AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF SEWERAGE AND APPARATUS TO be Employed THEREFOR
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Isaac Shoue, of Wrexham, in the County of Denbigh, Civil
and Mining Engineer, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF
SEWERAGE AND APPARATUS TO be Employed THEREFOR.”
Sealed the 22nd November 1878, and dated the 5th September 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Isaac Shone at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th September 1878.
ISAAC SHONE, of Wrexham, in the County of Denbigh, Civil and Mining
Engineer. "AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF SEWERAGE AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED
THEREFOR."
This Invention relates to an improved system of sewerage and apparatus to bo
employed therefor for the removal of all fluids, solids, and other inatter from water-
closets, privies and their conduits, sinks, and house drains generally, also applicable
to the removal and service of sewage from farms through and over land, and to the
removal of refuse matters and liquids generally from chemical and other works, and
for irrigation purposes.
This Invention consists,―
Firstly. In the collection of sewage or other refuse matter or liquid into closed
receptacles or reservoirs of suitable construction.
Secondly. Of the use of compressed air or gas as an ejector or propelling agent.
Thirdly. Of compressed air or gas used expansively as an ejector or propelling
agent.
Fourthly. Of the application of steam in combination with compressed air or gas
os an ejector or propelling agent.
Fifthly. Of compressed air or gas used in combination with a syphon for emptying
the receptacles or reservoirs.
Sixthly. Of the use of compressed air as a motor for the working of an auto-
matic apparatus to act upon the air and steam inlet and exit valves (in connection
[Price 18 821

page_text: with the receptacles or reservoirs), so as to open and close them at the proper
times.
Seventhly. Of various details and arrangement of parts of apparatus for carrying
the system of sewerage according to this Invention into operation.
Eighthly. To the use of compressed air or gas as a motor for a flushing service for
Bewerage purposes by propelling sea or other water to the head or any other part of
Bewerage systems.
According to this Invention a series of receptacles or reservoirs are used, which
are so placed that the sewage or other matter or liquid to be removed will by its
natural head gravitate into and fill such receptacles or reservoirs.
The receptacle or reservoir is constructed by preference with a syphoned inlet
pipe provided at or near its junction with the receptacle with a non-return valve of
any suitable construction.
The inlet pipe is by preference arranged so that the sewage or other matter or
liquid shall enter the receptacle or reservoir near the top thereof or at a higher level
than the outlet pipe.
The receptacle or reservoir is by preference formed with its bottom and outlet
pipe constructed on the principle of a "wash-out" watercloset, the outlet pipe being
provided at or near its junction with the receptacle or reservoir with a suitable non-
return valve.
The receptacle or reservoir is connected by means of a suitable pipe to a receiver
or reservoir containing compressed air or gas, or to an air or gas-compressing engine
direct.
The connection between the air or gas supply or compressing medium is at the
highest part of the receptacle by preference, and is passed through an admission
valve worked by an automatic apparatus governed by a float within the receptacle
or reservoir, or by other suitable means. The receptacle or reservoir is also pro-
vided with an exit valve for the escape of the compressed air or gas after the work
of emptying the receptacle or reservoir is accomplished, so as to allow the receptacle
or reservoir to automatically refill with the sewage, other matter, or liquid. The
exit valve is also operated upon by an automatic apparatus controlled by a float
within the tank, or by other suitable contrivance, and may be provided with a
guard pipe or strainer and float valve (inside of the receptacle or reservoir) that will
close upon the liquid filling the receptacle, and thus prevent such liquid from
injuring the exit air valve.
The floats for working, governing, or controlling the valves are provided with
and work in guard pipes or strainers, so as to prevent solid matter from clogging,
interfering with, and affecting the action and working of the floats.
The air inlet valve may be arranged with an adjustable rod and lever connection
to the float, acting upon the automatic apparatus, and using a separate float to act
upon the exit air valve by means of the automatic apparatus, so that the float can
be set to close the air inlet valve at any required level of liquid in the receptacle or
reservoir, the expansion of the air or gas being then allowed to complete the opera-
tion of emptying the receptacle or reservoir, which operation may be aided by the
introduction of a steam jet by an independent pipe or valve, or through a pipe or
valve controlled by the action of the float to admit the steam into the receptacle or
tank simultaneously with the cut-off of the air supply or otherwise.
To ensure perfect action it is imperative that the compressed air inlet valve and
the waste air exit valve shall be so set that the pressure of air for expelling the
Bowage matter or liquid from the receptacle or reservoir shall not be allowed to enter
the receptacle or reservoir until such receptacle or reservoir is full, and the waste air
valve shall not be opened until the receptacle or reservoir is empty.
The principle involved under this Invention may be said to be the use and appli-
cation of a pneumatic sewerage system, being high-pressure atmospheric air obtained
by compression as an ejector and motor for emptying sewage receptacles or reservoirs,
and propelling sewage or other matter or liquid into a main gravitating drain, or to
a natural outfall or other desired destination, as against the pneumatic system of the

page_text: application of the natural pressure of atmospheric air applied by the vacuum system,
or the system known as the Liernur system.
Under this Invention the sewage or other matter or liquid may be driven
through pipes of a comparatively small diameter, the pipes being constantly full,
and allowing no chamber or space for the generation of foul and noxious gases; or,
in other words, the sewage may be driven through sealed pipes of a comparatively
small diameter so rapidly as to practically prevent the generation of foul or noxious
gases therein, and also to prevent any gases that may be generated from passing
into the streets or houses.
