Improvements in Flushing Apparatus.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Jan., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 27th Nov., 1891-Accepted, 27th Feb., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Flushing Apparatus.
1, WILLIAM HENRY BODIN, of the "Acme" Plumbing Works, Wednesbury,
in the County of Stafford, Plumber and Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The first part of this invention has reference to automatic flushing apparatus for
water closets urinals folding and other lavatories and the like which as applied to a
water closet I arrange as follows:-I provide a flushing pipe leading from the basin
to a closed overhead tank, or instead of a closed tank the flushing pipe may be made
long enough to contain the required quantity of water and closed at its upper end
and coiled or arranged in a zig-zag direction overhead. Connected with the flushing
pipe and preferably at the base thereof is a piston or other valve or plug by which
the flushing pipe can either be closed so as to retain the water therein and in the
tank or fully opened to allow of the water descending and flushing the basin. This
valve or plug is, as hereinafter described, so connected either directly or indirectly
with the seat, or handle or with a foot board as to be operated thereby. A pipe
supplying water under pressure is in communication with the flushing pipe and with
the tank. This water supply to the cistern or to the flushing pipe is also
controlled by a piston or other valve or plug operated either directly or indirectly
by the seat. The said valves or plugs of the flushing pipe and of the water supply
are so arranged that the act of pressing down the seat through a short space opens
the water supply pipe valve and closes the flush pipe valve directly afterwards,
thus allowing a small flush from the flush pipe into the basin to wet the same before
use and so facilitate cleansing by the flush after use. Whilst the seat is being thus
pressed down the water fills the flush pipe and tank (when a tank is used) and
compresses the air therein until the pressure equals that of the water supply. On
the seat being allowed to rise through a small space and regain its normal position
(which can be accomplished by a spring or other means) the water supply valve
first closes and then the flushing pipe valve opens and the water rushes out through
the flush pipe and flushes out the basin. As the flush pipe and tank (when a tank
is used) are normally empty they cannot be affected by frost. The opening and
closing of the said valves or plugs are or may be controlled by any air or liquid
cushioning cylinder or cylinders so as to prevent their opening or closing too
quickly.
The said valves or plugs which regulate the flushing pipe and the water supply
can either be arranged in the same box or casing or in separate boxes or casings.
The connection of the seat or foot board can either be direct or through a lever
or levers or water air or steam pressure may be utilized as the medium for
transmitting the motion of the seat, handle, or foot board to the said valves or plugs
or one or more of them.
When utilizing the ordinary pressure of the water mains for this purpose I prefer
to proceed as follows:-I provide in a suitable casing, preferably under the seat or
near to or directly at the back of the closet arm and in direct communication with
the flushing pipe, a piston valve which can be moved to and fro in the casing
so as either to open or close the flushing pipe. This piston valve has a hollow
tubular stalk passing through a stuffing box into a cylinder and through this
cylinder on to a valve seat which is connected to the water supply. In this cylinder
there is a piston fixed on the said valve stalk. A valve, which will call A,
operated by the seat or foot board or by other means admits water under pressure
from the supply pipe to one side of the piston and thus causes it and the piston

page_text: valve to move.
This partly opens the water supply to the flushing pipe and causes
water to flow through the hollow valve stalk into the flushing pipe and to give the
first flush in the basin until the piston valve rests upon its seat when the water will
continue to fill the flush pipe and the tank (when a tank is used) until the pressure
equals the pressure in the. main as above described. When the seat, rises this
valve A closes and another valve which I will call B is opened to admit the water
from the underside of the piston to the other side which has the effect of moving
the piston in the opposite direction, closing the water supply valve and opening the
flush pipe for the water to flush out the basin. It will be seen that this is a perfect
water waste preventer as the valves cannot be set in any one position to run the
water to waste. By the cistern being an enclosed one it gives a natural after flush
as the water will continue to dribble into the basin, sufficient to seal the trap.
The small quantity of water which is forced out of the cylinder is or may be
conducted to a small hydraulic cylinder containing a piston which by a rod or
otherwise is connected to the seat so that this water will close or raise the seat
before running to waste into the flush pipe.
The flushing apparatus above described may be similarly applied to urinals and
lavatories.
In the said tank there may be a valve to admit air thereto which valve is closed
by a float when the water reaches a certain level and then opens again when the
water falls to that level and thus causes the water to rush out more quickly at the
finish. This is more particularly for use where there is only a low pressure of
water in the supply.
