Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 1st July, 1887
Complete Left, 3rd Apr., 1888
Complete Accepted, 1st June, 1888
I, ANATOLE CHARLES GIBAULT, of 68-70 Avenue Philippe-Auguste, Paris, France,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has for object improvements in stop-cocks or plug-cocks.
Referring to the accompanying sheet of drawings,
Figs. 1 and 2 show two sections at right angles to each other of one form of plug-
cork .according to this invention. A is the plug casing or chamber of the improved
stop-cock.
The cone of the casing is, contrary to ordinary custom, reversed, that is, the larger
end of the cone is placed at the lower end of the apparatus, and the smaller end at the
B is the plug
top. a, a, is a flange or rim cast in one piece with the casing A.
provided in its upper portion with a cylindrical extension around which fits a leather
collar for preventing leakage towards the outside from the upper portion of the cock.
c is the aforesaid leather collar. a¹ is a screwed gland for compressing the leather
collar; its thread engages with an internal screw-threaded portion at the end of the
upper portion of the casing. " is a squared end above the plug for supporting the
cast iron cap or cover. U is a cap or cover of cast iron loosely fitting over
the squared end 611; its lower edge rests upon the end of the case A, and not upon
the upper end of the plug B.
This arrangement has for its object to prevent the plug B from being exposed to
shocks caused by the violent descent of the turning key, which would loosen the plug
and cause leakage.
This cap is secured by means of a wedge or cotter b¹ of gun metal passing through
the cap and the square end b". A¹ is the bottom cover of the casing adjacent to the
large end of the cone. It is secured by four iron bolts with gun metal nuts. This
cover A is provided with a circular rib n, n', forming a recess in which the foot-step G

page_text: q
can move vertically, bearing against the plug B. In the foot-step G is screwed a
screw V. This foot-step is prevented from turning in a horizontal direction by
means of a set screw or stud n" in a vertical slot n¹ formed in the wall of the
recess n, n¹. The screw V is provided with a squared end 7, by means of which it
can be turned by a pipe spanner for the purpose of tightening the plug B of the
cock as required. This tightening is effected through the medium of the foot-step G.
The squared end is sunk into the thickness of the cover A' so that a special key or
spanner is required to turn it. d is a leather washer of the same diameter as the
recess n, n¹, and is situated between the bottom of the recess and the shoulder of the
screw V. This washer prevents all leakage towards the outside. M is a projection
cast on the cover A', and serves as a stop to limit the movement of rotation of the
plug to the right and to the left. With this object, the cone of the plug is
lengthened at N, N', for three-fourths of its circumference less the width of the
stop M. The remaining fourth part of the circumference is a free space permitting
the movement of the plug B (1) to the left to open the cock, and (2) to the right hand
to close it.
In order to ensure a contact pressure of the surfaces of the plug and the plug-
case proportionate to the pressure of the water in the pipe, even if the screw V
be insufficiently tightened up, the plug is provided with two. orifices o and o¹, of
which o serves to maintain a continuous communication between the interior of the
plug B and the space enclosed by the lower end of the plug, the case A and the
bottom cover A'; whilst the other" aperture o' serves to maintain a constant com-
munication between the interior of the plug B and the space between the top of the
plug, the leather collar C and the plug-case A. These apertures o and o¹ are designed
to produce an equal pressure upon all the surfaces of the plug that are in contact
with the water contained in the pipe or conduit. When the rubbing surfaces of the cone
are opposte the orifices L, L¹, the water is able to enter into the cock as soon as
the pressure upon the sides of the plug is strong enough to loosen the plug ever so
littlo; so that, if there were not these apertures, the pressure being greater upon the
larger base than upon the smaller end of the plug, there would be a tendency to
wedge the plug so fast that it might be impossible to turn it. But, by means of the
openings, the pressure is equal on both sides of each end of the plug, and the sole
resulting force is that exerted by the water inside the plug against the upper end of
the plug on an area equal to the sectional area of the cylindrical steni 6 passing
through the leather collar. The tightening force increases with the water pressure;
this improved cock has therefore a self-tightening plug.