The application of this Invention consists in applying a receptacle or reservoir to
receive the sewage or other matter or liquid from a point or a number of points, and
supplying such receptacles or reservoirs with compressed air or gas as an emptying
motor, which motor shall be called into operation by the act of the receptacle or
reservoir at any point becoming full or charged, and after emptying such receptaclo
or reservoir the air or gas is allowed free exit by the automatic action of a valve
apparatus operated upon by the liquid within by means of a float.
A modification of this Invention consists of the application of compressed air used
expansively in like apparatus to that herein-before described.
A second modification consists of the application of compressed air in combination
with steam.
A third modification consists of the application of compressed air with a syphon
outlet pipe or drain.
It will be obvious that the receptacles or reservoirs can vary in number, size, and
shape, and can be applied to village, town, or district sewerage, or for removing the
refuse or chemical or other works, as for irrigating land; or the tanks or receptacles
may be used for transmitting or propelling water from river, sea, or otherwise for
flushing purposes.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Isaac Shone in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th March
1879.
ISAAC SHONE, of Wrexham, in the County of Denbigh, Civil and Mining
Engineer. "AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF SEWERAGE AND APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED
THEREFOR."
This Invention relates to an improved system of sewerage and apparatus to be
employed therefor for the removal of all fluids, solids, and other matter from water-
closets, privies and their conduits, sinks, subsoil, house, and other drains generally,
also applicable to the removal and service of sewage from farms through and over
land, and to the removal of refuse matters and liquids generally from chemical and
other works and for irrigation purposes; and has for its object (amongst others) the
surmounting of physical difficulties attendant upon the flat or undulating configura-
tions of towns, villages, districts, or farms required to be dealt with, and the irregular
lines, inclinations, or levels of conduits caused in many cases by the subsidence of
some light and wet soils, and by prompt removal to render practically impossible
those accumulations of solid matter which the gravitating systems of sewerage, per
se (however perfect), have hitherto too frequently promoted.
This Invention relates to a system in which compressed air is employed as a
motive power for ejecting sewage and to apparatus employed therefor, and the
system may be thus divided,-
Firstly. The collection of sewage or other refuse matter or liquid into closed
receptacles, or reservoirs, or conduits of suitable construction.
Secondly. Of the use of compressed air or gas as an ejector or propelling agent.
Thirdly. Of the use of compressed air or gas used expansively as an ejector or
propelling agent.
Fourthly. Of the application of steam in combination with compressed air or gas
as an ejector or propelling agent used in combination simply or expansively.
Fifthly. Of compressed air or gas used in combination with a syphon for emptying
the receptacles, reservoirs, or conduits.
Sixthly. Of the use of compressed air as a motor for the working of an auto-
matic apparatus to act upon the air and steain inlet and exit valves in connection
with the receptacles, reservoirs, or conduits, so as to open and close such inlet and
exit valves at the proper times.
Seventhly. Of various details and arrangement of parts of apparatus for carrying
out the system of sewerage according to this Invention into operation.
Eighthly. Of the use of compressed air or gas as a motor for a flushing service for
sewerage purposes by propelling sea or other water to the head or other part of
sewerage systems for the flushing thereof (hydraulically or pneumatically).
By the method of expulsion used under the system being the subject of this Inven-
tion, the hydrostatic head or pressure for propelling purposes is only limited by the
power of the air-compressing engine employed, which may be driven by steam,
water, or other power, and it is well known that compressed air can be produced
and transmitted to long distances in large or small volumes very economically.
The system according to this Invention can be applied independently and also
easily and advantageously to existing sewerage systems; for instance, as an addition
to an old town where the existing sewers could not be carried to some remote, low,
or flat parts, the sewage from these parts could be ejected therefrom into the
existing old sewers, and thereby aid in discharging more speedily than is now the
case the sewage and other liquid which too often lodges on the invert of the con-
duits of the gravitating systems. It could also be applied to existing drainage or
irrigation works.
I will now describe a method of carrying out the system according to this Inven-
tion which will be found advantgeous in many ordinary cases. It is however

page_text: obvious that my system of working with compressed air may be and in some
instances must be varied in some of the details, according to the localities in which
it is applied and the requirements that have to be met.
A series of receptacles or reservoirs are used, which receptacles are so placed that
the sewage or other matter or fluid to be removed will by its natural head gravitate
into and fill such receptacles or reservoirs.
Each receptacle or reservoir is constructed with a syphon or trapped inlet pipe
provided at or near its junction with the receptacle with a non-roturn valve of any
suitable construction, and which may be in duplicate if thought desirable.
The receptacle or reservoir is formed with its bottom and outlet pipe constructod
on the principle of a "wash-out" watorcloset, the outlet pipe being provided at or
near its junction with the receptacle or reservoir with a suitable non-return valve,
which may be in duplicate.
The receptacle or reservoir is connected by means of a suitable pipe to a receiver
or reservoir containing compressed air or gas, or to an air or gas compressing engine
direct.
