Improvements in or relating to Water-closet Flushing Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 29th June, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 27th March, 1897-Accepted, 29th June, 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Water-closet Flushing Apparatus.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincolns Inn Fields in the, County of London
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this Invention (which has been
communicated to me from abroad by Charles Letourneur Hugon of Granville (Manche)
in the Republic of France Gentleman) to be as follows:-
The subject of this Invention is an improved arrangement for the discharge of the
contents of water-closet pans or basins, the main feature of which arrangement is that
the water and waste matter contained in the pan, instead of being merely discharged
by the water-flushing apparatus, as has been the case hitherto, at the same time
undergo suction owing to the relief of pressure resulting from the rapid descent of
the liquid.
A somewhat considerable quantity of water is retained in the pan (after the
operation of the discharge) and, furthermore, means are provided for limiting the
quantity of water required both for driving away paper or matter and for forming a
water-seal, at the bottom of the pan.
The number of devices employed in carrying out the invention is reduced to a
minimum, while their construction is simple and therefore not liable to deterioration.
In one arrangement constructed according to this Invention there are no clack-
valves and the water tank or cistern is fitted with a feed cock operated by a float.
Two bent tubes or pipes, the upper part of which, shaped, one as a (single) syphon,
and the other as a double syphon, serve to connect the cistern, one with the closet pan
and the other with the cesspool or drain, this latter connection being either direct, or
through a main waste or soil pipe to which may be connected a suitable ventilation
pipe. The diameters of the two last described bent tubes or pipes which for
convenience are hereinafter referred to respectively as the single syphon pipe and the
double syphon pipe, may be of any desired size or diameter either different or equal
according to circumstances.
The closet pan or basin is provided with a water-retaining chamber communicating
through a syphon (hereinafter termed the "outlet syphon ") with the waste pipe.
The basin differs from an ordinary water closet pan only as regards the "evacuator"
or water inlet whereof the inner flap or lip is so lengthened as to dip to a pre-
determined distance into the liquid. There is thus formed a reserve supply of air in
the circular "crown" or ring surrounding the pan. The water remaining in the pan
is, moreover, maintained at a very high level. By this arrangement the splashing
which would otherwise occur is avoided.
The single syphon pipe communicates at its lower end by means of an air tight
joint with the crown ring, its other end being bent in the shape of a syphon as
previously described. The double syphon pipe, terminates in a pocket or chamber,
the enlarged opening of which is fitted with an india rubber or equivalent ring or
washer and is located at a higher level than that of the inlet orifice of the single-
syphon pipe. In other words there is a difference of level between the admission
orifices of the two syphons, at the upper ends of the two syphon pipes.
The float is actuated by a rod,-which, when at rest, presses upon a shoulder or
arm secured to an operating lever, which on one side of its pivot-point or fulcrum is
provided with a counterpoise weight, and on the other side thereof, with a pulling
chain.

page_text: The operaci 15 2
When the cistern contains the requisite quantity of water, the float-lever and float
are in their highest position. When the chain is pulled, the shoulder or arm on the
operating lever causes the float lever to descend, the float at the same time plunging
into the water whereby the level of the water is raised beyond the bends of the two
syphons, while at the same time the supply cock is opened-working on the same
principle as the apparatus known as "Tantalus" vessel.
The water which escapes through the single-syphon pipe washes the pan and
discharges the contents thereof into the soil pipe after traversing the syphon
connecting the soil pipe with the pan.
The water which descends in the double-syphon pipe forms more or less of a
vacuum behind it when the float rests upon the india rubber seating at the inlet end
of this pipe, or when a valve has redescended upon its seat in the bottom of the
cistern. At this juncture, the air contained in the outlet-syphon expands within or
into the double-syphon pipe, and the atmospheric pressure starts the outlet syphon of
the pan.
A certain amount of water is necessary both for accomplishing the result just stated
and for ensuring the descent of any paper that happens to be in the pan. But in
order to limit this amount of water and also to render the effect obtained from the
operation of the trap independent of the person who exercises the pull, I propose to
employ certain devices hereinafter described. By that time the level of the water in
the cistern has become lower and necessarily the float has descended until it was
stopped by the pocket terminating the double syphon. By so doing it has cut off the
supply from such syphon whilst the single syphon pipe which continues in operation
re-forms the reserve-supply of water in the pan with the water remaining in the
cistern between about the levels of the inlets of the two syphons in the cistern.
