IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-CLOSETS AND IN VALVE APPARATUS APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO OTHER PURPOSES ங்
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to David Smith Keith of Toronto in the Province of
Ontario and Dominion of Canada, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WATER-CLOSETS AND IN VALVE APPARATUS APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO
OTHER PURPOSES
ங்
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said David Smith Keith at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th April 1883.
DAVID SMITH KEITH, of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, and Dominion
of Canada, "IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-CLOSETS AND IN VALVE APPARATUS
APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO OTHER PURPOSES,"
This Invention, which relates to improvements in water-closets and valve
apparatus, comprises new combinations of parts of water-closets and improve-
ments in the construction and arrangement of the valve chambers, valve mechanism,
and other details connected with closets. The improved valve mechanism used in
connection with the water closet apparatus is also applicable to domestic water
taps and other analogous purposes.
The improved water closet is formed with the usual plunger chamber in con-
nection with the closet basin, and with a ball or float valve cistern or chamber
communicating with the plunger chamber through overflow openings at or near
the normal water level, and through a small valve chamber fitted with a float
ball valve at the bottom of the float valve cistern. The plunger chamber is
conveniently located at the side of the closet basin, so that the closet handle may
be directly connected to the plunger rod. The plunger itself is made in the form
of a solid cylindrical or conical block of glazed ware, or similar material, fitted over
the rod, and having a disc of rubber or flexible material secured to it to serve as
the valve which fits as usual a conoidal valve seat at the lower end of the plunger
chamber, which is connected to the ordinary soil trap or bend. When the plunger
is raised, the water within the plunger chamber and within the closet basin escapes
by the soil trap. The small ball valve in the chamber between the float cistern
and plunger chamber then drops and allows a portion of the water in the float
chamber to pass into the plunger chamber over the plunger valve (which will then

page_text: be closed). The water accumulating in the plunger chamber, raises the small ball
valve to rest against the seat formed for it by the outlet opening in the bottom of
the float cistern, and that outlet is thereby closed. The level of the water in the
float cistern having thus been lowered, the large ball valve or float falls, and
through the usual ball lever opens a bib-cock or valve, which may be of the
ordinary kind, but which is by preference of the improved construction hereinafter
described. The opening of this cock or valve admits a supply of water from a
service pipe to an annular channel formed within the rim of the closet basin, and
flushes the basin by flowing through a series of openings in the channels fitted
with directing fans or plates. The water continues to flow until it reaches the
normal level in the basin and plunger chamber, and until it overflows into the float
cistern and fills that cistern, and by raising the float, closes the inlet valve and
shuts off the supply of water. The overflow openings forming the upper commu-
nication between the plunger chamber and the float cistern, are situated a little
above the level at which the water acting on the float within the float cistern
closes the supply cock or valve, so that when the water in that chamber reaches
the higher common level, the supply valve will be closed with a pressure consider-
ably exceeding the opposing pressure of the water tending to open the valve; and
the continuous hissing noise of escaping water which ordinarily accompanies the
use of ball valves will be altogether avoided. It is also preferred to have a
number of small openings communicating at different levels between the two
chambers, and one or more of the openings may be plugged to regulate the position
of the normal water level, and thereby cause the float to act with niore or less
pressure on the supply valve when closed. This arrangement for ensuring perfect
closing of the ball valve is applicable to water cisterns which are detached from
the water closet basins, and to other supply cisterns.
1
The openings communicating between the plunger chamber and the small ball
valve chamber at the bottom of the float cistern are made in the form of a grating
or of narrow slots, so that the ball valve is retained within its chamber, and that
soil or other matter in the water in the plunger chamber may not pass through and
lodge in the ball valve chamber.
When the plunger is not raised to a sufficient extent, or for an interval long
enough to allow all the water in the plunger chamber, and in the closet basin to
escape, the small ball valve continues to float and bear up against its seat in the
outlet from the bottom of the float cistern. The water in that cistern does not
escape, and consequently the water supply valve is not acted on; but when at a
succeeding operation of raising the plunger, the waste water all escapes, the action
described of discharging or partially discharging the contents of the float cistern,
and of refilling the several chambers, will be repeated.
