IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATER- CLOSETS, URINALS, LAVATORIES, BUILDINGS, AND STREETS, SOME OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1870

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Law, Civil Engineer, of No. 15, Essex
Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATER-
CLOSETS, URINALS, LAVATORIES, BUILDINGS, AND STREETS, SOME OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES,"
Sealed the 28th October 1870, and dated the 15th June 1870.

page_text: away.
I construct a valve with a plunger fitted to a cylindrical chamber,
the rod which moves the plunger passes through a stuffing box at one
end of this chamber, and the pipe by which water is supplied to the
closet enters at the other end of the chamber, and this end is so formed
that when the plunger is held against it no water can pass out of the
supply pipe into the chamber. On opposite sides of this chamber are
openings or ports, that on the one side communicating with a service
vessel herein-after described, and that on the other side with the basin
of the watercloset. These ports are so placed in the cylindrical
chamber, that, when the plunger is held against and closes the supply
pipe, both ports are open and a free communication is formed between
the service vessel and the watercloset basin, but when the plunger is
moved to the other end of the cylindrical chamber it passes over the
port which communicates with the service vessel, and beyond it suffi-
ciently to establish a communication between the supply pipe and the
service vessel so as to allow water to enter the latter. The plunger is,
however, of somewhat larger dimensions in the direction of its motion
than the port, so that it is impossible in whatever position the plunger
may be placed for any water to pass directly from the supply pipe into
the service vessel, and from the service vessel into that portion of the
cylindrical chamber which communicates with the watercloset basin.
The port which communicates with the watercloset basin is so placed
that it is never uncovered by the plunger on the side of the supply pipe.
The result of this arrangement is that when the plunger is held in
contact with the supply pipe no water passes at all, when however the
plunger is moved to the other end of the chamber water passes into the
service vessel, and when the plunger is restored to its first position the
communication between the supply pipe and the service vessel is first
closed, and then the communication between the service vessel and the
watercloset basin is established and the water passes from the service
vessel into the watercloset basin, consequently there is no position in
which the plunger can be placed in which water can pass directly from
the supply pipe into the watercloset basin.
The construction of the service yessel depends upon the pressure of
water in the supply pipe, when this is considerable I employ a closed
vessel of any convenient form, and of such capacity that when the air

page_text: which it contains is compressed by the pressure of the water which
enters it from the supply pipe, the quantity of water so allowed to enter
shall be such as is proper and sufficient to give a good flush when
discharged into the watercloset basin. When an air vessel is thus
employed I place it below the seat of the watercloset, by which
arrangement I obtain great compactness, the whole of the apparatus
being contained within the enclosure of the seat. Furthermore by thus
placing the air vessel below the orifice of the pipe by which the water
is discharged from it into the watercloset basin, I always have this pipe
charged with water, by which I avoid any regurgitation in the water
discharged, and so prevent the unpleasant noise which has hitherto
attended the use of air vessels for this purpose.
When the water in the supply pipe has but a small pressure, as, for
example, when the supply is from a cistern above the closet, I employ
for the service vessel a vessel of any such convenient form that the
main body of the water which issues from it into the watercloset basin
under the influence of gravity shall be discharged with sufficient velocity
and in sufficient quantity to give a good flush, and in place of closing
the vessel I carry up a small pipe from it to a greater height than that
to which the pressure in the supply pipe can force up the water.
Whichever of these service vessels is used the advantage is obtained
that the first portion of the water is discharged into the watercloset
basin with considerable force, so as to carry away before it the soil, &c.,
to be removed from the basin, while the last portion of the water flows
so quietly into the basin as only to trickle over the lip of the trap, and
leave it sealed with the greatest possible depth of water.
By forming the upper surface of the plunger of the valve with an
inclined or curved surface I can, by turning the plunger upon its axis,
vary the extent to which the port leading from the service vessel into
the cylindrical chamber of the valve is opened when the plunger is
pushed down into contact with the supply pipe, and so regulate the
discharge of the water from the service vessel into the watercloset
basin.
When the closet is to be self-acting I so arrange the apparatus that
upon a person sitting down upon the seat the plunger of the valve which
had been retained against the end of the supply pipe by a weight is
raised, and a communication established between the supply pipe and the
service vessel, which thus fills with water during the time that the

