Improvements in and relating to Channel Blocks and Reducing Couplings for Manholes and Inspection Chambers in connection with Pipe Sewers and Drains and other like purposes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 28th June, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 8th Mar., 1894-Accepted, 21st Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Channel Blocks and Reducing
Couplings for Manholes and Inspection Chambers in connection
with Pipe Sewers and Drains and other like purposes.
I, EDWARD ALBERT GREEN, of 16, Rock Street, Sheffield, Building Surveyor
to Urban Authority, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to improvements in the construction, and use, of channel
(or invert) blocks, and reducing couplings, to be chiefly employed in connection
with pipe sewers, and drains, the channel blocks through which drainage passes,
being used in the formation of the floors of manholes, and inspection chambers,
and the reducing couplings are used, in joining channels of a given width in the
blocks, with drain pipes of a less diameter than such given width
The channel blocks, and reducing couplings, are made in different sizes, of
vitrified and glazed earthen, or stoneware, or any other suitable material.
My improvements in and relating to channel blocks, of which two or more are
used in combination, in the construction of the floors, of the different forms of
manhole, and inspection chamber usually required, consists, in making the blocks
of a quadrilateral, hexahedral, or other suitable shape in plan, and of various
depths, according to the size of the channels sunk in them. The channels are
semicircular in section, and straight or curved in plan, as required, to suit main
and branch drains leading into them, from various directions. The blocks are
variously formed on a reciprocative principle, with channels of corresponding
size, to meet each other, rebated joints, to fit each other, and half sockets, to
receive the lower half of the ends of drain pipes, and the channels, rebated joints,
and half sockets, are variously formed in duplicate, some of each of these, being
in different sides, of each of certain shapes of the blocks, while in other shapes of
the blocks, the channels, rebated joints, and half sockets, are multiplied in an
involved manner,
to a greater extent in each block, according to the number,
direction, or size, of the drains with which the block is arranged to be connected.
By this method of construction, and arrangement, the blocks are rendered readily-
interchangeable, each block being adapted for fixing, so as to occupy any desired
position in the manhole, or inspection chamber, and-reversible, by being turned
top to bottom, or side for side, as required, to suit the direction, or size, of the
sewers, or drains, to be connected to it, the result being, that the whole, or any
selected set of the blocks, can be arranged, and fixed, so as to form a perfect
combined construction, producing an organic and homogeneous whole, and giving
greatly extended use of channel blocks, for the purposes hereinbefore named. The
blocks are also variously formed, with the channels, which are in the top and
underside of each block, of a different size so as to adapt the blocks for use, with
one or other as desired, of any two or more sizes of drain pipes, for which they
are suited, the channels of the required size being fixed uppermost.
at
I do not confine myself to the duplicate, or multiplied formations, of the
channel blocks as hereinbefore described, as in some cases, I might prefer to make,
and use blocks with single channels, rebated joints, and half sockets, in combina-
tion with the blocks of duplicate, or multiplied formation, for the purposes
herein before described.
The blocks generally, if made with single channels only, would not be of greater
weight, or bulk, than they should be, for the heavy purpose to which they are to
be applied, but the vacant channel spaces, in the underside of the blocks having

page_text: duplicate, or multiplied channels, serve, when fixing the blocks, to receive part of
the fine concrete, or mortar, in which they should be bedded,-thus holding them
in their proper position, and also to reduce the weight of the blocks for handling,
and the cost of carriage in dealing with them.
My improvements in and relating to reducing couplings, consist in making the
couplings much shorter than the ordinary form of tapering pipe, usually employed
for connecting drain pipes of different diameters. My couplings are made circular
in transverse section, to correspond with the different sizes of drain pipes used, but
of a length about equal only to the length of two ordinary drain pipe sockets, one
end of the couplings being formed as a spigot, and the other end as a socket.
The purpose of the couplings, in connection with my invention, is to join in a
small space, channels of certain widths in the channel blocks, with drain
pipes having a less diameter than the widths of such channels, as hereinbefore
described.
