closets and Urinals.
Year: 1886

page_text: Waterclosets and Urinals.
We, JAMES DUCKETT and ALFRED DUCKETT, both of Mitre Brickworks, Burnley,
in the County of Lancaster, Brick and Tile Manufacturers, do hereby declare the
nature of our invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CISTERNS FOR
FLUSHING WATERCLOSETS AND URINALS" and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention is designed to obtain a larger quantity of water for flushing
purposes than heretofore, for a given size of cistern with two compartments, and
also to render the cistern, syphon pipes, and cylinder less costly in construction,
more durable, and less liable to derangement.
"
For these purposes we construct them in one piece of earthenware, which, when
so formed in its plastic state to the shape and configuration required, is afterwards
burnt in a kiln, during which process it is glazed, so that it may withstand the
severest frost, and be impervious to the weather, and thereby render unnecessary
the application of paint for that purpose.
And in order that our invention may be properly understood, and readily
carried into practical effect, we have hereunto attached the accompanying sheet of
drawings, marked with figures and letters of reference; the same letters referring
to the same parts in the various views and figures. Fig. I is an horizontal section;
Fig. 2 a longitudinal section taken on the plane of the line A, B, Fig. 1; and Fig. 3
a transverse section of Fig. 1 taken on the plane of the line C. D.
These views represent the relative positions of the cistern, cylinder, diaphragm,
and syphon pipes, in respect of each other, when constructed in one piece of
earthenware, in accordance with our invention. A is the cistern; B the cylinder,
provided with plunger C, the stem or rod of which is connected to lever D, which
is mounted in bearings D¹. One extremity of this lever is provided with a chain
and handle in the usual manner. The other extremity of the lever D is weighted,
so as to cause the plunger C to assume a position near the top of the cylinder, when
in its normal position. Upon the plunger being drawn downwards, the water
within the cylinder B is forced up pipe E, with which it communicates, and over
into pipe F, and thereby creates a partial vacuum, whilst the atmospheric pressure
exerted from without, causes the water in the cistern to flow rapidly up pipe G,
12

page_text: and over into pipe F, thereby causing a copious descent or flush of water to the
closet. The level of the water within the cistern is regulated by a ball float and
tap, beneath which is a division or diaphragm H, dished or recessed, to receive the
lower portion of the ball. This division or diaphragm projects horizontally to
about midway into the cistern connecting the principle parts together, giving
strength to each other, and to the structure generally.
Beneath this division or diaphragm is an available space for water, which
communicates with the space beyond the diaphragm, in which space is situated the
cylinder and plunger, the latter fitting loosely in the former, so that the water will
gradually descend and charge the cylinder whilst the plunger is in its highest and
normal position; or in case of a tighter fitting plunger, a small, hole may be
When the piston or plunger is
provided in the cylinder to charge it with water.
in its lowest position, it bears against a rim or projecting rib, formed around the
inside of the lower portion of the cylinder as a seating, so as to sufficiently exclude
atmospheric air from entering the vertical pipe E, and interfering with the action
of the syphon.
The cistern A, cylinder B, pipes E, F and G and the diaphragm H are preferably
formed in one piece of earthenware, which is glazed, as and for the purposes above
stated.
The dished or recessed portion of the diaphragm is provided with a small
aperature, through which the water may escape to the water space beneath; by the
application of the diaphragm H, we obtain a considerable increase of water for the
flushing chamber.
It will be seen by referring to Fig. 1, that one half or thereabouts of the cylinder
is constructed from, and forms part of the side wall of the cistern, to increase the
water space within and lessen the cost of construction.
To secure the waste pipe, a conical headed piece of tubing is inserted, and
secured by pouring melted lead into a dovetail recess, formed in the earthenware
cistern; the lower end of the tubing being provided with a screw thread and
ordinary union, to receive and secure the leaden waste pipe.
In conclusion, we would remark that we are aware that cylinders, plungers, and
syphons have been used before in cisterns for flushing purposes, we therefore
disclaim the exclusive right to such arrangements, except when constructed of
earthenware.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
Firstly, the arrangement and construction in one piece of earthenware, of the
cistern and cylinder, substantially as described and set forth.
Secondly, the diaphragm as a means of forming a chamber below the ball float,
for the purpose described.
Thirdly, forming about half of the cylinder out of the side wall of the cistern, to
increase the water space and lessen the cost of construction.
Fourthly, the arrangement of the cylinder, pipes, and diaphragm to form a
partition as shewn and illustrated in Fig. 1, so as to give strength to each other,
and to the structure generally.
11:00-1 ] of Tamo 1006
THOMAS RICHMOND,
Agent for the Applicants.