IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR VESSELS, VALVES, AND REGULATORS FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATERCLOSETS, URINALS, AND LAVATORIES, WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Law, Civil Engineer, of No. 18, Adam Street,
Adelphi, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
AIR VESSELS, VALVES, AND REGULATORS FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO
WATERCLOSETS, URINALS, AND LAVATORIES, WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO
OTHER PURPOSES."
Sealed the 28th April 1876, and dated the 13th January 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Law at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 13th January 1876.
"
HENRY LAW, Civil Engineer, of No. 18, Adam Street, Adelphi, in the County of
Middlesex. IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR VESSELS, VALVES, AND REGULATORS FOR THE
SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATERCLOSETS, URINALS, AND LAVATORIES, WHICH ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
By air vessel I mean a vessel of any convenient form, the upper part of which is
filled with air, which being compressed when water is forced into it by the pressure
of the water in the supply pipe regulates and determines the quantity of water
admitted, and at the same time conserves the force due to that pressure, and again
ejects the water with a velocity and force due to such pressure; and, the first part
of iny Invention consists in dividing such air vessel vertically into two portions, so
connected that the water shall enter both compartments of the air vessel with equal
facility, but shall be retarded or delayed in being ejected from the compartment
furtherst from the supply pipe, the object being to allow a certain portion of the
water to be freely and rapidly discharged in order to flush out the pan of a
watercloset, or the basin of an urinal or lavatory, while the remaining portion of
the water shall not be discharged until the outlet valve, pan, or plug of the closet
or basin has been closed, so that it shall remain in the closet or basin to seal the
outlet of the same, and to leave the closet or basin in a fit state for further use.
The second part of my Invention consists in so constructing the valve, by means
of which the air vessel is alternately placed in communication with the supply
pipe and with the closet pan, urinal, or basin that it shall be impossible for any
portion of the water, however small, to pass direct from the supply pipe into the
closet pan, urinal, or basin; and this I effect by having two independent valves,
one to close the inlet supply pipe, and the other to close the outlet pipe leading to
Pair &/1

page_text: "
the closet or basin, and by so connecting these two valves with a lever having no
fixed fulcrum that each of these valves shall alternately become the fulcrum of the
lever when it is opening or closing the other valve, the whole being so arranged
that the pressure of the water in the supply pipe insures the valves opening and
closing in the order required, and further insures each valve closing previous
to the other opening.
The third part of my Invention consists in an improved apparatus for regulating
the rate of closing of valves, and which is equally applicable to regulating the rate
of speed of any part of a machine required to move continuously through a limited
space with a given rate of speed. The improved regulator consists of a cylinder
closed at one end, and having a piston formed by a cupped leather capable of
moving within the saine, the cupped leather being so arranged that it will allow
the piston to be pushed easily, and without resistance, until in actual contact with
the closed end of the cylinder, the air within the same escaping freely round the
yielding sides of the cupped leather. Upon applying any force to withdraw the
piston from the closed end of the cylinder, such force will be opposed by the
pressure of the atmosphere upon the outer surface of the piston, which will press
the cupped leather into contact with the cylinder, and so prevent the entrance of
any air between the piston and the cylinder. Under these circumstances the
piston can only be withdrawn by the admission of air into the closed end of the
cylinder through some one or more apertures made for such purpose, and by the
size and position of such apertures the movement of the piston can be regulated
and controlled as may be desired. The piston being connected with the valve or
other part of a machine, the rate of movement of the latter will be controlled and
regulated by that of the piston itself.
Regulators have been constructed similiar in form, but having the movement of
the piston retarded by the compression of air instead of by its exhaustion.
The
advantage of the latter over the former is that the resistance is offered to the
movement of the piston from the very commencement of its stroke, while in the
old form of regulator the piston is allowed to move freely at first, and is only
retarded as the air becomes gradually compressed.
The advantage of my Invention is very great in its application to the valves of
waterclosets, as it allows the valve to remain open during a much longer portion of
the stroke, and can be made to close the valve with any amount of rapidity towards
the end of the stroke,
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Henry Law in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th July 1876.
HENRY LAW, Civil Engineer, of No. 18, Adam Street, Adelphi, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AIR VESSELS, VALVES, AND REGULATORS FOR THE
SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATERCLOSETS, URINALS, AND LAVATORIES, WHICH ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
By air vessel I mean a vessel of any convenient form, the upper part of which
is fitted with air, which being compressed when water is forced into it by the
pressure of the water in the supply pipe regulates and determines the quantity of
water admitted, and at the same time conserves the force due to that pressure and
again ejects the water with a velocity and force due to such pressure; and the first
part of my Invention consists in dividing such air vessel vertically into two
portions so connected that the water shall enter both compartments of the air
vessel with equal facility, but shall be retarded or delayed in being ejected from
the compartment furtherst from the supply pipe, the object being to allow a certain
portion of the water to be freely and rapidly discharged in order to flush out the

page_text: pan of a watercloset or the basin of an urinal or lavatory while the remaining
portion of the water shall not be discharged until the outlet valve pan or plug of
the closet or basin has been closed, so that it shall remain in the closet or basiu to
seal the outlet of the same and to leave the closet or basin in a fit state for
further use.