The reducing couplings, may also be used with greater advantage, than the
usual long form of tapering pipe, for connecting drain pipes of different diameters,
in cramped positions.
These improvements in and relating to the construction, adaptation, and
arrangement, for combined and extended use, of the channel blocks and reducing
couplings, as hereinbefore described, constitute the novel and essential features of
my invention.
Dated this Twenty-seventh day of June 1893.
EDWARD ALBERT GREEN.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Channel Blocks and Reducing
Couplings for Manholes and Inspection Chambers in connection
with Pipe Sewers and Drains and other like purposes.
I, EDWARD ALBERT GREEN, of 16, Rock Street, Sheffield, Building Surveyor
to Urban Authority, 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 :-
My invention relates to improvements in the construction, and use, of channel (or
invert) blocks, and reducing couplings, to be chiefly employed in connection with
pipe sewers, and drains, the channel blocks through which drainage passes, being
used in the formation of the floors of manholes, and inspection chambers, and the
reducing couplings are used, in joining channels of a given width in the blocks, with
drain pipes of a less or greater diameter than such given width, or for joining drain
pipes of different diameter.
The channel blocks, and reducing couplings, are made in different sizes, of
vitrified and glazed earthen, or stone ware, or any other suitable material, and the
inverts of the blocks, may be enamelled in any desired colour.
My improvements in and relating to channel blocks, of which two or more are
used in combination, in the construction of the floors of the different forms of
manhole, and inspection chamber usually required, consist, in making the blocks
of a quadrilateral, hexahedral, or other suitable shape in plan, and of various
depths, according to the size of the channels sunk in them.
In order that my invention may be fully understood, it is illustrated on the
accompanying sheets of drawings, the same being marked with figures and letters
of reference corresponding with those in the following description, like reference
letters indicating like parts in all the figures.
Figures 1, to 15, are combined geometrical and isometrical drawings, illustrating
the different shapes of the blocks, and show the principle upon which they are

page_text: constructed. In the various figures the delineation of the upper surface of the
blocks is geometrical, and represents the actual shape of the blocks in plan, the
subservient isometrical projection being varied as to angle to show the several
features of the blocks most clearly. The construction of the upper surface of
the blocks is shown by full lines with block reference letters, and the construc-
tion of the lower surface of the blocks is shown by dotted lines projected on to
the same plane as the lines showing the upper surface of the blocks, the dotted
lines being accompanied by italic reference letters. In some cases the lines
showing the construction of the upper and lower surfaces of the blocks coincide,
and in these cases stroke lines are used.
I term the blocks in the various Figures 1, to 15, as follows:-
Fig. 1, outlet, Fig. 2, inlet, Fig. 3, lengthner, Fig. 4, thirty second turn,
Fig 5, sixteenth turn, Fig. 6, eighth, or diagonal turn, Fig. 7, quarter turn, or
quadrant, Fig. 8, slant, two way piece, Fig. 9, square, two way piece, Fig. 10,
slant, three way piece, Fig. 11, slant, and square, three way piece, Fig. 12,
square, upper channel piece, Fig. 13, slant, upper channel piece, Fig. 14, outlet,
Fig. 15, spigot, and socket turns, of ten, and fifteen degrees.
In all the blocks the channels are mainly semicircular in section, and straight
or curved in plan, as required, to suit main and branch drains leading into them
from various directions.
