Methods of and Apparatus for Controlling the Discharge and Overflow from Wash Basins, Tubs, and the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Mar., 1897-Accepted, 28th Aug., 1897
Methods of and Apparatus for Controlling the Discharge and Overflow
from Wash Basins, Tubs, and the like.
I, CARROL LIVINGSTON RIKER, of 27 Bay View Terrace, Newburgh, Orange
County in the State of New York, United States of America, Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained, in and by the following
statement:-
My invention relates to methods of controlling the discharge and overflow of
water from wash basins, wash tubs and analogous vessels as well as to the construc-
tion of apparatus of this character embodying the method in their use.
The features of the invention offer particular advantages when applied to the
construction and operation of wash basins, wash tubs, and bath tubs, and in which
the following conditions arise, to wit: that the containing vessel should hold a
quantity of water or other liquid introduced into it; that although the quantity so
held, may be more or less, yet the surface of the liquid should not rise above a
certain point at which the quantity of liquid in the vessel is the maximum for
which it is designed even though the amount introduced be in excess of this;
and again, that the liquid should have a positive discharge when it is so desired.
In carrying out my invention certain advantages and desirable results incident
to and intimately connected with its execution present themselves, which may
be briefly mentioned.
I provide a positive discharge for the water, and utilize the same passage through
which the discharge takes place for the carrying away of the surplus or overflow
water, the latter movement in action being as positive and efficient as the dis-
charge. This union of what is ordinarily two passages in one prevents the fouling
or clogging of the overflow passage, since contrary to the usual case
in which the overflow passage is in part separate from the discharge passage
in my invention it is flushed and scoured at each discharge of the basin. Moreover
it is of larger diameter than that of the overflow passage which is frequently em-
ployed, being in fact that of the discharge passage. Both of these circumstances,
added to that of freedom from dead spaces or cavities which occur where an inde-
pendent overflow passage is used, and to which in conjunction with the sluggish
flow and infrequent use, the fouling and clogging of the usual overflow passage,
where greasy, dirty, etc. water is held in the basin, are due, are absent in my
invention.
In addition to these advantages I provide means for effectively preventing the
outflow of noxious gases from a sewer pipe or other discharge with which the
apparatus may be connected.
Simplicity of construction and accessibility of parts for cleaning purposes are
among other objects sought to be obtained by my invention.
I will now describe a basin or analogous vessel in whose construction and
operation are embodied the features of my invention.
In the accompanying drawings in which I may for the sake of brevity state that

page_text: each figure represents a vertical section taken onl a plane corresponding
with that of the medium plane of the discharge passage or conduit,
Figure 1 represents a sectional view of a basin
or bowl embodying
features of my improvement. Figure 2 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 1
but illustrates the movable cap shown in the latter figure as being provided with a
guiding stem. Figure 3 shows an alternative method of connecting the discharge
conduit to the bowl of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1
showing an alternative construction for discharging the contents of the bowl.
Figure 5 is a sectional view of a basin or bow in which the lower pocket or cavity
of the bowl is formed in an independent piece, whereas, Figure 1 illustrates the
piece as being made integral with the bowl.. There is also shown in this figure a
construction for effecting the discharge from the bowl in a manner different from
that represented in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a view similar to that shown in Figure 5,
showing a modified form of discharge conduit, as well as a modified form of trap
and an alternative construction for effecting the discharge. Figure 7 shows a
construction similar to that disclosed by Figure 5, but illustrates a manner of
effecting the discharge similar to that disclosed in Fig. 1. Figure 8
illustrates a slightly different construction for effecting the discharge.
Figure 9 is a sectional view showing a modified form of Figure 5,
but representing the pocket or cavity of the bowl as being formed in a
piece made integral with the bowl. Figure 10 is a sectional view of a form of
basin known as a recess basin, although the phase of the invention embodied therein
is equally applicable to the basins of the style shown in the foregoing illustra-
tions. In this modification an auxiliary trap or water seal is brought up close to
the basin, and a member of the same connected with the movable cap. Figure 11
illustrates a modification of Figure 10 in which the construction for effecting the
discharge is slightly different from that illustrated in that figure, while it also
illustrates a form of trap longer, and of a construction which will obviate the
necessity of an independent trap. This figure also shows an air vent pipe and
illustrates a construction whereby the same is prevented from clogging.