Instead of the tank or top of the flushing pipe being closed as above described
they may be open and the water supply furnished with an ordinary ball cock or
similar contrivance to shut off the water when enough for one flush has been run in.
When applied to what are known as "valve" closets and the like this part of my
invention has to be modified to suit their special requirements such as to open and
close the valve of the basin or close the flap lid instead of raising it as above
described the operating mechanism having similar actions and applied and adjusted
in a similar manner.
When this part of my invention is applied to a folding urinal or lavatory the act
of opening or closing the flap door or doors will set the apparatus in motion as
above described and upon closing the door or doors the urinal or lavatory will be
thoroughly flushed out. In this case instead of the water being run into a flush
pipe or flush box it runs or may run directly into the basin.
I apply my invention as a very powerful automatic flushing apparatus for drains
and for other purposes as follows:- take a strong enclosed tank preferably of
cylindrical form with concave bottom and convex top on account of its great
strength with large outlet at bottom to suit any sized drain to be flushed. Inside
or outside this tank and at or near the bottom thereof and by preference of the full size
of the outlet hole 1 carry a pipe with a bent syphon shaped upper part (or for some
purposes a complete syphon) to the end of this bend or syphon I attach a short
straight tube or cylinder all of about the same size and inside of this cylinder
works a plunger or cup leather with a hollow stem. At the top of the stem which
is closed is another plunger or cup leather working in another tube. Immediately
above the bottom plunger and under the top plunger is a hole in the hollow stem or
tube the stem working through a stuffing box up into the aforesaid smaller tube.
To the top of this tube is connected the water service in which there is a small
hole or tap and the action is as follows:-Water is turned on which coming in
contact with the top cup leather or plunger forces it down and also the bottom
plunger in larger tube. This cuts off all connection to the outlet from the tank.
Water continues to fill the tank through the small hole or trap until the forces in
tank and water supply become equal and the greater surface, viz. :-the bottom of
bottom plunger, causes it gently to rise until the small hole under top plunger
passing through stuffing box communicates with water supply, takes off pressure
from top plunger, by reason of water running through top hole and out at bottom.

page_text: Top plunger flies up and the whole contents of chamber are expelled with great
force, the compressed air forming an elastic cushion. Where it is advisable to
have more water and less air, I put in a similar contrivance as described for
hermetically sealed tank to water closet, which acts in same way; when this
is done slight ventilation is wanted such as covered by small open grating.
As a portable arrangement the tank may be placed upon wheels and filled from
main service and used for flushing drains or other purposes, or should a greater
force be desired a small force pump may be fixed to the tank to get up any desired
pressure which can be released by a small cock at back of top plunger which allows
the air to escape and causes the contents to rush out through the outlet as above
described.
This arrangement can be similarly applied to water closets lavatories etc.
In a modification of my invention applied as an intermittent flushing apparatus for
urinals and for other purposes, 1 utilize the rising of the water in the short leg of
the syphon (when the water has risen in the tank to the required level) to open a
valve and let the compressed air out of the long leg and thus-start the syphon. I
prefer to employ a bell syphon (although a bent syphon may be similarly used)
having a long leg within the same, contained within the tank, the bottom of the
long leg trapping itself in a receptacle at the bottom having the usual weir, or
instead of the trap the long leg may have a valve. The said trap (when a trap is
used) may either be very shallow or of any depth. At or near the bottom of the
long leg of the syphon I fix a valve which is actuated by a rod carried up either
inside or outside the long leg of the syphon and connected at the top to a float or
to a tipping bucket or other contrivance which will be acted upon by the water
rising in the bell or short leg so as to open the said valve when the water in the
short leg rises to the proper level for discharging the syphon.
Having water in the bottom trap the water on entering the tank will cause the
usual compression of air in the syphon, and as the pressure within correspondingly
increases by the rise of water air may be expelled through the water seal until the
water rising within the bell or short leg will ultimately reach the float or other
contrivance when on slightly raising it and correspondingly opening the said valve
air will commence to escape from the long leg, the air and the water will
immediately complete the opening of the valve and rush out of the syphon and the
entire contents of the tank are discharged; and as I have no air-holes or air-tube
the partial vacuum set up in the syphon will make a corresponding after-flush.
This syphon will work as well, if out of perpendicular, and it is very reliable..