page_text: person is sitting upon the seat. Upon the person rising from the same
the plunger resumes its former position, closing the communication with
the supply pipe and opening that between the service vessel and the
watercloset basin when the contents of the service vessel is discharged
into the basin.
Other modes may be adopted for rendering the closet self-acting by
connecting the valve with the door of the closet, or with a foot-board,
or with the lid of the closet, but I prefer the seat-action as the simplest.
The valve apparatus here described may be worked by a handle if
preferred, in which case a regulator or other means should be employed
to retain the plunger in its raised position for a sufficient length of time
to allow the service vessel to become filled.
The second part of my Invention relates to an improved apparatus for
supplying water to waterclosets constructed with moveable valves or
pans to seal the lower orifice of the watercloset basin.
In this case I employ the same form of plunger valve and service
vessel as those already described, and I arrange the apparatus in such a
manner that upon raising one end of a lever the first action is to move
the plunger of the valve and to allow the service vessel to fill with
water, and the second action is to depress the closet valve or pan and
allow the soil, &c., to escape from the basin upon the return of the
lever to its former position; the closet valve or pan is first raised so as
to close the lower orifice of the watercloset basin, and then the contents
of the service vessel is discharged into the basin, leaving the same full of
clean water and ready for further use; or, if it is preferred, the apparatus
can be so adjusted that a portion of the water is discharged before the
closing of the closet valve or pan at the bottom of the watercloset basin,
a sufficient quantity however being retained to leave the basin properly
filled with water. The raising of the lever is effected rapidly but its
return to its former position is retarded by a regulator or other means,
so as to give time for the contents of the basin to be discharged, and for
the service vessel to fill with water.
The lever by which the valves are successively moved as above
described may either be raised by hand or it may be actuated by the
seat, the apparatus being so arranged that upon sitting down upon
the seat it falls into gear with the lever, and upon rising from the seat
a sufficient counterbalance weight or spring lifts the seat, and with it
the lever, until the lever has been raised to the requisito height, when

page_text: it becomes detached from the seat and commences its descent at the
speed permitted by the regulator with which it is connected.
If it is desired the apparatus may be so arranged that for each time
that the closet is used the lever which actuates the valves shall be
raised and fall again twice, so as to allow the contents of the water-
closet basin to be twice discharged, and a second supply of water to be
given from the service vessel, the more effectually to rinse out the basin
and insure the water left in it being clean and uncontaminated.
The apparatus may also be so arranged that upon sitting down upon the
seat the lever is raised sufficiently to allow the service vessel to fill, and
that upon rising from the seat the lever is further raised and opens the
valve or pan of the basin and then the lever falls, first closing the valve
or pan of the basin, and then discharging the water from the service
vessel into the basin.
The third part of my Invention relates to an improved apparatus for
supplying water to urinals and to the basins of lavatories.
In this case I employ a plunger valve and service vessel of similar
construction to those herein-before described, and I arrange the appa-
ratus upon the same principle as that described as the second part of
my Invention. The valve for closing the orifice at the bottom of the
basin of the urinal or lavatory taking the place of the closet valve or
pan in the apparatus already described. I actuate the lever by means
of a footboard, which is depressed by the weight of the person using
the urinal or lavatory, and then falls into gear with the lever; upon the
person leaving, the footboard, together with the lever, is raised by a
sufficient counterbalance weight or spring until the lever has been lifted
to the requisite position, when it becomes detached and slowly falls as
permitted by the regulator connected with it. The action when the
lever is raised is, first, to open communication. between the supply pipo
and the service vessel, and then to open the valve which permits the
dirty water to run off from the basin of the urinal or lavatory; when
the lever falls. the action is, first, to close this valve, and then to close
the communication between the supply pipe and the service vessel,
and to open that between the service vessel and the basin of the
urinal or lavatory, so as to leave the same filled with clean water ready
for further use.
The lever, both in the case of the urinal or lavatory, may be lifted
by hand if preferred to the action. by micans of the footboard, and. it

