IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE DAILY INODOROUS REMOVAL AND AGRICULTURAL UTILISATION OF HUMAN EXCREMENTS. KNOWN AS LIERNUR'S PNEUMATIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Year: 1869

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Thieme Liernur, of the Firm of Liernur,
Krepp, and Company, American Engineers, Frankfort-on-the-
Maine, in the Kingdom of Prussia, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE DAILY INODOROUS REMOVAL AND AGRICULTURAL UTILISATION OF
HUMAN EXCREMENTS. KNOWN AS LIERNUR'S PNEUMATIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM."
Scaled the 17th August 1869, and dated the 3rd May 1869.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Thieme Liernur
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 3rd May 1869.
I, CHARLES THIEME LIERNUR, of the Firm of Liernur, Krepp, and
Company, American Engineers, Frankfort-on-the-Maine, in the Kingdom
of Prussia, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DAILY INODOROUS REMOVAL AND AGRICULTURAL UTILISA-
TION OF HUMAN EXCREMENTS, KNOWN AS LIERNUR'S PNEUMATIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM,'
to be as follows:-
-
1. General Description. The various improvements herein-after
specified are mere parts of a system to render faecal matter useful
A

page_text: instead of noxious. These improvements all tend to this one purpose,
referring all to one and the same Invention, for which Patents have
been granted in nearly all civilized countries under the style and
denomination of "Captain Liernur's Pneumatic Sewerage System."
2. Inseparability of these Improvements.-Although some of these
improvements refer to the system of pipes used for removal of faccal
matter out of houses, whilst others refer to the utensils serving for
inodorous removal out of town, and for mixing the liquid manure with
the soil, and to the particular division of the fields required in connection
therewith, still all these improvements form only parts of a single
system, as indicated in paragraph 1.
3. Distinction between this and all other Sewerage Systems.-All
other sewerage systems labour under one common deficiency, namely,
they all fulfil only in part the requirements of public health, agriculture,
communal and national economy, and public morality. All these other
systems do not go any farther than to remove the filth from one place
where it is in the way to another place where it is likewise in the way,
so that in the end nothing is obtained but annoying one part of the
community with the faccal filth of another part, to the great detriment
of public health.
'
4. Final Disposal of Faecal Matter.-This system, on the contrary, has
this striking feature, that it takes care of faccal matter from the moment
of its production through all intermediate stages until it is finally
disposed of in the only proper place it belongs to, namely, the domain of
agriculture; and all this is done in so short a time that excrements
cannot ferment and thereby become dangerous to public health. From
beginning to end all my arrangements tend consistently to this one
useful purpose, in strict accordance with the laws of nature and the
requirements of modern science. In one word, excrements are daily
moved out of the privies into the open fields, and this has never been
done by any other system.
5. This Sewerage and Agricultural System one Indivisable whole.-It
is therefore impossible to consider the improvements herein-after de-
scribed as so many distinct Inventions without interfering with the proper
operation of the whole system, or even rendering it useless altogether.
6. Specification and Drawings.-In the following Specification of the
various improvements alluded to it is supposed the leading features of this
sewerage system as patented already (No. 898, A.D. 1866) are known

page_text: I-FIRST IMPROVEMENT.
7. Self-acting Valves of Lateral Pipes. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)
-This improvement refers to the manner of shutting off the lateral pipes
from the main tube, which in the original Patent is effected by means of
valves to be opened and shut each one by itself with a lever applied from
the street. These sliding valves, which are very expensive and often of
difficult access on account of snow or street mud, and besides consume
much time and labour in their working, are now supplanted by the
following simple self-acting arrangement.
8. Description of Self-acting Valves. (See Drawing, Figs. 3 and 1,
Sheet I. and II.)-The lateral pipes (B) in joining the main tube (A)
empty with a slight curve into a box (C), so that both pipes get into
one line. At the end of the lateral pipe there is a valve (D) turning on
a horizontal axle and kept closed by a weight (P). This valve is so
arranged that it opens itself the moment a pressure arises inside heavier
than the weight (P). All lateral pipes (see Fig. 1) opening into a main
tube (A), which in its turn is connected with a reservoir (R), are provided
with valves such as just described.
9. Main Turncock. (Sce Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-Quite close to
the reservoir (R) the main tube (A) is provided with a main turncock (H),
which may be opened and shut by means of a lever applied from the
street; and this main cock is, with the new improvement, the only part
of the pneumatic pipe system requiring manual labour.
10. Formation of a Vacuum. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-When
a vacuum has been made in reservoir (R), main cock (H) is suddenly
opened, upon which the air contained in the main tube (A) will of course
rush into the reservoir, generating thus a partial vacuum in the entire
length of main tube (A). This occurs in so very short a time that the
valves D of all the lateral pipes are only, after the formation of this
partial vacuum, opened through the expansion of the air up to this
moment shut up in all the lateral pipes.
11. Vis Inertiæ of the Valves. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-The
explanation of this short delay is the opening of the valves is found in
their vis inertiae, which allower the much lighter air in the main tube (A)
to escape through the open turncock (H) into the airless reservoir (R),

page_text: leaving behind a partial vacuum quite sufficient for lifting up the
valves (D).
12. Main Point of this Improvement. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)
-This making use of vis inertiae for the purpose of effecting an equality
of vacuum along the whole length of the main tube of sufficient strength
for removing faecal matter out of the lateral pipes that contain any,
while those that contain none offer, through being equally shut, exactly
the same resistance, is the main point of this improvement. The vis
inertiae of bodies is, as is well known, in proportion to their weight. The
lighter body (in the present instance the air in the main tube (A) moves
sooner than the much heavier valves (D), both being exposed to the
very same acting force, namely, atmospheric air. The valve weight (P)
is made to weigh 12 kilograms, whilst the air in the interior of the main
tube (A) weighs only 1 kilograms per cubic meter. This air must
consequently rush into the reservoir (R) with so great a velocity that in
the entire length of main tube (A) a partial vacuum of uniform strength
is established before the vis inertise of a single valve (D) is overcome.
13. Proportional Capacity of Reservoir and Main Tube. (See Drawing,
Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-In order to obtain the requisite pressure for opening
the valves (D) the reservoir (R) is made of at least double the contents
of main tube (A). If the latter contains, for instance, one cubic meter
the reservoir must contain at least two cubic meters, and so on through all
respective sizes which may be required.
14. Vacuum in Reservoir and Main Tube. (See Drawing, Fig. 3,
Sheet II.) If the air of the reservoir (R) is exhausted to atmosphere
(which by means of my improved pneumatic locomobile is done in about
30 seconds) and the turncock (H) suddenly opened, then 1 cubic meter
air contained in main tube (A) will rush into reservair (R) (which still
holds of 2 cubic meters = cubic meter of air). Both reservoir and
main tube will then contain together 1½ cubic meters of air spread over
a space of 3 cubic meters, and thus a partial vacuum of half an atmo-
sphere will be established quite sufficient for the removal of faccal
matter.
-
15. Pneumatic Pressure on the Valves. (See Drawing, Fig. 3,
Sheet II.) As the valves have a diameter of 0.125 meter (the same as
the main and side tubes) their surface is 1220 centimeters, exposed to
an atmospheric pressure of 122 × kilograms
whilst the weight (P) is only 12 kilograms. The
about 60 kilograms,
pressure is therefore

page_text: five times stronger than what is required to raise the valves (D), which
consequently open with great velocity and force the moment their
vis incrtiac is overcome.
16. Difference of Time in Forming the Vacuum in the various Parts
of the Main Tube. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-The first and
last valve (D) of main tube (A) will of course not open the very same
moment, though very quickly one after the other, because the partial
vacuum requires a minute fraction of time to spread itself to. the further
end of the main tube. For instance, if in main tube (A) the first
valve (D) is 10 meters distant, and the last valve (D) is 100; meters distant
from turncock (H), the vacuum will reach the first valve 3, second, and
the last valve T second after the opening of the turncock.
17. Simultaneous Opening of all the Valves. (See Drawing, Fig. 3,
Sheet II.)-To secure a simultaneous opening of all the valves their
weight is: reduced in proportion to their distance from the turncock (H),
so that their vis inertiae may be overcome so much the sooner; as the
vacuum requires. more time to spread to cach respective valve, given
the distances mentioned in paragraph 16,-this. reduction of weight must
correspond to the difference of time between 3 and To
= T's second
Therefore the first valve must weigh 12. kilograms, the last only 10.
kilograms, the intermediate valves. in proportion. Hence in practice
the rule is. to reduce the weight of every valve 0.2 kilograms, for every.
10 meters distance from the turncock (II).
18. Exact Equalization of Distances and Weights not necessary.
Great exactness in this adjustment of weights is not at all required
because the vacuum will anyhow roach every individual valve soon
enough to expose it. to an atmospheric pressure 5 or 6 times greater.
than the weight which keeps it closed. Even with a tolerably great.
difference in the resistance of the various valves all will open with equal
velocity, as actual trials with glass tubes of 2 centimeters in diameter
have conclusively proved. The explanation of this fact is the same as
that of the effect of an overcharged powder mine. The explosion does
not follow exclusively the direction of the least resistance, but acts
violently in all directions, because the excessive velocity leaves no time
for an equilization of resistance.
19. Increased Velocity in the Opening of the Valves. (See Drawing,
Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-The vis inertiae valves (D) are so constructed that
their weight diminishes while opening. The weight (P) has therefore