Instead of using a valve at the bottom of the long leg of the syphon to retain the
air while the tank is filling and then allow the air to escape to start the syphon as
above described, I may arrange a double trap at the bottom of the long leg. This trap
consists of a shallow trap in which the long leg dips and a deeper trap into which
an extension of the shallow trap dips. When the water in the trap arrives at a
certain level the air confined in the long leg by increasing in pressure blows the
water out of the shallow trap and as the air can then escape the syphon is started
and the water rushes out through the deeper trap. Or the same effect may be
obtained by employing a dish which floats on the water in the trap and contains a
little water in which the long leg of the syphon dips and through which the air is
ultimately expelled from the syphon as the water riscs in the. tank. As the water
commences to run down the long leg of the syphon it fills and sinks the dish and
starts the syphon. In order to empty the dish and cause it to rise again it is
furnished with a small syphon leading into the trap or into the outlet from the
flushing tank.
In order to make an ordinary flush cistern for a water closet a perfect water waste
preventer and at the same time to be comparatively noiseless in action I proceed
as follows: In an ordinary box with open top I place a syphon by preference of
the rectangular form or bent pipe pattern the lower end of which traps itself at or
near where the connection is made for the flush pipe. Inside the said cistern [
place a tube of suitable dimensions dipping into the trapping water. Within the

page_text: tube I put a suitable plunger which is or may be actuated by the crank and pull
and pressure of water and at the inlet of the syphon I arrange a ball of suitable
material which can move a short distance from the inlet and is contained in a
suitable wire or other guard. The action is as follows:-The tank being all
charged up, when the plunger is drawn up it sucks the water from the trapping box,
syphon action is set up and at the close of the flush the said ball closes the inlet of
the syphon and noiselessly shuts off the water. The water then in syphon and
flush pipe runs out quickly which acts as an after flush.
Dated this 26th day of January 1891.
CHARLES BOSWORTH KETLEY,
Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Flushing Apparatus.
I, WILLIAM HENRY BODIN, of the "Acme" Plumbing Works, Wednesbury,
in the County of Stafford, Plumber and Sanitary 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:-
The first part of this invention has reference to automatic flushing apparatus for
water closets urinals folding and other lavatories and the like which as applied to a
water closet I arrange as follows: -I provide a flushing pipe leading from the basin
to a closed overhead tank, or instead of a closed tank the flushing pipe may be made
long enough to contain the required quantity of water and closed at its upper end
and coiled or arranged in a zig-zag direction overhead. Connected with the
flushing pipe and preferably at the base thereof is a piston or other valve or plug
by which the flushing pipe can either be closed so as to retain the water therein
and in the tank or fully opened to allow of the water descending and flushing the
basin. This valve or plug is, as hereinafter described, so connected either directly
or indirectly with the seat, or handle or with a foot board as to be operated
thereby. A pipe supplying water under pressure is in communication with the
flushing pipe and with the tank. This water supply to the cistern or to the
flushing pipe is also controlled by a piston or other valve or plug operated either
directly or indirectly by the seat. The said valves or plugs of the flushing pipe and
of the water supply are so arranged that the act of pressing down the seat through
a short space opens the water supply pipe valve and closes the flush pipe valve
directly afterwards, thus allowing a small flush from the flush pipe into the basin
to wet the same before use and so facilitate cleansing by the flush after use.
Whilst the seat is being thus pressed down the water fills the flush pipe and tank
(when a tank is used) and compresses the air therein until the pressure equals that
of the water supply. On the seat being allowed to rise through a small space and
regain its normal position (which can be accomplished by a spring or other means)
the water supply valve first closes and then the flushing pipe valve opens and the
water rushes out through the flush pipe and flushes out the basin. As the flush
pipe and tank (when a tank is used) are normally empty they cannot be affected
by frost and this is an important feature of this invention. The opening and
closing of the said valves or plugs are or may be controlled by any air or liquid
cushioning cylinder or cylinders so as to prevent their opening or closing too
quickly.
The said valves or plugs which regulate the flushing pipe and the water supply
can either be arranged in the same box or casing or in separate boxes or
casings.
