Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Feb., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 1st Mar., 1887.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex 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 :-
The object of this invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive and reliable safe-
guard against damage to merchandise and other property, and buildings from overflow
or leakage of water.
In the Specification of former Letters Patent granted to me and dated
February 16th 1886 No. 2277 I have described an automatic water detecting device,
which consists in an electric alarm system, so arranged that any leakage of water over
a given surface will automatically sound an alarm and thus give warning of the
undesirable presence of water before any material damage can be done.
In the electric alarm system described in the said specification I employ a device
to which I have given the name of "hydrostat" which consists of electric conductors
arranged in open circuit and separated from one another by an insulating material
which will absorb water, and when so moistened will serve as a conductor between
the aforementioned conductors to close the circuit, thus operating the system to sound
an alarm.
I have found in practice that the hydrostat and its connections, as

page_text: described in said specification may be modified and improved to some extent, and I
have also found that a hydrostat may be of such construction as to obviate the
necessity of using a water-absorbent to separate the conductors and keep the
circuit open.
My present invention therefore, consists
First In a method or system of automatically detecting an overflow or leakage of
water in a building, which comprises means for directing such overflow or leakage
to an electric water-detecting device, which is normally inactive, but which becomes
operative in the presence of water to sound an alarm and shut off the water supply at
the point of overflow or leakage, or to the building.
Secondly My invention consists in providing the ceilings, floors or plumbing of a
building with an electric water-detecting device, which is normally inactive, but which
becomes operative in the presence of water to automatically sound an alarm and shut
off the water supply, and
Finally My invention consists in the details of construction and arrangement as
hereinafter described.
"
In the following description, I shall call the water-detecting device proper a
hydrostat."
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 shows a hydrostat arranged below an ordinary washstand, and this
feature illustrates a diagramatic view of the electric system, the front portion of the
washstand being shown in elevation, and the floor of the building and the hydrostat
in cross section.
Figure 2 is a plan view of one form of hydrostat.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a metal-receiver-of-peculiar construction for directing the
water to the hydrostat.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are details showing modifications in the
construction of the hydrostat.
As shown in Figure 1 the floor underneath the basin is provided with a series of
converging grooves and at the meeting point of these grooves an aperture is made
in the floor into which a mictal receiver is inserted. This metal receiver is tubular in
form, and is flanged outwardly at its upper edge, and the flange rests upon a suitable
depression in the floor, surrounding the aperture. The receiver is provided with a
cap a having a downwardly extending pipe e forming a cup, and the series of
openings d. At the lower edge, the receiver is provided with a central opening. c, the
wall of which extends upwardly a short distance, thus forming a receptacle in which
water may accumulate so that none shall flow through the opening e until a sufficient
quantity has accumulated, as would be the case in an overflow, and not the case with
the leakage of a few drops. The grooves may be arranged any suitable distance
apart, and may also be increased in depth as they approach their meeting point, and
to prevent the water flowing outside of the lines of grooves, I employ cleats which
are nailed to the floor at the outer edges of the grooves.
The hydrostat may
be
suspended, or supported in any other suitable manner directly beneath the receiver.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hydrostat consists in electric conductors arranged
in open circuit and separated from one another by a material which will absorb water,
and thereby close the circuit and render it operative. To this extent the hydrostat
embodies the principle of the invention described in the Specification of the said
former patent. In practice, however, I have found that when the water absorbent has
been wet once, it has to be removed and another piece of the material substituted. It
is, therefore, necessary to arrange the conductors so that the removal of the old pieces
of material between them, and the substitution of a new piece can be done conveniently
and without waste of time. To accomplish this, I have attached the conductor i
(Figure 2) which is composed of wire, to a frame one end of which is attached to
a shaft or rod u supported and free to turn in bearings u¹ suitably attached to a base
piece E (Figure 1) upon which the hydrostat rests. The frame is provided with a
series of openings in each end, arranged at suitable distances apart and the wire

page_text: forming the conductor i is inserted through these openings and passes back and forth
from end to end of the frame. The conductor may consist of a conducting plate
suitably secured to the base piece E. The water absorbent, which is composed of
insulating material m is inserted between the conductors i and i¹, and this is accom-
plished by raising the frame carrying the conductor i. After the material has been
placed in position on top of the conductor 2, the frame is lowered and locked in
position by a button or thumb screw o, so that the conductor i rests upon the insulating
material m. It is obvious that by this construction, of the hydrostat, the material m
can be conveniently removed, and a new piece inserted whenever desirable.