page_text: its point of gravity in the same horizontal plane as the axle of the valve.
So soon as the latter turns the weight (P) gets lighter in proportion as
the cosines of the ascending angle become shorter. The valve would be
in perfect equilibrium if the weight (P) stood vertical over the axle,
which however is prevented by the construction of the valve, so that
the same is always compelled to fall back and shut itself the moment
the violent rush of air out of the side pipe into the main tube ceases.
20. Slackened Motion of the Valves in Falling Down. (See Drawing,
Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-To prevent a violent slamming of the valves in
falling down the upper and lower parts of the same are alike, forming
a kind of fan which strikes the air, and thereby moderates the velocity
of the fall. This fan, on the other hand, is no hindrance in the quick
opening of the valve, because this opening occurs in a partial vacuum
offering no markable resistance to the fan.
21. Lid of the Valve Box. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.) - The
upper part of the valve box (C) is hermetically closed by a double lid,
the lower part of which shuts out the air, whilst the upper part on the
level with the street pavement merely serves to protect the lower one
from injury.
22. Hermetic Tightness all over the Subterranean Pipe System not
absolutely necessary. It is not absolutely necessary that all parts of the
subterranean pipe system should close hermetically, it is quite sufficient
if all parts are only water-tight. The vacuum forming in about two
seconds at the most, this time is by far too short for sufficient air to
penetrate through any small fissures which may exist here or there so as
to interfere in a sensible degree with the pneumatic process. Besides
any small fissure or crack will soon fill itself by particles of earth or
mud being sucked in out of the adjoining soil.
23. Hermetic Tightness required only in the Reservoir and Turn-
cock. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-The only parts of the
subterranean system which must be perfectly air-tight and remain so
are the following:-a, the reservoir (R); b, the turncock (H); c, the
small piece of pipe connecting both. These parts however are com-
paratively so small that to make and keep them air-tight offers no
technical difficulty at all.
24. Reliability of the Turncock. (See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.)-
The turncock (H) is so constructed that if any derangement does occur
it may be examined and repaired in a very short time; for this purpose

page_text: the turncock is simply lifted out of its box, and the impediment being
removed, is put back again. Nothing is liable to be broken thereby.
The box is closed by a double lid, as described in paragraph 21.
25. Fall of the Main Tube.-The main tube receives a fall of 1 in 150
at the least, and more if practicable, so that the faecal matters driven
into it out of the lateral tubes (as long as they have not yet reached the
reservoir) can collect through gravity in the lowest part of the main
tube, whence a new pneumatic shock forces them into the reservoir.
This reservoir is therefore located always at the lowest point of the soil
upon which the group of houses connected with it stands.
.
26. Fall of the Lateral Pipes.-The lateral pipes receive a fall of at
least 1 in 20 towards the main tube, and more if the levels of the ground
permit. The entire network of pipes is thus provided with so strong a fall
that the faccal matter moves downward by its own gravity to the lowest.
part of the pipes, there to await the repeated pneumatic shocks, which force
them first into the main tube, and thence further on into the reservoir.
27. Breaks in the Fall of Long Lateral Pipes. (See Drawing, Fig. 2,
Sheet I.)-To prevent that a long lateral pipe, by receiving a fall of 1 in 20,
does not get too deep into the ground, it is from distance to distance, bent.
upwards again, as explained by Fig. 2, in Drawing. A is the diameter
of a main tube; B, the lateral pipe connecting this main tube with the
house pipe (F), which serves to collect the faecal matter out of all the
privies in the house. The breaks in the fall occur at distances of ten
meters from cach other, the fall being meter in 10, or 1 meter in 20
on the whole. The upward bends are formed by pieces of pipes bent
in a radius of 1 meter.
28. Pneumatic Evacuation Process with the Improved Vis Inertia
Valves. (Sec Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet II.) After the reservoir (R).
has been evacuated by the locomobile air pump the turncock (H) is.
suddenly opened, allowing the air contained in the main tube (A) to
rush into the reservoir, leaving a partial vacuum behind. The air con-
tained in the lateral pipe (B) expands, and thereby lifts up valve (D),
this confined air exercising an initial pressure of at least 1 atmosphere..
This pressure of course diminishes after the first moment, but the weight
of the valve diminishing likewise (see paragraph 19) the valve will
open entirely with great velocity. The escape and consequent rare-
faction of the air in the lateral pipe (B) causes of course the faccal
matter collected in the syphon K to move towards the main tube,

page_text: a movement which occurs simultaneously in all lateral pipes. The
consequence is that a great deal of air enters out of the lateral pipes
into the main tube and reservoir, re-establishing quickly the atmospheric
equilibrium, and causing all the valves (D) to fall down and close
themselves while the faecal matter not yet driven into the reservoir
settles down by gravitation into the lowest part of the main tube. All
this happens in about 30 seconds from the first opening of the turncock
H. As soon as the vacuum meter of the pneumatic locomobile indicates
this state of things the engine driver shuts turneock (H) and keeps it
closed until the air pump has re-established the vacuum in the reservoir,
which is done again in about 30 seconds; then the turncock is opened
again and a new atmospheric shock drives the faecal matter collected in
the main tube right into the reservoir. This simple proceeding is repeated
as many times as there are breaks in the longest lateral pipe. The
whole pneumatic evacuation of a great number of privies all connected
with one reservoir is therefore effected by simply opening and shutting
several times the turncock (H), allowing a pause of about minute
between each opening, and subsequently shutting until all faecal matter
by repeated atmospheric shocks has finally been driven into the reservoir
(R), the pneumatic locomobile keeping constantly in motion all the while.
The reservoir in its turn is then emptied by pneumatic pressure into an
air-tight waggon cylinder, as has been described in the original Patent.
29. Empty Privies of Uninhabited Houses Cause no Disturbance to
the Pneumatic Process.-Privies happening to be empty do not prevent
in any manner whatever the pneumatic evacuation of the other privies
of a group of houses, because each individual lateral pipe has a valve
of its own remaining closed by its weight until the vis inertiae of the
same is overcome. The internal initial pressure on all the valves is
alike, whether this results from atmospheric pressure direct through
empty privies or from the expansion of confined air within the lateral
pipes, and therefore all valves open simultaneously every time a partial
vacuum is made within the main pipe independent of the privies con-
taining any thing or not. If a valve is once opened and the privy is
empty air alone streams in the lateral pipe, if the privy contains faecal
matter this is carried along with the atmospheric stream, which must
be produced when part of the confined air of the lateral pipe escapes
in the main tube; even if all the privies connecting with a main tube
were empty the valves of this lateral pipe would open and shut them-
-selves with the same regularity and simultaneousness as when some

page_text: were full and others empty. There is no time for re-establishing the
equilibrium of resistances.
30. The Reservoir an Accumulator of Motive Power and Collector of
Faecal Matter.-The reservoir answers a double purpose. When the
turncock is closed it accumulates the motive power generated during
half a minute's work of the locomobile air pump, and expends this with
a shock on all the valves when the turncock is opened; after this it
collects the faecal matter which this shock has driven out of the entire
network of pipes. By transmitting this stored up motive power in such
atmospheric shocks to the vis inertia valves an effect is obtained far more
powerful and decisive than a direct sucking of the air pump could
produce.
31. Advantages of the Improved Vis Inertia Valves System. (Sec
Drawing, Fig. 1, Sheet I.)-In addition to the various advantages
alluded to in the preceding Specification there are two others to be
explained by Drawing, Fig. 1, Sheet I), representing part of a town
with a network of pneumatic pipes and reservoirs.
First Advantage.-A main tube may be put down in a street with
valves for the adjacent houses without the necessity of all lateral pipes
being laid at the same time. If only one lateral pipe is ready for the re-
ception of faecal matter the main tube may begin its work which of course
greatly facilitates the gradual introduction of the pneumatic system into
a town, as the convenience of individual householders may be consulted.
Second Advantage.-Should one or the other privy or its lateral pipe
get choked through some object being negligently thrown in which does
not belong there, all valves are fastened except that with which the
choked privy communicates, and thus the whole power stored up in the
reservoir is concentrated on a given point. An alternate opening and
shutting of the turncock produces by keeping the air pump constantly
at work repeated shocks of nearly a whole atmosphere's power, which
of course will effectually remove any obstruction in the privy or pipo
in a very short time. The lower opening of the privy funnel is purposely
made narrower than the lateral and main tubes, consequently anything
passing at all through the narrow outlet of the privy funnel must of course
also pass through the lateral pipe and main tube (which are wider than
the said outlet) into the reservoir. The fastening of the valves above
alluded to is effected by opening the valve box lid (see paragraph 21)
and driving in a wooden wedge behind the axle of the valve.