The second part of my Invention consists in so constructing the valve by means
of which the air vessel is alternately placed in communication with the supply
pipe and with the closet pan, urinal, or basin, that it shall be impossible for any
portion of the water, however small, to pass direct from the supply pipe into the
closet pan, urinal, or basin. And this effect by having two independent valves,
one to close the inlet supply pipe and the other to close the outlet or pipe leading
to the closet or basin, and by so connecting these two valves with a lever having
no fixed fulcrum that each of these valves shall alternately become the fulcrum of
the lever when it is opening or closing the other valve, the whole being so arranged
that the pressure of the water in the supply pipe insures the valves opening and
closing in the order required, and further insures each valve closing previous to the
other opening.
The third part of my Invention consists in an improved apparatus for regulating
the rate of closing of valves, and which is equally applicable to regulating the
rate of speed of any part of a machine required to move continuously through a
limited space with a given rate of speed. The improved regulator consists of n
cylinder closed at one end, and having a piston formed by a cupped leather capable
of moving within the same, the cupped leather being so arranged that it will
allow the piston to be pushed casily and without resistance until in actual contact
with the closed end of the cylinder, the air within the same escaping freely round
the yielding sides of the cupped leather. Upon applying any force to withdraw
the piston from the closed end of the cylinder such force will be opposed by the
pressure of the atmosphere upon the outer surface of the piston, which will press
the cupped leather into contact with the cylinder and so prevent the entrance of
any air between the piston and the cylinder. Under these circumstances the
piston can only be withdrawn by the admission of air into the closed end of the
cylinder though some one or more apertures made for such purpose, and by the
size and position of such apertures the movement of the piston can be regulated
and controlled as may be desired. The piston being connected with the valve or
other.part of a machine the rate of movement of the latter will be controlled and
regulated by that of the piston itself.
Regulators have been constructed similar in form, but having the movement of
the piston impeded by the compression of air instead of by its exhaustion, the
advantage of the latter over the former is that the resistance is offered to the
movement of the piston from the very commencement of its stroke, while in the
old form of regulator the piston is allowed to move freely at first, and is only
retarded as the air becomes gradually compressed.
The advantage of my Invention is very great in its application to the valves of
waterclosets, as it allows the valve to remain open during a much longer portion of
the stroke, and can be made to close the valve with any amount of rapidity
towards the end of the stroke.
And in order to make the nature of my said Invention more perfectly under-
stood, I have prepared the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figures to 10 show the first part of my Invention for improvements in air
vessels, which may be made of any suitable external form, but which I prefer to
make of the form shown in sectional elevation in Figures 1 and 2, and on plan in
Figures 6 and 10, as being compact and capable of being conveniently enclosed
within the ease and beneath the seat of an ordinary watercloset.
In Figure A, B, is the air vessel of cast iron or other suitable material, having
a flange C by which it is securely screwed down on to a bed plate of similar
material, the joint between the flanges being made perfectly air and water-tight;
Dis the aperture or opening by which water is admitted into the air vessel; and

page_text: E is a vertical partition which serves to divide the air vessel into two separate
compartments A and B. At the lower part of this partition at F is a hinged
valve of leather, vulcanized india-rubber, or other suitable material so arranged, as
shown in the Drawing, that it can only open inwards, allowing the water which
enters by the aperture D to pass freely from A to B, but not allowing any water to
return through it from B to A. A small aperture is formed in the lowest part of
the partition E at G, the size of which is so adjusted as to allow the water in the
compartment B to escape therefrom at whatever rate of speed is required.
Figure 2 shows a modified form of air vessel in which the valve is dispensed
with, and the partition E is only carried up to a certain height dependent upon the
quantity of water required to be detained in the second compartment B. In this
case it is convenient to construct the air vessel of two similar shaped vessels
screwed together by a middle joint, the lower vessel being inverted as shown. As
thus arranged the water entering by the aperture D first fills the compartment A
to the height of the partition E, after which it passes over the same and rapidly
fills the compartment B, but in the process of emptying while the contents of the
compartment A are freely discharged by the aperture D, the water in the com-
partment B can only escape gradually through the small aperture G in the lower
part of the partition E.