The electrical devices, by means of which, in case of an overflow, the hydrostat is
made to shut off the water supply and sound an alarm as shown in Figure 1, consist
of a battery F, alarm bell G, and trip apparatus D.
The trip apparatus is arranged as follows:-H is an electro-magnet whose armature I
is normally in the position shown by the full lines. This armature carries a catch t
which, in the normal position of the armature I, engages with a lever s. At is a
spring which tends to throw the levers to the right against the stop or binding post. !
as shown by the dotted lines, A designates the water supply pipe which is provided
with a cut off cock B operated by a bell-crank lever n, n².
Attached to the arm a' is
22
a weighted chain c. The lever is retained in its normal position, as shown by the
full lines, by the catch on the lever s.
The electrical connections are as follows. The binding post X of the hydrostat is
connected with a battery F. From F a wire is run to the electro magnet H, thence
to the armature I, which is in metallic connection with the lever s. From s a wire is
run to the binding post X of the hydrostat. A wire is also run from the battery F to
the bell G, thence to the stop 1. At p, p' there is a break in this circuit which is
normally open, but which is arranged to be closed when the lever n assumes the
position shown by the dotted lines. From X and X, is also run a circuit to a key J
for the purpose of testing the electrical condition of the apparatus.
The operation is substantially as follows, viz.:-When an overflow or leakage of water
occurs, it is directed by the grooves f and receiver to the hydrostat E, and as soon
as the absorbent material m which forms an insulation between the conductors i, ',
becomes wet, it is converted into a conductor, and closes the circuit of the battery F,
through i,m,, the electro-magnet H, armature I, levers, and back to the battery F. This
energizes the electro-magnet H, causing it to attract the armature I thereby releasing
the levers and breaking the battery circuit at t. The levers being pivotted to the
spring shaft V, is thrown by the spring into contact with the stop . The movement.
of the levers releases the bell crank n n and the latter is actuated by the weighted
chaine until its arm a strikes against and closes the break in the alarm bell circuit
at pp. These movements of the levers and the hell-crank n, n have closed the
circuit of the alarm bell G at and p, p, thereby diverting the current of the
battery F through G, P, P', V, the hydrostat E, and back to the battery F, causing
the bell G to ring and sound an alarm. At the same time the motion of the
bell-crank n n has turned the cock B and shut off the water from the main feed
pipe A. The bell rings continuously until the leak is attended to, and the
hydrostat E is returned to its former insulated condition by the insertion of a fresh
piece of insulation m.
After the leak is stopped, the bell-crank lever can again be turned to its former
position, turning on the water in the pipe A, the levers, and armature I reset, and
the apparatus is again ready to indicate any further leakage or overflow.
As it only requires a very small quantity of water to set this mechanism in motion,
it will thus be seen that a leakage or overflow will not only be almost instantly
detected, but the water supply will be shut off before any material damage can be
done. It is obvious that by making suitable connections the water supply can either
be shut off only at the point of leakage or overflow, or the main supply pipe to the
building can be closed. This is merely a matter of mechanical detail, and need not be
particularly described.

page_text: The key J is for the purpose of testing the electrical apparatus from time to time.
By closing the key J, the same electrical connection takes place as if the hydrostat
was brought into action; the electro-magnet H, is energized the lever a released, the
water is shut off and the alarm sounded, showing that the electrical devices are in
perfect working order.
I propose to provide my apparatus with a suitable indicator by which the point of
leakage or overflow will be located and ascertained by a glance. This will be necessary
when the apparatus is used in hotels, or other large buildings. When employed in
hotels, the hydrostat may be connected with the ordinary call-bell circuit, and in this
way the office will be immediately notified, and the room in which the leakage or
overflow has occurred, be located. In some instances I also propose to connect the
test button or key to the door of a building or other similar object, the moving of
which is necessary in closing up for the night, and which when moved will operate as
a test button so that the act of closing a building will also close the circuit and shut
off the water supply.
I wish it also clearly understood that although all the devices shown are arranged
to work in open circuit, they can also by a simple mechanical change, be made to
operate on a closed circuit, and I do not wish to limit myself to either form of
arrangement.
In the drawings, I have shown several modifications in the construction of the
hydrostat, which I will now proceed to describe.
In the modification shown in Figure 4, the conductor is composed of a basin or
pan attached to one end of the spring piece of metal, the other end of which may
be suitably attached to the floor beams, or in any other manner so as to bring the
basin or pan directly beneath the opening in the receiver. As water accumulates in
the basin or pan it will be borne down by its own weight until it comes in contact
with the conductor which is arranged as a fixture below it, but normally out of
contact with it. When contact is made between the two conductors, the circuit will
be closed, and when closed, the subsequent operations of shutting off the water and
sounding the alarm will be substantially as herein before described.