On the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 represents in front elevation; Fig. 2 in
side elevation and Fig. 3 in plan a water closet basin furnished with an automatic
Alushing apparatus constructed in accordance with this part of my invention;

page_text: Figs. 4 and 5 are sectional elevations and Fig. 6 is a plan of the said valves and
their box or casing on an enlarged scale; and Fig. 4 shews a slightly modified
form of the same. The same letters and numerals indicate the same parts in
Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
A is the flushing pipe leading from the basin B to the overhead tank Cor
instead of the closed tank C the flushing pipe B may be made long enough to
contain the required quantity of water and be closed at its upper end and coiled or
arranged in a zig-zag direction overhead. D is the piston or other valve or plug
by which the flushing pipe A can either be closed so as to retain the water therein
and in the tank C or fully opened to allow of the water descending and flushing the
basin B. On referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 it will be seen that this valve D is
contained in a casing E which has an inlet e in communication with the flushing
pipe A and an outlet e to the basin B. The valve D is carried on the end of a
spindle which passes through a stuffing box e3 and is jointed at 2 to the longer
arm of a lever which turns about a fulcrumn 2 on side brackets or standards G₁G
which support the scat H. The shorter arm 3 of the said lever is jointed to an
upright pressure bar I on the upper end of which the seat H rests." The link
jointed to the bar and to the bracket G2 in combination with the lever f¹³
causes the pressure bar I to keep parallel. K is a treadle or foot board which
may, as by the links ¹² be connected to the short arms of the lever. L is the
pipe which supplies water under low pressure through the upper part of the valve
box E to the Hushing pipe A and the tank C, and M is the valve by which this
water supply is controlled. The valve M is by the spring m seated upon the
seating and the valve M is carried by the hollow piston N which has side
openings and a bottom opening through which the water can flow from the
flushing pipe in the basin. The piston N is by the bucket leather made to fit
water tightly in the valve casing E which in this case at that part is bored; or as
shewn by Fig. 4 the cup leather n³ may be fixed in the casing E for the piston N
to work in.
Normally the parts are in the positions shewn in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the weight
of the longer arm of the lever serving to raise the scat H slightly as shewn.
Upon the seat H being pressed down the longer arm and the valve D are caused
to rise until the latter seats itself upon and closes the lower end of the piston N.
This closes the connection from the flushing pipe A to the basin B. As the motion
of the valve D continues it raises the piston N and the valve M as shown in Fig. 5
and the water under low pressure then flows from the pipe L through the valve
seating m² and up the flush pipe A to the tank C and compresses the air therein
until the pressure equals that of the water supply. On the seat H being allowed
to rise through a small space and regain its normal position the water supply
valve M first closes and then the flushing pipe valve D opens and the water rushes
out through the flush pipe A and the outlet e and flushes out the basin B. The
apparatus herein before described and shewn by Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 4* 5 and 6 is only
suitable for low pressure water. When high pressure water is used I employ the
apparatus hereinafter described and shewn by Figs. 7 to 17 both inclusive.
It will be evident that other methods of transmitting the motion of the seat or
foot board to the said valve stalk might be employed without departing from
the nature of my invention. Moreover water air or steam pressure may as herein-
after described be utilized as the medium for transmitting the motion of the seat
handle or foot board to the said valves or plugs or one or more of them.
When utilizing the ordinary pressure of the water main for this purpose I
prefer to proceed as I will now describe by referring to Figures 7 to 17 both
inclusive.
Fig. 7 is a front elevation Fig. 8 a sectional side elevation and Fig. 9 a plan of a
water closet basin with my invention applied; Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13 are sectional
elevations and Fig. 14 is a plan of the valve and casing of the flushing apparatus
shewn by Figs. 7, 8 and 9 drawn on an enlarged scale, the valve being drawn in

page_text: different positions so as to shew its action as hereinafter described; Fig. 15 shews
the said valve separately and Figs. 16 and 17 shew another valve box and valves
(drawn on a larger scale than Figs. 10 to 15) forming a part of the said apparatus
shewn in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 as hereinafter described. The same letters and numerals
indicate the same parts in Figs. 7 to 17 both inclusive.