page_text: 32. Pneumatic Privies, 1st Class. (See Drawing, Fig. 4, Sheet III.)-
These new privies are so constructed that they may be emptied and
cleaned through atmospheric blasts; faecal matter disappears under
them immediately after production, the same as in waterclosets. The
vertical pipe (F) receives the excrement dropping down from the various
floors of the house. The funnel (T) is closed by a valve (D) provided
with a counterweight (P) of 4 kilograms. This valve opens the moment
a partial vacuum occurs in the vertical pipe through the evacuation
process described in paragraph 28. The wider this valve opens the
lighter the weight gets (see paragraph 19). The upper part of the
funnel is double, and the space between both parts (centimeter wide)
is connected with a ventilation pipe (E) reaching up to outside the
roof of the house. In daytime this ventilation pipe carries off the ex-
halations of the funnel sides, whilst at night this same pipe admits the
stream of atmosphere required for the evacuation (see paragraph 28).
The friction due to this powerful atmospheric current keeps the funnel
clean. Valve (D) likewise opens entirely and thus gets out of the way
of falling matter as often as a person sits down upon the privy, so that
no excreta can ever adhere to it. The front part of the sitting board
turns upon pin (O), lowers itself 2 inches and presses upon the rod (V),
which by its knobs (J) and the lever (X) opens valve (D). As soon as
the person rises the sitting board rises likewise slowly through the
weight (Z) and valve (D) shuts itself by its own gravitation. The sitting
board as well as the upper part of the funnel (T) may at any time be
taken off if cleansing should be required. All moveable parts are acces-
sible so easily that any repairs can be effected with very little trouble.
33. Pneumatic Privies, 2nd Class. (See Drawing, Fig. 5, Sheet III.) —
Second class privies are much cheaper and more simple in their con-
struction, which is as follows:-Valve (D) is kept closed by a weight (P)
in a perpendicular line so that no matter can adhere to it. The lower
part of the funnel forms a hydraulic trap of so small a capacity that
each new contribution of faecal matter forces those already there into
the vertical pipe. Ventilation pipe (E) carries off the exhalations
during daytime and admits at night the atmospheric current for
pucumatic evacuation.

page_text: 34. Hydraulic Trap of the Vertical Pipe. (See Drawing, Figs. 6
and 2, Slicets III. and I.)-The vertical pipe of both classes of privies is
closed by a hydraulic trap calculated to contain the daily excretae of
6 persons, say about 6 litres, any surplus over that quantity generally
only the liquid part runs off into the lateral pipe (see Fig. 2). The
matter collecting in this trap, and mostly composed of solids, is carried
off into the lateral pipe by a pneumatic shock the moment a partial
vacuura is formed, as described in paragraph 28.
35. Privics for the Poorer Classes.-Privics for the poorer classes, with
whom cheapness is a main object, open into a vertical pipe with oblique
funnels for the various floors of the houso. This vertical pipe reaches
above the roof for ventilation whilst the lower end is provided with a
hydraulic trap, as described in paragraph 34.
Each
36. Pneumatic Privics in Groups for Large Establishments. (See
Drawing, Figs. 7 and 8, Sheets IV. and V.)- For schools, factories,
military barracks, and other large establishments privics are arranged in
groups, as shown in Drawing, Figs. 7 and 8, Sheets IV. and V.; Fig. 7
shows the privies placed in a straight line; Fig. 8 on the contrary
privics grouped in a circle, pissoirs being included in both cases.
single privy consists in an iron fuunel glazed inside with a small
hydraulic trap below calculated to contain the daily evacuation of 2 to
3 persons. Equilibrium pipe (G) connects all privies, so that the same
level of faccal matter is maintained in all. As the quantity contained
in each is therefore the same the vis inertiae of the respective masses
must also be alike in all the privies, and consequently a partial vacuum
formed in the collecting pipe (L) or in the collecting funnel (M) will
simultaneously evacuate all these privics. As in large establishments,
such as barracks or schools, great quantities of faecal matter are daily
to be removed the pipe connecting with them is made a main tube (A)
and provided with a turncock so that the pneumatic power may be so
much more concentrated.
37. Pneumatic Privies grouped in different Floors of a large
Building. (See Drawing, Figs. 7 and 8, Sheets IV. and V.)-If in a
large establishment the groups of privics are situated one above the
other on different floors there is a vis inertia valve (D), either at the
end of the collecting tubes (L, Fig. 7) or at the bottom of the collecting
funnels (M, Fig. 8), this valve being in both cases kept closed by a
weight (P.) The vertical pipe is closed air-tight at the top, so that a

page_text: partial vacuum may be formed in its entire length before the vis inertia
valves open themselves. The moment the valves open the evacuation
takes place simultaneously in all the privics, the entire faccal mass
plunges into the airless vertical pipe, and is driven like a piston through
the main tube into the reservoir.
"for
Referring to an apparatus which can be put at will "in gear
measuring the quantity of faccal matter freed by pneumatic pressure
out of the subterranean reservoir into a waggon cylinder to indicate
whether the latter is sufficiently filled, or whether there is still room for
the contents of another reservoir, and which can be put "out of gear"
when the waggon is driven away.
38. Two Domes on the Top of the Waggon Cylinder. (See Drawing,
Fig. 9, Sheet VI.)-The atmosphere presses into the iron air-tight.
waggon cylinder (N) all faecal matter out of the subterranean reservoir
the moment turncock (Q). is opened. This waggon cylinder is provided
with two domes (U, U,) each having a pipe with a turncock leading to.
the bind part of the waggon cylinder. One of these pipes is coupled
by means of a flexible hose with the subterranean reservoir, the other
with the locomobile air pump, which through this double connection
can establish a vacuum simultaneously in the waggon cylinder and
subterranean reservoir. At the same time there is no danger of any spray
or drops of faecal matter being sucked into the air pump, such drops
being invariably precipitated on their way from one dome to the other.
39. Description of the Measuring Apparatus. (See Drawing, Fig. 9,
Sheet VI.) The hindmost dome of the waggon cylinder contains the
measuring apparatus, consisting in a hollow float (a), which rises and
descends along rod (b), and can be lowered by means of two light.
chains (c) and the pulleys (d); rod (b) does not reach quite down to
the bottom of the cylinder, so that no rags, etc. can remain hanging
to it when the waggon is emptied. The axle of the pulleys (d) passes
through an air-tight stuffing box to outside the dome, and carries there
a spiral spring, which unwinds the chains when the float falls, and winds
them up when it rises again, being so adjusted as to maintain said
chains (c) always in equilibrium. The axle is further provided with a
small cog wheel acting upon a larger one which carries the indicator (e).
The proportion between these two cog wheels is such that a whole

page_text: revolution of the indicator (c) corresponds to a whole rise of the float (a).
If the indicator shows zero then the cylinder is quite empty, and if the
float rises the indicator turns around until it points 1 degree before
zero; then the cylinder is quite full. At this point the dial plate is
provided with a catch for arresting the indicator, thus keeping the float
suspended at its greatest height. This prevents the latter from dancing
up and down with the liquid matter whilst the waggon is in motion, and
thus guards the whole of this guaging machinery against the wear due
to such incessant and excessive action. The indicator is provided with
a knob, so that it can be used as a crank for winding the float easily up
to the point where it can be stopped.
Referring to the apparatus for filling barrels out of the waggon cylinders
in a perfectly inodorous manner.
40. Decanting Station and Storehouse for Dung Barrels. (See
Drawing, Fig. 10, Sheet VI.)-In the hinder part of the building is a
sunk recess (I), to which lead two cramps or inclined planes (W), one
for rolling down the empty barrels, the other (which is of an casier
gradient) for rolling up the barrels when filled with manure. The centre
part of the floor is fenced off to serve for storage room for the barrels,
both empty and filled. Opposite the middle of the recess (I) is the place
to which the cylinder waggons are to be backed up for decanting their
contents into barrels.
41. Decanting Apparatus. (See Drawing, Fig. 11, Sheet VII.)—The
dung hose (f) is coupled to a turncock (m) fastened into the floor,
beneath which hangs a large basket (g). A dung measure (h) is sus-
pended below this on one end of a large balance (); the other end
of this balance holds a scale with a number of weights. The dung
measure () is also provided with a turncock (n), and this, like the upper
cock, has a long handle for working it with ease. The upper turn-
cock (m) is connected through a leather hose (0) with the dung
measure (h), so that this can freely follow up and down the motion of
the balance (1). The leather hose (o) is fitted with a number of iron
rings so as to keep its folds neatly. The lower turncock (n) just fits into
the bung hole, which is alike for all classes of barrels. The balance
scale (2) is now loaded with a number of weights corresponding to the
exact contents of the dung barrel about to be filled.