Figures 3 and 7 show these two forms of air vessels when empty; Figures 4
and 8, the same when filled with water standing at the same level in both com.
partments A and B; Figures 5 and 9 show the same after the contents of the
compartments A, A, have been discharged, and with the water running slowly out
of the compartments B, B, through the small apertures G, G. The oval form of
the air vessel upon the plan is shown in Figures 6 and 10, the first having the
partition E carried to the top, and the latter the same only carried to the height
shown in Figure 2.
I prefer to adopt the hinged valve shown at F, Figure 1, but any other suitable
form of valve which will allow the water to pass only in one direction may be
used.
The second part of my Invention consisting in an improved valve is more
particularly shown in Figures 11 to 27.
Figure 15 is a longitudinal and vertical section taken through the valve case.
Figures 16, 17, and 18, are transverse sections taken respectively through the
same on the lines H, H, I, I, and J, J, while Figure 19 is a sectional plan taken on
the line K, K.
In these Figures L is the service pipe leading from the source of water supply,
and M is a valve with a cushion of leather, vulcanized india-rubber, or other
suitable material, which closes the communication between the same and the valve
case or box N, O being a small air vessel connected with the supply pipe to prevent
any shock or concussion being produced by the sudden closing of the valve ; P is
another valve similar to M which closes the communication between the valve
box N and the pipe and channel Q, which leads to the basin of the watercloset,
urinal, or lavatory, as the case may be; R is a channel or passage which leads away
to the air vessel which is always in free and open communication with the valve
box N; S is a lover which is connected with the valve P by a pin T, and with the
valve M by passing through a slot in the rod or spindle of the same at U, while the
other end V of the lever passes through a similar slot in the rod W, which passes
through a stuffing box X and serves to give motion to the lever S.
The culiar action of the valve will be better understood by reference to the
Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23. Figure 20 shows the valves when not in action, the
valve Ming shut and kept effectually closed by the pressure of the water in the
supply pipe upon the back of it. The valve P is open, having allowed all the water
to-cape from the air vessel into the basin of the watercloset, &c., when last used.
Tpon pressing down the rod W it will carry with it the end V of the lever S, but
this it can only do either by pushing down the valve P or raising up the valve M;
the valve A is however firmly pressed down upon its seat by the pressure of the

page_text: water behind it, while the valve P is perfectly free to move, and consequently it
will descend with the lever S until it assumes the position shown in Figure 21, in
which the valve P is perfectly closed and its further descent stopped; upon con-
tinuing however to press down the rod W the lever S will turn upon T as a
fulcrum, and nothwithstanding the pressure of the water at the back of the valve M
it will raise the same into the position shown in Figure 22, thus establishing a
communication between the supply pipe L and the air vessel or other receptacle for
the water to supply the closet through the valve box N and the passage R. As
soon as the air vessel has become filled, if the rod W be now drawn upwards, the
first action of the lever S will be to turn on the pin T and close the valve M, for
the reason that the valve P is now pressed down and forcibly held upon its seat by
the pressure of the water upon the back of it, while the valve M is perfectly free to
move without any force opposing it. As soon however as the valve M is entirely
closed and has assumed the position shown in Figure 23, its further descent is
impossible, and the continued upward movement of the rod W can only result in
the opening of the valve P, allowing the water accumulated in the air vessel to be
discharged through the channel or passage Q into the basin of the watercloset, &c.,
with a force due to the pressure of the compressed air contained in the said air
vessel. It will thus be seen that the lever S has no fixed fulcrum, but turns
alternately upon the points T and U, and furthermore that owing to one valve
always being subjected to pressure while the other is free to move, one must always
be closed to form a fulcrum to enable the lever S to open the other, and con-
sequently the two valves can never be both open at the same time, and therefore it
is impossible for any direct communication to be established between the supply
pipe and basin of the watercloset, urinal, or lavatory.
Figures 24 and 25 show the application of this valve to an ordinary watercloset
basin Y with a moveable seal Z, so arranged that upon sitting upon the same the
weight of the person causes the seat to be depressed, carrying down the -rod W and
opening the valve M in the manner already described, allowing the water from the
supply pipe L to enter the air vessel A through the passage R. Upon rising from
the seat the same is raised to its former position by a spring or counterbalance
weight (not shown in the Drawing), carrying with it the rod W, and in doing so
first closing the valve M and then opening the valve P in the manner already
described, and thus allowing the water to be discharged from the air vessel A
through the valve box N and pipe Q into the basin Y.
Figures.26 and 27 show another application of a similar valve to the basin of a
watercloset, but instead of moving the valve by the action of the seat it is actuated
by a lever a, moved by a handle and rod b, as in the usual form of the watercloset.