It will be observed that the float, being drawn upon its seat by the suction which
takes place in the double-syphon pipe prevents the starting of the double-syphon from
being interfered with or retarded. When it rests upon the india rubber seat, a small
quantity of water remaining in reserve surrounds it within the pocket and thereby
assists in forming the water seal.
As this process takes place, the fact that atmospheric pressure no longer acts upon
the supply of water which passed through the double syphon or pocket causes a relief
of pressure to occur in the latter as a result of the descent of the (liquid) column, the
rest being retained which would in any case become filled the moment the water had
closed the second bend of the double syphon and the float would re-ascend and this
reserve supply (of liquid) would prevent any odours from flowing back when the float
leaves its seat..
This apparatus may act as an "evacuator."
When a certain amount of polluted liquid is thrown into the pan, without pulling
the chain, the passage of the liquid through the outlet syphon into the waste pipe
might start the double syphon and the driving or forcing action which would thus be
produced in the double syphon pipe might serve to empty the pan; but even in that
case the single-syphon would also come into operation owing to the provision of the
ring around the pan which has the effect of confining within the single syphon pipe
a certain amount of air which as it expands the moment the trap is operated within
the double syphon-pipe starts the single syphon and thus ensures the renewal of the
reserve-supply of water at the bottom of the pan, the apparatus thus operates
independently of any inadvertence on the part of the attendant.
The before described apparatus may be employed for automatic operation only,
i.e., without requiring any pulling of a chain or the like, if the feed cock were so
devised as to supply a quantity of water considerably larger than that which can be
delivered by the two syphon pipes.
This foregoing arrangement is capable of coming into operation, moreover, only
when the cistern is filled with water, but this may in all cases be provided for, by
arranging a feed cock, whose supply is so plentiful as to be sufficient even if the trap

page_text: were to be operated continuously and without any interruption. Should however,
the supply from the feed pipe prove insufficient, then either of the two next described
arrangements, fitted with clack-valves or doors, should be employed.
The clack valves or doors are operated by a lever having connected to it on one*
side of its pivot-joint a pulling chain and on the other side two chains connected also
to the clack valves. The operation is identical with that of the first described
arrangement.
In another arrangement the single syphon is started by means of a clack valve
similarly to what happens in existing apparatus; but for the double syphon, there is
here substituted a single pipe terminating in the bottom of the cistern, in a conical
seat for a "floating" valve. This valve, the specific gravity or weight of which is
equal to that of the water engages with its seal to the extent of one half of its body
or volume. It therefore only displaces one half of its weight of water in the cistern,
and is retained in place by the part embedded in its seat. A rod serving as a guide
for the valve has perforations through which a pin or peg may be passed for the
purpose of regulating the consumption of water. When the chain is actuated with
the result of raising the clack valve of the single syphon the operating lever will
strike the before mentioned pin and thereby remove the "floating" valve from its
seat, so that it now acts as a float proper, i.e. sinks with the level of the liquid and
seals the orifice of the pipe through which water was being delivered.
The "floating" valve should leave the water when the chain is pulled so as not to
be forced back upon its seat too rapidly by the impulse inherent in the water as it
flows out. It is therefore essential, in order to enable the said valve to resume its
position in the seat that it should be guided along the axial line of the pipe.
Instead of a floating valve a weighted valve may be used which is guided externally
between slides, the operation of which is so regulated that when the pulling lever is
brought down to a stop the valve, in shifting, allows as much water to pass into the
pipe as is required for the operation of the trap; or, where an ordinary valve is used
a tube may be placed upon the pulling lever, containing a ball and provided with
perforations which by means of a pin, will limit the extent of motion of the ball
within the tube, to that point at which it will counterbalance the valves that are
raised from their seats, when, after pulling the chain, the lever is left to itself, or
where the trap is operated through the door.
In this case it is the arm of the float which, by pressing upon the pulling lever-
when it has reached the desired point in descending-brings the valves back on to
their seals and starts the syphon of the pan.