"
The closet basin, plunger chamber, and float cistern are by preference made in
one piece with the soil trap or bend, the material employed being preferably
earthenware or glazed ware. The soil trap or bend may however be separately
formed and be connected to the basin and plunger chamber by suitable water-
tight joints.
On the outside of the closet basin is formed an overflow channel from the basin
to the discharge pipe, and in this channel there is a trap or water seal' to prevent
the inlet of sewar gas. In connection with this overflow is a ventilating pipe to
lead away odourous vapours from the trap or from 'the closet' basin when in use,
and a ventilating pipe or air inlet is also fitted below the trap, mainly to prevent
the trap being emptied by siphonic action, when the main soil trap is discharged.
The cup for the closet handle is by preference made of glazed ware, and is secured
to the plunger chamber by a locking joint which may be formed by projections on
the one piece held by a flange or ring on the other.
The ordinary forms of ball valves or bib-cocks actuated by floats or balls are not
generally found suitable for varying conditions of pressure of the water in different
localities. I have accordingly designed improved constructions of valve apparatus
for use in supplying water to the improved water closet.

page_text: According to one modification of the improved valve apparatus, adapted for use
when the water pressure is not extremely high, the valve is formed by a diaphragm
of rubber, leather, or similar flexible material, closing against a seat formed by a
water inlet tube or orifice, the area of which may be varied to suit varying
pressures of the water in the service pipes or cisterns. The inlet orifice is formed
within a casing from which there is an outlet which may be connected by a
flexible tube or otherwise to the inlet of the channel formed round the closet basin;
and the valve diaphragm is secured within the casing by a cover, through which
passes a short stem attached by a disc or washer to the centre of the diaphragm.
The font lever is jointed to a bracket formed or fixed on the valve casing or on its
cover, and the extreme end of the lever bears on the upper end of the central valve,
stem, so that when the float is raised by the water in the float cistern, the end of
the float lever presses down the stem and presses the diaphragm against the inlet
orifice, thereby closing it. When the float drops, the downward pressure on the
valve stem is relieved, and the diaphragm valve is opened by the pressure of the
water at the inlet orifice. The area of the inlet orifice is made variable by
screwing or otherwise fitting in the inlet; short annuli of different internal
diameters.
In a modification of the improved valve apparatus adapted for use when the
water pressure is very high, a flat metallic disc valve, is employed which closes
against its seat by the water pressure. The valve disc is formed with a long
central stem or shank passing through the valve seat, and against this, stém a
pusher rod bears at or nearly at right angles. The pusher is acted on by the end
of the ordinary float lever, and is pressed inwards against the stem of the disc
valve, whereby the disc valve is canted on its seat, and the water from the service
pipe is allowed to flow through the partially opened valve orifice. The valve is
enclosed within a casing to which there is an inlet from the service pipe at one
side, and from which the water to supply the water-closet passes by an outlet tube
which may be suitably connected to discharge into the annular channel round the
closet basin. When the float rises in the cistern, the pressure exerted on the
pusher by the end of the float lèver ceases, and the stem of the disc valve assumes
a central position, so that the valve closes on its seat. The pressure of the water
on the valve will in general be sufficient to cause it to close at once, when the
opposing pressure on the pusher is relieved, but to ensure the valve righting itself;
a spiral or other spring may be fitted to press on the disc valve to close it. The
disc valve is formed of metal in which an annular groove is cut and fitted with a
ring of rubber, leather, or similar material, and the rubber ring is held by a washer
or disc on the central stem. A narrow rim of metal is left to surround the rubber
and protect it from being cut or subjected to abrasion by the canting of the valve.
A screw cap or cover is fitted at the end of the valve casing, so that by unscrewing
this cap, the valve may be taken out and repaired or renewed.
°
The push button or rod is fitted through a stuffing box, or is provided with
packing consisting of small leather or rubber washers which are slipped on the end
of the rod and bear against the outer seat of the rod.