Figure 12
is a sectional view illustrating a modified form of the construction shown in
Figure 9, the rod for manipulating the device for effecting the discharge being
arranged at one side, while a different form of trap is also shown. Figure 13
shows a coupling for securing my invention to the ordinary basin. Figure 14
illustrates my invention as applied to a recess basin. Figure 15 is a sectional view
of a basin showing a construction for effecting the discharge of the liquid in the
basin through the medium of a jet of fluid under pressure introduced into the
discharge pipe. Figure 16 is a partial view of a construction similar to that shown
in Figure 15, but shows the jet as being introduced at another point. Figures 17,
18 and 19 show the invention as applied to a wash tub, illustrating a means for
preventing the gurgling and objectionable noise usually arising when the water
has almost all passed out of a wash basin, tub, etc. Figure 20 illustrates the inven-
tion as applied to a bath tub as well as a form of trap or seal. Figures 21 and 22
are views similar to Figure 20 and show various forms of traps. Figure 23 is a
sectional view of a kitchen sink having a grease well the height of the liquid in
which may be automatically controlled by a device embodying my invention.
Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all figures.
A, A¹ Figures 1 to 16, designates a wash basin or bowl, for holding a quantity
of water. The basin A is provided with a lower pocket or cavity C which contains
the discharge controlling device. This pocket may be formed by carrying the
walls of the basin itself downwardly as shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive and
Figures 9, 10 and 11, the walls of the pocket therefore being integral with the walls
of the basin.
Instead, however, of so forming the bottom pocket or cavity, the discharge
opening of the basin, Figures 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, and 16 may each be provided with an
annular recess or rabbet a² to which are secured tubular like pieces F, K, as,
K', F8 respectively, by providing each tubular piece or appurtenance carried at the
K6,

page_text: upper end thereof with an annular flange fitting into the corresponding recess a³
and resting preferably upon the bottom ledge of the latter not directly but upon an
interposed washer. Each tubular piece F, etc., may be provided with an external
screw thread engaging with a clamping nut H by which the tubular piece may be
secured to its respective basin.
X is the main discharge conduit through which the discharge from the basin
passes. There is provided at a suitable point between the basin and the main dis-
charge conduit, a water seal, or a trap of any approved, or of any suitable
construction.
In carrying out my invention I utilize this trap not only as a means for pre-
venting the backward flow of objectionable gas or vapors through the basin when
the latter is directly connected to the sewer, but I also employ it to assist in the
support of a quantity of water in the basin. The traps I prefer to employ are of
that form which require in the act of displacing the water contained in the trap
a bodily elevation of the former. Below the limit of pressure at which it is
sufficient to expel the water from the trap, the liquid in the rising limb of the trap
may be elevated and so maintained there, the height depending upon the
acting against its weight. To maintain the pressure necessary to sustain the liquid
in the rising limb of the trap, I utilize the head of liquid in the basin, etc., trans-
ferring the pressure due to its weight through the agency of imprisoned air to the
liquid in the trap which in turn supports the liquid in the basin, etc.
pressure
An hydrostatic balance is thus maintained between the liquid in the vessel or
basin and that in the trap. If I so construct or design the trap, or the apparatus
which determines the height of the liquid in the receiving vessel, that the height
of liquid cannot exceed a certain amount, although excess of the liquid is intro
duced, then any superfluity will pass out of the discharge. Thus I provide simple
and positive means for controlling the height of liquid in the vessel, by reason of
the mutual dependency of the heights of liquid in the trap or other apparatus and
in the vessel.