It may be advisable to ensure the proper operation of the apparatus, so to construct
it that the two valves rise from their seats one after the other, instead of
simultaneously.
Various methods may be adopted to accomplish this, among which one, for example,
would consist in making one chain longer than the other.
The following are the special advantages of the before described improved water
closet flushing apparatus.
(1.) The employment of a single syphon;
(2.) Reduction of water consumption;
(3.) The simple construction of the trap cistern and apparatus;
(4.) The simple construction of the pan;
(5.) The water-seal controllable at will; in which connection it may be noted that
owing to the pan being preferably of a slightly tapering shape, room is afforded for
the expansion of the water should it freeze;
(6.) The walls are never contaminated, brushes and like accessories being done
away with;
(7.) The forcing or driving action in the pan and the suction in the waste pipe
take place at the same time, so that the trap need not be as strong as is necessary in
ordinary apparatus. This enables room to be found for the cistern irrespective of the
height of the ceiling;

page_text: (8.) Absolute cleanliness is ensured with a limited quantity of water, determined
beforehand and once for all, whereas in apparatus of this class as hitherto used, the
waste matter sometimes remains in the syphon after one operation of the flushing
apparatus;
(9.) The time occupied in operating the apparatus and also, therefore, the quantity
of water discharged, are independent of the user's will;
(10.) This apparatus is applicable to pans of any shape, "evacuators" and like
receptacles of every description, and
(11.) In view of the considerable amount of water retained at the bottom of the
pan, the consumption of water in this arrangement, both for cleansing and for
renewing the supply of clean water in the pan, is considerably less than that employed
in ordinary apparatus.
The before described apparatus may be modified without departing from the spirit
of the invention.
Dated this 29th day of June 1896
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincolns Inn Fields London W.C.
Agents.
Improvements in or relating to Water-closet Flushing Apparatus. 2
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON, of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of London,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been
communicated to me from abroad by Charles Letourneur-Hugon, of Granville (Manche)
in the Republic of France, Gentleman) and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The subject of this invention is an improved arrangement for the discharge of the
contents of water-closet pans or basins, the main feature of which arrangement is that the
water and waste matter contained in the pan, instead of being merely discharged by
the water-flushing appartus, as has been the case hitherto, at the same time undergo
suction owing to the relief of pressure resulting from the rapid descent of the
liquid.
A somewhat considerable quantity of water is retained in the pan, (after the
operation of the discharge), and furthermore means are provided for limiting the
quantity of water required both for driving away paper or matter and for forming a
water-seal, at the bottom of the pan.
The number of devices employed in carrying out this invention is reduced to
a minimum, while their construction is simple, and, therefore, not liable to
deterioration.
I will now describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings
which shew several forms of flushing apparatus embodying the invention; which are
represented by way of example-the invention not being limited to the precise
details shewn.
Figure 1 is a section of one form of apparatus, without clack-valvės.
Figure 2 shews in section an-apparatus provided with clack-valves.
Figure 3 shews in section another arrangement of apparatus including a clack-valve
and an ordinary valve, and Figures 4 and 5 shew in section two further modifications
constructed according to this invention.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 1, there are no clack-valves, and the water
tank or cistern I is fitted with a feed cock 11 operated by a float 2. Two bent tubes
or pipes, 3, 4, the upper parts of which are shaped, one as a single syphon, and the

page_text: other, as a double syphon, serve to connect the cistern, the one, 3, with the closet
pan 5, and the other, 4, with the cesspool or drain this latter connection being either
direct, or through a main waste or soil pipe 19 to which may be connected a suitable
ventilation pipe 19¹. The diameters of the tubes or pipes 3 and 4, may be of any
desired size either different or equal according to circumstances.
The closet pan or basin 5 is provided with a water-retaining chamber 6 communi-
cating through a syphon 7 with the waste pipe 19.
The pan or basin 5 differs from an ordinary water-closet pan, only as regards an
evacuator where the inner flap or lip 8 is so lengthened as to dip to a pre-determined
distance into the liquid. There is thus formed a reserve-supply of air in a circular
crown or ring 9 surrounding the pan. The water remaining in the pan is, moreover,
maintained at a very high level., By this arrangement splashing which would
otherwise occur is avoided.