The connection between the air or gas supply or compressing medium is at tho
highest part of the receptacle or reservoir by preference, and compressed air or
gas is passed through an admission valve worked by an automatic apparatus
governed by a float within the receptacle, or worked and controlled by other
suitable means. The receptacle or reservoir is also provided with an exit valve for
the escape of the compressed air or gas after the work of emptying the receptacle or
reservoir is accomplished, so as to allow the receptacle or reservoir to automatically
refill with the sewage or other matter or liquid. The exit valve also is operated
upon by an automatic apparatus controlled by a float within the tank, or by other
suitable contrivance, and may be provided with a guard pipe or strainer and float
valve (inside of the receptacle or reservoir) that will close upon the liquid filling the
receptacle, and thus prevent such liquid from injuring the exit air valve.
Where an automatic arrangement of apparatus is resorted to under this Inven-
tion, the floats inside the receptacles or reservoirs for working, governing, or
controlling the valves may be provided with and work in guard pipes or strainers,
60 as to prevent solid matter from clogging or interfering with and injuriously
affecting the action and working of the floats.
The air inlet and exit valves may be arranged with adjustable mechanical con-
nections to the float, so that the float can be set to open and close such inlet and
outlet valves at any required level of liquid in the receptacle or reservoir. By this
arrangement the receptacle or reservoir may be filled with liquid, and such liquid
then subjected to and expelled by a charge of compressed air acting with its primary
force and after expansion.
The operation of 'emptying the receptacle or reservoir may be aided by the intro-
duction of a steam jet, by an independent pipe or valve, or through a pipe and valve
controlled by the action of the float, so as to admit the steam into the receptacle or
reservoir simultaneously with the cut-off of the air supply or otherwise, and such
steam may be made the medium of causing a vacuum in the receptacle or reservoir
to facilitate refilling.
To ensure economical and perfect action the compressed air inlet valve and the
waste air exit valve should be so set that the pressure of air for expelling the sewage
matter or liquid from the receptacle or reservoir shall not be allowed to enter the
receptacle or reservoir until such receptacle or reservoir is full, and the waste air
valve shall not be open until the receptacle or reservoir is emptied to the required
degree. The two valves should not be open at one and the same time, but one
should be completely closed before the other is opened.
The following may be taken as an example of the system of sewerage worked
according to this Invention, and applied to a town:-The town should be divided
into districts, according to the natural inclinations of the surface, the sewage and
slops of each district being carried by means of gravitating pipes of such sizes and
inclinations as to give the self-cleansing velocities to the liquid insisted upon by

page_text: Sanitarians. These gravitating pipes should be ventilated in the most approved
manner, and be made to converge in each district to a pneumatic sewage ejector,
constiting of a receptacle for the sewage provided with pneumatic apparatus such
as above referred to. The ejector is placed at such a depth as to allow the liquid
to flow into it and fill it. An outlet pipe would be provided by which the liquid
would be ejected by means of compressed air of the required pressure, supplied
through a pipe communicating from the air compressing engine or air reservoir to
the ejector. The sewage would be forced through the outlet pipe into a sewer
leading to the outfall; this sewer would be sealed throughout its entire length, and
the moment the sewage had passed from the ejector it would be cut off from any
connection with the outside atmosphere until it had reached its final destination,
being prevented from returning to the ejector by a flap or other suitable valve or
valves.
To each ejector is attached an automatic valve apparatus governed by a float
moving up and down with the liquid as it flows into or out of the ejector; or the
ejector may be operated by a hand or other non-automatic arrangement of valves.
By the action of the automatic gear, however, the moment the ejector was filled
with liquid, the exit or ventilating air valve would be closed, and immediately after-
wards the compressed air valve would be opened, and the liquid forced through the
outlet pipe by the pressure of the air upon it in the ejector, a flap or other suitable
valve placed upon the inflow pipe preventing the liquid from returning into the
gravitating pipo.
As soon as the sewage or other refuse matter or liquid was forced out of the
ejector down to any desired level therein, the action of the automatic arrangement
would be reversed, and the compressed air shut off, and the exit air or ventilating
valve opened, the liquid being thereby allowed once more to flow into and fill the
ejector, being the receptacle or reservoir, and so the operation is repented as long as
the sewage or other refuse matter or liquid flows and the compressed air is
supplied.
Provision can be made when deemed advisable to convey the exhaust or waste air
from the ejector along a sealed sewer or pipe to the outfall, and may there or else-
where be passed through a furnace or otherwise treated so as to destroy all impu-
rities with which it might be contaminated. In this case, by preference, the liquid
will flow along the invert of, say, an egg-shaped sewer, the air passing along in the
larger space above, by which means such sealed sewer would be thoroughly and
efficiently ventilated throughout its entire length.
It has been my chief object in perfecting the system, the subject of this Invention,
to provide for the rapid transmission of the sewage or other refuse matter or liquid
away from the town, village, or district to its prescribed destination, and to do this
without altering in any material degree the application of water to the carriage of
sewage, so largely adopted in this country.
The principle involved under my Invention may be said to be the application,
substantially in the manner described, of pneumatic pressure obtained by the com-
pression of natural fresh atmospheric air or other gas as a motor for emptying
sewage receptacles or reservoirs, and thus propelling sewage or other matter or
liquid to a natural outfall or other desired destination under pressure, or into a main
gravitating sewer or drain, which latter may be ventilated by the exhaust air from
the receptacle or reservoir, but no claim is made to the application of the natural
pressure of atmospheric air applied by the vacuum system, or the system known as
the Leirnur system.