I provide a metal box or casing E arranged by preference as shewn in Figs. 7, 8
and 9 directly at the back of the closet arm and in direct communication with the
flushing pipe A and with the basin B. This casing E contains the piston valve O
which can be moved to and fro in the casing E so as either to open (Fig. 10) or
close (Fig. 11) the communication from the base of the flushing pipe A through
the outlet e to the basin B. This piston valve has a hollow tubular stalk o¹
passing through the stuffing box or cup leather et into the cylinder P where the
tubular valve stalk o' is fixed to the piston Q fitted with leathers as shewn, or
otherwise packed so as to be water-tight. The hollow piston valve stalk o' is
furnished with holes of near its base and other holes o near its upper end for the
purpose hereinafter described. Contained in the valve casing S (Figs. 16 and 17)
which is fixed to the side bracket G' is a valve R which by the seat H acting upon
the spring pusher U is pushed down off its seatings as shewn in Fig. 17 so as to
allow the water under pressure to flow from the pipe L past the valve R and out
through the pipe t to the underside of the piston Q which causes the piston Q and
the piston valve O to rise. This partly opens the water supply to the outlet of the
flushing pipe A and causes water under pressure to flow from the pipe L into the
hollow valve stalk o' by the holes o² and out through the holes o into the base of
the flushing pipe and through the outlet e to give the first flush in the basin. This
continues until the piston valve O has passed up into the cup leather e and when
the holes have passed the cup leather as shewn in Figs. 12 and 13 the water will
continue to fill the flush pipe A. and the enclosed tank C (when a tank is used)
until the pressure in the tank and flush pipe equals the pressure in the main Las
above described. When the seat H rises the valve R is by the spring closed as
shewn in Fig. 1 and another valve (on the bottom of the pusher U and which
seats itself upon the open top of the hollow stem of the valve R) is opened as
shewn in Fig. 16 so that the water contained below the piston Q can now flow back
through the pipe and the hole and the hollow stem and on through the waste
pipe V to the inlet in the base of the flush pipe and so on to the basin. When
the valve u is thus opened the pressure of the water and compressed air in the
tank C and flush pipe A and supply pipe L forces down the piston valve O and its
stem o and piston Q to the position shewn in Fig. 10 and the flush of the basin
takes place. It will be seen that this is a perfect water waste preventer as the
valves cannot be set in any one position to run the water to waste. By the
cistern C being an enclosed one it gives a natural afterflush as the water will
continue to dribble into the basin, sufficient to seal the trap.
In Figs. 16 and 17 it will be seen that the hollow stem 2 of the valve R is
fitted with a cup leather packed piston to prevent the water passing from the
pipe to the waste pipe V except through the hollow stem 2 as above described.
When the pusher U is depressed by the seat H as above described, the valve u
closes down upon the open top of the valve stem 2 before the valve R is forced
down from its seat thus preventing any water from the pipe L leaking out to the
waste pipe V.
In the enclosed tank C there may be a valve c² see Figs. 18 and 19 to admit air
to the tank which valve is closed by a float c2 when the water reaches a certain'
level as shewn in Fig. 19 and then opens again as shewn in Fig. 18 when the water
falls to that level and thus as the air can enter the tank, the water rushes out
more quickly at the finish. This is more particularly for use where there is only
a low pressure of water in the supply. The flushing apparatus above described
may be similarly applied to urinals and lavatories, for instance as shewn in Fig. 20
which illustrates my invention applied to a urinal in which the pusher U is placed

page_text: under the foot board K so as to be pressed down when a person stands upon it
and operate the piston in the cylinder P similarly as hereinbefore described with
reference to Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.
When this part of my invention is applied to a folding urinal Figs. 21 and 22
or a folding lavatory Fig. 23 the act of opening or closing the flap door or doors
of the urinal Figs. 21 and 22 will set the apparatus in motion as above described
as the valve box S is fixed as shewn so that the pusher will spring outwardly as
soon as the door is opened and be pressed inwardly by the act of closing the door,
so that the act of closing the door will cause the basin B to be thoroughly
flushed out. The act of closing up the folding lavatory Fig. 23 presses in the
pusher U and causes the water under pressure to flow into the enclosed box C
from whence directly the lavatory is opened the water rushes out into the basin
as in the w.c. Hushing apparatus above described.
I apply my invention as a very powerful automatic flushing apparatus for drains
and for other purposes as shewn in Figs. 24, 25, 26 and 27 in all of which the
same letters and numerals indicate the same parts.
I take a strong enclosed tank C preferably of cylindrical form with the bottom
and top shaped so as to resist the internal pressure furnished with a large outlet a'
at the bottom or at the side to suit any sized drain to be flushed.