The single syphon pipe 3 communicates at its lower end by means of an air-tight
joint with the crown-ring 9; its other end being bent in the shape of a syphon, at 10,
as already described.
The pipe 4, which is curved, so as to form a double syphon at its upper part,
terminates in a pocket or chamber 11, the enlarged opening of which is fitted with an
india-rubber or equivalent ring or washer 12, and is located at a higher level than
that of the inlet orifice 10 of the single syphon pipe 3. In other words there is a
difference of level x y between the admission orifices of the two syphon pipes 3 and 4
at their upper ends.
The float 2 is actuated by a rod 13 which, when at rest, presses upon a shoulder
or arm 14, secured to an operating level 15 which, on one side of its pivot-point or
fulcrum 17 is provided with a counterpoise weight 16, and on the other side thereof,
with a pulling chain 18.
The operation is as follows:-
When the cistern 1 contains the requisite quantity of water, the horizontal-
lever 13 and float 2 are in their highest position. When the chain 18 is pulled, the
shoulder or arm 14, causes the lever 13 to descend and the float 2 at the same
time to plunge into the water, whereby the level of the water is raised beyond the
bends of the two syphons 10 & 11, while at the same time the supply cock 11 is
opened, working on the same principle as the apparatus known as
vessel.
The water which escapes through the single syphon pipe 3 washes the pan and
discharges the contents thereof into the soil pipe 19 after traversing the syphon 7
connecting the soil pipe with the pan.
The water which descends in the double syphon-pipe 4 forms more or less of a
vacuum behind it when the float 2 rests upon the india-rubber seating 12 at the inlet
of the pipe as shewn at 2¹ or when a valve 26, Figure 3, has re-descended upon its
seat in the bottom of the cistern. At this juncture the air contained in the outlet
syphon 7 expands within or into the double-syphon pipe 4, and the atmospheric
pressure starts the outlet syphon 7 of the pan.
A certain amount of water is necessary both for accomplishing this result and for
ensuring the descent of any paper that happens to be in the pan. But in order to
limit this amount of water and also to render the effect obtained from the operation
of the trap independent of the person who exercises the pull, I propose to employ the
devices shewn in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Meanwhile the level of the water in the cistern 1'
has become lower and, the float has therefore descended until stopped by the pocket
terminating the double-syphon 11. By so doing it has cut off the supply from such
syphon, whilst the single syphon pipe 3 which continues in operation, ré-forms the
reserve-supply of water in the pan, with the water remaining in the cistern between
the levels x and y.
It will be observed that the float, being drawn upon its seat by the suction which
takes place in the double-syphon pipe 4, prevents the action of the double-syphon 11
being interfered with or retarded. When it rests upon the india-rubber seat, a

page_text: small quantity of water remaining in reserve, surrounds it within the pocket and
thereby assists in forming the water-seal.
As this operation takes place, the fact that. atmospheric pressure no longer acts
upon the supply of water which passed through the double syphon or pocket 11,
causes a relief of pressure to occur in the latter as a result of the descent of the
(liquid) column, the rest being retained at the part 11 which would in any case
become filled the moment the water had returned to the level y and the float would
re-ascend, and this reserve supply (of liquid) would prevent any odours from flowing
back when the float leaves its seat..
This apparatus may act as an evacuator.
When a certain amount of polluted liquid is thrown into the pan, without pulling
the chain, the passage of the liquid through the outlet syphon 7 into the waste pipe 19
might start the double syphon 4, and the driving or forcing action which would
thus be produced in the pipe 4 might serve to empty the pan; but even in that case
the single syphon 3 would also come into operation, owing to the provision of the ring 9,
which has the effect of confining within the single syphon pipe 3 a certain amount,
of air which, as. it expands the moment the operation takes place in the double"
syphon pipe 4 starts the single syphon 3 and thus ensures the renewal of the
reserve-supply of water at the bottom of the pan, the apparatus thus operates
independently of any inadvertance on the part of the attendant.
The form of apparatus shewn in Figure 1 may be employed for automatic operation
only, i.e. without requiring any pulling of a chain or the like, if the feed cock were so.
devised as to supply a quantity of water considerably larger than that which can be
delivered by the two syphon pipes 3 and 4.