Practice has shown that if the screw V be only screwed so far as to allow the plugi
to fall about three to four millimetres below its normal position, the plug is caused
to rise up into its place by the influence of the pressure acting below the large end of
the cone, and upon an area equal to that of the stem of the plug.
When using the improved cock for orifices of large diameter, it is preferred to
construct it as shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5. In this modification, the turning of the
cock is made extremely easy by means of wheel gearing.
By using wheels of suitable diameter, the cock can be opened or closed with any
desired degree of speed, slow enough to avoid the violent shocks consequent upon a
sudden admission or shutting off of the water in the main. The plug case A is closed
by a cover A on the larger end of the cone. On the side of the upper and smaller
end, is formed a chamber A", closed by a cover A, secured to the chamber A"
by means of bolts. In this chamber is situated gearing for turning the plug. Bis
the plug which differs from that described with reference to Figs. and 2 in the
following respect only-Its operating stem b, instead of forming one piece with the
plug B, passes through its top portion, and is capable of rotation. It is kept in
place by a washer R, and a nut r. The pressure in the interior of the plug tends to
force out the stem b, which draws the plug B with it, as if they both formed but one
piece. These pieces move independently of each other as the stem bis in no way
fixed upon the plug B.
The device for preventing external leakage at the top of the cock is the same as

page_text: that above described; a leather collar e slipped over the stem is fixed to the
cover A by a gland a'. At the side of the main cock is placed a second cock R¹,
whose orifices are very much smaller in comparison with those of the main cock.
As shown in the sectional plan (Fig. 5,) the orifices of this cock communicate
with the passages o, o', formed in each side of the main cock. The joints of these
orifices are machined and made tight with packing such as minium, india-rubber,
asbestos packing, oiled paper, &c., by means of screws V, V, V. This small cock
is designed to be opened to pass water in small quantities, without having to open
the main cock. This arrangement permits of the usual method of employing small
cocks placed on branch pipes, and connected with the main by tubular connections,
to be dispensed with, and also effects a saving in space. In case the small cock
is not required, it is replaced by a blind cover. The device of turning the plug is
as follows: H is a toothed sector firmly fixed to the upper end of the plug. I is a
pinion keyed on the shaft J, and gearing with the sector H. The ratio between the
diameters of the sector H and the pinion I increases with the diameters of the cocks.
K is a key wheel keyed on the same shaft J, and gearing with the pinion L cut in the
stem. The ratio between the diameters of the pinion L, and of the wheel K,
increases with the diameters of the cocks. The effort of turning the stem can thus
always be kept within reasonable limits. The lowest speed of opening and closing
these cocks can always be reached, and will prevent all violent shocks caused by sudden
opening and closing.
W. LLOYD WISE,
Per F. J. Brougham,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Agent for the Applicant.

page_text: I ANATOLE CHARLES GIBAULT of 68-70 Avenue Philippe-Auguste Paris, France,
Civil 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:-
This Invention has for object Improvements in Stop cocks.
Referring to the accompanying illustrative drawings Figures 1 and 2 shew two sections
at right angles to each other of one form of plug cock according to this invention. A is
the plug casing or chamber of the improved stop cock. The cone of the casing is,
contrary to ordinary custom, reversed, that is the larger end of the cone is placed at
the lower end of the apparatus and the smaller end at the top. a a is a flange or rim
cast in one piece with the casing A.
B is the plug provided in its upper portion with a cylindrical extension b around
which fits a leather collar for preventing leakage towards the outside from the upper
portion of the cock. c is the leather collar.-a is a screwed gland for compressing
the leather collar; its thread engages with an internal screw threaded portion at the
end of the upper portion of the casing. is a squared end above the plug for
supporting the cast iron cap or cover. is a cap or cover of cast iron loosely fitting
over the squared end ; its lower edge rests upon the end of the case A and not
upon the upper end of the plug B.