Furthermore, if by any means I change the relative condition of the three
elements entering into the static balance, namely the two bodies of liquid and the
imprisoned air, as by changing the pressure of the air, giving it a movement,
increasing or decreasing its volume, or the effective pressure of either body of
liquid as by imparting a velocity to the same, I immediately destroy the conditions
creating a balance, and the body of liquid seeks the lowest point it can attain, the
liquid rapidly passing out of the vessel.
The figures illustrate a mechanism or construction, and various modifications of
the same, for carrying these ideas into effect, but I do not wish, nor propose
limiting myself to these alone, as others may be devised which would embody my
invention in their operation as well as these.
To provide for the maintainance of the pressure exerted by the liquid in the
basin upon the imprisoned air in the pipe D leading to the trap D³, see more
particularly Figures 1, 2 and 4, I carry the upper extremity of the same upward
into the pocket C. The pipe D may be secured to its basin by any suitable means.
For instance, there may be provided a thread gland F1 secured to the edges of the
bottom opening of the pocket by engaging flanges and nut H¹ and, if desired,
packing, the upper portion of the pipe D projecting through the gland F¹ and
being secured therein by screw threads.
The construction shown in Figure 3 may, however, be desired, where the gland F2
is elongated, being coupled at its lower end to the pipe D and carrying at its upper
portion the short tube F5.
L is a cap or inverted cun covering the protruding extremity of the pipe D or
tube F. It is provided in the present instance with two concentric shells I, K³
connected at their upper edges. The lower edge of the shell I is adjacent to the
bottom surface of the pocket C supporting the cap over the mouth of the pipe D.
Near its lower edge the shell I is provided with perforations R for the passage of
the water in the basin to the interior of the cap. The surface of the cap is also

page_text: shown as being curved at its upper inner portion, the better to deflect the flow of
the discharging liquid.
The annular space between the shells I and K³ forms in effect an air reservoir
from which air is supplied to the interior of the pipe D. A small vent hole P is
provided at the upper portion of the small shell K³ to permit the outflow of air
for the purpose just described, as the liquid in the annular reservoir formed by the
shells I and K³ rises.
The lower edge of the shell K³ is carried downward in close proximity to the
bottom of the pocket C since upon the narrowness of the opening between the end
of the shell and the bottom of the pocket depends to a large degree, the completeness
with which the water in the basin and the lower pocket, is discharged. With a
reservoir for air of sufficient capacity to supply air to the spaces from which the
liquid is displaced in pipe D and to compensate for its compression, the height to
which the liquid in the basin will rise before overflow takes place into pipe D
depends practically upon the height of the upper mouth of that pipe above perfora-
tions R, provided the height of the ascending limb of the trap D³ is sufficient to
prevent discharge from the trap before discharge from the vessel takes place; the
height to which the liquid in the basin or the vessel will rise, will also depend upon
the height of the ascending limb of the trap provided the upper extremity of the
pipe D is sufficiently high to prevent discharge from the basin, etc., before discharge
from the trap has taken place. By varying either one of these factors in accor
dance with these facts, the maximum height of the liquid in the basin may be
varied.
For effecting the discharge of the basin, I have in the forms illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2 constructed the cap L as a movable cap. By lifting the same
upward even a small amount to permit the surface of the liquid in the basin to
rise above the upper end of the pipe D, discharge takes place up over the upper
edge of the pipe and down the same to the discharge. When once this movement
is established, the action of the entire system is such as to carry the liquid rapidly
and forcibly downward and out of the discharge, the impetus and suction being
sufficient to sweep the entire liquid from the pocket C and air reservoir formed by
the shells I and K³.
There may be provided a guide S₁ as illustrated in Figure 2 for directing the
vertical movements of the cap L.
Instead of effecting a change in pressure or volume of the imprisoned air by a
bodily movement of the cap L the same result may be attained by providing a
valve T in the top of the cap which when opened will allow the escape of a portion
of the air.
A ring or staple M may be supplied to each cap L for the attachment of an
operating cord or chain.