page_text: may be so arranged as to be lifted and let fall twice for each time that
the urinal or lavatory is used, so as more effectually to rinse out the
basin, and to insure the water left therein being clean and uncon-
taminated.
The apparatus in the case of either the urinal or lavatory may also
be so arranged that while the footboard is depressed the lever is partly
raised so as to allow the service vessel to fill, and that upon leaving
the footboard the raising of the lever is first completed, and then it is
allowed to fall, first discharging the dirty water, and then refilling the
basin with clean.
The fourth part of my Invention consists of an improved form of air
vessel for preventing a shock upon pipes under pressure from the
sudden closing of cocks or valves, as in the case of the service pipes
for supplying water under pressure to houses, &c., or the rising mains
of pumps, or for any other purposes for which air vessels are used.
In air vessels as usually constructed the air being in contact with the
water becomes mingled therewith, and is liable to be expelled and
leave the vessel only filled with water, and when this takes place the
air vessel becomes useless. My improvement consists in placing within
the air vessel another vessel of mineralized india-rubber, or any other
suitable air-tight flexible material inflated with air. By this means the
air is permanently retained within the air vessel, and cannot possibly
escape therefrom. The size of the air vessel must be proportioned to
that of the pipe through which the water under pressure is contained,
and may be made in any convenient form, so that in the case of taps,
cocks, or valves for supplying water for domestic purposes it may not
occupy much space, or present an unsightly appearance.
The fifth part of my Invention consists in an improved form of
hydrant valve or plug for supplying water from street or other mains
charged with water, for extinguishing fires, watering the streets, or for
other purposes. Upon the main I form a projecting pipe rising there-
from, and having both an internal and an external screw, and I close the
mouth of this pipe when not required to be used by screwing into it a
plug of metal fitting the internal screw. The upper part of this pro-
jecting pipe is contained in a street box in the usual manner, so as to
allow of easy access thereto. When the plug is required to be used a
stand pipe is screwed on to the top of the projecting pipe; within this
stand pipe is a spindle which passing up through a stuffing box projects

page_text: .
above the top of the same, and so allows of being turned round from the
outside of the stand pipe. The lower part of the spindle has a screw
upon it, which fits into a screwed recess in the upper part of the metal
plug which closes the mouth of the projecting pipe. This screw is
formed in the opposite direction to that upon the outside of the plug,
and consequently when the stand pipe has been screwed into the
projecting pipe, and the spindle is turned in the right direction, the
screw at the lower end of the spindle first enters the recess in the plug
until it is screwed home, and then the plug begins to turn within the
projecting pipe until by continued turning of the spindle the plug is
entirely unscrewed and set free from the pipe. The spindle is then
raised until the plug is lifted above the orifice of a branch pipe from the
side of the stand pipe, and through which the water is to be delivered.
The upper extremity of this branch pipe has upon it a screw or bayonet
connection for the attachment of a hose or other pipe. When the supply
of water is desired to be stopped it would be difficult to push down the
plug against the force of the effluent water; a balanced throttle valve is
therefore placed in the branch of the stand pipe, which when set edge-
wise in no way practically impedes the flow of the water, but upon
being shut stops the flow entirely, and so relieves the plug from any
pressure, and enables it to be pushed down so as to enter the mouth of
the projecting pipe, when by turning the spindle it is first screwed down
into its place, and when screwed home the spindle begins to turn within
the plug and to unscrew itself therefrom. The stand pipe is then
removed and the street box closed. The stand pipe may be connected
to the pipe projecting from the main by a bayonet joint if preferred to a
screw. The upper part of the projecting pipe with the screw upon it
may be conveniently formed separate, and connected with the lower
portion by a flange with screws.
The sixth part of my Invention consists of another improved form of
hydrant or valve for supplying water from mains. It consists of two
plates inserted in a channel or groove in the upper part of the branch
pipe which rises from the main. The upper plate is free to turn upon
its axis, and has one or more perforations through it; the lower plate is
of such a form that when the upper plate is in one position it covers or
closes these perforations, but when the upper plate is turned round it
leaves the perforations open for the free passage of the water from the
main. The upper plate has projecting studs upon it, and the stand pipe,

page_text: which is attached to the upper part of the branch pipe by a bayonet
joint, is so arranged that the act of fixing the stand pipe turns the upper
plate so as to allow water to pass, and the act of removing the stand
pipe turns the upper plate into its former position, in which the water
cannot pass. The surfaces of the plates are fitted to each other and to
the channel so as to form a water-tight joint, and the lower plate is
always kept in contact with the upper plate by the pressure of the water.
The upper part of the branch pipe which contains the plates may con-
veniently be formed as a separate piece, and connected with the branch
pipe by flanges or otherwise. The upper part of the branch pipe should
be protected by a street box in the ordinary manner. The hose would
be attached to the upper end of the stand pipe by either a screw or
bayonet joint in the usual manner.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Law in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 14th December 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
Law, Civil Engineer, of No. 18, Adam Street, formerly of No. 15, Essex
Street, both in the County of Middlesex, send grecting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of June, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy, in the thirty-
fourth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,.
give and grant unto me, the said Henry Law, Her special licence that
I, the said Henry Law, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as I, the said Henry Law, 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 therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, usc, exercise, and vend, within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands,
and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS. IN APPARATUS FOR THE
SUPPLY OF WATER TO WATERCLOSETS, URINALS, LAVORATORIES, BUILDINGS, AND
STREETS, SOME OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry Law, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or