This foregoing arrangement can only come into operation when the cistern is filled
with water; and this may in all cases be provided for, by arranging a feed cock,
whose supply is so plentiful as to be sufficient even if the trap were to be operated
continuously and without any interruption. Should, however, the supply from the
feed pipe prove insufficient, then either of the two arrangements fitted with clack-
valves or doors illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 should be employed.
20 and 21, in Figure 2, indicate the clack-valves or doors, operated by a lever 24,
having connected to it on one side of its pivot-joint 25, a pulling chain 18, and on the
other side two chains 22 and 23 connected also to the clack-valves 20 and 21
respectively. The operation is identical with that of the arrangement described with
reference to Figure 1.
In the arrangement shewn in Figure 3, the single syphon 3 is started by means of
a clack-valve 20, similarly to what happens in existing apparatus; but for the double
syphon 4, there is here substituted a single pipe 41, terminating at the bottom of the
cistern in a conical sent for a float valve 26. This valve, the specific gravity or weight
of which is equal to that of the water, engages with its seat to the extent of one half
of its body or volume. It therefore only displaces one half of its weight
of water in the cistern, and is retained in place by the part embedded in its
seat. A rod 27, serving as a guide for the valve, has perforations through which
a pin or peg 28 may be passed for the purpose of regulating the comsumption of
water. When the chain 18 is actuated, with the result of raising the clack valve 20
of the syphon 3, the operating lever 24 will strike the pin 28, and thereby remove
the float valve 26 from its seat, so that it now acts as a float proper, i.e. sinks with the
level of the liquid and seals the orifice of the pipe 4' through which water was being
delivered.
The float valve should leave the water when the chain is pulled so as not to be
forced back upon its seat too rapidly by the impulse inherent in the water as it flows
out through the syphon 4. It is therefore essential, in order to enable the said valve
to resume its position in the seat that it should be guided along the axial line of the
pipe 4'.
Instead of a float valve, a weighted valve 27, such as is shewn in Figure 4, may be
used which is guided externally between slides 28, the operation of which is so
regulated that when the palling lever 24 is brought down to a stop or nose a, the

page_text: (5) The water-seal controllable at will; in which connection it may be noted that
owing to the pan being preferably of a slightly tapering shape room is afforded for
the expansion of the water should it freeze;
(6) The walls are never contaminated, so that brushes and like accessories may be
dispensed with;
(7) The forcing or driving action in the pan and the suction in the waste pipe
take place at the same time, so that the flushing need not be as strong as is
necessary in ordinary apparatus. This enables room to be found for the cistern
irrespective of the height of the ceiling;
(8) Absolute cleanliness is ensured with a limited quantity of water, determined
beforehand once for all, whereas in apparatus of this class as hitherto constructed, the
waste matter sometimes remained in the syphon after the operation of the flushing
apparatus;
(9) The time occupied in flushing, and, therefore, the quantity of water discharged,
are independent of the user's will;
(10) The apparatus is applicable to pans of any shape, evacuators and like
receptacles of every description, and
(11) In view of the considerable amount of water retained at the bottom of the
pan, the comsumption of water in this arrangement, both for cleansing and for
renewing the supply of clean water in the pan, is considerably less than that hitherto
employed.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In water-closet flushing apparatus an extension of the waste pipe curved in the
shape of a syphon to the interior of the flushing cistern and carrying the seat of an
instantaneously operating clack valve which the ball of the feed float closes substantially
as hereinbefore described.
2. In water-closet flushing apparatus a feed float of any suitable shape for
instantaneously starting and closing the waste pipe flushing syphon, substantially
as described.
3. A pan for water-closets or the like provided with extended flanges at its upper
part dipping into the water and forming a ring or crown surrounding the pan
substantially as described.
4. In water-closet flushing apparatus a float valve for measuring the amount

page_text: of water consumed by the extension of the waste pipe substantially as hereinbefore
described.
5. The several arrangements of flushing apparatus substantially as herein before
described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively of the accompanying
drawings.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields,
London, W.C.
Agents.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields,
London, W.C.
Agents.