In the working of the system, the subject of this Invention, the sewage or other
refuse matter or liquid may be driven through pipes of a comparatively small dia-
meter, ensuring a perfect scour, and allowing little or no chamber or space for the
generation of foul and noxious gases; or, in other words, the sewage may be driven
through sealed pipes of a comparatively small diameter so rapidly as to practically
prevent the generation of foul or noxious gases therein, and also to prevent any
gases that may be generated from passing into the streets or houses.

page_text: The before-going being the nature, object, and purposes of my Invention, I will
now proceed to illustrate how the system according to my Invention may be
practically applied, and to describe a forin and arrangement of apparatus suitable
for being employed in carrying my Invention into practice, and for that purpose I
have hereunto attached fourteen Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof, which are
marked with letters and figures of reference corresponding with those in the
following explanation, like letters and figures being used to denote the same or
corresponding parts throughout the various views and Figures.
Upon reference to the Drawings it will be seen that a series of receptacles or
reservoirs, such as A, are used, which receptacles A are so placed that the sewage or
other matter or fluid to be removed will, by its natural head, gravitate into and fill
such receptacles or reservoirs A.
Referring to Figure 1 (Sheet 1), which is a sectional elevation of such a
receptacle A, Figure 2 being a plan, and Figure 3 (Sheet 2) an end elovation of the
same. It will be seen that the receptacle A is constructed with a syphon or
trapped inlet pipe B, provided at or near its junction with the receptacle A with
any suitable non-return valve, such as C, which may be in duplicate if thought
desirable.
The receptacle A is by preference formed with its bottom A¹ and outlet
branch D constructed on the principle of a "wash-out" watercloset, the outlet
pipe D being provided at or near its junction with the receptacle A with any
suitable non-return valve, such as E, which may be in duplicate, if thought
desirable. The receptacle A is connected by means of the pipe F and the valve G
to a receiver or reservoir containing compressed air or gas, or to an air or gas
compressing engine direct. The position of the valve G which, as herein-after
described, acts as an inlet and exit valve is at the highest part of the receptacle A.
The valve G is worked by an automatic apparatus consisting of the cylinder H,
the gear I, and the float J, or the valve G may be worked by hand if desirable, or
any other suitable means, such as levers, eccentrics, cams, or their equivalents.
The receptacle A, as shown at Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, is provided with two
openings to the valve G, one being for the inlet of compressed air or gas, and the
other for the outlet of the waste or exhaust air or gas; or one opening may be
made to serve the same purpose, as herein-after described, and as shown at Figure 5,
Sheet 3.
Figure 4 (Sheet 2) is a sectional elevation of the valve G. The valve G, as hero
shown, may be termed a piston valve, with four branches, F, F, being the branches
for the inlet of compressed air or gas to the receptacle A, and K, K', being the
outlet for the escape of compressed air or gas, after the work of emptying the
receptacle A has been accomplished. The branch F¹ may be dispensed with by
forming the piston L, herein-after referred to as an open trunk, as will be
understood. The opening or closing of the ways or branches is effected by the
piston L, which is moved by the rod M actuated by an automatic apparatus,
herein-after described, or by hand, or by levers, eccentrics, cams, or their
equivalents.
Upon reference to Figure 5 (Sheet 3) it will be seen that the valve G can be
arranged on the principle of the slide valve, in which case one opening K¹ to the
receptacle A serves for both inlet of compressed air or gas, and outlet for the escape
of waste air or gas, according to the position of the slide L, which is operated by
the rod M.
Figure 6 is a section through A, B, Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a detailed arrangement of the valve G and automatic apparatus H, I, J.
Figure 8 is a section through the line C, D, Figure 7.
Upon reference it will be seen that H is a motive cylinder, the piston H' of
which actuates the rod M of the valve G. The action of the piston H is governed
by the position of the slide valve H", which in its turn is governed by the lever I,
actuated and controlled in its turn by the float J through the medium of the rod J,
the float J acting according to the level in the liquid in the receptacle A, namely,

page_text: so as to open the valve G to admit compressed air or gas into the receptacle A, the
moment the receptacle A is full and requires einpyting, and closing the air or gas
supply, and opening the escape outlet, the moment the receptacle A is emptied
down to any desired level, and requires refilling; J" is a screw nut or coupling for
adjusting the length of the rod J'; J is a balance weight arrangement for
compensating for the weight of the rod J'; J is an air escape valve and pipe for
the escape of air from the float box Jun
Figure 9 (Sheet 4) illustrates a modified form of receptacle A, and a modified
arrangement of float J and valve G. In this case the inlet pipe B is near the
bottom of the receptacle A (or at the bottom thereof, as shown in dotted lines), so
as to ensure the inlet valve C being always covered with liquid, and never exposed
to contact with the compressed air or gas.
The float arrangement consists of a bell float J fixed on the rod J', and lifted by
the air compressed into the bell as the liquid ascends in the receptacle A; J, J, is
an inverted bell fitted to the lower end of the rod J, and acting downwards as the 1
liquid recedes, and leaves the bell J, J, full of liquid, the weight actuating the
rod J¹, and thereby the automatic gear H and the valve G. It will bo seen that in
this arrangement the liquid inlet valve C, and the liquid outlet valve E are of ball
construction, and that the nir inlet and outlet valve G is of modified piston form.
Figure 10, Sheet 5, illustrates a sectional elevation of a modification of 2
receptacle A, float arrangement J, automatic gear H, I, and air inlet and outlet
valve G.
Figure 10ª is an enlarged view of the valve G, shown in sectional elevation.
