the water on them.
In this inodification the piston heads C are fitted a little loose, so as to relieve the
pressure on the back of the closed piston when the water is turned to pass through
the opposite chambers.
By a further improvement, which is not illustrated in the Drawings, a small
conical or other valve is fitted in the main inlet pipe or orifice to open against the
pressure of the water. This valve is fitted with a guiding spindle passing into the
valve chamber A*, and is opened either separately or simultaneously with either
valve d'or d' of the tubes a, a, leading to the piston barrel B by means of a cam
or cams on a separate spindle, or on the opening handle spindle D when that is
turned This additional valve by closing automatically serves the two-fold
purpose of preventing the flow of water through the apparatus, when by wear or
accident any leakage occurs, and admits of the valve chamber A* being opened, or
any other part of the apparatus being disconnected for repair without shutting off
the water from the street main. This arrangement of the apparatus is thus
particularly adapted for supplying water-closets with pressure water from the
main without the use of a cistern.
The apparatus can be arranged to supply baths, lavatories, cisterne, or other
vessels to fill them, and close automatically without causing overflow by regulating
the size of the water-way or communication c¹ between the inner and outer ends
of the piston barrel B; and when the passage is formed through tubes c², c², outside
the barrel B, as shown in Figure 5, it can be adjusted by means of a screw plug to
timo the flow of water to fill a bath, or different sizes of vessels without overflowing
or waste.
In applying the apparatus to the supply of water to water-closets where it is
desirable to obtain a comparatively large supply for the flushing operation, and only
a very small supply for the after-flush or sealing of the closet, the boro or size of
the regulating water-ways c', c', or c², e², described may be made smaller for the
one compartment than for the other. In this way a handle or cock can be turned
to supply the flushing water through the compartment, as with the small water-
way c¹, and secure a large supply or flow of water during the slow traverse of the
piston C in its barrel B, and the cock A may then be turned to admit water
through the opposite compartment as b', the inlet to which would be closed inuch
quicker, and the after-flush supply cut-off after a corresponding short flow.
To obtain a constant and equal pressure of water on the outer ends of the moving
piston in the barrel, the small regulating water-ways may be carried into the valvo
chamber Ax, and terminate in orifices therein close to the water supply tubes a, a¹,
for the barrel B, in which case the one would be closed by the rubber faced or
other valve d or ', also covering the supply tube a or a', while the other is opened
by the lifting of the corresponding valve d or d of the second supply tube a¹ or a.
By a further modification of the Invention, the turning or measuring barrel or
cylinder and piston are confined within a close water-tight box or chamber of
The small barrel
square, cylindrical, or other suitable shape with movable cover.
or cylinder which by filling and moving the piston times or regulates the supply
of water is in this case made movable as well as the piston, and is formed with n
flanged seat or slide fitted in guides within the containing box or chamber to move
longitudinally in a line with the inlet water tubes to the box or casing, and the
outlet nozzle therefrom.
The barrel is a simple cylinder with a cover at one end to admit a closely fitting
piston and piston rod which passes out through the end cover, and terminates in a
flat or conical valve face in a line with the outlet from the casing. A small pin
hole or opening is made preferably in the opposite end of the cylinder or barrel,
and when the water at any pressure is admitted to the chamber, the barrel or
cylinder fills, and the water pressure acting on a greater area at the back of the
piston than on the other side to which the piston rod is fitted, the piston is forced
towards the end of the cylinder, and the valve on the end of the piston closes

page_text: against a valve seat formed in the outlet tube or nozzle, thereby preventing
further passage of water.
The continued pressure on the piston within its barrel, due to the inlet of water
being unable to move the piston further, forces back the barrel itself in its guides
till it comes in contact with the opposite side of the chamber or casing. The tap
or supply regulating apparatus is now in its normal closed position, and to open it
to pass a fixed quantity of water, the barrel is pressed towards the outlet to slide
over the piston within it until the piston reaches the opposite end of its stroke,
and then the barrel and piston within it are traversed back in the guides to the
inlet end of the casing, and there strikes against and opens a conical valve which
may be fitted in the inlet to close by the water pressure. The casing which
remains filled has now the full pressure admitted to it, and the water again enters
the barrel, drives forward the piston, and closes the outlet, the amount of water
passed being regulated by the time it takes to move forward the piston to close the
outlet valves. The operation of sliding the barrel back and forth in its guides as
described is effected by a small lever fitted to a spindle passing through a stuffing
box in the cover and fitted or formed with a handle outside.
In some cases, as for use in connection with water-closets, a supply apparatus for
giving a flush and after-flush, the barrel and piston arrangement may be duplicated,
and both barrels acted on in unison by a double lever worked by a handle outside
the casing. An outlet valve would be provided for each barrel, leading however to
a single discharge pipe, and one outlet valve would be opened to flush the closet
pan, while the other would be closed by a simple movement of the handle, and the
turning back of the handle would allow a supply of water to pass for the after-
flushing operation.
In a modification of the moving barrel and piston arrangement described a
rubber ball replaces these parts, and is fitted in a guiding casing within the water
box or chamber. The ball has a small guiding spindle and rubber faced valve
fitted to close the outlet in its normal position, and it may be placed so as to be
acted on by a lever and handle at the side of the casing, or be formed when placed
vertically with a long spindle passing up through a stuffing box and worked by a
quick-screw, or by a depressing and raising handle or lever. The ball has a small
hole in it, or a conical valve fitted in a tube attached to it, and when a supply of
water is to be passed, the ball is collapsed within the water by turning or depressing
the handle, and the outlet valve raised from its seat. Water now continues to pass
through the outlet until the ball fills with water through the small valve or
opening in it, and by filling closes down the outlet valve to shut off the passage of
the water.
These arrangements of apparatus last described we have not illustrated in the
Drawings, having found them complicated and not of the same practical value,
unless for special circumstances.
Having thus described our said Invention, and the manner of performing the
same, we have to state that we do not restrict ourselves to the precise details
herein described or delineated, but what we consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to us by the hereinbefore in part recited
Letters Patent is,―
First. The construction of taps or valves for water-supplying purposes, in which
the supply of water is regulated or controlled by means of a piston or pistons
traversing a cylinder or barrel through which the water passes, such pistons being
caused to close against seats to cut off the supply by means of the water pressure
acting behind, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and as shown
in the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The arrangement in taps or valves for supplying water of a two way
cock A or equivalent valve chamber A*, in combination with a barrel or cylinder B
in which pistons C, C', are traversed by the pressure of the water, and caused
after definite intervals to cut off the water supplied through the two-way cock or

page_text: chainber, for the purpose of ensuring the delivery of uniforın quantities of water at
each action, substantially as herein described in reference to the accompanying
Drawings.
In witness whereof, we, the said John Lorimer Corbett and the said William
Lochhead, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this First day of December,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty-one.
Witness,
WALLACE FAIRWEATHER, C.E.,
Of W. R. M. Thomson & Co.,
Patent Agents,
Glasgow.
JOHN LORIMER UNDELL.
W LOCHHEAD.
(H.D.)
(L.S.)