The blocks are variously formed on a reciprocative principle, with channels of
corresponding size, to meet each other, rebated joints, to fit each other, and half
sockets, to receive the lower half of the ends of drain pipes, and the channels,
rebated joints, and half sockets, are variously formed in duplicate, one or more
pairs of some of these, or one or more pairs of each of these, being in different sides,
of each of certain shapes of the blocks. In other shapes of the blocks, the channels,
rebated joints, and half sockets, are multiplied in an involved manner, to a greater
extent in each block, according to the number, direction, or size, of the drains with
which the block is arranged to be connected. Some of the blocks are also variously
formed, with the channels which are in the upper and underside of each block, of a
different size, so as to adapt the block for use, with one or other as desired, of any
two or more sizes of drain pipes for which they are suited, the channels of the
required size being fixed uppermost. By this method of construction, and arrange-
ment, the blocks are rendered readily-interchangeable,-most of the blocks being
adapted for fixing, so as to occupy any desired position in the manhole, or inspection
chamber, and reversible,-by being turned top to bottom, or side for side, as
required, to suit the direction, or size, of the sewers, or drains, to be connected to
them, the result being, that the whole, or any selected set of the blocks, can be
arranged, and fixed, so as to form a perfect combined construction, producing an
organic and homogeneous whole, and giving a greatly extended use of channel
blocks, for the purposes hereinbefore named.
Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1, “outlet,” and Fig. 2, "inlet." Each of these
blocks is formed as shown, with channels C, c, and half sockets S, s, in its upper and
underside, and with a rebated joint J, at one end. These two blocks are identical
in shape, and by being turned over top to bottom, and end for end, they may be
used one in place of the other either as inlets or outlets. When they are made
with the channels in their differing upper and undersides, of different size, as shown
by the dotted lines, d, in Figs. 1, and 2, they may by being turned over, be used as
inlets or outlets, for two sizes of drain. These blocks are therefore interchangeable,
and reversible.
Fig. 3, "lengthner." This block is formed as shown, with channels C, c, in its
upper and underside, and with a rebated joint J, J, at each end. It may be fixed
in any desired position, among the other forms of block, and when it is made with
the channels in its upper and underside, of different size, as shown by the dotted
lines, d, in Fig. 3, it may by being turned over, be used for two sizes of drain. This
block is therefore interchangeable, and reversible.
Fig. 4, "thirty second turn." This block gives a turn in the drain of 11 degrees.

page_text: It is formed as shown, with channels C, c, in its upper and underside, and with
radiated rebated joints J. J. J. J. on its vertical sides. The block may be fixed to
occupy any desired position, among the other forms of block, and by being turned
top to bottom, and side for side, gives a choice of direction for the turn in the drain,
either to the right or left as desired. This block is therefore interchangeable, and
reversible.
Fig. 5, "sixteenth turn," Fig. 6, " eighth, or diagonal turn," Fig. 7, "quarter turn,
or quadrant." These blocks give respectively, turns in the drain of 22, 45, and
90 degrees. They are formed as shown, and are in all respects similar in construction
to the block shown in Fig. 4, and the same description applies to them, except as to
the block shown in Fig. 7, the rebated joints of which, are square to each other in
plan, instead of being radiated, as are the blocks shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. These
blocks are therefore interchangeable, and reversible.
Fig. 8, "slant, two way piece," Fig. 9, "square, two way piece." Each of these
blocks is formed as shown, with main and branch channels C, C, c, c, and half
sockets S, s, in their upper and undersides, and with rebated joints J. J. on two of
their opposite vertical sides. All the channels are made of equal size in section, as
shown, or the branch channels may be made of less size than the main channels,
the accompanying half sockets being suited to the size of the branch channels, to
receive the ends of the drain pipes to be connected thereto. These blocks are
arranged, and adapted to be fixed, so as to occupy any desired position, among the
other forms of block, and by being turned top to bottom, and side for side, give a
choice of direction, for the respective slant or curved branch channels, either to
the right or left as required. These blocks are therefore interchangeable, and
reversible.
Fig. 10, "slant, three way piece," Fig. 11, " slant, and square, three way piece."