Figure 10B (Sheet 6) is a section through the line X, Figure 10ª.
Upon reference it will be seen that the valve G is of modified piston form, the 2
piston L, H', of which is worked automatically by the slide valve H", which
automatically governs the admission and escape of compressed air or gas into and
from the cylinder at H by the action of the float rod J. Compressed air or gas is
thus admitted through the passages F, F, and exhausted through the passages K, K',
into and out of the receptacle A. The inlet at F, K, to the receptacle A is 3
provided with a float ball valve K₁ for the purpose of preventing the liquid from
the receptacle A passing up the passage F', K', into the valve G.
Figure 10c illustrates a further modification of the valve G, the piston L of
which is worked direct from the float rod J', which is arranged to lift the piston L
sufficiently to just open the inlet ports F, F1, the pressure of the air in the 3
receptacle A then completing the stroke of the piston L, and opening full the
inlet F, F, which is closed after the emptying of the receptacle A by the cup J, J,
which thus opens the exhaust K, K'. This arrangement will be understood upon
reference to the letters of the Drawings.
Figure 10 is a modified arrangement of float, which upon reference will be seen 4
to consist of a loose ball float J, working within a frame formed of the three
rods J; Figure 10" is a plan of Figure 10.
The gear such as may be used for working the valve G so as to use the com-
pressed air or gas expansively as an ejector or propelling agent, is shown in eleva-
tion at Figure 11 (Sheet 7), Figure 12 being an end elevation; and Figure 13, a 4
plan.
Upon reference it will be seen that two floats J, j, are used, the float J actuating
the gear I and the valve H" of the cylinder H, the float j controlling the expansion.
The operation being when the float J rises to the top of the receptacle A; by the
filling of such receptacle A with liquid, it causes, by means of the gear I and the a
cylinder H, the valve G to open full, so that the full power of the compressed air or
gas is exerted in emptying the receptacle of liquid. When the Boat J falls by
reason of the emptying of the liquid in the receptacle A to the point A" (see
Figure 12) of the receptacle A it by its weight reverses the slido valve H of
the cylinder H through the medium of the rod J' and the gear I. The stroke f
of the rod M which works the valve G is however arrested by the gear i and
stop m, so that the receptacle A is cut off from the compressed air or gas supply,

page_text: and also cut off from the waste air or gas escape outlet; thus the compressed air
or gas which has previously entered the receptacle A to the point A completes
the emptying of the receptacle A by its expansion. When the receptacle A is
emptied to the required point the float; by its weight through the medium of the
rod and the gear i releases the rod M of the valve G, allowing the valve G to
open full for the escape of the air to allow the receptacle A to refill, the operation
being repentod automatically as the receptacle A refills.
The gear such as may be used for working the valve G so as to use the compressed
air or gas expansively, and then apply steam for the rest of the stroke, and to
obtain a vacuum in the receptacle A for refilling, is shown in elevation at Figure 14,
Figure 15 being an end elevation, and Figure 16, a plan.
Upon reference it will be seen that as in the proceeding arrangement two floats
J,j, are used. The float J by its rod J', and by the tumbler catch Jo, and the
lever I actuating the upward stroke of the slide valve H" of the cylinder H, the
downward stroke being operated or performed by the "cataract" and weight J7
The float J controls the expansion and also the steam admission, the operation being
when the float J rises to the top of the receptacle A by the falling of such receptacle A
with liquid; it releases the rod M by the lever Js and the stop m, and thereby opens
the valve, so that the compressed air or gas exerts its full power in emptying the
receptacle A of liquid to the point A".
When the float J falls to the point All by its weight it actuates the lever I and
reverses the valve H" of the cylinder H, and thereby shuts off by means of the rod M
the supply of compressed air or gas, at the same time opens the steam-cock N so that
steam enters the receptacle A. "The stroke of the rod M is arrested by the gear i
and stop m so that the receptacle A is cut off from the compressed air or gas supply,
and also cut off from the waste air or gas escape outlet. Thus the compressed air
or gas which has previously entered the receptacle A to the point A" completes
the emptying of the receptacle by its expansion, aided by the admission of steam.
Simultaneously with the releasing of the lever I from the tumbler Jo the valve
spindle of the cylinder H is held by being caught by the catch i", in which position
it remains until the completion of the emptying of the receptaclo A and the coming
into play of the float ;, which releases the valve rod M by the gear i, thereby
allowing the valve G to open for the exhaust of air and steam. Simultaneously
with the up stroke of the valve rod M the valve spindle of the cylinder H is released
from the catch" by contact with the stop m, and the cataract J' reverses the
valve of the cylinder H. The rod M is again arrested on the down stroke by the
gear Js and the stop m. A vacuum is then created by the closing of the valve and
the shutting off and condensation of the steam in the receptacle A, and the receptacle A
refills with liquid, the operation being repeated automatically as the receptacle A
refills.
The gear such as may be used for working the valve G so as to use the com-
pressed air or gas together with steam simply, that is, without expansion as an
ejector or propelling agent for emptying the receptacle A, is shown in elevation at
Figure 17, Figure 18 being an end elevation, Figure 19, a plan, Figuro 20,
details, and Figure 21, a plan of Figure 20.