This arrangement has for its object to prevent the plug B from being exposed to
shocks caused by the violent descent of the turning key which would loosen the plug
and cause leakage.
This cap is secured by means of a wedge or cotter 6 of gun metal passing through
the cap and the square end 61. A¹ is the bottom cover of the casing adjacent to the
large end of the conc.
22
It is secured by four iron bolts with gun metal nuts. This cover A¹ is provided
with a circular rib n n forming a recess in which the footstep G can move vertically
bearing against the plug B. In the foot step G is screwed a screw V. The footstep
is prevented from turning in a horizontal direction by means of a set screw or stud n
in a vertical slot » formed in the wall of the recess n n¹. The screw V is provided
with a squared end q by means of which it can be turned by a pipe spanner for the
purpose of tightening the plug B of the cock as required.
This tightening is effected through the medium of the footstep G.
The squared end q is sunk into the thickness of the cover A¹ so that a special key or
spanner is required to turn it.
d is a leather washer of the same diameter as the recess n' and is situated between
the bottom of the recess and the shoulder of the screw V.
This washer prevents all leakage towards the outside.
M is a projection cast on the cover A¹ and serves as a stop to limit the movement of

page_text: rotation of the plug to the right and to the left. With this object the cone of the plug
is lengthened at N N for three fourths of its circumference less the width of the
stop M. The remaining fourth part of the circumference is a free space permitting the
movement of the plug B (1) to the left to open the cock and (2) to the right hand to
close it.
In order to ensure a contact pressure of the surfaces of the plug and the plug case
proportionate to the pressure of the water in the pipe even if the screw V be insuf-
ficiently tightened up the plug is provided with two orifices o and o¹ of which o serves
to maintain a continuous communication between the interior of the plug B and the
space enclosed by the lower end of the plug, the case A and the bottom cover A¹
whilst the other aperture o serves to maintain a constant communication between the
interior of the plug B and the space between the top of the plug the leather collar (
and the plug case A.
These apertures o and o' are designed to produce an equal pressure upon all the
surfaces of the plug that are in contact with the water contained in the pipe or conduit.
When the rubbing surfaces of the cone are opposite the orifices L L the water is able
to enter into the cock as soon as the pressure upon the sides of the plug is strong
enough to loosen the plug even slightly. If there were not these apertures the
pressure being greater upon the larger base than upon the smaller end of the plug
there would be a tendency to wedge the plug so fast that it might be impossible to
turn it. But when the pressure is sufficient to loosen the closed plug, the water will
pass through the apertures O, O' into the spaces above and below the plug and as
these spaces are in communication with the interior thereof (by means of said
apertures) pressure will be exerted upon the interior of the plug as well as upon its
exterior, and the sole resulting force is that exerted by the water inside and against
the upper end of the plug on an area equal to the sectional area of the cylindrical stem 6
passing through the leather collar.
The tightening force increases with the water pressure; this improved cock has
therefore a self tightening plug.
Practice has shown that if the screw V be only screwed so far as to allow the plug
to fall about 3 to 4 millimetres below its normal position, the plug is caused to rise up
into its place by the influence of the pressure acting below the large end of the conc
and upon an area equal to that of the stem of the plug.
When using the improved cock for orifices of large diameter it is preferred to
construct it as shown in Figures 3. 4 and 5.
In this modification the turning of the cock is made extremely easy by means of
wheel gearing.
By using wheels of suitable diameter the cock can be opened or closed with any
desired degree of speed, slow enough to avoid the violent shocks consequent upon a
sudden admission or shutting off of the water in the main.