The forming of the disc valve with a long stem or shank acted on by the end of
the float lever has the advantage that the power of the float lever is greatly
increased, and the valve may be opened against abnormally high pressure.
The improved valve mechanisms described are applicable to valves or cocks for
supplying water to baths, cisterns, jaw-boxes and the like. The constructions of
valves described may be applied as domestic water taps by removing the float
lever, and providing the stem of the valve with a screw or lever handle or pusher
button or similar device.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said David Smith Keith in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd October 1883.
DAVID SMITH. KEITH, of Toronta, in the Province of Ontario, and dominion
of Canada. "
'IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-CLOSETS AND IN VALVE APPARATUS
APPLICABLE THERETO AND TO OTHER PURPOSES."
My Invention which relates to improvements in water closets and valve.
apparatus, comprises new combinations of parts of water-closets and improvements
in the construction and arrangement of the valve chambers, valve mechanism, and
other details connected with closets. The improved valve mechanism used in
connection with the water closet apparatus is also applicable to domestic water
taps and other analogous purposes.
The Invention is illustrated by the accompanying Drawings, in which figure 1 is
a longitudinal vertical section, figure 2 is a plan, and figure 3 is a transverse
vertical section of one modification of my improved water closet. Figure 4 is a
longitudinal vertical section, and figure 5 is a plan of a modified arrangement of
the closet. Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged sections of modifications of the improved
valves which are fitted in connection with the closet, and figures 8 and 9 are
modifications of the improved valves as adapted for ordinary domestic purposes.
Referring particularly to the modification shown in figures 1, 2, and 3, the im-
proved water closet is formed with the usual plunger chamber A in connection with
the closet basin B, and with a ball or float valve cistern or chamber C communicating
with the plunger chamber A through overflow openings o at or near the normal
water level, and through a small valve chamber D fitted with a float ball valve d
in a seat or opening d' at the bottom of the float valve cistern C. The plunger
chamber A is conveniently located at the side of the closet basin B, so that the
closet handle E may be directly connected to the plunger rod E¹. The plunger
itself is made in the form of a solid cylindrical or conical block F of glazed ware
or similar material, fitted over the rod, and having a disc f of rubber or flexible
material secured to it to serve as the valve which fits as usual a conoidal valve
seat a at the lower end of the plunger chamber A, which is connected to the
ordinary soil trap or bend. When the plunger F is raised, the water within the
plunger chamber A and within the closet basin B escapes by the soil trap G. The
small ball valve d in the chamber D between the float cistern and plunger
chamber then drops from its seat d' and allows a portion of the water in the float
chamber C to pass into the plunger chamber A over the plunger valve F, f (which will
then be closed). The water accumulating in the plunger chamber A raises the small.
ball valve d to rest against the seat formed for it by the outlet opening d' in the
bottom of the float cistern C, and that outlet is thereby closed. The level of the
water in the float cistern C having thus been lowered, the large ball valve or
float falls, and through the usual ball lever h opens a bib cock or valve I, which
may be of the ordinary kind, but which is by preference of the improved
construction shown and hereinafter described. The opening of this cock or valve I
admits a supply of water from a service pipe J to an annular channel b formed
within the rim of the closet basin B, and flushes the basin by flowing through a
series of openings in the channels fitted with directing fans or plates 6¹. The
water continues to flow until it reaches the normal level in the basin and plunger
chamber, and until it overflows by the openings c into the float cistern C and fills
that cistern, and by raising the float H closes the inlet valve I and shuts off the
supply of water. The overflow openings c forming the upper communication

page_text: between the plunger chamber A and the float cistern C, are situated a little above,
the level at which the water acting on the float H within the float cistern C closes
the supply cock or valve I, so that when the water in that chamber C reaches the
higher common level, the supply valve I will be closed with a pressure considerably
exceeding the opposing pressure of the water tending to open the valve; and the
continuous hissing noise of escaping water which ordinarily accompanies the use
of ball valves will be altogether avoided. It is also preferred to have a number of
small openings c communicating at different levels between the two chambers A. C;
and one or more of the openings may be plugged to regulate the position of the
normal water level, and thereby cause the float H to act with more or less pressure
on the supply valve I when closed. This arrangement of chambers A, C, D for.
ensuring perfect closing of the ball valve is applicable to water cisterns which are
detached from the water closet basins and to other supply cisterns.