page_text: 42. Guaging and Filling of the Dung Barrels. (See Drawing, Fig. 11,
Sheet VII.) To suit the individual requirements of farmers various
classes of barrels are kept, containing respectively 3, 4, 5, 6, or even
more, hundredweights of liquid dung. All barrels are gauged and
marked according to their contents in weight. The filling operation is
then as follows:-After the scale (p) has been loaded with the weights
corresponding to the gauge of the barrel about to be filled dung hose (f)
of the waggon cylinder is coupled to turncock (m) in the floor. The
turncock of the waggon and the turncock (m) are then opened, thus
causing the liquid dung to rise into the basket (g), which retains all rags,
bones, etc., etc., so that no solid substances whatever reach the dung
measure (h). As soon as the latter is filled with the quantity of dung
corresponding to the number of weights lying in the scale (p) the
balance will assume a horizontal position, upon which the operator shuts
cocks (m), presses the dung measure still further down until the lower
cock (n) fits into the bung hole of the barrel and fastens the dung
measure in this position by means of a hook fixed to a wall of the
building. After this the lower cock (n) is opened, the barrel will then be
exactly full without spilling, because its contents have been determined
beforehand by weights corresponding to its proper gauge.
44. Escape of Air out of the Barrel during the Filling. (See Drawing,
Fig. 12, Sheet VII.) The lower turncock (n) has a ventilation hole (s),
which communicates through a thin caoutchouc hose with ventilation
pipe (t). A similar hose (u) connects a ventilation hole in the lid of the
dung measure (h) with the same pipe (t), which carries off all gasés
escaping during the filling operation above the roof of the building,
where, if necessary, these gases may pass through the grate of a small
fire. A caoutchouc ring is laid between the turncock (1) and the barrel
to prevent all escape of gas there.
45. Bung Hole of the Dung Barrels. (See Drawing, Figs. 12 and 13,
Sheet VII.) The bung hole of the barrels is provided with a cast-iron
ring in which a bung with a small safety valve (R) can be screwed in.
This valve opens itself whenever an accumulation of gases takes place
strong enough to burst the barrel unless this outlet were provided.

page_text: 46. Improved Manuring Plough. (See Drawing, Fig. 14, Sheet VIII.)-
A two-wheeled cart carries on the prolongation of its shaft two blocks
(1), in which a dung barrel can be laid right across the track of the car.
Behind the cart hangs a wooden frame having in its lower beam a
number of strong iron hooks set in a row about three inches apart, on
each of which a light plough may be alternately hung just as may be
needful for drawing a furrow at the exact place where it is required.
This enables the labourer to spread the liquid dung in parallel furrows
or a track of at least one meter wide without changing the direction of
the cart.
47. Loading and Fastening the Dung Barrel. (See Drawing, Fig. 14,
Sheet VIII.)-In front of the cart there is a windlass (3) worked by means
of a crank (4), while behind two skids (S) are hung leading up to the
rear end of the cart. A rope slung around the dung barrel is hooked
with one end to the rear part of the cart, whilst the other end is fastened
to the drum of the windlass. By turning the crank (4) the barrel is
wound up until it lies across the blocks (1). The barrel is then turned
round until the bung hole lies upward, the iron bung is screwed out, a
cock (5) inserted in its place is connected with a 2-inch dung hose (W).
The barrel is then turned round again until the cock is below. The rope
is tightened with the windlass and fastened in the right position by
means of a small pawl working on a ratchet of the windlass. To facilitate
turning the barrel backwards and forwards small rollers are set into the
blocks (1). The skids (S) which served for hoisting up the barrel are
during the ploughing of course laid aside.
48. Dung Nozzle and Rake. (See Drawing, Fig. 14, Sheet VIII.)—
The dung hose (W) terminates in a nozzle (6) and reaches to behind the
ploughshare, where it squirts the liquid manure into the furrow just
drawn. A rake (8) behind the ploughshare covers the dung with carth
immediately after, so that all evaporation of ammonia is prevented.
49. Regulating the Dung Stream and Closing the Dung Hose. (See
Drawing, Fig. 15, Sheet VIII.)-On the lower beam of the wooden
frame there is a regulator consisting of an iron shoe (y) on which the
dung hose rests; this shoe can be shifted to the right or the left on the
beam (2) just as the position of the plough requires it. The shoe (y)
has two lugs bearing a lever (x), the lower part of which is broad and
flat. A spring (2) presses this part of the lever down upon the dung
hose, flattening and thereby closing it the moment the upper part of the

page_text: lever is set free by slackening a cord which the labourer holds in his hand
whilst managing the plough. On the other hand a more or less strong
pull at this cord opens the hose more or less and thus regulates the flow
of the dung.
50. Manipulation of the Manuring Plough. (See Drawing, Fig. 14,
Sheet VIII.) Whilst a horse pulls the cart the laborer draws a furrow
with the plough hooked on behind, pulls the cord, and thereby allows
the liquid manure to be injected into the soil, while the rake closes
the furrow immediately after. If a stone or root obstructs the track the
laborer slackens the cord, thereby closing the dung hose entirely, and
unhooks or turns the light plough (paragraph 46); he can then remove
or avoid the obstacle.
51. Division of the Fields into Planting Beds and Manuring Stripes.-
The fields are divided into alternate planting beds and manuring stripes,
the latter being just wide enough for one or two horses to pull through
the manuring plough just described. The planting beds are about
double that width. The following year the new manuring stripes are
laid just in the middle of the old planting beds, in other words, the
alternate position of both is just reversed, so that those parts of the
field which have been manured the preceding year are now used as
planting beds.
52. Manuring Stripes in Winter Time.-In winter time the liquid
manure is either ploughed in so as to fall on top of the ground, and
then covered with snow instead of with earth, or poured out into furrows
drawn beforehand ere a hard frost set in. In both cases fermentation
cannot take place, and escape of ainmonia and all bad stench is pre-
vented by the low temperature. When a thaw sets in the manure
speedily percolates into the soil with the snow water, or if necessary
can be finally covered up with earth by a fresh ploughing in.
53. Advantages of this Dung Stripe System.-The advantages of this
new agricultural system may be shortly summed up as follows:-
1stly, there is all the year round a place for storing up fresh faecal
matter as a fertilizer in the field itself without losing any organic
ingredients, so that agriculture is greatly benefited, while at the same
time the excreta are finally disposed of, and need no further care or
treatment. 2ndly, all expenditure for manufacturing poudrette or
analogous matter being avoided, the farmer gets the manure very
cheap, and in a highly concentrated form. A far greater quantity of

page_text: atmospheric nourishment is procured both to the growing crops and
the soil itself by the air passing through the manuring stripes and
entering into the soil through the furrow repeatedly drawn at all seasons
of the year. The dung stripes besides give easy access to all parts of
the fields, which can thus so much the better be kept clean of weeds.
54. GENERAL SUMMARY OF MY IMPROVEMENTS.
I. Improved Vis Inertia Valves. (See paragraphs 7 to 31, Drawing,
Figs. 1 to 3, Sheets I. and II.)-A new mode of closing the lateral pipes
of a pneumatic sewerage system by certain self-acting valves, termed by
me vis incrtiac valves, which are kept closed by a weight so calculated
that its vis inertia requires more time to be overcome than the air
confined in the main tube requires time to rush into a reservoir out
of which the air has been exhausted, causing in the main tube a partial
vacuum to be established along its entire length before a single valve
is opened, and strong enough to overcome the vis inertia of said valves
and to open them, so as to set thereby faecal matters in motion, which
may be contained in all, or several, or one privy.
II. Improved Pneumatic Privies. (See paragraphs 32 to 37, Drawing,
Figs. 6 to 8, Sheets III., IV., and V.)-A new construction of privies,
the funnels of which are provided with self-acting vis inertia valves or
self-acting vis inertia syphons, in such a manner that such privics are
emptied pneumatically when the said valves or syphons open themselves
after and in consequence of a partial vacuum being established along
the whole length of the vertical pipe in which they discharge.
III. Measuring Apparatus for Waggon Cylinders. (See paragraphs 38
and 39, Drawing, Fig. 9, Sheet VI.)-A measuring apparatus set into a
hermetically closed waggon cylinder, and consisting in a float which
indicates the contents of the cylinder by rising and falling, thereby
setting in motion a hand on a dial, which hand serves also to wind up
the float, and to keep it suspended at its greatest height whilst tho
waggon moves along, so as to prevent the guaging machinery from
being injured or worn out by the dancing up and down of the liquid.
IV. Inodorous Decanting Apparatus for Dung Barrels. See para-
graphs 40 to 45, Drawing, Figs. 10 to 13, Sheets VI. and VII.)-An
apparatus for decanting inodorously the contents of waggon cylinders
into air-tight dung barrels. This apparatus consists mainly in an air-
tight dung measure hung up at one end of a balance, while the other
B