Upon reference it will be seen that in this arrangement one float J is used. The
float J by its rod J', and by the tumbler catch Jo, and the lever I actuates the
upward stroke of the slide valve H" of the cylinder H, the downward stroke of the
slide valve H" being performed by the "cataract" and weight J'. In this arrange-
ment it will be seen that the gear J³ releases the valve rod M by the stop-m, and
the stop m on the upward stroke of the rod M releases the catch so that the
"cataract" and gear J' come into operation. The steam-cock N is operated by the
stroke of the piston rod of the cylinder H. The operation of this gear is, when the
float J rises to the top of the receptacle A by the filling of such receptacle A it
causes by means of the gear JB and the cylinder H the valve G to open full, so that
the full power of the compressed air or gas is exerted in emptying the receptacle A-
of liquid. At the same time the steam-cock N is opened, and the heat of the steam

page_text: assists the operation of emptying the receptacle A, when the flont J fulls to the
bottom of the receptacle A; by reason of the emptying of the receptacle A it by its
weight reverses the slide valve of the cylinder H through the medium of the rod J,
the tumbler catch Jo, and the gear I, so that the valve G is open full for the escape
of air and steam from the receptacle A. Simultaneously with the opening of the
valve G, the "cataract" gear J' is brought into play by the upward stroke of the
rod M, the stop m of which operates the releasing gear i". The "cataract" J' reverses
the slide valve H" of the cylinder H, and the valve G receives a downward stroko; it
is however arrested by the catch in connection with the gear JB so as to close both
inlot and outlet ports of the valve G, and also shut the steam-cock N. The
receptacle A being full of steam, condensation takes place, a vacuum is created, and
the receptacle A refills with liquid; when full the operation is repeated.
Figure 22 (Sheet 8) is a side elevation in section illustrative of my Invention
applied to work two receptacles A, A, Z, arranged so that one receptacle is filling,
while the other receptacle is emptying, or vice versa.
Figure 23 is an end elevation of Figure 22; Figure 24 is a plan of Figure 22.
Figure 25 is a sectional elevation of the valve and gear in connection with the
receptacle A, Z.
Figure 23 is a sectional plan of the steam-cock N.
It will be seen that the receptacles A, A, Z, are of cylindrical construction placed
end to end, the inlet pipes B entering at the bottom, and the outlet pipes D rising
through the receptacles and leading upwards. Two valves G are used, one for
supplying compressed air or gas to, and exhausting the same from the receptacle A,
and the other for supplying compressed air or gas to, and exhausting the same from
the receptacle A, Z. It will be seen that this is accomplished by the inlet and
outlet pipes F' and K', which are common to the supply of air or gas, and the
exhaust of the same.
The ports and passages of the valve G are arranged to correspond so that the
pipe F and K' can be open to the supply of air or gas through the pipe F, or open
to the exhaust through the pipe K, according to the position of the piston L of the
valve G. To work the gear of this duplicate apparatus one float J is used, the
operation being when the float J is in the top position, and the receptacle A full,
and the receptacle A, Z, empty; the valve G is open to the supply of compressed
air or gas, as shown at Figure 22.
The cock N is also open for the supply of steam. The valve G of the receptacle
A, Z, is in position, as shown at Figure 25, the receptacle A, Z, having a vacuum
for filling. When the float J falls in the receptacle A by reason of the emptying of
such receptacle, the valve H" of the cylinder H (Figure 22) is reversed by the
tumbler Jo and the gear I. The rod M and the valve G receive an upward motion,
and the stop m releases the gear i" of the "cataract " J', allowing the escape of air
and steam through the common pipe F¹, K, and the exhaust pipe K. By this
time, the cataract J7 has reversed the valve H", and the rod M is arrested in its
downward stroke by the gear J³, and the stop m closing the valve G to both inlet
and outlet. A vacuum is then created in the receptacle A, which refills simulta-
neously with this operation; the reverse operation is taking place in the receptacle
A, Z, by means of the action of the float J, and its attendant gear.
The arrangement of this Invention in its application to be used in combination
with a syphon for emptying the receptacle or reservoir, such as A, is illustrated at
Figure 26 (Sheet 9). Upon reference it will be seen that the receptacle consists of
a cylindrical shaped tank A sunk into the ground so as to receive sewage or water
through the inlet pipe B.
D is the outlet pipe bending upwards in a syphon form over the bank D', and
leading to a sewer D" in an adjoining valley. On the top of the tank A are fixed
the inlet air pipe F, and the exhaust air pipe K; the pipe F for supplying compressed
air to the tank A, the pipe K to allow the escape of the compressed air after use
from the tank A.
In the pipes F and K are fixed valves which are worked by the gear I, so that

page_text: both valves may be worked at the same time and by the same action, namely, one
valve is opened, and the other valve is closed.
A float is also shown upon the Drawing, with a chain or rope J, and an indicator
balance weight attached, so that an attendant may see what height the liquid is in
the tank at any time, and so actuate the valves for inlet or outlet, as the case
may be.
In operation, suppose the tank A to be filled with liquid, the attendant would
move the valves so as to close the escape through the pipe K, and open the
valve of the pipe F, thereby admitting compressed air or gas. A non-return
valve on the liquid inlet pipe B preventing the air or liquid escaping that way.
The compressed air through the pipe F is allowed to force the liquid into the syphon
pipe D, until such pipe is full over the highest bend, which would be indicated by
the float J descending so far in the tank A as to correspond with the necessary
volume of liquid required to fill the pipe D to the highest bend. As soon as this is
done, the attendant reverses the valves, shuts off the compressed air from the tank
A, and opens the escape.