Figure 5 shows a form of construction in which the upper portion of the passage
or conduit D leading to the trap D2 has its extremity secured to the lower portion
of the tubular piece F by a suitable coupling N. The continuation of the passage
or conduit D extends upward into the cavity or pocket through an independent
piece R¹; L20 is an air cap of the general form and construction of any already
described and which is secured to the piece R¹. The annular space between the
outer and inner shells I and K³ forms an air reservoir from which air is supplied
to provide for the decrease in the volume of the imprisoned air, as well as to
provide air for the space made vacant by the recession of the water from the trap.
The small hole P is provided at the upper portion of the shell K to permit the
outflow of the air as described.
A
The composite piece so formed is vertically movable and constitutes in effect a
valve or plug. To this end the bottom portion of the piece R¹ is made conical
conforming with the conical surface of the bottom of the tubular piece F.
washer R is interposed between the adjacent surfaces for securing a tight joint.
A combined bridge piece and strainer U is secured at the bottom of the vessel A¹
and serves for guiding the vertical stem of the cap L2 and attached piece R¹. A

page_text: slight elevation of the composite piese opens the passage for the outflow of the
liquid, the latter passing down and outward even though the piece be seated
before the water is entirely discharged from the basin: the water will be carried
upward through the space between the independent piece R' and the inner shell K³
and thence pass to the discharge.
I have shown in Figure 6 a construction for effecting the discharge of the liquid
by the aid of the upwardly opening valve T¹. In the Figure L" is the cap and I
have also shown the tubular piece K as being made integral with the discharge
passage or conduit D to the lower extremity of which there may be secured a form
of trap W well known and needing no description, and which may have a cleaning
plug, W, Wa
Instead of having the valve port opening into the space which is a prolongation
of the discharge passage or conduit 1), it may open into the air reservoir formed
in the air cap. This construction is shown in skeleton in Figure 8, in which the
cap L2 provided with the annular air reservoir K is also provided with a passage
or passages el leading from the valve port e² to the air reservoir.
Figure 7 illustrates still another modification similar in all respects to that
shown in Figure 6, but embodying a construction in which the cap L2 can be
lifted vertically upward from the upper extremity of the discharge passage or
conduit D.
Referring to Figure 9 L23 is the air cap provided with an annular air reservoir
formed by shells I, K³ and secured above and surmounting the upper extremity of
the prolongation of the discharge passage or conduit D. This prolongation, as in
Figure 5, is made in a separate piece R', there being provided, as in that con-
struction, a washer R². The trap is not shown in this Figure, but it may be of
any suitable or approved form.
In the construction shown in Figure 10 there is provided a cap L23, and upwardly
extending hollow piece K" and a washer R2 similar to the construction described
with reference to Figure 9. M2 is a lifting rod.
There is also shown in this figure an auxiliary trap or seal. F is a tubular
piece secured to the edges of the opening in the basin by any suitable means, and
designed at its lower portion to be connected to a discharge passage or conduit not
shown. The opening through this conduit is continued upward through an
upright tubular extension D10 within the interior of the tubular piece F; is a
trap cap encircling the tubular extension D10 and secured to the cap L23 and lifted
with the latter when it is lifted. If the lifting rod M² be lifted for an instant,
the flow thus started from the basin will not be interrupted until the entire con-
tents of the basin has been discharged. A trap screw S may be provided in the
trap for cleaning purposes. It will be necessary to employ a trap additional to
that shown in Figure 10, if it is desired, to obtain a higher level of liquid in the
basin than can be obtained by the trap shown.
Figure 11 shows a form of my invention in which the inverted trap cap I2 is so
long and the trap well or recess L" for it so deep that the use of any other trap
may be dispensed with with perfect certainty that no gas can find its way past it.
At the same time the trap cap 12, secured to the air cap L24 which may be of any
of the forms or constructions already described, may be entirely withdrawn for the
purpose of inspection and cleaning.
This form of my invention may be used with an air valve T5 by which air may
be permitted to pass from the annular space between the shells I and K³ to the
sewer by way of the cross passages 23 in the upper portion of the cap and the passage
The valve, however, may be
through the valve seat when the valve is lifted.
dispensed with and the cap L together with the trap cap I lifted bodily.