page_text: end carries a number of weights laid into a scale, which corresponds to
the gauge of the barrel to be filled, and the descent of the dung measure
indicating the exact moment when the operator has to close the upper
or inlet cock, whilst the loaded scale is secured against too quick a
descent by a perforated piston moving in a subterranean cylinder filled
with water.
V. Ploughing and Manuring Apparatus. (See paragraphs 46 to 53,
Drawing, Figs. 14 and 15, Sheet VIII.)-An apparatus for simul-
taneously ploughing, manuring, and closing the furrows, with the
following four peculiarities:-1, a furrow may be drawn and manured
at any point over the whole width of the track without the cart leaving
it; 2, the plough may be taken off from the cart at a moment's notice,
for drawing a new furrow, avoiding stones or roots, or using the cart for
some other purpose; 3, the same windlass which hoists the barrel upon
the cart fastens it there; 4, the flow of the manure is regulated by a
spring, which presses upon the dung hose or closes it altogether,
according to the desire of the operator, and by his merely slackening
a cord which he holds in his hand, and which lifts that spring or
lets it go.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Charles Thieme Liernur in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 25th October 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
THIEME LIERNUR, of the Firm of Liernur, Krepp, and Company,
American Engineers, Frankfort-on-the-Maine, in the Kingdom of
Prussia, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-second
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, Her special licence that
I, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term

page_text: therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE DAILY INODOROUS REMOVAL AND AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION OF HUMAN
EXCREMENTS KNOWN AS LIERNUR'S PNEUMATIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM,"
the
upon
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my,
or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
1. General Description. The various improvements herein-after
specified are mere parts of a system to render faecal matter useful instead
of noxious. These improvements all tend to this one purpose, referring
all to one and the same Invention, for which Patents have been granted
in nearly all civilized countries under the style and denomination of
Captain Liernur's Pneumatic Sewerage system.
2. Inseparability of these Improvements.-Although some of these
improvements refer to the system of pipes used for removal of faecal
matter out of houses whilst others refer to the utensils serving for
inodorous removal out of town, and for mixing the liquid manure with
the soil, and to the particular division of the fields required in connection
therewith, still all these improvements form only parts of a single
system, as indicated in paragraph 1.
3. Distinction between this and all other Sewerage Systems.-All other
sewerage systems labour under one common deficiency, namely, they all
fulfil only in part the requirements of public health, agriculture, com-
munal and national economy, and public morality. All these other
systems do not go any farther than to remove the filth from one place
where it is in the way to another place where it is likewise in the way,
so that in the end nothing is obtained but annoying one part of the
community with the faecal filth of another part to the great detriment of
ublic boolth

page_text: (which in its turn is connected with a reservoir (R)), are provided with
valves such as just described.
9. Main Turncock. Scc Drawing, Figure 3, Sheet I.-Quite close to
the reservoir (R) the main tube (A) is provided with a main turn-
cock (H), which may be opened and shut by means of a lever applied
from the street, and this main cock is with the new improvement the
only part of the pneumatic pipe system requiring manual labour.
10. Formation of a Vacuum. See Drawing, Figure 3, Sheet I.-When
a vacuum has been made in reservoir (R) main cock (H) is suddenly
opened, upon which the air contained in the main tube (A) will of
course rush into the reservoir, generating thus a partial vacuum in the
entire length of main tube (A). This occurs in so very short a time that
the valves (D) of all the lateral pipes are only, after the formation of
this partial vacuum, opened through the expansion of the air up to
this moment shut up in all the lateral pipes.
11. Vis Inertiae of the Valves. See Drawing, Figure 3, Sheet I.-The
explanation of this short delay in the opening of the valves is found in
their vis inertiae, which allows the much lighter air in the main tube (A)
to escape through the open turncock (H) into the airless reservoir (R),
leaving behind a partial vacuum quite sufficient for lifting up the
valves D.
12. Main Point of this Improvement. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.
-This making use of vis inertiae for the purpose of effecting an equality
of vacuum along the whole length of the main tube of sufficient strength
for removing faecal matter out of the lateral pipes that contain any, while
those that contain none offer, through being equally shut, exactly the
same resistance, is the main point of this improvement. The vis-inertiae
of bodies is, as is well known, in proportion to their weight. The lighter
body (in the present instance the air in the main tube A) moves sooner
than the much heavier valves (D), both being exposed to the very same
acting force, namely, atmospheric air. The valve weight (P) is made to
weigh 12 kilograms, whilst the air in the interior of the main tube A.
weighs only 1 kilograms per cubic meter. This air must conse-
quently rush into the reservoir (R) with so great a velocity that in the
entire length of main tube (A) a partial vacuum of uniform strength is
established before the vis inertiae of a single valve (D) is overcome.
13. Proportional Capacity of Reservoir and Main Tube. Sec Drawing,
Figure 3; Sheet I.-In order to obtain the requisite pressure for opening

page_text: the valves (D) the reservoir (R) is made of at least double the contents
of main tube (A). If the latter contains, for instance, 1 cubic meter
the reservoir must contain at least 2 cubic meters, and so on through
all respective sizes which may be required.
14. Vacuum in Reservoir and Main Tube. See Drawing, Fig. 3,
Sheet I. If the air of the reservoir (R) is exhausted to atmosphere
(which by means of my improved pneumatic locomobile is done in about
30 seconds), and the turncock (H) suddenly opened, then 1 cubic meter
air contained in main tube (A) will rush into reservoir (R) (which
still holds of 2 cubic meters = cubic meter of air). Both reser-
voir and main tube will then contain together 1½ cubic meters of air
spread over a space of 3 cubic meters, and thus a partial vacuum of
an atmosphere will be established, quite sufficient for the removal of
faecal matter.
kilograms
15. Pneumatic Pressure on the Valves. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.
-As the valves have a diameter of 0.125 meter (the same as the main
and side tubes) their surface is 122 centimeters, exposed to an atmo-
spheric pressure of 122 ×
about 60 kilograms, whilst the
weight (P) is only 12 kilograms. The pressure is therefore 5 times
stronger than what is required to raise the valves (D), which consequently
open with great velocity and force the moment their vis inertiae is
overcome.
-
16. Difference of Time in forming the Vacuum in the various Parts of
the Main Tube. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.-The first and last
valve (D) of the main tube (A) will of course not open the very same
moment, though very quickly one after the other, because the partial
vacuum requires a minute fraction of time to spread itself to the further
end of the main tube; for instance, if in main tube (A) the first valve (D)
is 10 meters distant and the last valve (D) is 100 metres distant from
turncock (H.), the vacuum will reach the first valve 3 second and the
last valve second after the opening of the turncock.
17. Simultaneous Opening of all the Valves. See Drawing, Fig. 3,
Sheet I. To secure a simultaneous opening of all the valves their weight
is reduced in proportion to their distance from the turncock (H), so that
their vis inertiae may be overcome so much the sooner, as the vacuum
requires more time to spread to each respective valve. Given the
distance mentioned in paragragh 16, this reduction of weight must
correspond to the difference of time between 36 and 1' 1's second.
=

page_text: Therefore the first valve must weigh 12 kilograms, the last only 10
ilograms, the intermediate valves in proportion. Hence, in practice,
he rule is to reduce the weight of every valve 0-2 kilograms for every 10
neters distance from the turncock (H).
18. Exact Equalisation of Distances and Weights not necessary.―
Great exactness in this adjustment of weights is not at all required,
because the vacuum will anyhow reach every individual valve soon
enough to expose it to an atmospheric pressure 5 or 6 times greater than
the weight which keeps it closed. Even with a tolerably great difference
in the resistance of the various valves all will open with equal velocity,
as actual trials with glass tubes of 2 centimeters diameter have con-
clusively proved. The explanation of this fact is the same as that of the
effect of an overcharged powder mine. The explosion does not follow
exclusively the direction of the least resistance but acts violently in all
directions, because the excessive velocity leaves no time for an equalisation
of resistances.
19. Increased Velocity in the Opening of the Valves. See Drawing,
Fig. 3, Sheet I.-The vis incrtiac valves (D) are so constructed that their
weight diminishes while opening. The weight P has therefore its
point of gravity in the same horizontal plane as the axle of the valve. So
soon as the latter turns the weight (P) gets lighter in proportion as does
the cosinus of the ascending angle become shorter. The valve would be
in perfect equilibrium if the weight (P) stood vertical over the axle,
which, however, is prevented by the construction of the valve, so that
the same is always compelled to fall back and shut itself the moment the
violent rush of air out of the side pipe into the main tube ceascs.
20. Slackened Motion of the Valves in Falling Down. See Drawing,
Fig. 3, Sheet I.-To prevent a violent slamming of the valves in falling
down the upper and lower parts of the same are alike, forming a kind of
fan, which strikes the air and thereby moderates the velocity of the fall.
This fan on the other hand is no hindrance in the quick opening of the
valve, because this opening occurs in a partial vacuum, offering no
markable resistance to the fan.
21. Lid of the Valve Box. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.-The upper
part of the valve box (C) is hermetically closed by a double lid, the
lower part of which shuts out the air, whilst the upper part on the
level with the street pavement merely serves to protect the lower one
from injury.

