Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Cleansing and Watering Streets.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 11th July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 11th Apr., 1894-Accepted, 9th June, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Cleansing and
Watering Streets.
I, JAMES TOWNSLEY PEARSON, of St. James' Hall, Burnley, in the County
of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The objects of this invention are
1st. To eject water, in the form of jets or sprays the furthest possible distance
from the point of outlet (but quite close to the surface-until deposited-so as to
avoid causing annoyance and inconvenience to shop-keepers; pedestrian, and
other traffic) and deposit it on the surface of carriageways, footpaths, and the like,
equally uniformly and simultaneously, over the surrounding area between the
"distributors" and the furthest point to which the water can be ejected or thrown,
by means of "distributors" placed at the surface in the most suitable position and
at suitable distances apart,
66
2nd. To reduce or contract the aggregate area of the orifices of such
distributors" to the lowest possible minimum,
3rd. To reduce the number of such "distributors
concentrate the available pressure, and,
" in order to utilise and
4th. To reduce the diameter of the distributing or feed pipes which supply
them, and the length and diameter of the branches or connections to the water
main or service pipes.
The method of accomplishing these objects is carried out as follows:-
"Distributors" consisting of a box having a movable part or "riser" (the
top part of which forms the lid) are fixed level with the surface of the carriage-
way, footpath, or the like, and connected by pipes to each other, and, at suitable
intervals, by branch pipes to the town's main; the whole being governed by a
valve or plug which may be opened instantly at full.
When the valve is opened the water rushes through the branch pipes into the
distributing pipes and "distributors" and causes the "riser" of the latter to ascend
a little above the surface, (but not so as to cause any serious obstruction or
impediment to traffic) until the valve is closed again, when it descends to its
normal position i.e. level with the surface of the carriageway, footpath or the like.
When the valve is open the water is ejected through pipes or tubes (having their
furthest extremities bent) projecting from a revolving chamber to which water is
conveyed by a tube communicating with, and being situated in the interior of the
distributor box, and round which tube, such chamber is caused to revolve by the
issue of the water from the bent pipes on the principle of reaction, or recoil.
The tube of the "riser" is guided perpendicularly by a guide-tube fixed in a
suitable position, by means of a flange, inside the distributor-box, the flange serving
to prevent the water passing up and out otherwise than by the "riser-tube."
To regulate and fix the height to which the "riser" is to ascend, the riser-tube
is provided with a flange to come in contact with the bottom of the guide-tube the
lid of the "riser" prevents it falling below the top of the box.
To prevent damage being done to the "riser" by a vehicle wheel, horse's foot,
or such like coming in contact with it when projecting above the surface, a portion
of the "riser-tube" consists of a short length of flexible pipe, so that when
anything comes in contact with the "riser or any part of it, it will offer the
slightest possible resistance, and give way to the impact without being injured. .
Instead of the above arrangement the water may be ejected through apertures
"

page_text: or perforations in the side or sides of a chamber forming the top or lid of the
"distributor" which is caused to rise and fall by turning the water on and off, and
is prevented from ascending and descending too far by suitable flanges at the top
and bottom, which come in contact with the projection round the inside of the top
of the box.
These perforations or apertures may be of varying dimensions, and arranged at
different angles and at suitable distances apart, that, the moment the pressure in
the water mains or service pipes is conveyed to them, the water will be ejected and
distributed equally, uniformly, and simultaneously over the surrounding area
between the "distributors" and, the furthest point to which it can be thrown.
Unless the apertures are systematically arranged as indicated above, the water
could not be turned on instantly at full without depositing most of it at the furthest
distance from the "distributors" consequently the intervening area would receive
comparatively none; it would therefore be necessary to turn on the water
gradually, at the cost of additional time and labour, and with the additional dis-
advantages that the furthest point only would receive the full force of the water,
and the intervening area would not be cleansed as effectually unless an additional
quantity of water be used.