Each of these blocks is formed as shown, with main and branch channels C. C. C. c. c. c.
in its upper and under side, and with rebated joints J. J. on two opposite vertical
sides, as in Fig. 10, or with rebated joints J. J. J. J. J. on each vertical side, as in
Fig. 11. Instead of all the rebated joints shown in Fig. 11, these blocks may be
formed with half sockets, on three of their sides, for main and branch drains, as
shown in Fig. 10, and partially in Fig. 9. The block shown in Fig. 11. may be
formed as a 66
square, three way piece," if desired. The form of block shown in
Fig. 10. is used at the extreme rear end of a manhole, but the forms of block shown
in Fig. 11, and having rebated joints, may be fixed to occupy any desired position,
among the other forms of block. All the channels in each block, are made of equal
size in section, as shown by the full lines on the upper side of the blocks, or
the branch channels may be made of less size in section, than the central main
channel, and the central main channel is made to diminish in size backward, all, as
shown by the dotted lines, showing the construction of the channels, in the underside
of the block in Fig. 10, where, the channels, and half sockets, are suited to receive
the ends of three drain pipes of 4" diameter, and the two 4" branch channels,
converge at the front of the block, into the main channel, which is there 6" in width.
When the channels in the upper and underside of these blocks, are formed of
different size, the blocks may be turned top to bottom, and side for side, to suit
differing sizes of drain. Any other modification of the main and branch channels
may be effected, as desired. These blocks are therefore interchangeable, and
reversible.
In all the blocks having branch channels, the section of the branch channels is
modified from the semicircular section at the receiving end of the channels, the
channels being gradually narrowed in width as they approach the main channel,
and the lowest part of the branch channels, is formed in the full and dotted
lines L. l. all, as shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11.
The purpose of this modification in the branch channels, is to deflect the flow
of the drainage from the branch channels, as much as possible into the line of
direction, of the flow of the drainage in the main channel, so as to disturb the
flow of the drainage in the main channel as little as possible, and to prevent the

page_text: drainage from the branch channels, from leaping across, or out of the main
channel, on to the upper surface or margin, on the opposite side of the main
channel.
Fig. 11 is an elevation of the near end of Fig. 11, and shows an alternative, or
modified construction of the blocks. When the three way blocks as shown in Figs. 10,
and 11, are required for large sewers, they are made in two parts, with a rebated
joint running along under the centre of the main channel, as shown in section
by the dotted lines J, in Fig. 11ª. This formation makes the blocks more wieldly
for use.
Fig. 12, "square, upper channel piece," and Fig. 13, "slant, upper channel
piece." These modified forms of the blocks, are made with channels C, c, in their
upper and undersides, and with rebated joints J, J, at their receiving and discharging
ends, as in Fig. 12, or with half sockets S, s, at their receiving end, and rebated
joints J, at their discharging end, as in Fig. 13. The blocks may be turned over
top to bottom, so as to be fixed on either side of the main channel, to give a choice
of direction for the connected drains, to the right or left as desired. These blocks
are therefore reversible, and may be fixed to occupy any suitable position in the
manhole, in connection with most of the other forms of block. The channels in
these blocks, are modified from the semicircular section at their receiving end, in
a similar manner to the branch channels, in the blocks shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10,
and 11, and for the same purpose, namely; to deflect the drainage from the branch
drains into the main channel, as hereinbefore described.
These blocks are for the purpose of making additional drain connections to a
manhole, required after the manhole has been constructed, or of making drain
connections to existing manholes, to avoid the necessity of disturbing the floor of
the manhole. They are fixed at a higher level, than the blocks forming the main
floor of the manhole, and their rebated joints fit the outer angle of the margin of
the channels, on the upper surface of the lower blocks, as shown in plan, at 12,
and 13, in Fig. 24, where the blocks are shown to be fixed in a suitable position, in
connection with some of the other forms of block.
I do not confine myself to the duplicate or multiplied formations of the channel
blocks, as hereinbefore described, as in some cases, I prefer to make and use blocks
of single formation, by which I mean blocks with channels and half-sockets, formed
in their upper side only, and rebated joints, modified to agree with such single
formation. The blocks of single formation, are to be used in combination with
the blocks of duplicate or multiplied formation, or with each other as desired.