page_text: 22. Hermetic Tightness all over the Subterranean Pipe System not
absolutely necessary.--It is not absolutely necessary that all parts of the
subterranean pipe system should close hermetically; it is quite sufficient
if all parts are only water-tight. The vacuum forming in about two
seconds at the most, this time is by far too short for sufficient air to
penetrate through any small fissures which may exists here or there so
as to interfere in a sensible degree with the pneumatic process. Besides
any small fissure or crack will soon fill itself by particles of earth or mud
being sucked in out of the adjoining soil.
23. Hermetic Tightness required only in the Reservoir and Turncock.
See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.-The only parts of the subterranean system
which must be perfectly air-tight and remain so are the following:-a, the
reservoir (R); b, the turncock (H); c, the small piece of pipe con-
necting both, These parts, however, are comparatively so small that to
make and keep them air-tight offers no technical difficulty at all,
24. Reliability of the Turncock. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.-The
turncock (H) is so constructed that if any derangement does occur
it may be examined and repaired in a very short time. For this
purpose the turncock is simply lifted out of its box, and the impe-
diment being removed, it is put back again. Nothing is liable to be
broken thereby. The box is closed by a double lid, as described in
paragraph 21.
25. Fall of the Main Tube.-The main tube receives a fall of at least
1 in 150, and more if practicable, so that the faecal matters driven into
it out of the lateral tubes (as long as they have not yet reached the
reservoir) can collect through gravity in the lower part of the main
tube, whence a new pneumatic shock forces then into the reservoir.
This reservoir is therefore located always at the lowest point of the soil
upon which the group of houses connected with it stands.
26. Fall of the Lateral Pipes.-The lateral pipes receive a fall of
at least 1 in 20 towards the main tube, and more if the levels of the
ground permit. The entire network of pipes is thus provided with so
strong a fall that the faecal matter moves downward by its own gravity
to the lowest parts of the pipes, there to await the repeated pneumatic
shocks, which force them first into the main tube and thence further on
into the reservoir.
27. Breaks in the Fall of Long Lateral Pipes. See Drawing, Fig. 2,
Sheet I. To prevent a long lateral pipe which receives a fall of 1 in 20

page_text: from entering too deeply into the ground, it is from distance to distance
bent. upwards again, as explained by Fig. 2, Sheet I. in Drawing.
A is the diameter of a main tube'; B, the lateral pipe connecting this
main tube with the house pipe (F) which serves to colleet the faecal
matter out of all the privies in the house. The breaks in the fall occur
at distances of 10 meters from each other, the fall being meter in 10
or 1 meter in 20 on the whole. The upward bends are formed by
pieces of pipes bont in a radius of 1 meter. A fall of 1 in 10 is the
least allowed, and more is used whenever practicable; 1 in 10 is
preferred. By giving, in above-described manner, the branch pipes wave-
line grades instead of straight grades pockets are formed in which the
faecal matter always collects; hence the pneumatic blast cannot pass
over it without action, nor have the gases a frec ascent into the house,
but are confined every 10 meters or less by hydraulic locks, the last one
being under the fall pipe.
28. Pneumatic Evacuation Process with the Improved Vis Inertia
Valves. See Drawing, Fig. 3, Sheet I.-After the reservoir (R) has
been evacuated by the locomobile air pump the turncock (H) is suddenly
opened, allowing the air contained in the main tube (A) to rush into
the reservoir, leaving a partial vacuum behind. The air contained in the
lateral pipe (B) expands, and thereby lifts up valve (D), this con-
fined air exercising an initial pressure of at least 1 atmosphere; this
pressure of course diminishes after the first moment, but the weight
of the valve diminishing likewise (sec paragraph 19); the valve will open
entirely with great velocity. The escape and consequent rarefaction of
the air in the lateral pipe (B) causes of course the faecal matter collected
in the syphon (K) to move towards the main tube, a movement which
occurs simultaneously in all lateral pipes. The consequence is that a
great deal of air enters out of the lateral pipes into the main tube and
reservoir, re-establishing quickly the atmospheric equilibrium and causing
all the valves (D) to fall down and close themselves, while the faccal
matter not yet driven into the reservoir settles down by gravitation into
the lowest part of the main tube. All this happens in about 30 seconds
from the first opening of the turncock (H). As soon as the vacuum
meter of the pneumatic locombile indicates this state of things the
engine driver shuts turncock (H) and keeps it closed until the air pump
has re-established the vacuum in the reservoir, which is done again in
about 30 seconds; then the turncock is opened again, and a new

page_text: atmospheric shock drives the faecal matter collected in the main tube
right into the reservoir. This simple proceeding is repeated as many
times as there are breaks in the longest lateral pipe. The whole
pneumatic evacuation of a great number of privies all connected with
one reservoir is therefore effected by simply opening and shutting several
times the turncock (H), allowing a pause of about minute between
each opening and subsequent shutting, until all faccal matter by
repeated atmospheric shocks has finally been driven into the reser-
voir (R), the pneumatic locombile keeping constantly in motion all
the while. The reservoir in its turn is then emptied by pneumatic
pressure into an air-tight waggon cylinder, as has been described in
the original Patent.
29. Empty Privies of Uninhabited Houses cause no Disturbance to
the Pneumatic Process.-Privies happening to be empty do not prevent
in any manner whatever the pneumatic evacuation of the other privies
of a group of houses, because each individual lateral pipe has a valve of
its own remaining closed by its weight until the vis inertiae of the same
is overcome. The internal initial pressure on all the valves is alike,
whether this results from atmospheric pressure direct through empty
privies or from the expansion of confined air within the lateral pipes,
and therefore all valves open simultaneously every time a partial vacuum
is made within the main pipe independent of the privies containing
anything or not. If a valve is once opened and the privy is empty air
alone streams in the lateral pipe; if the privy contains faecal matter,
this is carried along with the atmospheric stream which must be
produced when part of the confined air of the lateral pipe escapes in the
main tube. Even if all the privies connecting with a main tube were
empty, the valves of their lateral pipes would open and shut themselves
with the same regularity and simultaneousness as when some were full
and others empty. There is no time for re-establishing an equilibrium
of resistances.
30. The Reservoir an Accumulator of Motive Power and Collector
of Faecal Matter. The reservoir answers a double purpose. When the
turncock is closed it accumulates the motive power generated during a
minute's work of the locomobile air pump, and expends this with a shock
on all the valves when the turncock is opened; after this it collects the
faecal matter which this shock has driven out of the entire network of
pipes. By transmitting this stored up motive power in such atmospheric

page_text: shocks to the vis inertia valves an effect is obtained far more powerful
and decisive than a direct sucking of the air pump could produce.
31. Advantages of the Improved Vis Inertia Valves System. Sce
Drawing, Fig. 1, Sheet I.-In addition to the various advantages
alluded to in the preceding Specification, there are two others to be
explained by Drawing, Fig. 1, Sheet I., representing part of a town with
a network of pneumatic pipes and reservoirs.
First Advantage.-A main tube may be put down in a street with
valves for the adjacent houses without the necessity of all lateral pipes
being laid at the same time. If only one lateral pipe is ready for the
reception of faecal matter the main tube may begin its work, which of
course greatly facilitates the gradual introduction of the pneumatic
system into a town, as the convenience of individual householders may be
consulted.
Second Advantage. Should one or the other privy or its lateral pipe
get choked through some object being negligently thrown in which does
not belong there, all valves are fastened except that with which the
choked privy communicates, and thus the whole power stored up in the
reservoir is concentrated on a given point. An alternate opening and
shutting of the turncock produces by keeping the air pump constantly at
work repeated shocks of nearly a whole atmosphere's power, which of
course will effectually remove any obstruction in the privy or pipe in a
very short time. The lower opening of the privy funnel is purposely made
narrower than the lateral and main tubes, consequently anything passing
at all through the narrow outlet of the privy funnel must of course also
pass through the lateral and main tube (which are wider than the said
outlet) into the reservoir. The fastening of the valves above alluded to
is effected by opening the valve box lid (see paragraph 21), and driving
in a wooden wedge between the weight of the valve and the side of
the box
32. Pneumatic Privics, 1st Class. Sec Drawing, Fig. 4, Sheet II.--.
These new privics are so constructed that they may be emptied and
cleaned through atmospheric blasts. Faccal matter disappears under
them immediately after production, the same as in waterclosets. The
vertical pipe (F) receives the excrements dropping down from the