"
In order that a very small diameter may be used for the branch and distributing
pipes, and that the length of the distributing pipe fed by each branch may be
practically unlimited, with a view to minimising expense, I arrange the "riser" of
the "distributor so that it can be pressed down by the foot or in other suitable
manner (without turning off the valve) flush with the surface and twisted partially
or completely round so that lugs projecting from its bottom flange, working in
vertical grooves or slots, will enter a horizontal slot in the side of the box, and in
which position the "riser" will be held, and the water prevented from escaping,
until the "riser" is released again.
65
·
By being able to turn the distributor" on and off in the manner described
without having to shut off the water, the full pressure can be utilised at each
"distributor" separately, so as to cover the largest possible area.
"
Unless the "distributors are arranged so as to be shut off and opened
individually, and irrespective of each other, aud with the orifices or outlets as
previously indicated, a larger number of branches and connections with the
mains will be necessary in order to obtain sufficient pressure (otherwise each
"distributor" will cover a much smaller area than it ought to do) and the water
will not be delivered with equal force and uniformity over the surface.
The "riser" may also be constructed and arranged with a top, or lid of similar
formation to a fan having two or more horizontal discs, separated by vanes or
wings.
When out of action and at rest it would be supported by the box or a pipe
having flanges at each end fixed vertically inside and near the top of the box.
The top or lid of this "riser" would have a spindle projecting down from the
centre inside the pipe the two flanges of the latter having suitable bearings for it.
On this spindle a screw or propeller would be fixed so that the ascending water
as it passes up the inside of the flanged pipe into the fanshaped lid would cause it
to revolve and the water would be ejected and deflected at different angles on the
surface of the street in accordance with the angle at which the horizontal discs are
fixed.
The upper flange of the pipe would prevent the "riser" from descending too far
and a collar on the part of the spindle under the bottom flange would not allow it
to rise too high or, instead of having a spindle or spiral screw in the manner
indicated, the distributing device or fan could be in the form of a wheel or rotary
ventilator (i.e. a wheel with spiral or radial vanes journalled on suitable bearings)
with a cap or cover to prevent the water being ejected vertically.
This distributing device would be rotated by the escape of the water.
A combination of the spindle and spiral screw and the wheel or rotary ventilator
or like device may be used.

page_text: Waste pipes having a suitable valve would be provided to let off the surplus
water remaining in the "distributors" and pipes after using, when necessary. '
Dated this 10th day of July 1893.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Cleansing and
Watering Streets.
I, JAMES TOWNSLEY PEARSON, of St. James' Hall, Burnley, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1. is a plan of a street, shewing an installation of these improvements.
Figure 2. is a section of the above..
Figure 3. is a sectional view of a "distributor" shewing the internal
arrangements.
Figure 4. is a sectional view of a "distributor"; also a sectional view of the
internal arrangements, i.e., a "riser" and other parts connected thereto.
Figure 5. is a perspective view of the surface of the street, or foot-path shewing
the top of the box and lid, level with such surface.
Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10, are respective views shewing the arrangement of
opening and closing the "distributors" by means of a person's foot, all constructed
in accordance with my invention.
"
The "distributors" consisting of a box (A) having a movable part or
riser" (B)
the top part of which forms the lid (1) are fixed level with the surface (2) of the
carriage-way, footpath, or the like, and connected by pipes (3) to each other, and
at suitable intervals by branch pipes (4) to town's main (5) the whole being
governed by a valve or plug (6) which may be opened instantly at full.
When the valve is opened, the water rushes through the branch pipes (4) into
the distributing pipes (3) and "distributors" (A), and causes the "riser" (B) of
the latter to ascend a little above the surface, (but not so as to cause any serious
obstruction or impediment to traffic,) until the valve is closed again, when it
descends to its normal position i.e. level with the surface of the carriage-way, footpath,
or the like, as shewn in Figure 2. Sheet 1, and Fig. 5. Sheet 2.