I have also shown in this figure, a feature of my improvement which consists in
extending the discharge passage or conduit D into an enlarged chamber I with
which the air vent tube I³ communicates. The action of the discharging water
entering the vessel I creates a current through the vent tube 15 corresponding in
direction to that of the movement of the water discharging from the basin A.

page_text: Consequently the lodging of dirt, refuse, or foreign material, which may be dis-
charged from the basin in the vent tube or in passages leading thereto, is
precluded, a decided and much to be desired advantage.
Figure 13 shows a construction adopting an ordinary basin which is provided
with a smaller bottom opening than those heretofore shown, to the application of
my invention. A flanged collar F is forced into and held in engagement with
the edge of this opening in the bottom of the basin by an enlarging coupling F7.
A suitable cap of any of the forms described, may be supported within the
coupling F, or a receptacle attached thereto. U is a combined guide and strainer
for the stem of the cap.
In Figures 12 and 14, L22 is an air cap attached to the piece R¹, through which
latter extends the upper prolongation of the discharge passage or conduit. The
bottom surface of the piece R¹ is cone shaped and provided with a washer R² as
before. M2 is a lifting rod.
In Figure 12, the discharge conduit D is carried to one side by a suitable bent
connection C¹, secured to the basin A¹ extending to one side and being there
attached to the enlarged upper extremity of the discharge conduit. A lifting
rod M is employed guided in suitable bearings and having an arm M³ engaging
with the upper extremity of the cap stem M2, working through a stuffing box X².
An ordinary form of tran is shown.
Instead of employing a lifting rod M4 with an arm M³, I may carry the conduit
further to one side and attach the rod directly to the cap stem.
In Figures 15 and 16 I have shown a construction for effecting the discharge
from the basin by means of a jet of water introduced through a suitable pipe to the
interior of the conduit communicating with the basin.
In Figure 15, L is the cap of a construction already described secured per-
manently to the combined bridge and strainer piece U. A pipe G communicating
with a suitable liquid enters the conduit D at its upper portion and serves for the
introduction of a jet of liquid into the conduit. There will, of course, be a valve
provided at some portion of the pipe G for controlling the flow through the pipe.
Instead of injecting the liquid at the point shown in Figure 15, it may enter the
discharge conduit at the trap portion as shown in Figure 16, in which 74 represents
the injection pipe.
There is also represented in these two figures a construction for facilitating the
cleansing of the vent pipe 15. This construction having already been described
with reference to Figure 11, it need not again be dwelt upon.
Passing now to Figure 17, A2 is a wash tub or similar vessel. It is provided
with an inlet pipe, not shown and a discharge conduit D, having a seal or trap 112
below the vessel and protruding at its upper extremity some distance into the
interior of the vessel. L2 is a shell surrounding the upper portion of the conduit D
and being there secured. It is provided with an annular trough L³ at its lower
portion into which extends the lower edge of a cap L¹ surmounting the upper ex-
tremity of the conduit D. A ring L secured to the lower surface of the annular
trough projects downwardly therefrom.
If it is desired to discharge the tank A2, the cap L' is lifted by any suitable
means, a chain or rod not shown, the water passing then upward and over the
mouth of conduit 1) and out through the trap. Discharge of the main body of
water in the tank will continue until the level of the water sinks approximately
to a level corresponding with that of the lower edge of the cap, when the water in
the trough or seal L³ will suddenly be drawn into the conduit D and the discharge
ceases noiselessly, and suddenly, without any sucking or gurgling sound; other
forms of traps may obviously be employed other than the one illustrated.
Other constructions may also be employed for starting the discharge, for instance,
any of the forms already illustrated.
Figure 18 represents a modified form of construction for controlling the dis-
charge by which about one half the contents of the vessel may be discharged at
one time and the other half subsequently when desired

page_text: D is the discharge conduit extending upward for some distance into the interior
of the vessel A². L2 is a shell surrounding the extension of the conduit D and
secured to a movable tube O* mounted to slide vertically upon the extension of the
conduit. The lower edge of the shell L2 is bent upwardly to form a trough L
while from the lower surface of the trough extends a circular flange L³.