Inside or
outside this tank and at or near the bottom thereof and by preference of the full
size of the outlet hole I carry the pipe A with a bent syphon shaped upper part a²
(or for some purposes a complete syphon) and at the end of this bead or syphon
I form a short straight tube or cylinder E all of about the same size, and inside
of this cylinder works a plunger Ŏ or cup leather with a hollow stem o'. The top
of the stem o¹ which is closed passes through another cup leather e* and works in
another smaller tube or cylinder P. Immediately above the bottom plunger O is
a hole or a ring of holes in the hollow stem or tube o¹ and near the top of the
stem o¹ there are other small holes o² arranged one above the others. To the top
of the tube P is connected the water service L in which there is a small hole or
tap W and the action is as follows:-Water is turned on by the tap w which
coming in contact with the top plunger or hollow stem of forces it down and also
the bottom plunger in the larger tube E as shewn in Fig. 24. This cuts off all
connection. to the outlet a¹ from the tank. Water continues to fill the tank C
through the small hole or tap W until the forces in tank and water supply L
become equal, when, as the bottom plunger O is made of larger diameter than the
top plunger o the plunger is by the pressure in the tank caused to rise gently
until one of the small holes o passing through stuffing box or cup leather
communicates with water supply, see Fig. 25, and takes off the pressure from top
plunger o¹, by reason of water running through the uppermost of the holes o and
out at the bottom holes o³. As the plunger o continues to rise and more of the
holes o² become in connection with the water in the cylinder P the plunger flies
up and the whole contents of the chamber C are expelled with great force (see
Fig. 26), the compressed air therein forming an elastic cushion. Where it is
advisable to have more water and less air, I put in the top of the tank a float and
valve like that hereinbefore described for tank of water closet and shewn by
Figs. 18 and 19 and which acts in same way; when this is done a little
ventilation is wanted such as covered by small open grating so as to admit air to
the tank.
t
As a portable arrangement the tank C Figs. 24, 25 and 26 may be placed upon
wheels and filled from main service by the valve to and used for flushing drains or
other purposes.
In this case the cup leather O is made of the same diameter as
the plunger o and the small holes o o³ are dispensed with the plunger o' being
caused to rise when required to discharge the contents of the tank C by opening
the small cock X shewn by dotted lines in Fig. 26 which allows the water to
escape from the cylinder P; or should a greater force than that of the water
mains be desired a small force pump may be fixed to the tank to get up any desired
pressure which can be released by the small cock X at back of top- plunger.o

page_text: which allows the air to escape and causes the contents to rush out through the
outlet as above described.
This arrangement can be similarly applied as an automatic flushing apparatus
for water closets lavatories urinals etc. and be operated by the seat or by a foot
board or by the act of opening or closing the lavatory or urinal the valves R
and u and casing S being employed in the manner hereinbefore described; that
is to say the pipet Figs. 16 and 17 is carried through the enclosed tank C Fig. 27
and connected to the cylinder P and in the outlet of this pipe to the tank CI
provide an ordinary retaining valve Y which will only open outwardly but will be
closed by any pressure from the outside of the pipe which is greater than the
pressure inside thereof. Thus when the valve u rises to relieve the pressure in
the cylinder P the valve Y immediately closes and keeps up the pressure in the
vessel P as the contents are being expelled at the outlet a'. The projecting
piece o is to take against the bottom of the tank and prevent the piston o coming
down too far.
In a modification of my invention applied as an intermittent flushing apparatus
for urinals and for other purposes I utilize the rising of the water in the short
leg of the syphon (when the water has risen in the tank to the required level) to
open a valve and let the compressed air out of the long leg and thus start the
syphon. Various methods of carrying out this part of my invention are illustrated
on the accompanying drawings by Figs. 28 to 34 both inclusive in all of which
the same letters and numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and to which
I will now refer. I prefer to employ a bell syphon A (although a bent syphon
may be similarly used) having a long leg B within the same, contained within the
tank C the bottom of the long leg trapping itself in a receptacle D at the bottom
having the usual weir E, or instead of the trap the long leg B may as shewn in
Fig. 34 have its lower end closed by a valve F. The said trap (when a trap is
used) into which the long leg B dips may either be very shallow or of any depth.