While the valve is open, the water is ejected through radial pipes (7), projecting
from a revolving chamber (8) to which water is conveyed by a tube (9) communi-
cating with, and being situated in the interior of the "distributor"-box, and round
which tube, such chamber is caused to revolve by the issue of the water from the
radial pipes, on the principle of reaction or recoil.
The tube (9) of the "riser" (B) is guided perpendicularly by a guide-tube (10)
fixed in the position shewn inside the "distributor"-box; the flange (11) serving to
prevent the water passing up and out, otherwise than by the "riser "-tube (9).
This flange also determines the height to which the "riser" ascends.
The lid (1) at the top prevents the "riser" from falling too far.
To prevent damage being done to the "riser" (B) by a vehicle wheel, horse's
foot, or such like coming in contact with it, when projecting above the surface, a
portion of the "riser "-tube (9) consists of a short length of flexible pipe (12).
strengthened or armoured by the wire (13) and the clips (14), so that when
anything comes in contact with the "riser or any part of it, it will offer the
slightest possible resistance, and give way to the impact without being injured.
"
The "riser" is carried or supported by the piece (22) to which the guide-
tube (10) is firmly attached, and the whole held rigidly in position by the
"

page_text: clamp (23), and the set-screws (24), a tight joint being obtained by the rubber
r.ng (25).
The clamp (23) is inserted. in the vertical slot (26) and then turned into the
horizontal slots (27), this arrangement being similar in every respect to that
described in connection with and illustrated by Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10.
In a modification of the above, and in order that a very small diameter may be
used for the branch (4) and distributing pipes (3) and that the length of the
distributing pipes fed by each branch may be practically unlimited, with a view to
minimising expense, I arrange the "riser (B) of the "distributor" (A) so that it
can be pressed down by the foot or in other suitable manner, (without turning
off the valve) flush with the surface, and twisted partially or completely round, so
that lugs (15) projecting from its bottom flange (16) working in vertical grooves
or slots (17) will enter a horizontal slot (18) in the side of the box and in which
position the "riser" (B) will be held, and the water prevented from escaping until
the "riser" is released again.
A modification of the latter arrangement consists of projections (19) on the
underside of the lid, (Figs. 8, 9, 10, Sheet 3) which engage with vertical and
horizontal slots (20) and (21) in a similar manner, and for the same purpose as the
arrangement last described, and illustrated in Figs. 6. & 7.
"
By being able to turn the "distributor on and off in the manner described,
without having to shut off the water, the full pressure can be utilized at each
"distributor" separately so as to cover the largest possible area.
Unless the "distributors "are arranged so as to be shut off and opened individually
and irrespective of each other, a larger number of branches and connections with
the mains will be necessary in order to obtain sufficient pressure, (otherwise each
"distributor" will cover a much smaller area than it ought to do) and the water will
not be delivered with equal force and uniformity over the surface.
Waste pipes (22) Fig. 1. having a suitable valve, are provided to let off the
surplus water remaining in the "distributors" and pipes after using, when
.necessary.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. The combination of the parts substantially as and for the purpose herein-
before specified, and illustrated in the drawings by Figs. 3. & 4. Sheet 2.
2nd. The method of obtaining the rise and fall of the "riser" (B) substantially
as and for the purpose herein before specified and illustrated in Figs. 3 & 4.
.Sheet 2.
3rd. The employment of the flexible tube (12) as part of the "riser "-tube (9)
substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore specified and illustrated.
4th. The method of opening and closing the "distributors" (A) substantially as
and for the purpose hereinbefore specified and illustrated in Figs. 6. 7. 8. 9. & 10.
5th. The method of securing the "riser" (B) and the other parts connected
therewith to the interior of the "distributor" (A) substantially as and for the
purpose hereinbefore specified and illustrated in Figs. 3. & 4.
Dated this 10th day of April 1894.