Fig. 14, "outlet." This block is of single formation, with a single channel C,
and a single half socket S, in its upper side, and a single suitable rebated joint J,
at one end, but in addition to this shape of block. I utilize any modification or
application of the reciprocative principle of construction, as herein set forth, and
lying between the multiplied formation shown in Figs. 10, and 11, and the single
formation shown in Fig. 14, for the purposes herein before described. The blocks
of single formation, are made throughout their depth of the same shape in plan,
as the blocks shown in Figs. 1. 2. 3. 8. 9. 10. 12. and 13. and of substantially the
same shape in plan, as is shown for the upper part of the blocks in Figs. 4. 5. 6. 7.
and 11. the only difference in these latter shapes of block, being that some of the
margins alongside the channels, are made of a uniform width, instead of the
irregular width shown. The channels and half sockets in the underside of
the blocks, as shown by the dotted or stroke lines in the Figs. 1, to 13, are omitted,
and the rebated joints, are adapted to suit the blocks of single formation, in a
manner similar to that shown for the blocks in Figs. 3, and 14. The blocks of
single formation, may be made of the same depth, as that shown for the blocks of
duplicate, or multiplied formation, for use in large sewers, or of the less depth
shown in Fig. 14, for use in drains of small size. The blocks generally, if made
of the depths shown in Fig. 1, to 13, would not be of greater weight, or bulk,
than they should be, for the heavy purpose to which they are to be applied, but
the vacant channel spaces, in the underside of the blocks, of duplicate, or multiplied

page_text: formation, serve; when fixing the blocks, to receive the fine concrete, or mortar,
in which they should be bedded, thus holding them in their proper position,-and
also to reduce the weight of the blocks for handling, and the cost of carriage in
dealing with them.
The only difference as to their use, between the blocks of single formation, and
the blocks of duplicate, or multiplied formation, is that the blocks of single
formation, are not reversible, and some forms of the blocks are therefore made
either right handed, or left handed, as required for use.
Fig. 15, "spigot, and socket turns," of ten, and fifteen degrees."
These blocks are of single formation, with curved channels C. C. and half sockets S. S.
in their upper side, and rebated joints J. J. at one end. All their joints are radiated,
and the overlapping portions of the rebated joints J. J. are in the form of a
half-spigot as shown. In the figure, T. marks the block giving a turn of ten
-degrees, and F. marks the block giving a turn of fifteen degrees. The rebated half
spigot, and the half socket joints of these blocks, are arranged, and radiated, so as
to give respectively, turns of ten, and fifteen degrees, to the connected drains, and
the two descriptions of block, may be used separately, or in combination, as shown
in Fig. 15, so as to give diversions to the connected drains, from ten degrees
upward, at every five degrees round a circle. The portions of the rebated joints
marked O, in Fig. 15, are splayed as shown, so as to admit of a watertight joint,
being made with cement, between the blocks when fixing.
Fig. 16. is a similar drawing to the previous figures, and shows the combination
of a right and a left hand, spigot and socket turn of fifteen degrees, like that shown
in Fig. 15. These blocks may be used in this way, to give a small inspection
opening at a turn in a drain, by lifting off the top block, or the two blocks shown
in Fig. 16. may be made in one piece, to be used with drain pipes, to give a turn
in the drain, and when made in one piece, the block is reversible, and may be fixed
with either of its four sides on the ground, so as to give a horizontal turn, either
to the right or left, or vertical turns upward, or downward, as required.
I do not confine myself to the semicircular channels in the blocks, as herein-
before described, as I can make the channels D-shaped, and of any additional
depth required, as shown by the dotted lines at the top of Fig. 114, where the
sides of the channels are extended vertically upward.