A cap L'
surmounts the upper portion of the conduit D, and has its lower edge projecting
into the trough L³. Suitable means are provided for moving the can L' and with
it the tube 02. The tube ² and the upper extension of the conduit D are provided
with openings o², and o³ which coincide with each other in some position which the
parts may be caused to assume.
If now, the cap L₁ and attached parts be raised to a height that would have
caused a discharge of the contents of the vessel in any previously described con-
struction no such action will take place, as the conduit D is lengthened in propor-
tion as the cap L¹ is raised, until the tube 02 assumes such a position that the
openings o2 and 03 communicate when discharge commences. Continued move-
ment carries the tube 02 to a position where the openings o2 and 0³ are shut off
from communication. The discharge having commenced, continues until the
lower edge of the elevated cap L¹ has been uncovered, when it ceases.
If now, the
cap is permitted to return to its lowermost position, the openings o² and o³ again
pass each other, discharge again takes place, and the vessel is completely emptied
in a manner already described in reference to Figure 17.
In Figure 19, P2 is the inlet pipe extending upward into the tank through the
discharge conduit D the inlet pipe serving as a guide for the cap L2, which is
secured to a tube p¹ encircling the inlet pipe. An annular pocket or well is formed
by a shell of larger diameter than the inlet pipe p², said annular pocket or well
being closed at its lower end where the shell 28 is secured to the said pipe p².
The tube p¹ extends into this well which forms a seal for the same. L² is the
encircling shell provided with an upwardly turned lower edge L³, and a down-
wardly extending flange L as already described in reference to Figure 18.
Figures 20, 21, and 22 represent sections through the wall of a bath A3 which is
provided with an enlarged chamber or vessel W communicating by a suitable duct
or passage D with the tube.
In these figures, the discharging device comprises an independent movable
piece T, through which the discharging conduit is prolongated upward into the
enlarged chamber V and which forms a valve in a manner and for the purpose
already described.
L2 Figures 20 21 and 22 is the air cap surmounting the conduit and attached
to the piece M². It may be provided with an air reservoir as shown in Figure 20.
A lifting rod is supplied for lifting the piece L² and attached cap.
In Figure 20 the trap is formed by giving the discharge conduit a double bend,
forming in effect a trap made up of two single traps. Figure 21 represents a
bottle trap comprising an elongated vessel W closed at the bottom into which the
conduit for the discharge leads nearly to the bottom, the exit for the trap being
near its upper portion.
In Figure 22 there is shown a form of trap, consisting of a trap within a trap.
The inner trap T is similar to the form shown in Figure 21. The outer trap
comprises an outer chamber T2 with an exit near its upper portion and an interior
downwardly extending shell T enclosed at the top and opened at the bottom.
Figure 23 shows a cross section through a sink As, provided with a grease
well and having a pocket or cavity communicating therewith, for holding the
discharging device. It may be of any of the forms already illustrated and
provided with a tran of any suitable form.
V2 is a sieve or strainer shell and V³ is a second sieve placed at the lower
portion of the grease well V1. The surface of the liquid being maintained at a
constant height in the well, the grease, etc. accumulates on the surface of the
liquid, when, if the discharging device is elevated by the lifting rod V, the
liquid discharges and the grease may be gathered from the strainer V³.

page_text: It will be
The form of trap represented in Figures 15 and 16, that is, one formed by
bending the conduit, is particularly advantageous, since it forms a resilient or
somewhat spring-like connection, as distinguished from a rigid one.
seen that by my form of construction, I provide a double seal, if water is left in
the basin, by which any gas or noxious vapors in the sewer is precluded from
passing upward. Also that the discharge opening of the basin is at all times
shut off or closed when the basin, contains any water, and that, in addition, since
the discharge opening is also the overflow opening, the emanation of noxious gases
through the overflow opening, is obstructed by a double seal, an advantage not
possessed by any ordinary form of basin construction.