page_text: their, or one of their hands and scals, 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 Henry Law, 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.
The first part of my Invention is an improved apparatus for supplying
water to waterclosets constructed with syphons, that is to say, in which
the lower orifice of the basin is not closed by a valve or other means;
but in which there is always a free passage for the soil, &c. to pass
away.
I construct a valve with a plunger fitted to a cylindrical chamber,
the rod which moves the plunger passes through a stuffing box at one
end of this chamber, and the pipe by which water is supplied to the.
closet enters at the other end of the chamber, and this end is so formed
that when the plunger is held against it no water can pass out of the
supply pipe into the chamber. On opposite sides of this chamber
are openings or ports, that on the one side communicating with a,
service vessel herein-after described, and that on the other side
with the basin of the watercloset. These ports are so placed in the.
cylindrical chamber that when the plunger is held against and closes
the supply pipe both ports are open, and a free communication is
formed between the service vessel and the watercloset basin, but when
the plunger is moved to the other end of the cylindrical chamber it
passes over the port which communicates with the service vessel and
beyond it sufficiently to establish a communication between the supply
pipe and the service vessel so as to allow water to enter the latter. The
plunger is however of somewhat larger dimensions in the direction of its
motion than the port, so that it is impossible in whatever position the
plunger may be placed for any water to pass directly from the supply
pipe into the service vessel and from the service vessel into that portion
of the cylindrical chamber which communicates with the watercloset
basin. The port which communicates with the watercloset basin is so
placed that it is never uncovered by the plunger on the side of the
supply pipe. The result of this arrangement is that when the plunger.

page_text: is held in contact with the supply pipe no water passes at all, when
however the plunger is moved to the other end of the chamber water
passes into the service vessel, and when the plunger is restored to its
first position the communication between the supply pipe and the service
vessel is first closed, and then the communication between the service
vessel and the watercloset basin is established and the water passes from
the service vessel into the watercloset basin, consequently there is no
position in which the plunger can be placed in which water can pass.
directly from the supply pipe into the watercloset basin.
The construction of the service vessel depends upon the pressure of
water in the supply pipe; when this is considerable I employ a closed
vessel of any convenient form, and of such capacity that when the air
which it contains is compressed by the pressure of the water which
enters it from the supply pipe, the quantity of water so allowed to
enter shall be such as is proper and sufficient to give a good flush when
discharged into the watercloset basin. When an air vessel is thus
employed I place it below the seat of the watercloset, by which
arrangement I obtain great compactness, the whole of the apparatus
being contained within the enclosure of the seat. Furthermore by thus
placing the air vessel below the orifice of the pipe by which the water
is discharged from it into the watercloset basin, I always have this pipe
charged with water, by which I avoid any regurgitation in the water
discharged, and so prevent the unpleasant noise which has hitherto
attended the use of air vessels for this purpose.
When the water in the supply pipe has but a small pressure, as, for
example, when the supply is from a cistern above the closet, I employ
for the service vessel a vessel of any such convenient form that the main
body of the water which issues from it into the watercloset basin under
the influence of gravity shall be discharged with sufficient velocity and
in sufficient quantity to give a good flush; and in place of closing a
the vessel I carry up a small pipe from it to a greater height than that to
which the pressure in the supply pipe can force up the water.
Whichever of these service vessels is used the advantage is obtained
that the first portion of the water is discharged into the watercloset
basin with considerable force so as to carry away before it the soil, &c.,
to be removed from the basin, while the last portion of the water flows
so quietly into the basin as only to trickle over the lip of the trap, and
leave it sealed with the greatest possible depth of water.