I do not confine myself to the shapes, and details of the channel blocks, as
illustrated in Figs. 1. to 15. and hereinbefore described, as I can make the blocks,
and their channels, half sockets, and rebated joints, of any size, or for either hand,
and to any radius, angle, or degree, as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
My improvements in and relating to reducing couplings, consist in making the
couplings much shorter, than the ordinary forms of tapering pipe, usually
employed for connecting drain pipes, of different diameter. My couplings are
made circular in transverse section, to correspond with the different sizes of
drain pipes used, but of a length about equal only, to the length of two ordinary
drain pipe sockets, one end of the couplings being formed as a spigot, and the
-other end as a socket. The couplings are of both concentric, and eccentric con-
struction, for reducing backward, or forward, respectively. The purpose of the
couplings, in connection with my invention, is to join in a small space, channels of
certain widths in the channel blocks, with drain pipes having a less or greater
diameter than the width of such channels, as hereinbefore described. The reducing
couplings are also used with greater advantage, than the usual long form of tapering
pipe, for connecting drain pipes of different diameter, in cramped positions.
Fig. 17. is a longitudinal, vertical section, showing two sizes of the reducing
couplings, of concentric construction, for reducing backward, with a spigot T. and
socket S. connected. Connections are also shown in section, between the couplings,
and a channel block C. and drain pipe P.
Fig. 18. is a view from the spigot end, of the interior of the larger sized
coupling, shown in Fig. 17.
Fig. 19. is a longitudinal vertical section, showing two sizes of the reducing

page_text: couplings, of eccentric construction, for reducing forward, with a spigot T. and a
socket S. connected. A connection is also shown in section, between the smaller
Bized coupling, and a drain pipe P.
Fig. 20. is a view from the socket end, of the interior of the larger sized coupling,
shown in Fig. 19.
Figs. 21. and 22. are longitudinal vertical sections, of the old forms of backward
and forward tapering pipe. Fig. 22. is a bad form of pipe, as in order to get an
alignment along the bottom of this and the connected drain pipes, the spigot and
socket joints are rendered faulty, as indicated by the dotted lines, at each end of
the figure.
Fig. 23. is a vertical section, showing another form of my reducing couplings, of
concentric construction, with a socket S. and a spigot T. in connection with the
spigot and socket ends of two sizes of drain pipes P. P. This form of coupling,
is for connecting the 4" outlet end of the trap of a water closet, or the bottom end
of a 4" cast iron soil pipe, with the socket end of a 6" drain pipe, as shown in the
figure. My reducing couplings are therefore more available, handier, and cheaper,
than the old forms of tapering pipe.
Fig. 24. is a plan, showing in combination all the channel blocks shown in
Figs. 1, to 15, and the two forms of reducing coupling shown in Figs. 17, and 19,
the couplings being shown in horizontal section. The figure displays the method,
of arranging the blocks in combination, to form a perfect whole, consisting in this
case, of a main channel, with eight branch channels leading into it, for the passage
of drainage. Any less, or greater number of the blocks, may be arranged as
required, in a similar manner. The two forms of reducing coupling in the figure,
show connections between channels of a certain width in the blocks, and drain
pipes of a less and greater diameter respectively, than the width of such channels.
These improvements in and relating to the construction, adaptation, and arrange-
ment, for combined and extended use, of the channel blocks and reducing
couplings, as hereinbefore described, constitute the novel and essential features of
my invention.
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 1
claim is :-
1. The improved channel blocks and reducing couplings, substantially as and for
the purposes described and illustrated herein.
2. The improvements in and relating to the peculiar, and variously combined
reciprocative construction, adaptation, arrangement, and use, of the channel blocks
of variously duplicate, multiplied, or single formation, to be variously employed in
a combined, extended, interchangeable, or reversible manner, to produce a perfect
whole, substantially as and for the purposes described and illustrated herein.
3. The improvements in and relating to the peculiar construction, adaptation,
arrangement, and use, of the reducing couplings, to be employed in combination
with the channel blocks, with each other, and with drain pipes of different
diameter, substantially as and for the purposes described and illustrated herein.
Dated this Seventh day of March 1894.
EDWD. A. GREEN.