The atmospheric pressure then comes into play, and the liquid in the tank A, and
any liquid which may afterwards flow into it, is syphoned through the pipe D into
the sewer D at the lower level, until the supply ceases, and the tank is emptied.
The tank A may be constructed of iron or other metal, or of brickwork in cement,
or in any other suitable way, and nay, if wished, be made to work automatically
by a valve and its attendant parts, such as G herein-before described.
The tank marked A' in the Drawings may be used as a storage tank to hold a
quantity of liquid ejected from the tank A through the auxiliary delivery pipe D³,
which liquid may be used for flushing, or for any other purposes.
In carrying the system of sewerage, drainage, and irrigation according to this
Invention into operation, a series of receptacles or resorvoirs, such as A are used,
which receptacles A are so placed that the sewage or other matter or fluid to be
removed will, by its natural head, gravitate into and fill such receptacles or
reservoirs A. For example, reference should be had to the Drawings, Figure 27
(Sheet 10), which illustrate a sewage collecting station, Figure 28 being a section
through E, F, and Figure 29 being a section through G, H, and Figure 30 (Sheet 11)
a plan of Figure 27.
Upon reference it will be seen that the sewage receptacle A is placed within the
man-hole or shaft O. P is a man-hole for intercepting corks, shavings, cinders, and
foreign matter; Q is a storage reservoir; R, R, are tributary sewers; S is a
gravitating sewer ventilated by exhaust air from the receptacle or ejector A. T is
the compressed air main. T¹, branch pipe from compressed air main to receptacle A.
T", exhaust air pipe from receptacle A to gravitating sewer S; B, inlet pipe to
receptacle A; D, outlet pipe from receptacle A to gravitating sewer S.
The system is further exemplified in Figures 31 and 32 (Sheet 11), Figure 32
being a plan of Figure 31.
Figure 33, Sheet 12, illustrates an outfall arrangement of a sewerage system
according to this Invention.
S is the gravitating sewer shown discharging its exhaust air through the tube U
into the furnace U₁ for purification. This may be modified in various ways to suit
furnaces.
Figure 34 (Sheet 13) illustrates a sewage collecting station, S being the sealed
gravitating sewer; S', house drains; S", strect gulleys, such as shown by Figure 35;
R, tributary sewer; R¹, sealed sewer under pressure, in which case, the exhaust air
from the ejector would be allowed to escape into the man-holes or elsewhere to
render it harmless; R", ventilator; R¹¹, gulley tributary.
Figure 36 (Sheet 13) illustrates an arrangement of receptacles A designed to meet
the requirements of ejecting sewage or other matter or liquid, in stages, from a
depth or up to high ground or land.
Upon reference it will be seen that a series of receptacles A may be placed in
recesses or at different levels connected by the rising main pipe B, D; one valve,

page_text: C, E, is used for each receptacle, and serves the purpose of a delivery valve to the
lower receptacle or ejector, and as a foot valve to the receptacle or ejector next
above.
In working, suppose both ejectors to be full, and compressed air admitted to both
at the same time, the pressure on number one would prevent number two from
acting until number one had emptied and reversed, and so on throughout the series,
and there would be a continuous stream passing up the rising main B, D.
Figure 37 (Sheet 14) illustrates an ideal plan of a flat district drained by one
receptacle or ejector A. The lines marked V to the house blocks 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9
show street waters delivered into branch sewers V₁ at man-hole V", and thence to
ejecting receptacle A. The lines marked W to blocks of houses marked 13 to 24
'show street, rain, and storm waters completely separated from the sewngo proper,
and delivered to a special ejector A, A, and discharged by a special sewer W' to any
requisite distance or outfall.
For reference to rest of plan see preceeding letter description of sewage-collecting
stations, the lotters corresponding with Figure 34.
It will be seen upon studying the Drawings that each receptacle or reservoir A is
constructed by preference with a syphon or trapped inlet pipe B, provided at or
near its junction with the receptaclo A, with a non-return valve or valves C, and
with an outlet or discharge pipe D, with a non-return valve or valves E, and with
a compressed air inlet and outlet valve G; and the following may be taken as an
example of the carrying out of the system of sowerage by the application of such
ejector receptacles A applied to a town. The town should be divided into districts
according to the natural inclinations of the surface. The sewage and slops, including
storm waters and subsoil waters, if any, of each district are carried by means of
gravitating pipes of such sizes and inclinations as to give the self-cleansing velocities
to the liquid required by sanitarians. These gravitating pipes, which should be
ventilated in the most approved manner, would be made to convergo in each district
to a pneumatic liquid-ejector receptacle, such as A, placed at such a depth as to
allow the liquid to flow into it and fill it. When full the liquid is to be ejected
from the receptacle A through the pipe D by means of compressed air or gas of the
required pressure supplied through the valve G by a pipe communicating from an
air-compressing engine or air reservoir. The sewage or other matter or liquid will
bo forced through the outlet pipo D into a sewer leading to the outfall. This sewer
can be sealed throughout its entire length, and in this case the moment the sewage
or other matter or liquid has passed the outlet valve E, by being forced out of the
ejector receptaclo A, it would be cut off from any connection with the outsido
atmosphere until it had reached its final destination, being prevented from returning
to the ejector A by the non-return valve or valves of the pipe D.