page_text: various floors of the house. The funnel (T) is closed by a valve (D)
provided with a counterweight (P) of 4 kilograms.
This valve opens
the moment a partial vacuum occurs in the vertical pipe through the
evacuation process described in paragraph 28. The wider this valve
opens the lighter the weight gets (see paragraph 19). The upper part of
the funnel is double, and the space between both parts (centimeter wide)
is connected with a ventilation pipe (E) reaching up to outside the roof
of the house. In daytime this ventilation pipe carries off the exhalations
of the funnel sides, whilst at night this same pipe admits the atmospheric
current required for the evacuation (see paragraph 28). The friction due
to this powerful atmospheric current keeps the funnel clean. Valve (D)
likewise opens entirely, and thus gets out of the way of falling matter as
often as a person sits down upon the privy, so that no excreta can ever
adhere to it. The front part of the sitting board turns upon pin (0),
lowers itself 2 inches and presses upon the rod V, which by its
knobs () and the lever (X) opens valve (D). As soon as the person
rises the sitting board rises likewise slowly through the weight (Z), and
valve (D) shuts itself by its own gravitation. The sitting board as well
as the upper part of the funnel (T) may at any time be taken off if
cleaning should be required. All moveable parts are accessible so easily
that any repairs can be effected with very little trouble.
33. Pneumatic Privies, 2nd Class. See Drawing, Fig. 5, Sheet II.-
Second class privies are much cheaper and more simple in their con-
struction, which is as follows:-Valve (D) is kept closed by a weight (P)
in a perpendicular line, so that no matter can adhere to it. The lower
part of the funnel forms a hydraulic trap of so small a capacity that each
new contribution of faecal matter forces those already there into tho
vertical pipe. Ventilation pipe (E) carries off the exhalations during
daytime and admits at night the atmospheric current for pneumatic
evacuation.
34. Hydraulic Trap of the Vertical Pipe. See Drawing, Figs. 6 and 2,
Sheets I. and II.-The vertical pipe of both classes of privies is closed
by a hydraulic trap calculated to contain the daily excretae of 6 persons,
say about 6 litres. Any surplus over that quantity (generally only the
liquid part, runs off into the lateral pipe (see Fig. 2.) This matter (mostly
composed of solids) collecting in this trap is carried off into the lateral
pipe by a pneumatic shock the moment a partial vacuum is formed, as
described in paragraph 28.

page_text: 35. Privies for the Poorer Classes.-Privics for the poorer classes, with
whom cheapness is a main object, open into a vertical pipe with oblique
funnels for the various floors of the house. This vertical pipe reaches
above the roof for ventilation, whilst the lower end is provided with a
hydraulic trap, as described in paragraph 34.
Sce
36. Pneumatic Privies in Groups for Large Establishments.
Drawing, Figs. 7 and 8, Sheet II.--For schools, factories, military barracks,
and other large establishments privies are arranged in groups, as shown
in Drawing, Sheet II., Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 shows the privies placed in
a straight line, Fig. 8 on the contrary privics grouped in a circle, pissoirs
being included in both cases. Each single privy consists of an iron
funnel glazed inside, with a small hydraulic trap below, calculated to
contain the daily evacuation of two to three persons. Equilibrium
pipe (G) connects all privies, so that the same level of faecal matter is
maintained in all. As the quantity contained in each is therefore the
same the vis inertiae of the respective masses must also be alike in all
the privics, and consequently a partial vacuum formed in the collecting
pipe (L) or in the collecting funnel (M) will simultaneously evacuate all
these privies. As in large establishments, such as barracks or schools,
great quantities of faecal matter are daily to be removed the pipe
connecting with them is made a main tube (A), and provided with a
turncock, so that the pneumatic power may be so much more con-
centrated.
37. Pneumatic Privies Grouped in Different Floors of a Large
Building. See Drawing, Figs. 7 and 8, Sheet II.-If in a large establish-
ment the groups of privies are situated one above the other on different
floors, there is a vis inertia valve (D) either at the end of the collecting
tubes (L, Fig. 7) or at the bottom of the collecting funnels (M, Fig. 8),
this valve being in both cases kept closed by a weight P. The vertical
pipe is closed air-tight at the top, so that a partial vacuum may be
formed in its entire length before the vis inertiae valves open themselves.
The moment the valves open the evacuation takes place simultaneously
in all the privies, the entire faccal mass plunges into the airless vertical
pipe, and is driven like a piston through the main tube into the
reservoir.

page_text: out of the subterranean reservoir into a waggon cylinder, to indicate
whether the latter is sufficiently filled or whether there is still room for
the contents of another reservoir, and which can be put out of gear when
the waggon is driven away.
.
38. Two Domes on the Top of the Waggon Cylinder.-Sec Drawing,
Fig. 9, Sheet II.-The atmosphere presses into the iron air-tight waggon
cylinder (N) all faccal matter out of the subterranean reservoir the
moment turncock (Q) is opened. This waggon cylinder is provided
with two domes (U, U,) each having a pipe with a turncock leading
to the hind part of the waggon cylinder. One of these pipes is coupled
by means of a flexible hose with the subterranean reservoir, the other
with the locomobile air pump, which through this double connection
can establish a vacuum simultaneously in the waggon cylinder and
subterranean reservoir, at the same time there is no danger of any spray
or drops of faccal matter being sucked into the air pump, such drops
being invariably precipitated on their way from one dome to the
other.
39. Description of the Measuring Apparatus. See Drawing, Fig, 9,
Sheet II. The hindmost dome of the waggon cylinder contains the
measuring apparatus, consisting in a hollow float (a), which rises and
descends along rod (b), and can be lowered by means of two light
chains (c) and the pulleys (d). Rod (b) does not reach quite down to
the bottom of the cylinder so that no rags, etc. can remain hanging to
it when the waggon is emptied. The axle of the pulleys (d) passes
through an air-tight stuffing box to outside the dome, and carries there
a spiral spring, which unwinds the chains when the float falls, and winds
them up when it rises again, being so adjusted as to maintain said
chains (c) always in equilibrium. The axle is further provided with a
small cog wheel acting upon a larger one which carries the indicator (e).
The proportion between these two cog wheels is such that a whole
revolution of the indicator (e) corresponds to a whole rise of the float (a).
If the indicator shows zero then the cylinder is quite empty, and if the
float rises the indicator turns around until it points one degree before
zero; then the cylinder is quite full. At this point the dial plate is
provided with a catch for arresting the indicator, thus keeping the float
suspended at its greatest height. This prevents the latter from dancing
up and down with the liquid matter whilst the waggon is in motion, and
thus guards the whole of this guaging machinery against the wear due

page_text: to such incessant and excessive action. The indicator is provided
with a knob, so that it can be used as a crank for winding the float
easily up to the point where it can be stopped.
FOURTH IMPROVEMENT,
Referring to the apparatus for filling barrels out of the waggon cylinders
in a perfectly inodorous manner.
40. Decanting Station and Store house for Dung Barrels. See Drawing,
Fig. 10, Sheet III.- In the hinder part of the building is a sunk recess (I)
or inclined plane, to which lead two ramps (W), one for rolling down the
empty barrels, the other (which is of an easier gradient) for rolling up
the barrels when filled with manure. The centre part of the floor is
fenced off to serve for storage room for the barrels, both empty and
filled. Opposite the middle of this recess (I) is the place to which the
cylinder waggons are to be backed up for decanting their contents into
barrels.
41. Decanting Apparatus. See Drawing, Fig. 11, Sheet III.-The
dung hose (f) is coupled to a turncock (m) fastened into the floor,
beneath which hangs a large basket (g). A dung measure (h) is sus-
pended below this on one end of a large balance (). The other end of
this balance holds a scale with a number of weights. The dung
measure (4) is also provided with a turncock (n), and this like the upper
cock has a long handle for working it with ease. The upper turn-
cock (m) is connected through a leather hose (0) with the dung
measure (), so that this can freely follow up and down the motion of
the balance (1). The leather hose (o) is fitted with a number of iron
rings so as to keep its folds neatly. The lower turncock (n), just fits
into the bung-hole, which is alike for all classes of barrels. The balance
scale (p) is now loaded with a number of weights corresponding to
the exact contents of the dung barrel about to be filled.
42. Guaging and Filling of the Dung Barrels. See Fig. 11, Sheet III.
of the Drawing. To suit the individual requirements of farmers various
classes of barrels are kept, containing, respectively 3, 4, 5, 6, or even
more, hundredweights of liquid dung. All barrels are guaged and
marked according to their contents in weight. The filling operation is
then as follows:-After the scale (2) has been loaded with the weights
corresponding to the guage of the barrel about to be filled dung
hose (f) of the waggon cylinder is coupled to turncock (m) in the

page_text: floor. The turncock of the waggon and the turncock (m) are then
opened, thus causing the liquid dung to run into the basket (g), which
retains all rags, boues, etc., etc., so that no solid substances whatever
reach the dung measure (½). As soon as the latter is filled with the
quantity of dung corresponding to the number of weights lying in the
scale (p) the balance will assume a horizontal position, upon which
the operator shuts cock (m), presses the dung measure still further down
until the lower cock (n) fits into the bung-hole of the barrel, and fastens
the dung measure in this position by means of a hook fixed to a wall
of the building. After this the lower cock (n), is opened, the barrel
will be filled then exactly full without spilling, because its contents
have been determined beforchand by weights corresponding to its proper
gnage.
44. Escape of Air out of the Barrel during Filling. Sec Drawing,
Fig. 12, Sheet III.-The lower turncock (n) has a ventilation hole (8),
which communicates through a thin caoutchouc hose with ventilation
pipe (t). A similar hose (u) connects a ventilation hole in the lid of the
dung measure (h) with the same pipe (t) which carries off all gases
escaping during the filling operation above the roof of the building,
where if necessary these gases may pass through the grate of a small
fire. A caoutchouc ring is laid between the turncock (n) and the barrel
to prevent all escape of gas there.
45. Bung Hole of the Dung Barrels. See Drawing, Figs. 12 and 13,
Sheet III. The bung hole of the barrels is provided with a cast-iron ring
in which a bung with a small safety valve (k) can be screwed in. This
valve opens itself whenever an accumulation of gases takes place strong
enough to burst the barrel unless this outlet were provided.
Promo TacDROVEMEN
Referring to the Apparatus for Ploughing the Fresh Human Manure
direct into the Soil.
46. Improved Manuring Plough. See Drawing, Fig. 14, Sheet III.-
A two-wheeled cart carries on the prolongation of its shaft two blocks (1)
on which a dung barrel can be laid right across the track of the car.
Behind the cart hangs a wooden frame, having in its lower beam a
number of strong iron hooks set in a row about 3 inches apart, on each
of which a light plough may be alternately hung just as may be needful
for drawing a furrow at the exact place where it is required. This