page_text: By forming the upper surface of the plunger of the valve with an
inclined or curved surface I can, by turning the plunger upon its axis,
vary the extent to which the port leading from the service vessel into
the cylindrical chamber of the valve is opened when the plunger is
pushed down into contact with the supply pipe, and so regulate the
discharge of the water from the service vessel into the watercloset
basin.
When the closet is to be self-acting, I so arrange the apparatus that
upon a person sitting down upon the seat the plunger of the valve
which had been retained against the end of the supply pipe by a weight
is raised, and a communication established between the supply pipe and
the service vessel, which thus fills with water during the time that the
person is sitting upon the seat. Upon the person rising from the same
the plunger resumes its former position, closing the communication with
the supply pipe, and opening that between the service vessel and the
watercloset basin, when the contents of the service vessel are discharged
into the basin.
Other modes may be adopted for rendering the closet self-acting by
connecting the valve with the door of the closet, or with a footboard,
or with the lid of the closet, but I prefer the seat action as the
simplest.
The valve apparatus here described may be worked by a handle if
preferred, in which case a regulator or other means should be employed
to retain the plunger in its raised position for a sufficient length of time
to allow the service vessel to become filled.
The second part of my Invention relates to an improved apparatus
for supplying water to waterclosets constructed with moveable valves or
pans to seal the lower orifice of the watercloset basin.
In this case I employ the same form of plunger, valve, and service
vessel as those already described, and I arrange the apparatus in such a
manner that upon raising one end of a lever the first action is to move
the plunger of the valve, and to allow the service vessel to fill with
water, and the second action is to depress the closet valve or pan and
allow the soil, &c. to escape from the basin. Upon the return of the
lever to its former position the closet valve or pan is first raised so as
to close the lower orifice of the closet basin, and then the contents
of the service vessel are discharged into the basin, leaving the same
full of clean water and ready for further use, or if it is preferred the

page_text: apparatus can be so adjusted that a portion of the water is discharged
before the closing of the closet valve or pan at the bottom of the water-
closet basin, a sufficient quantity, however, being retained to leave the
basin properly filled with water. The raising of the lever is effected:
rapidly, but its return to its former position is retarded by a regulator_or
other means, so as to give time for the contents of the basin to be
discharged and for the service vessel to fill with water.
The lever by which the valves are successively moved, as above
described, may either be raised by hand or it may be aetuated by the
seat, the apparatus being so arranged that upon sitting down upon the
seat it falls into gear with the lever, and upon rising from the seat a
sufficient counterbalance weight or spring lifts the seat and with it the
lever, until the lever has been raised to the requisite height, when it
becomes detached from the seat, and commences its descent at the speed
permitted by the regulator with which it is connected.
If it is desired the apparatus may be so arranged that for each time
that the closet is used the lever which actuates the valves shall be raised
and fall again twice, so as to allow the contents of the watercloset basin
to be twice discharged, and a second supply of water to be given from
the service vessel, the more effectually to rinse out the basin and insure
the water left in it being clean and uncontaminated.
The apparatus may also be so arranged, that upon sitting down upon
the scat the lever is raised sufficiently to allow the service vessel to fill,
and that upon rising from the seat the lever is further raised and opens the
valve or pan of the basin, and then the lever falls, first closing the valve
or pan of the basin, and then discharging the water from the service
vessel into the basin.
The third part of my Invention relates to an improved apparatus for
supplying water to urinals and to the basins of lavatories.
In this case I employ a plunger valve and service vessel of similar
construction to those herein-before described, and I arrange the appa-"
ratus upon the same principle as that described as the second part of my
Invention, the valve for closing the orifice at the bottom of the basin of
the urinal or lavatory taking the place of the closet valve or pan in the
apparatus already described. I actuate the lever by means of a footboard, a
which is depressed by the weight of the person using the urinal or

page_text: lavatory, and then falls into gear with the lever, upon the person leaving,
the footboard, together with the lever, is raised by a sufficient counter-
balance weight, or spring, until the lever has been lifted to the requisite
position, when it becomes detached and slowly falls, as permitted by
the regulator connected with it. The action when the lever is raised
is first to open communication between the supply pipe and the service
vessel, and then to open the valve which permits the dirty water to run
off from the basin of the urinal or lavatory, when the lever falls the
action is first to close this valve, and then to close the communication
between the supply pipe and the service vessel, and to open that between
the service vessel and the basin of the urinal or lavatory, so as to leave
the same filled with clean water ready for further use.
The lever, both in the case of the urinal or lavatory, may be lifted by
hand if preferred to the action by means of the footboard, and it may be
so arranged as to be lifted and let fall twice for each time that the urinal
or lavatory is used, so as more effectually to rinse out the basin and to
insure the water left therein being clean and uncontaminated.
The apparatus, in the case of either the urinal or lavatory, may also be
so arranged that while the footboard is depressed the lever is partly
raised so as to allow the service vessel to fill, and that upon leaving the
footboard the raising of the lever is first completed, and then it is
allowed to fall, first discharging the dirty water, and then refilling the
basin with clean.
The fourth part of my Invention consists of an improved form of air
vessel for preventing a shock upon pipes under pressure from the sudden
closing of cocks or valves, as in the case of the service pipes for
supplying water under pressure to houses, &c., or the rising mains of
pumps, or for any purposes for which air vessels are used. In air vessels
as usually constructed the air being in contact with the water becomes
mingled therewith, and is liable to be expelled and leave the vessel only
filled with water, and when this takes place the air vessel becomes
useless. My improvement consists in placing within the air vessel
another vessel of mineralized india-rubber or any other suitable airtight
flexible material inflated with air. By this means the air is per-
manently retained within the air vessel, and cannot possibly escape
therefrom. The size of the air vessel must be proportioned to that
of the pipe through which the water under pressure is contained,
and may be made in any convenient form, so that in the case of