The plug case A is closed by a cover A¹ on the larger end of the conc. On the side
of the upper and smaller end is formed a chamber A" closed by a cover A secured
to the chamber A by means of bolts. In this chamber is situated gearing for turning
the plug
Bis the plug which differs from that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2
in the following respect only-Its operating stem instead of forming one piece with
the plug B passes through its top portion and is capable of rotation-It is kept in
place by a washer R and a nut r. The pressure in the interior of the plug tends to
force out the stem which draws the plug B with it as if they both formed but
one piece These picces can move independently of each other as the stem is in no
way fixed upon the plug B.
The device for preventing external leakage at the top of the cock is the same as that
above described; a leather collar slipped over the stem is fixed to the cover A¹¹ by
a gland a¹.
6.
At the side of the main cock is placed a second cock R¹ whose orifices are very
much smaller in comparison with those the main cock.

page_text: As shewn in the sectional plan (Figure 5) the orifices of this cock communicate
with the passages o o¹ formed in each side of the main cock. The joints of these
orifices are machined and made tight with packing such as minium, india rubber,
asbestos packing, oiled paper &c. by means of screws V V V.
This small cock is designed to be opened to pass water in small quantities without
having to open the main cock.
This arrangement permits of the usual method of employing small cocks placed on
branch pipes and connected with the main by tubular connections to be dispensed
with, and also effects a saving in space-In case the small cock is not required it is
replaced by a blind cover.
The device for turning the plug is as follows:-H is a toothed sector firmly fixed
to the upper end of the plug. I is a pinion keyed on the shaft and gearing with
the sector H. The ratio between the diameters of the sector H and the pinion I
increases with the diameters of the cocks. K is a gear wheel-keyed on the same
shaft, and gearing with a pinion I cut in the stem b.
The ratio between the diameters of the pinion Land of the wheel K increases with
the diameters of the cocks. The effort of turning the stem can thus always be kept
within reasonable limits. The lowest speed of opening and closing these cocks
can always be reached, and will prevent all violent shocks caused by sudden opening
and closing.
Figures 6 and 7 represent in sectional elevation and plan respectively an arrange-
ment wherein differential gearing is employed for operating the plugs of stop cocks of
large diameter, by means of which the opening or closing of the same may be effected
as slowly as may be desired.
In this arrangement the operating spindle is always situated in the prolongation of
the axis of the casing of the cock, and the gearing is protected from contact with
the water or other substance passing in the pipes, and also from wilful damage.
A is the casing of the cock provided with an upward extension A. a' is an
annular portion forming one piece with the casing and separating the lower part A
from the part A. B is the plug of the cock. 6 is part of the plug of a cylindrical
form passing through a leather collar or hydraulic packing.
c is the leather collar.
a" is a flange serving to retain the leather collar in its place.
1 is an extension of the cylindrical spindle b of the plug B, on which is keyed
a gear wheel which will be referred to hereinafter. C is the cover of the gearing
chamber. M is the spindle for operating the gearing. It is provided at its lower
portion with a journal & which is received in a recess formed in the top of the plug B
at and in which it can freely rotate.
The spindle M is guided at its upper part by a bushed opening d¹ formed in
the centre of the cover C in which it can rotate.
m is a toothed pinion cast in one piece with the spindle M. m³, p are two pinions
having the same number of teeth and same pitch as the pinion m. They are both
keyed on an axis M³, the pinion ml gearing with the pinion m. They are maintained
in a vertical position and parallel to the axis M by the following means-D, D,
is a cap or box or bridgepiece in two parts connected by bolts x, . It can rotate freely
about the axis M. In d" is arranged the axis Mcarrying the two pinions m¹
and p, the axis rotating freely at its two extremities in the two holes du d
As already mentioned the pinion m³ engages with the pinion m; it also engages
with an interior ring of teeth n fixed at A to the casing A at the same time and by
means of the same bolts y, y¹ which retain the cover C.
is an interior ring of teeth gearing with the pinion p. This toothed ring q
is fixed on the extension of the plug B by means of two, three or more sunk screws 2.
according to the size of the cock.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-Since the two pinions m and m
have the same number of teeth the proportion between the original diameters of the
pinions m and m³ on the one hand, and the wheel n is equal to ård. Therefore if the

page_text: axis M be rotated in the direction of the arrow F, the pinion m rotating in the same
direction, will cause the pinion m' to rotate in the opposite direction /.