page_text: enables the labourer to spread the liquid dung in parallel furrows ou
a track of at least one meter wide, without changing the direction of
the cart.
47. Loading and Fastening the Dung Barrel. See Drawing, Fig. 14,
Sheet III. In front of the cart there is a windlass (3) worked by means
of a crank (4), while behind two skids (S) are hung leading up to the
rear end of the cart. A rope slung around the dung barrel is hooked
with one end to the rear part of the cart whilst the other end is fastened
to the drum of the windlass. By turning the crank (4) the barrel is
wound up until it lies across the blocks (1). The barrel is then turned
round until the bung hole lies upward. The iron bung is screwed out, a
cock (5) inserted in its place, and connected with a two-inch dung
hose (10). The barrel is then turned round again until the cock is
below, the rope is tightened with the windlass, and fastened in the right.
position by means of a small pawl working on a ratchet of the windlass.
To facilitate turning the barrel backwards and forwards small rollers
are set into the blocks (1). The skids (S) which served for hoisting
up the barrel are during the ploughing of course laid aside.
48. Dung Nozzle and Rake. See Drawing, Fig. 14, Sheet III.-The
dung hose (w) terminates in a nozzle (6), and reaches to behind the
ploughshare, where it squirts the liquid manure into the furrow just
drawn. A rake (8) behind the ploughshare covers the dung with
earth immediately after so that all evaporation of ammonia is
prevented.
49. Regulating the Dung Stream and Closing the Dung Hose. See
Drawing, Fig. 15, Sheet III.-On the lower beam of the wooden frame
there is a regulator, consisting of an iron shoe (y) on which the dung
hose rests; this shoe can be shifted to the right or to the left on the
beam (2) just as the position of the plough requires it. The shoe (y)
has two lugs bearing a lever (a), the lower part of which is broad and
flat. A spring (2) presses this part of the lever down upon the dung
hose, flattening and thereby closing it the moment the upper part of
the lever is set free by slackening a cord which the laborer holds in his
hand whilst managing the plough. On the other hand a more or less
strong pull at this cord opens the hose more or less, and thus regulates
the flow of the dung.
50. Manipulation of the Manuring Plough. See Drawing, Sheet III.,
Fig. 14. Whilst a horse pulls the cart the laborer draws a furrow with

page_text: the plough hooked on behind, pulls the cord, and thereby allows the
liquid manure to be injected into the soil, while the rake (8) closes the
furrow immediately after. If a stone or root obstructs the track the
labourer slackens the cord, thereby closing the dung hose entirely, and
unhooks or turns the light plough (paragraph 46); he can thus remove
or avoid the obstacle.
51. Division of the Fields into Planting Beds and Manuring Stripes.-
The fields are divided into alternate planting beds and manuring stripes,
the latter being just wide enough for one or two horses to pull through
the manuring plough just described. The planting beds are about double
that width. The following year the new manuring stripès are laid just
in the middle of the old planting beds, in other words, the alternate
position of both is just reversed, so that those parts of the field
which have been manured the preceding year are now used as planting
beds.
52. Manuring Stripes in Winter Time.-In winter time the liquid
manure is either ploughed in so as to fall on top of the ground, and then
covered with snow instead of with earth, or poured out into furrows
drawn beforehand ere a hard frost sets in. In both cases fermentation
cannot take place, and escape of ammonia and all bad stench is prevented
by the low temperature. When a thaw sets in the manure speedily
percolates into the soil with the snow water, or if necessary can be
finally covered up with earth by a fresh ploughing in.
53. Advantages of this Dung Stripe System.-The advantages of this
new agricultural system may be shortly summed up as follows:-1stly.
There is all the year round a place for storing up fresh faecal matter
as a fertiliser in the field itself without losing any organic ingredients,
so that agriculture is greatly benefitted, while at the same time the
excreta are finally disposed of and need no further care or treatment.
2ndly. All expenditure for manufacturing poudrette or analogous matter
being avoided, the farmer gets his manure very cheap and in a highly
concentrated form. A far greater quantity of atmospheric nourishment
is procured both to the growing crops and the soil itself by the air
passing through the manuring stripes and entering into the soil through
the furrows repeatedly drawn at all seasons of the year. The dung
stripes besides give easy access to all parts of the field, which can thus
so much the better be kept clean of weeds.

page_text: I. Improved Vis Inertia Valves. See paragraphs 7 to 31, Drawing,
Shect I., Figs. 1 to 3.-I, the undersigned, claim as my Invention a new
mode of closing the lateral pipes of a pneumatic sewerage system by
certain self-acting valves which I term vis inertiae valves, which are
kept closed by a weight so calculated that its vis inertia requires more
time to be overcome than the air confined in the main tube requires
time to rush into a reservoir out of which the air has been exhausted,
causing in the main tube a partial vacuum to be established along its
entire length before a single valve is opened and strong enough to
overcome the vis inertia of said valves, and to open them so as to set
thereby the faecal matters in motion, which may be contained in all
or several or one privy, substantially as described in all its details in the
preceding Specification from paragraph 7 to paragraph 31, and illustrated
in the accompanying Drawing, Figs. 1 to 3, Sheet I.
II. Improved Pneumatic Privies. See paragraphs 32 to 37, Drawing,
Figs. 4 to 8, Sheet II.-I, the undersigned, further claim as my In-
vention a new construction of privics, the funnels of which are provided
with self-acting vis inertia valves or self-acting vis inertia syphons in
such a manner that such privies are emptied pneumatically, when the
said valves or syphons open themselves after and in consequence
of a partial vacuum being established along the whole length of the
vertical pipe in which they discharge, substantially as described in all its
details in the preceding Specification from paragraph 32 to paragraph 37,
and further illustrated in the accompanying Drawing, Figs. 4 to 8,
Sheet II.
III. Measuring Apparatus for Waggon Cylinders. See paragraphs 38
and 39, Drawing, Fig. 9, Sheet II.-I, the undersigned, further claim as
my Invention a measuring apparatus set into a hermetically closed
waggon cylinder, and consisting in a float which indicates the contents
of the cylinder by rising and falling, thereby setting in motion a hand
on a dial, which hand serves also to wind up the float and to keep it
suspended at its greatest height whilst the waggon moves along, so as to
prevent the guaging machinery from being injured or worn out by the
dancing up and down of the liquid, substantially as described in all its
details in the preceding description in paragraphs 38 and 39, and further
illustrated in the accompanying Drawing, Fig. 9, Sheet II.

page_text: IV. Inodorous Decanting Apparatus for Dung Barrels. See paragraphs
40 to 45, Drawing, Figs. 10 to 13, Sheet III.-I, the undersigned, further
claim as my Invention an apparatus for decanting inodorously the
contents of waggon cylinders into air-tight dung barrels. This apparatus
consists mainly in an air-tight dung measure hung up at one end of a
balance, while the other end carries a number of weights laid into a
scale which correspond to the guage of the barrel to be filled, and the
descent of the dung measure indicating the exact moment when the
operator has to close the upper or inlet cock, whilst the loaded scale is
secured against too quick a descent by a perforated piston moving in a
subterranean cylinder filled with water, substantially as herein-before
described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
V. Ploughing and Manuring Apparatus. See paragraphs 46 to 53,
Drawing, Figs. 14 and 15, Sheet III.-I, the undersigned, further claim
as my Invention an apparatus for simultaneously ploughing, manuring,
and closing the furrows with the following four peculiarities:-1, a
furrow may be drawn and manured at any point over the whole width of
the track without the cart leaving it; 2, the plough may be taken off
from the cart at a moment's notice for drawing a new furrow, avoiding
stones or roots, or using the cart for some other purpose; 3, the same
windlass which hoists the barrel upon the cart fastens it there; 4, the
flow of the manure is regulated by a spring which presses upon the dung
hose or closes it altogether according to the desire of the operator, and
by his merely slackening a cord which he holds in his hand and which
lifts that spring or lets it go, substantially as described in the preceding
Specification from paragraph 46 to paragraph 53, and further illustrated
in Drawing, Figs. 14 and 15, Sheet III.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Thieme Liernur, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of October,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-
nine