In this case the arrangement of the valve is slightly altered, as shown in the vertical
longitudinal section, Figure 12. The letters of reference in this Figure are the
same as in those previously described. The only difference in the arrangement of
the valve is that when the closet is not in action the valve M is open instead of
being closed, while the valve P is closed instead of being open. The result of
this change is that when the closet is not in use the communication is always
established between the water supply pipe and the air vessel, which is consequently
always charged under pressure; and to prevent any leakage through the stuffing
box resulting therefrom a valve c with a cushion of leather, vulcanized india-rubber,
or other suitable material is formed upon the rod W. When the closet is used
upon raising the lever a the valve M is closed and the valve P opened, and to retain
it open a sufficient length of time to allow the whole of the contents of the air
vessel to be discharged into the basin a regulator d is attached to the lever which
regulates its descent and thus keeps the valve P open as long as is requisite.
Figure 13 is a vertical section taken on the line c, c, through the valve case and
shows the small air chamber O intended to prevent a shock on the supply pipe.
Figure 1 is a vertical section taken on the line f, f, and shows the channel or
passage R which leads from the valve case N to the air vessel A.
The basins shown in Figures 24, 25, 26, and 27, are intended only to have syphon

page_text: traps, and consequently an ordinary air vessel may be used without being divided
into compartments in the manner described in the first part of this Specification, it
being a matter of no consequence with what rapidity the whole of the water is
discharged from the air vessel.
Figure 11 is a plan showing the application of the valve to an ordinary pan or
valve closet, g being the lever by which the pan or valve of the basin of the closet
is actuated in the usual manner, and the other parts having the same letters of
reference as before. In this eas the air vesel is shown with the partition F
dividing it into the two compartment, A and B, in the manner and for the purpose
already described, in order that while the pan or valve of the basin is held open
only the water from the compartiment A shall be discharged, that in the com-
partment B being detained until the pan or valve of the basin is restored to its
original position, and then serving to fill up the basin to a sufficient height to scal
the trap and prepare it for future use.
In describing the action and use of the valve I have only spoken of an air vessel
as forming the receptacle for the water to be discharged each time of use into the
basin; it may however be equally well used with an olevated reservoir or service
box of any form or dimensions.
The third part of my Invention consists of an improved form of regulator, and is
more particularly shown in Figures 28 and 29, the former being a vertical section
and the latter a side view of the same. The various parts of the regulator arc con-
structed of brass or other suitable material. is a cylinder, closed hermetically at
its upper end; i is a piston rod attached to the piston k, which is provided with a
packing formed of a cup of leather or other suitable elastic material, so arranged,
as shown in the Drawing, as to allow of the piston being pushed upwards without
offering any resistance, the air contained in the upper part of the cylinder / freely
escaping between the sides of the same and the cupped piston. But on the other
hand the piston having been pushed to the upper part of the cylinder so as to
expel the air upon attempting to draw it downwards the pressure of the air will
press the cupped piston against the sides of the cylinder and will prevent its
descent. A small orifice is however provided at the top of the cylinder, partially
closed by an adjusting screw 7, so that the rate of admission of air into the upper
part of the cylinder, and the consequent rate of descent of the piston can be
regulated to any speed desired. And should it be required that after descending at
a slow rate to a certain point the speed should thenceforth be increased it is only
necessary to have one or more orifices in the side of the cylinder,, as at m, n, and p,
which may also have regulating screws, as shown at 7, if so desired.
80
Having fully described the mode of applying my Invention to waterclosets it.is
not necessary to explain further the mode of applying it to the basins of urinals or
lavatories, the same being self evident..
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
would in conclusion observe that I do not claim the particular form or configuration
of the several parts shown on the Drawings, which are to be regarded simply as
illustrations of the modes in which my said Invention may be carried out; but
that what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as my said
Invention is the following:
Firstly. The construction of air vessels in compartiments so that while one portion
of the water is rapidly discharged the other portion is detained and discharged
more gradually, substantially in the manner herein-before described.
Secondly, Connecting the valves for the supply of water to waterclosets, &c. by
means of a lever without a fixed fulerum, so that cach valve shall act as the fulcrum
for moving the other, so that the two valves can never both be open at the same
time, substantially in the manner herein-before described.
Thirdly. So constructing a regulator consisting of a flexible cupped piston moving
in a cylinder that it shall act by the exhaustion instead of by the compression of
air, substantially in the manner and for the purposes herein-before described.

page_text: Fourthly. The general construction and arrangement of the air vessels, valves,
and regulator herein-before described, and the application of the same for the
supply of water to waterclosets, urinals, and lavatories, substantially in the manner
and for the purposes herein-before described and illustrated by the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Law, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Tenth day of July, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
TELNDV L
TRANDVL 117
TALANGITT
RY
ì
(1.S.)