page_text: taps, cocks, or valves for supplying water for domestic purposes it may
not occupy much space or present an unsightly appearance.
The fifth part of my Invention consists in an improved form of
hydrant valve or plug for supplying water from street or other mains
charged with water for extinguishing fires, watering the streets, or for
other purposes. Upon the main I form a projecting pipe, rising there-
from and having both an internal and an external screw, and I close the
mouth of this pipe when not required to be used by screwing into it a
plug of metal fitting the internal screw. The upper part of this pro-
jecting pipe is contained in a street box in the usual manner, so as to
allow of easy access thereto. When the plug is required to be used a
stand pipe is screwed on to the top of the projecting pipe; within this
stand pipe is a spindle, which passing up through a stuffing box projects
above the top of the same, and so allows of being turned round from the
outside of the stand pipe. The lower part of the spindle has a
screw upon it, which fits into a screwed recess in the upper part of
the metal plug, which closes the mouth of the projecting pipe. This
screw is formed in the opposite direction to that upon the outside of
the plug, and consequently when the stand pipe has been screwed
into the projecting pipe and the spindle is turned in the right direction,
the screw at the lower end of the spindle first enters the recess in
the plug until it is screwed home, and then the plug begins to turn
within the projecting pipe, until by continued turning of the spindle
the plug is entirely unscrewed and set free from the pipe; the
spindle is then raised until the plug is lifted above the orifice of
a branch pipe side of the stand pipe, and through which the water
is to be delivered; the upper extremity of this branch pipe has upon
it a screw or bayonet connection for the attachment of a hose or other
pipe. When the supply of water is desired to be stopped it would be
difficult to push down the plug against the force of the effluent water;
a balanced throttle valve is therefore placed in the branch of the stand
pipe, which when set edgewise in no way practically impedes the flow of
the water, but upon being shut stops the flow entirely, and so relieves
the plug from any pressure, and enables it to be pushed down, so as to
enter the mouth of the projecting pipe, when by turning the spindle
it is first screwed down into its place, and when screwed home the
spindle begins to turn within the plug, and to unscrew itself therefrom.
The stand pipe is then removed and the street box closed. The stand

page_text: pipe may be connected to the pipe projecting from the main by &
bayonet joint if preferred to a screw. The upper part of the projecting
pipe with the screw upon it may be conveniently formed separate, and
connected with the lower portion by a flange with screws.
The sixth part of my Invention consists of another improved form of
hydrant or valve for supplying water from mains. It consists of two
plates inserted in a channel or groove in the upper part of the branch
pipe which rises from the main. The upper plate is free to turn upon
its axis, and has one or more perforations through it; the lower plate is
of such a form that when the upper plate is in one position it covers or
closes these perforations, but when the upper plate is turned round it
leaves the perforations open for the free passage of the water from the
main. The upper plate has projecting studs upon it, and the stand pipo
which is attached to the upper part of the branch pipe by a bayonet
joint is so arranged that the act of fixing the stand pipe turns the upper
plate, so as to allow water to pass, and the act of removing the stand
pipe turns the upper plate into its former position, in which the water
cannot pass. The surfaces of the plates are fitted to each other and to
the channel so as to form a water-tight joint, and the lower plate is
always kept in contact with the upper plate by the pressure of the water.
The upper part of the branch pipe which contains the plates may
conveniently be formed as a separate piece and connected with the
branch pipe by flanges or otherwise. The upper part of the branch pipe
should be protected by a street box in the ordinary manner. The hose
would be attached to the upper end of the stand pipe by either a screw
or bayonet joint in the usual manner.
And in order to make the nature of my said Invention more perfectly
understood I have prepared the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figures 1 to 13, Sheets 1 to 3, show the first part of my Invention for
supplying water to waterclosets constructed with syphons, that is to say,
in which the lower orifice of the basin is not closed by a valve or
other means, but in which there is always a free passage for the soil,
&c., to pass.
I construct the valve with a plunger A fitted to a cylindrical
chamber B, the rod C which moves the plunger passes through a
stuffing box D at one end of this chamber, and the pipe E by which
water is supplied to the closet is screwed on to the other end of the