It is of the utmost importance in the construction of wash basins, and their
accessories, that no dead spaces should be left in which the grease, dirt, soap, etc.
of the discharged water can accumulate. The discharge conduit from the basin
to the main outlet or sewer should be free, and of such form as to be thoroughly
and efficiently scoured by the overflowing water.
Having now particularly described and ascertained, the nature of my inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1. The method of supporting a liquid in a wash basin, wash tube or analogous
vessel, and controlling the overflow therefrom when the amount of liquid
delivered to the vessel is sufficient to carry the upper surface of the same above
a certain point, consisting in providing a second body of liquid, the pressure due
to the weight of which acts in a direction opposite to that due to the weight of
the liquid in the vessel, interposing between these two bodies of liquid a confined
volume of air and transferring any excess of liquid delivered to the vessel to the
second volume of liquid through the chamber or passage containing the confined
air to displace or eventually discharge the second body of liquid, or a part of
the same, in the wash basin, wash tub or analogous vessels.
2. The method of supporting a liquid in a vessel and controlling the discharge
therefrom consisting in providing a second body of liquid, the pressure due to
the height of which acts in a direction opposite to that due to the weight of the
liquid in the vessel, interposing between these two bodies of liquid a confined
volume of air, and in effecting the discharge of the supported liquid by changing
the pressure at a point or points in the supported system, thereby destroying the
static balance and effecting the transfer of liquid in the vessel to the second
volume of liquid, displacing and eventually expelling the same, in the wash basin,
wash tub or analogous vessel.
3. The method of supporting a liquid in a vessel and controlling the discharge
therefrom, consisting in providing a second body of liquid, the pressure due to
the weight of which acts in a direction opposite to that due to the
weight of the liquid in the vessel, interposing between these bodies of liquid
a confined volume of air and in effecting the discharge of the supported liquid
by directing into the supported system at a suitable point, a current or a jet of
liquid, thereby causing a movement of the liquid in the vessel downward.
4. The method substantiall" as described, of supporting and discharging liquid
contained in a vessel which consists in applying the intervention of an imprisoned
body of air between the supported liquid and another body of liquid at a lower
level, the said imprisoned air or any part thereof having no other means of exit
from its imprisonment to the waste conduit or sewer, except the one conduit
serving for the discharge of the supported water.
5. The method of supporting water in a wash basin or similar vessel and
effecting practically its complete discharge therefrom, consisting in forming a
basin or vessel with a cavity or pocket into which the liquid gravitates and pro-
viding a second body of water the pressure due to the weight of which acts in a
direction opposite to that due to the weight of the water in the basin or vessel,
interposing between these two bodies of water a confined volume of air and

page_text: providing a discharge passage for the liquid extending upward from said cavity
or pocket and then downward and creating a flow through this passage by
changing the condition of the confined volume of air.
6. The method of supporting a liquid in a basin or similar vessel and effecting,
practically its complete discharge therefrom, consisting in forming the basin or
vessel with a cavity or pocket into which the liquid gravitates, and providing a
second body of liquid the pressure due to the weight of which acts in a direction.
opposite to that due to the weight of the liquid in the basin or vessel, interposing
between these two bodies of liquid a confined volume of air and providing a
discharge passage for the liquid extending upward from said cavity or pocket
and then downward creating a flow through this passage by introducing into
some portion of the system a jet of liquid.
7. The combination with a wash basin or analogous vessel having a pocket or
cavity, and a trap in the discharge conduit therefrom, of an air cap located in
said cavity or pocket, for the purpose herein set forth.
8. The combination with a vessel open to the atmospheric pressure, and with a
trap in the conduit therefrom, of an air cap containing or communicating with
an air reservoir, for the purpose herein set forth.
9. The combination with a vessel open to the atmospheric pressure and with a
trap in the conduit therefrom, of an air cap from beneath which air is removed
to secure the discharge of the contents of the vessel, for the purpose herein set
forth.
10. The combination with a wash basin, or analogous vessel containing a
liquid, and with a trap at the lower level, in the discharge conduit therefrom
containing a liquid of sufficient depth to support the desired amount of liquid in
the vessel, of an imprisoned intervening body of air, substantially in the manner
for the purpose herein set forth.