The openings communicating between the plunger chamber A. and the small
ball valve chamber D at the bottom of the float cistern C, are made in the form of
a grating, or of narrow slots d³, so that the ball valve d is retained within its
chamber D, and so that soil or other matter in the water in the plunger chamber
may not pass through and lodge in the ball valve chamber D.
When the plunger F is not raised to a sufficient extent, or for an interval long
enough to allow all the water in the plunger chamber A, and in the closet basin B
to escape, the small ball valve d continues to float and bear up against its seat ď
in the outlet from the bottom of the float cistern C. The water in that cistern
does not escape, and consequently the water supply valve I is not acted on; but
when at a succeeding operation of raising the plunger F, the waste water all or
nearly all escapes, the action.described of discharging or partially discharging the
contents of the float cistern C, and of refilling the several chambers A, B, C, D,
will be repeated. The closet basin B, plunger chamber A, and float cistern C are
by preference made in one piece with the soil trap or bend G, the material
employed being preferably earthenware or glazed ware. The soil trap or bend may
however be separately formed and be connected to the basin and plunger chamber
by suitable watertight joints.
On the outside of the closet basin B is formed an overflow channel K from the
basin to the discharge pipe or bend G, and in this channel there is a trap or water
seal formed by a dipping ledge K¹ to prevent the inlet of sewer gas. In connection
with this overflow K is a ventilating pipe k to lead away odorous vapours from
the trap K¹, or from the closet basin B, when in use; and a ventilating pipe or
air inlet is also fitted in the discharge pipe-K below the trap K', to ventilate the
drain, and to prevent the trap K¹ being emptied by siphonic action, when the main
soil trap G is discharged. The cup e or the closet handle E is by preference made
of glazed ware, and is secured to the plunger chamber A or to the wood work of
the closet by a locking joint which may be formed by projections e' on the one
piece held by a flange or ring e³ on the other.
In the arrangement shown in figures 4 and 5, a single chamber A is used to
form both the plunger chamber and the float cistern. The float H is formed with
an opening H in the centre, and is fitted over the plunger rod E', which passes
freely through the opening h¹, and allows the float to rise and fall with the level
of the water.
The ordinary forms of ball valves or bib-cocks actuated by floats or balls are
not generally found suitable for varying conditions of pressure of the water in
different localities. I have accordingly designed the improved constructions of
valve apparatus, illustrated in figures 6 and 7 for use in supplying water to the
improved water closet.
According to the modification of the improved valve apparatus shown in
figure 6, and which is adapted for use when the water pressure is not extremely
high, the valve is formed by a diaphragm i of rubber; leather, or similar flexible
material, closing against a seat formed by a water inlet tube or orifice j, the area
of which may be varied to suit varying pressures of the water in the service pipes

page_text: or cisterns. The inlet orifice is formed within a casing I from which there is an
outlet I which may be connected by a flexible tube I³ or otherwise to the inlet b¹
of the channel b formed round the closet basin B; and the valve diaphragm i is
secured within the casing by a cover 11, through which passes a short stem i¹
attached by a disc or washer to the centre of the diaphragm i. The float lever h
is jointed to a bracket formed or fixed on the valve casing or on its cover I', and
the extreme end h' of the lever h bears on the upper end of the central valve
stem, so that when the float H is raised by the water in the float cistern C, the
end h¹ of the float lever h presses down the stem and presses the diaphragm i
against the inlet orifice ; thereby closing it. When the float H drops, the downward
pressure on the valve stem is relieved, and the diaphragm valve i is opened by
the pressure of the water at the inlet orifice j. The area of the inlet orifice j is
is made variable by screwing or otherwise fitting in the inlet short annuli ji of
different internal diameters.