page_text: chamber, a washer of leather or india-rubber being introduced, and upon
which the plunger A rests, so that when held against the lower end of
the chamber in the position shown in Fig. 1 no water can pass from the
supply pipe E to the chamber B.
On opposite sides of the chamber B are openings or ports, that on the
one side F communicating with the service vessel G, and that on the
other side H with the basin of the watercloset. These ports are so
placed in the cylindrical chamber that when the plunger A is held
against and closes the supply pipe E, as shown in Fig. 1; both the
ports F and H are open, and a free communication exists between the
service vessel G and the watercloset basin; but when the plunger A is
moved to the other end of the cylindrical chamber into the position
shown in Fig. 5, it passes over the port F which communicates with the
service vessel G, and beyond it sufficiently to establish a communication
between the supply pipe E and the service vessel G, so as to allow water
to enter the latter. The plunger A is of somewhat larger dimensions in
the direction of its motion than the port F, and consequently it is
impossible in whatever position the plunger A may be placed for any
water to pass directly from the supply pipe E into the service vessel G,
and from the same vessel G into that portion of the cylindrical chamber B
which communicates through the port H with the watercloset basin.
From Fig. 5 it will further be seen that the port H which communicates
with the watercloset basin is so placed that it is never uncovered by the
plunger A on the side next to the supply pipe E. The result of this
arrangement is that when the plunger A is held in the position shown in
Fig. 1, no water at all passes out of the supply pipe E; when however
the plunger is moved into the position shown in Fig. 5 water passes from
the supply pipe into the service vessel G, and when the plunger is
restored to the position shown in Fig. 1 the water passes from the
service vessel G through the ports F & H to the watercloset basin.
The construction of the service vessel G depends upon the pressure of
the water in the supply pipe E. That shown in Fig. 1 is that which I
adopt when the pressure is considerable, and consists of a closed vessel
of cast iron, copper, or other suitable material, and may be spherical, as
here shown, or of any other convenient form. The passage from the
valve should enter the service vessel at its lowest point, so that when
water is forced into it under the pressure upon the supply pipe the air
cannot escape from the vessel G, but is compressed in the upper part of the

page_text: same, and allows a certain quantity of water to enter, dependent upon
the pressure of the water and the capacity of the service vessel G, the
size of the latter being so proportioned to the pressure as to allow
sufficient water to enter to insure the watercloset basin being properly
flushed and thoroughly cleansed.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the watercloset with the front of the enclosure
removed; Fig. 7 is a plan with the seat removed; and Fig. 8 is a
developed view showing the general arrangement of the apparatus.
From these it will be seen that the whole of the apparatus, including
the air vessel, is contained within the compass of the enclosure for the
watercloset seat, which hardly exceeds the dimensions of an ordinary
commode.
I also place the air or service vessel G below the orifice I, by which
the water is discharged into the watercloset basin J, and the pipe leading
from the valve B to the basin always remains charged with water, by
which I avoid any escape of air from the vessel G, which would produce
a regurgitation in the water.
The closet apparatus shown in Figure 6 to 8 is so arranged as to be
self-acting. The seat K is attached to the back frame of the closet by
hinges, while its front edge rests upon a rod L attached to the end of a
lever M, which turns upon the fulcrum N. The other end of the lever
passes through a slot in the rod C of the valve, and is further prolonged
to receive the weight O, which is so adjusted as to maintain the lever
in the position shown by the whole lines in Fig. 8, in which the seat is
raised to its highest position, and in which the rod C with the plunger A
is in its lowest position, being held down against the supply pipe E, as
shown in Fig. 1. Upon sitting upon the seat it is depressed, carrying
down with it the rod L, moving the lever M into the position shown by
the dotted lines in Fig. 8, and raising the rod C and plunger A into the
position shown in Fig. 5, thus establishing a communication between
the supply pipe E and the service vessel G, and allowing the same
gradually to fill with water while the person continues to sit upon the
seat. Upon the person rising from the same the weight O restores the
lever M to its former position, lifting the seat K and depressing the
plunger A, so as to close the communication with the supply pipe E, and.
to open that between the service vessel G and the watercloset basin J.
When the pressure of the water in the supply pipe E is small, as, for
example, when the supply is from a cistern P above the closet, as shown