In the modification shown in Figure 5, the operation will be substantially the
same as in Figure 4, the difference being that instead of connecting a pan to a
spring piece I have connected it to a weighted arm j, fulcrummed at a point so as to
allow the weight of water in the pan to force it downward so as to make contact
between and i, and thus close the circuit.
In the modification shown in Figure 6, the conductor h is shaped to form a basin or
pan, which is to be partly coated with a layer of sulphate of copper, or other soluble
material. The conductor i is composed of a heavy piece of metal having a séries
of perforations c and having its under face corrugated. When an overflow occurs,
the water will pass through the perforations in the conductor and coming in contact
with the salt or other soluble material, will dissolve it, thereby permitting the
conductor i to sink by its own weight until it comes in contact with the conductor h
thus closing the circuit.
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, show modifications of the hydrostat to be applied more
particularly to basins and tubs to indicate and stop any possible overflow from
them. In Figure 7 a float h is connected by a conductor to the binding post X',
and a contact is connected to the binding post X, all of which is surrounded by a
perforated non-conducting protector e. As the water rises in the basin or tub, the
float h, rises with it until the water reaches a predetermined height, when the float h,
comes in contact with thereby closing the electric circuit and energizing the relay
device and shutting off the water supply. To operate this device on a closed circuit,
the whole apparatus needs but to be turned upside down. In this case the float / will
be normally in contact with i and the electric circuit closed. When the water rises
sufficiently high, the float will be lifted and the connection between and i broken,
and the electrical apparatus energized. Figures 8, 9 and 10 are modifications of
Figure 7. Figure 11 shows another form consisting of two parallel plates of metal

page_text: or other conducting material h, i separated by insulating pieces y. y'. One plate is
connected to the binding post X and the other to X¹. As the water rises between the
plates h and i it forms a connection between them and so closes the electric circuit.
Figure 12 shows the hydrostat as applied to a tank or basin: It is arranged in a
pocket or receptacle outside of the tank or basin and operates when the water rises
high enough to lift its float into contact. Arranged in this way, the hydrostat is not
exposed and in the way, but is protected and ready to act whenever an overflow
takes place.
Figure 13 illustrates a novel form of hydrostat, particularly adapted for basins,
bath tubs, urinals, and the like. It consists of a conical or other shaped vessel 1 of
vulcanized rubber, or other equivalent material, provided with a suitable cap 2.
This vessel is provided with openings 3 to permit the ingress of water and openings 4
to permit the exit of air. I place in this vessel a float 5, which may be a hollow
hard rubber ball, and at any convenient point above the float I connect to, or form
with, the interior wall of the vessel a projecting rim 6 upon which a movable
partition 7 rests. This partition consists preferably of a very thin disc of any
suitable material, and it prevents moisture from coming into easy contact with the
metal above it. 8 and 9 designate the binding posts for the circuit wires, and 10
designates a conductor having one end connected to the binding post 8 and adapted
to have its other end brought into contact with the other binding post 9.
The operation is as follows, viz :-When water enters the vessel the float will rise.
with it, forcing the air outwardly through the openings 4 and raising the partition 7
until it comes in contact with the conductor 10 and forces its free end against and
into contact with the binding post 9, thus closing the circuit and operating a system to
sound an alarm and shut off the water supply.
In Figure 14, of the drawings, I have shown an electrical apparatus for shutting off
the water supply, which differs in some respects from the electrical devices and
connections for shutting off the water supply as shown in Figure 1.
and
In Figure 14 the water supply pipe a is provided with a cut off cock which has
its lever handle c connected by a chain or other flexible medium d with a weight e.
This weight is connected with a rod or link which is suspended from a lever
this lever is engaged by a hook or detent on an armature lever of an electro-
magnet j. As shown in the drawing the parts are in position with the valve open.
When the armature is actuated by the electro-magnet, its hook his disengaged from,
or releases the lever g and the weight is then free to act by gravity, and so acting
pulls its link from the lever, and then acting upon the chain and through it on the
valve lever, turns said valve or cock and shuts off the water supply.
To effect the automatic shutting off of the water through such mechanism, I connect
the electro-magnet in open circuit with a water detecting device k of any of the
constructions described, and operating as set forth, and I also arrange in the circuit
an alarm bell 7.