In the modification of the improved valve apparatus shown in figure 7, and
which is adapted for use when the water pressure is very high, a flat metallic disc
valve is employed, and closes against its seat by the water pressure. The valve
disc is formed with a long central stem or shank passing through the valve
seat, and against this stem i, a pusher rod i bears at or nearly at right angles.
The pusher is acted on by the end h¹ of the ordinary float lever h, and is pressed
inwards against the stem is, of the disc valve ³, whereby the disc valve is canted
on its seat is, and the water from the service pipe J is allowed to flow through the
partially opened valve orifice. The valve is enclosed within a casing I to which
there is an inlet J' from the service pipe J at one side, and from which the water
to supply the water closet passes by an outlet tube I' which may be suitably
connected to discharge into the annular channel 6 round the closet basin B. When
the float H rises in the cistern C, the pressure exerted on the pusher by the
end h¹ of the float lever h ceases, and the stem of the disc valve assumes a
central position, so that the valve closes on its seat i³. The pressure of the water
on the valve will in general be sufficient to cause it to close at once when the
opposing pressure on the pusher is relieved, but to ensure the valve righting itself,
a helical or other spring i may be fitted to press on the disc valve i³ to close it.
The disc valve ³ is formed of metal in which an annular groove is cut and fitted
with a ring of rubber, leather, or similar material, and the rubber ring is held by a
washer or disc on the central stem. A narrow rim of metal is left to surround the
rubber and protect it from being cut or subjected to abrasion by the canting of
the valve. A screw cap or cover I' is fitted at the end of the valve casing I, so
that by unscrewing this cap the valve may be taken out and repaired or
renewed.
The push button or rod 6 is fitted through a stuffing box, or is provided with
packing consisting of small leather or rubber washers which are slipped on the end
of the rod and bear against the outer seat is of the rod.
.
The forming of the disc valve i³ with a long stem or shank i, acted on by the
end of the float lever h has the advantage that the power of the float lever is
greatly increased, and the valve may be opened against abnormally high pressure.
The disc valve is a modification of and an improvement upon that commonly
known as Jefferie's disc tilting valve. The improved valve shown differs however
from Jefferie's valve in so far that the stem does not project out through the
discharge opening as in that valve in which the stem is acted on directly by the
float lever, and the outflow of the water is interrupted by the stem. In the
improved valve the float lever acts on a pusher or rod i bearing on the stem of the
tilting valve, and the tilting valve is entirely enclosed within the casing which is
formed with a discharge nozzle through which the water passes freely.
The improved valve mechanisms described, are applicable to valves or cocks for
supplying water to baths, cisterns, jaw-boxes, and the like. The constructions of
valves described may be applied as domestic water taps by removing the float
lever h, and providing the stem of the valve with a screw or lever handle äs is

page_text: indicated in figure 8, as applied to the diaphragın valve, or with a pusher button
or similar device, as indicated in figure 9, as applied to the tilting valve.
Having now particularly described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is,-
First. The arrangement or combination of parts forming the improved water
closet herein described and illustrated.
Second. In a water closet, the combination with the basin of the plunger
chamber A, float cistern C, and valve chamber D, arranged to operate, substantially
as herein described and illustrated.
Third. In a water closet, the combination with the float cistern of the valve
chamber and ball valve d, adapted to close against a seat in the discharge opening
from the float cistern, substantially as herein described and illustrated, and for the
purpose set forth.
Fourth. In a water closet, the combination with the basin of the overflow pipe K,
ventilating pipe k, and trap K', communicating with the soil pipe, substantially as
herein described and illustrated.
Fifth. The improved diaphragm valve herein described and illustrated, formed
with a variable inlet orifice, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Sixth. The improved construction of tilting disc valve herein described and
illustrated, in which the stem of the valve is acted on by a rod or pusher,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
In Witness Whereof, I the said David Smith Keith, have hereunto set my
hand and seal this Twenty-first day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty-three.
Witness
WALLACE FAIRWEATHER, C.E.
Fel. Inst. Patent Agents
Glasgow.
DAVID S KETTH
(L.B.)