11. The combination with a wash basin or analogous vessel containing a
liquid and with a trap at a lower level in the discharge conduit therefrom con-
taining a liquid of sufficient depth to support the desired amount of liquid in
the vessel, and an imprisoned intervening body of air, of an air cap from beneath
which air is removed, for the purpose herein set forth.
12. The combination with a wash basin or analogous vessel containing a liquid
and a trap at a lower level in the discharge conduit therefrom, containing a liquid
of sufficient depth to support the desired amount of liquid, and practically no
more in the vessel, and an imprisoned intervening body of air, of an air cap con-
taining or communicating with an air reservoir from beneath which air is removed,
for the purpose herein set forth.
13. The combination of a wash basin, a trap, a vent pipe, an enlarged chamber
or vessel into which the vent pipe extends a discharge conduit or vessel leading
from the basin and provided with a nozzle projecting into said chamber or vessel
thereby when discharge takes place, a current induced by the discharge is caused
to pass through the vent pipe.
14. The combination with a wash basin of means for supporting a quantity of
water in the basin through the agency of an imprisoned volume of air and a pipe
or conduit arranged exteriorly of the basin for introducing a fluid under pressure
into the passage leading from the basin whereby the discharge of the contents of
the latter may be effected.
15. The combination of a wash basin communicating with a cavity or pocket
into which the liquid from the basin gravitates a discharge conduit leading from
the cavity or pocket a trap interposes in the discharge conduit a movable piece
through which the upper portion of the conduit is prolonged and an air cap
surmounting the independent piece.
16. The combination of a wash basin a discharge conduit leading therefrom, a
trap interposed in the discharge conduit, a movable piece through which the
upper portion of the conduit is prolonged and which is provided with a seat in

page_text: said discharge conduit, a suitable packing interposed between the independent
piece and its seat and an air cap surmounting the independent piece.
17. The combination of a wash basin or similar vessel a discharge conduit
leading therefrom, a movable piece through which the upper portion of the
conduit is prolonged and which is provided with a seat in said discharge conduit,
an air cap surmounting the said piece and a trap secured to the independent piece
and movable with it.
18. The combination of a wash basin or similar vessel, a discharge conduit
leading therefrom, an air cap surmounting the discharge conduit, an air reservoir
formed in the air cap and a valve for permitting the air to flow from the reservoir
to the discharge conduit.
19. The combination of a wash basin or similar vessel, a discharge conduit
leading therefrom, an air cap surmounting the discharge conduit, a stem secured
to the air cap and a guide for the stem.
20. The combination with a wash basin having a discharge opening of a
flanged collar fitting into the opening, a coupling secured to the flanged collar,
and a strainer secured within said coupling.
21. The combination of a wash basin or similar vessel, a discharge conduit
therefore arranged at one side of the wash basin or similar vessel and communi-
cating therewith, an air cap surmounting the upper extremity of the discharge
conduit and under which air is compressed for purpose set forth and a lifting
rod for elevating the air cap.
22. A double or compound tran comprising an outer shell closed at the bottom,
a shell within the outer shell open at the bottom and a trap within the inner
shell.
23. The combination of a vessel having a discharge conduit, an annular shell
surrounding the conduit within the vessel and provided with an annular trough
at its lower portion and an air cap surmounting the discharge conduit and having
its lower edge extending into said trough.
24. The combination of a vessel having a discharge conduit, an annular shell
surrounding the conduit within the vessel, an air cap surmounting the upper
extremity of the discharge conduit and a tubular piece secured to the cup and
lifting over the upper extension of the conduit, the conduit and the tube being
provided with openings which register during the movement of the cap whereby
the contents of the vessel may be discharged in two portions.
25. The combination of a vessel having a discharge conduit, an annular shel:
surrounding the same, an inlet pipe for supplying the vessel located within the
discharge conduit and an air cap surmounting the upper extremity of said conduit
and embracing the inlet pipe.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.