It will be noticed that in all these modifications, the circuit is closed by contact of
the two conductors, which is accomplished as described, although it is obvious that
contact may be made in other ways involving simply mere mechanical changes in the
construction of the hydrostat. It is also obvious that the metal receiver may be
connected to the hydrostat and supported by it, and the receiver and hydrostat may
be arranged and supported in any suitable manner so as to be operative. I do not
wish to be limited to any specific form of construction of the hydrostat shut off
mechanism connections, as the same may be obtained in various ways as indicated by
the modifications described without departing from the principle of my inventions.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is
First. A method or system of automatically detecting an overflow or leakage of
water in a building, comprising an electric water detecting device and shut off

page_text: mechanism which become operative in the presence of water to open or close the
circuit and thereby shut off the water supply and sound an alarm, substantially as
described.
Second. A method or system of automatically detecting an overflow or leakage of
water in a building, which comprises means for directing such overflow or leakage to
an electric water detecting device which becomes operative in the presence of water
to open or close the circuit, and thereby shut off the water supply and sound an alarm,
substantially as described.
Third. The ceilings floors and plumbing of a building provided with an electric
water detecting device, which becomes operative in the presence of water to auto-
matically shut off the water supply and sound an alarm, substantially as described.
Fourth. A hydrostat, as shewn in Figure 2, comprising a fixed and a movable
conductor and an interposed absorbent material adapted to be conveniently removed
and a new piece inserted, substantially as described.
Fifth. A metal receiver for directing the flow of water to the hydrostat, comprising
a tubular portion flanged outwardly at its upper end, and a cap provided with a series
of openings, and a short tube or pipe extending upwardly from an opening in its
lower end thereby forming a receptacle at the bottom of the receiver, for the
accumulation of water, substantially as described for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. A water supply pipe provided with a cut-off valve or cock, an electro-
magnet and connections interposed between the two to retain said valve open and to
close it, and a water detecting device in electric circuit with the electro-magnet
rendered operative by the undesirable presence of water, to operate said electro-
magnet and its connections with the valve, and close said valve, substantially as
described.
Seventh. A water-supply pipe provided with a cut-off valve or cock an electro-
magnet and connections interposed between the two to retain said valve open and to
close it, and a water detecting device in electric circuit with an electro-magnet,
rendered operative by the undesirable presence of water, to operate said electro-
magnet and its connections with the valve and close said valve, and an alarm in the
same circuit, substantially as described.
Eighth. The electro-magnet in circuit and combination with the electric water
detecting device which is rendered operative by the undesirable presence of water, a
lever held inoperative by said magnet when not excited, a weight connected to said
lever, and a valve in a water supply pipe connected to said weight, substantially as
herein shewn and described and for the purposes set forth.
Ninth. An electric water detecting device adapted to be operated by the undesirable
presence of water, and an electro-magnet, adapted to be excited by said water-
detecting device in combination with the contact points p p¹, whereby the water
supply is shut off, the alarm bell circuit closed and the alarm sounded, substantially as
described.
Tenth. A portable electric trip device, consisting of an electro-magnet H, armature I,
having caps t, lever s, having the detent s', and hell crank n, n¹ in combination with
the contact points 1, p, p² substantially as described for the purpose set forth.
Eleventh. The combination with the electric trip device of substantially the con-
struction described, of a hydrostat provided with a float carrying a contact piece
and adapted to be actuated by the presence of water so as to operate the circuit,
substantially as described for the purpose set forth.
Twelfth. In a portable electric trip device, the lever s adapted to operate as a shunt
or switch whereby the electric current is caused to flow first through the electro-
magnet, and secondly, through the alarm bell circuit, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. The combination, as shewn in Figure 4, of the conductors h, i spring
piece ƒ, and connections as described for the purposes set forth,

page_text: Fourteenth. The combination as shewn in Figure 5, of the conductors h, i,
weighted arm j, and connections as described for the purposes set forth.
Fifteenth. The combination, as shewn in Figure 6, of the conductor h, i, soluble
material k, and connections as described for the purposes set forth.
Sixteenth. The combination as shewn in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the conductor j,
floath, contact i, and connections as described for the purposes set forth.
Seventeenth. The combination as shewn in Figure 11, of the parallel plates of metal
or other conducting material h, i, insulating pieces y, y' and connections, whereby,
when the water rises between the plates h, i, the electric circuit is closed, as described
for the purposes set forth.
Eighteenth. The combination as shewn in Figure 12, of a contact piece attached
to a float, arranged in a pocket or receptacle outside of the tank or basin, with a
conductor and connections as described, for the purposes set forth.
Nineteenth. The combination as shewn in Figure 13, of the vessel 1, cap 2,
openings 3, 4, float 5, rim 6, partition 7, conductor 10, and connections, as described
for the purposes set forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.