But this pinion m¹ gearing with the wheel n will be rotated in the direction of the
arrow and will carry with it the part D and consequently also the pinion p.
Assuming that the internally toothed wheels n and q have the same number of teeth,
then the wheel 2, will not move, the same being consequently the case with the
plug B.
Thus
But this is not the case, the wheel y having one tooth less than the wheel n.
the proportion between the pinions mand m on the one hand and the wheel n on the
other being rd; the pinion m² will have to turn three times on its axis in order
to traverse the entire circumference of the wheel n.
Meanwhile the pinion m will have made 4 revolutions, three of which are caused by
the pinion m' gearing with the wheel, and one revolution resulting from the rotation
of the axis M of the same pinion m' on itself.
Whilst the axis M has made four revolutions, pinion 2 (similarly to the pinion m¹)
will have traversed an entire circumference and will have engaged with the same
number of teeth as the pinion m', and the various positions of its teeth will always
have been in complete accordance with the teeth of the wheel n.
But the wheel gears with the pinion p, and has one tooth less than the latter, so
that the said wheel will have been subjected to a rotary displacement corresponding
to one tooth, and in the direction F opposed to that of the rotation of the crank
handle or key which will have made four revolutions.
In order therefore to obtain one complete revolution of the toothed ring the key
or handle must be turned four times the number of teeth in the ring q.
The result therefore is, that as the opening or closing of the cock only necessitates
a quarter of a revolution of the plug there must be performed as many revolutions as
there are teeth in the ring 7, in order to either open or close the cocks. Now as the
two pinions m, m¹ have the same number of teeth, the relation of their speed is
as 1 to 4.
This relation is invariable and in accordance with the amplitude of the movement of
the plug B viz., one fourth of a revolution.
Slower rotary movement of the plug may be obtained by increasing the number of
the teeth of the rings and whilst always allowing one tooth less to the ring 9.
If the ring n has 21 teeth, and the ring 7 20 teeth, the key will have to make
20 revolutions. n with 51 teeth and with 50 teeth requires 50 revolutions of
the key.
As mentioned above the gear wheels are protected from contact with the water, and
are situated above the leather collar cand are thus cut off entirely from communication
with the interior of the cock.
In case leakage should occur the water cannot collect in the box containing the
gearing, as the said box is provided in its lower part with a hole o through which the
water can escape.
Having thus described and particularly ascertained the nature of this Invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :-
First. A plug cock in which the cone of the plug case is inverted and the plug is
rotated through the medium of a cap or cover which rests on the case and protects it
from the impact of the key substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
Second. Supporting the plug of a plug cock at its lower portion by a footstep
which can be adjusted by a screw bearing against the closed end of the case
substantially as described and for the purpose specified.
Third. The combination with a plug cock as described of the kind referred to in
claim 1 of a stop M cast in one piece with the cover A¹ and of an extension N N¹ of
the plug B which strikes against the stop M to limit the movement of rotation of the
plug either to the right or to the left hand substantially as described.
Fourth. In a stop cock a plug having an extension at one end and provided with
holes affording communication between the interior of the said plug and chambers or

page_text: spaces at each end of it the arrangement being designed to lessen the effort required
to turn the plug, and to ensure a tightening of the plug proportionate to the pressure
of the water substantially as set forth.
Fifth. The plug cock constructed arranged and operating substantially as described
with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
Sixth. The plug cock constructed arranged and operated substantially as described
with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings.
Seventh. Operating the plugs of cocks of large size by means of differential gear
wheels such as m, m² p, n and y, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 of the
annexed drawings.
T: 01
A1 1000