At or near the bottom of the long leg A of the syphon (Figs. 28, 29, 30 and 31)
I fix a valve G which is actuated by a rod H carried up either inside (Figs. 28
and 29) or outside (Figs. 30 and 31) the long leg B of the syphon and connected
at the top to a float or float lever I (Figs. 28, 29 and 30) or to a tipping bucket J
(see Fig. 31) fixed inside the long leg B to one end of the float lever I, or other
contrivance may be used which will be acted upon by the water rising in the bell
or short leg A so as to open the said valve G when the water in the short leg A
rises to the proper level for discharging the syphon. Having water in the bottom
trap, the water, on entering the tank through a ball cock or other contrivance as
usual, will cause the usual compression of air in the syphon A and as the pressure
within the syphon A and long leg B correspondingly increases by the rise of
water some of the air will be expelled through the water seal in the trap D or
through the valve F until the water rising within the bell or short leg B will
ultimately reach the float I Figs. 28 29 30 and 34 or trickle over into the tipping
bucket or other contrivance, when, on the rising water slightly raising the float
or float lever I and correspondingly opening the valve G, air will commence to
escape from the long leg B, the rising water will immediately complete the opening
of the valve, and the air will rush out of the syphon and the water following the.
entire contents of the tank will be discharged; and as I have no air holes or air
tube communicating with the syphon A the partial vacuum set up therein will
make a corresponding after flush. This syphon will work as well, if out of per-
pendicular, and it is very reliable.
In the modifications of this part of my invention shewn by Figures 32 and 33
the valve G is arranged in a tube K communicating either from the bottom of
the long leg B to above the water level in the tank (Fig. 32) or bent down over the
top of the long leg B to the space above the trapping water so as to discharge
the compressed air from the long leg B by the water in the short leg A rising
the float lever I and opening the valve G as above described with reference to
Figs. 28, 29, 30 and 31.

page_text: Instead of using a valve such as G at the bottom of the long leg B of the syphon
to retain the air therein while the tank C is filling and then allow the air to escape
to start the syphon as above described, I may, as shewn by Figs. 35, 36, 37 and 38 to
which I will now refer, arrange a double trap at the bottom of the long leg B.
This trap consists of a shallow trap L in which the long leg B dips and a deeper
trap D into which an extension of the shallow trap L dips. The bell or short
leg A of the syphon has the usual small hole a in its side to allow the air to escape
until the water reaches the hole a as shewn by Fig. 35. When the water in the
tank C arrives at a certain level as shewn by Fig. 36 the air confined in the long
leg B by increasing in pressure blows the water out of the shallow trap L and as
the air can then escape the syphon is started and the water rushes out through the
deeper trap D. The shallow trap L may either be a continuous annular trap
round the bottom of the leg B as shewn in Figs. 35 and 36, or it may be in
separate pockets L (Fig. 37) or divided into compartments (Fig. 38). I find it
is advisable to have an air pipe M to admit air to the space above the trapping
water in the trap D so that when the flush takes place the water will not be sucked
out of the shallow trap L.
In order to make an ordinary flush cistern for a water closet a perfect water
waste preventer and at the same time to be comparatively noiseless in action I
proceed as I will now describe by referring to Figure 39-In an ordinary open
topped box or cistern C fitted with a ball cock I place a syphon B by preference
of the rectangular form or bent pipe pattern the lower end of which traps itself
in the trapping box D at or near where the connection is made to the flush
pipe Z. Inside the said cistern CI place a tube E of suitable dimensions, say a
little larger in diameter than the syphon B, dipping into the trapping water.
Within the tube E which is bored I put a suitable plunger F connected to the
rod G which is or may be actuated by the crank G2 and pull G³ or otherwise
arranged to be moved when required. At the inlet of the syphon B I arrange
a floating ball H of india rubber thin metal or other suitable material which can rise
a short distance from the inlet and is contained in a suitable wire or other guard I
which prevents the ball rising too high. The action is as follows:-The tank C
being all charged up as shewn in Fig. 39, then when the plunger F is drawn up it
sucks the water from the trapping box D the air confined in the syphon B escapes
and syphon action is set up the water rushing out of the tank C through the syphon B
and flush pipe Z.
At the close of the flush the ball H which falls with the water
level closes the inlet 2 of the syphon B and noiselessly shuts off the water.
water then in syphon and flush pipe runs out quietly and acts as an afterflush.
The
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. In combination with the- basin of a water closet or of a urinal or lavatory
and a water supply the use of an automatic flushing apparatus consisting of a
flushing pipe and a closed tank at the top thereof which are normally empty (or a
flushing pipe carried upwardly in a zig zag manner and closed at its upper end) and
a valve or valves arranged to be operated by the movement of the water closet scat
or by a foot board so that upon the seat or foot board being depressed one of the
said valves is opened and water under pressure flows from the water supply up the
flushing pipe into the tank and compresses the air therein and upon the seat or foot
board being allowed to rise the water supply to the tank is thereby closed and a
valve in the flush pipe opened so that the contents of the flush pipe and tank are
by the compressed air and by gravity expelled and the basin flushed out, substan-
tially as hereinbefore described.