In connection with the receptacle A there may be laid a series of electric wires
arranged to record at any given point the working of my system of sewerage, by
showing by letters or figures whether the various receptacles throughout the system
are full or empty. This may be further assisted by the ringing of a bell or tho
sounding of a like indicator as the receptacle empties or fills.
Having now described and ascertained the nature, object, and purposes of my
Invention, and shown the system, mode, or manner in or under which the same is
or may be used or carried out into practical effect, I would remark in conclusion,―
First. That I would have it thoroughly understood that the ejector or receptacle A
is ventilated by the atmosphere whilst filling, and ventilated by the same atmos-
phere whilst the emptying process is going on. In the latter case two or three
volumes of fresh air, according to the degree of compression, pass on to the liquid,
and any gas which might evolve from it during the filling, whilst in contact with
the natural uncompressed air, or as much as would remain after the receptacle A is
filled, would be immediately driven by the pressure into the liquid, and pass off
therewith. Sewer gases, or the gases evolved during the filling of the receptacle,
are by my-system driven into their source.
I would also have it understood that nothing but pure, fresh, free, inoxious

page_text: atmospheric air or gas is intended to be compressed and used for the emptying of the
receptacle A. The using of free atmospheric air for compression, and introducing
the same on to the sewage in the receptacles A tends to dilute and render harınless
the sewer gases, and also tends to destroy organic gorms.
Second. That the refuse matter or other liquids from chemical and other works
may be dealt with separately from the other sewage and fluids of a town or district,
and may be ejected or conveyed to a distinct outfall, to be there treated in any
desirable way, so as to prevent the refuse of manufactories from destroying the
manurial value of town sewage, and for the easier treatment of the waste matters
by their being kept more homogeneous in their composition.
Third. The receptacles or reservoirs A may vary in number, size, and shape, and
can be applied to village, town, or district sewerage as a complete system, or
individually as applied to existing systems. The receptacles A, which can be made
portable, can also be applied to the irrigation of land or other purposes. It is also
obvious that the automatic apparatus for working the compressed air inlet and
escape valves of the receptacle A can be varied in detail and arrangement, also that
such valves may be worked by hand or by a simple lever arrangement worked by
an attendant at the proper time.
Fourth. I would also state that by the phrase sewerage system I mean the
dealing with ordinary sewage and slops, solid and fluid, being domestic and other
waste and filth, as well as the dealing with subsoil, rain, and storm waters, so as to
completely drain and sewer a town, village, or district in every respect.
I would also mention that the man-hole or other place in which the receptacles or
reservoirs A are placed may be heated by gas, oil, or other medium, so as to prevent
accident from frost or snow, the formation of ice caused by the escape of compressed
air or natural lowness of temperature.
Fifth. The sewage may be ejected through hose pipes from the receptacles or
from the main sewer, or from auxiliary tanks under pressure, and applied to land,
gardens, conservatorics, or otherwise, direct.
It may also be mentioned that the receptacles A may be constructed of a portablo
form, on wheels, either for road, rail, or tram, or they may be arranged ou barges
or ships, and in these ways used for sewage irrigation and other like purposes, as
occasion may require.
I would also state that small receptacles, being ejectors, such as A on the Drawing,
may be made to serve single houses, or establishments such as hotels, schools,
hospitals, small pneumatic waterclosets, the air escaping into a sewer or chamber
from the ejector.
I would also remark that although my Invention is particularly applicable for
sewering flat or level districts where there is little or no fall or natural gradient, and
where by the use of my system artificial gradients can be formed by the pneumatic
pressure, at the same time it must be understood that my Invention is applicable
to any formation of town, village, or district, applied generally as a system or
individually to the houses.
What I claim as my Invention and secured to me by Letters Patent as afore-
Baid is,
Firstly. The improved system of treating or operating upon sewage by means of
the direct application of compressed air or gas as a propelling agent either as an
independent system or in combination with and as an adjunct to existing systems,
substantially as herein described.
Secondly. The improved system of treating or operating upon sewage by means
substantially as described, of the direct application of compressed air or gns used in
combination with steam expansively or otherwise as a propelling agent, which may
be used as an independent system, or in combination with and as an adjunct to
existing systems.
Thirdly. The improved system of treating or operating upon sewage, drainage,
and irrigation liquids, as herein-before described, being the direct application of
compressed air or gas, with or without steam, and expansively or otherwise, as a

page_text: propelling agent, and in combination with a syphon system such as shown at
Figure 26 of the accompanying Drawings, for propelling a body or bodies of sewage
or other refuse matter or liquid collected in reservoirs, tanks, or conduits, and
which may be used as an independent system or in combination with and as an
adjunct to existing systems.
Fourthly. The application as herein described of sewage collected in the manner
and by means such as are above mentioned for irrigation purposes.
Fifthly. The use, substantially as herein described, of receptacle constructed as
described, and indicated by the letter A in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10 of the accom-
panying Drawings, or any modification thereof.
Sixthly. The construction and arrangement of parts of the valve G, and the con-
struction and arrangement of parts of the cylinder H, the float J, and its attendant
gear, when used for the purposes described, and constituting the automatic arrange-
ments for working the valve G, substantially as herein-before described, and as
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Isaac Shone, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
Witness,
FREDERICK JOHN CHEESBROUGH,
Patent Agent,
15, Water Street,
Liverpool
ISAAC SHONE. (L.B.)