2. In flushing apparatus of the kind denoted under Claim 1, and in combina-
tion with the Hushing pipe and tank thereof and a water supply the use (for
low pressure water) of the valves M and D and piston Narranged and combined
B

page_text: together for joint operation substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore
described and illustrated by Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 4* 5 and 6 of the accompanying
drawings.
3. In flushing apparatus of the kind denoted under Claim 1, and in combination
with the flushing pipe and tank thereof and a water supply, the use of the valves
pistons and pipes hereinbefore described and illustrated by Figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 20 of the accompanying drawings all arranged and combined
together so that the said valves and pistons will act together in the manner
substantially as hereinbefore described and for the purposes set forth.
4. In flushing apparatus of the kind denoted under Claim 1, and in combination
with the closed tank thereof in which the air and water are compressed, the use of
the valve and float e arranged substantially as hereinbefore described so as to
close the tank and prevent the air escaping therefrom when the water therein
reaches a certain level and to allow of the air entering the tank when the water
falls to that level for the purpose and. substantially as hereinbefore described and
shewn in Figs. 18, and 19 of the accompanying drawings.
5. The use in folding urinals of flushing apparatus of the kind denoted under
Claims 1 and 3 arranged in the manner substantially as hereinbefore described and
shewn by Figs. 21 and 22 of the accompanying drawings.
6. The use in folding lavatories of flushing apparatus of the kind denoted under
Claims and 3, arranged in the manner substantially as hereinbefore described and
shewn by Fig. 23 of the accompanying drawings.
7. In an automatic flushing apparatus for drains and for other purposes the use
with an enclosed tank having a water supply and syphon outlet pipe, of an open
ended cylinder connected to the short leg of the syphon and containing a plunger
which by the pressure of the water supply acting upon a smaller plunger in another
cylinder is moved so as to close the syphon outlet pipe until the pressure of the
confined air and water in the tank forces the said plungers along and causes the
water in the smaller cylinder to escape so that the contents of the tank will rush
but through the syphon substantially as herein before described and illustrated by
Figs. 24, 25, and 26 of the accompanying drawings.
8. The non-automatic form of the flushing apparatus denoted under Claim 7 in
which both plungers and cylinders are made of about the same diameter and the
air and water are retained under pressure in the tank until the pressure in the
cylinder is released by opening a cock or valve substantially as hereinbefore
described.
9. The modification shewn by Fig. 27 of the automatic flushing apparatus denoted
under Claims 7 and 8 for water closets and for other purposes arranged and
operating substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 27 of the
accompanying drawings.
10. In an automatic intermittent flushing apparatus for urinals and for other
purposes, in which the water is discharged from the flushing tank by a syphon when
the water in the tank reaches a certain level the long leg of the syphon being
trapped or furnished with a valve at its bottom end, the employment of a valve
such as G in or connected with the long leg of the syphon in combination with a
Hoat within the short leg or bell of the syphon so arranged that when the water
has risen in the short leg or bell of the syphon to a certain level the water raises-
the float and opens the said valve thus allowing the air to escape from the syphon
and thereby set the same in action substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figs. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 of the accompanying drawings.
11. In an automatic intermittent flushing apparatus for drains urinals and for
other purposes in which the water is discharged from the flushing tank by a
trapped syphon when the water in the tank reaches a certain level, the employ-
ment at the bottom of the long leg of the syphon, of the double trap consisting
of the shallow trap L in which the long leg of the syphon dips and the deeper
trap D. in which an extension of the shallow trap dips, so arranged that when

page_text: the water in the tank arrives at a certain level the confined air in the syphon
blows the water out of the shallow trap, and sets the syphon in action substan-
tially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by Figs. 35, 36, 37 and 38 of the
accompanying drawings, whether the air pipe M is used to admit air to the trap D
or not so used.
12. In a water closet flushing cistern and in combination, the syphon B having
its long leg dipping in the trap D, the cylinder E containing the plunger F, means
for operating the plunger, and the float H confined in a guard I over the inlet to
the syphon, the whole forming a flushing cistern as hereinbefore described and
illustrated by Fig. 39 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 26th day of November 1891.
CHARLES BOSWORTH KETLEY,
Agent for the Applicant.