page_text: in Fig. 9, I employ for the service vessel a cylindrical pipe Q, so pro-
portioned that the quantity of water contained in it shall be sufficient
properly to flush out the watercloset basin. A small pipe R is carried
up to a greater height than that of the supply cistern P, so as to allow
the air freely to escape from the pipe R, but to prevent the overflow of
the same.
If the plunger A is formed as shown in Fig. 10, having its upper
surface inclined or curved, I can by turning the plunger round upon its
axis vary the extent to which the port F is opened when the plunger
is pushed down into contact with the supply pipe E, as shown in
Figures 10, 11, & 12, and so regulate the velocity of the discharge of
the water from the service vessel into the watercloset basin.
Fig. 13 shows the manner in which the valve apparatus above
described may be worked by means of a handle S, a regulator T, or
other suitable means, being employed to retard the descent of the
lever M attached to the plunger of the valve for a sufficient length of
time to allow the service vessel G to become charged with water.
The second part of my Invention for supplying water to waterclosets
constructed with moveable valves or pans to seal the lower orifice of the
watercloset basin is shown in Figures 14 to 25, Sheets 4 to 6.
In this case I employ the same form of plunger valve and service
vessel as those already described. In Figures 14 to 17 A is the plunger
valve in an inverted position, B being the service or supply pipe, C the
pipe leading to the service vessel, and D the outlet or discharge pipe
leading to the watercloset basin E. F is the rod attached to the plunger
of the valve, and G the lever by which the same is moved; H is the axis
of the valve or pan by which the lower orifice of the watercloset basin E
is closed, and I is the lever or arm by raising which the valve or pan is
opened, and which is moved by the pin K projecting from the side of
the lever G. The arm I is made sufficiently heavy to keep the valve or
pan closed when the apparatus is not in use. L is a weight attached to
the lever G, which not only assists in keeping the valve or pan of the
watercloset basin closed, but which also keeps the plunger of the valve A
pressed in contact with the supply pipe B, so as to prevent any water
from entering the service vessel. M is a regulator connected with the
end of the lever G to retard its descent; N is the ordinary form of D trap
for preventing foul air passing up from the soil pipe O when the closet
is in use; P is the seat of the closet, which is hinged so as to admit of

page_text: its being depressed when sat upon; and Q is a spring which lifts the
seat and restores it to its former position when the person rises from it.
The action of the apparatus will be readily understood by examining
successively Figures 14, 15, 16, & 17. When the seat is sat upon it is
depressed into the position shown in Fig. 15, and a catch R hinged, to
the lower part of the seat falls into gear with a pin or stud S, which
projects from the lever G. Upon the person rising the spring Q imme-
diately lifts the seat, and in consequence of the catch R being in gear
with the stud S it also lifts the lever G. The lever G however when it
first moves turns upon the pin K as a center, owing to the combined
action of the pressure of the water in the supply pipe B, which tends to
push down the plunger of the valve A attached to the extreme end of
the lever G and of the weight of the arm I, which prevents the pin K
being easily raised. The lever G continues thus to move upon K as.
a center until it assumes the position shown in Fig. 16, in which the
plunger of the valve A has been drawn down to its full limit
(corresponding with the position shown in Fig. 5), in which the com-
munication is opened between the supply pipe B and the pipe C
leading to the service vessel. The rod F being incapable of moving
further downwards, now forms the fixed fulcrum of the lever G, which
by the continued action of the lifting of the scat is raised into the
position shown in Fig. 17, carrying with it by means of the pin K the
arm I, and thus opening the valve or pan by which the lower orifice of
the watercloset basin was closed, and allowing the free escape of the
contents of the basin through the D trap N and soil pipe O. In the
latter part of the ascent of the seat the catch R comes into contact with
a projecting stud T, which pushes it back until the pin S escapes from
the catch, and the lever G is free to descend by the combined action of
the weight L and the arm I; in the first place moving upon the end of
the rod F as a center until the valve or pan of the watercloset basin
is closed, and then pushing up the rod F until it assumes the position.
shown in Fig. 14, and in which the communication between the
supply pipe B and the service vessel is closed, while that between the
service vessel and the watercloset basin is opened, and the contents of
the former are discharged into the latter.
The descent of the lever G can be so adjusted by means of the
regulator M as to allow time for the service vessel to become charged
with water from the supply pipe B.

page_text: '
Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 show a modification of the apparatus above
described, by means of which the lever G will be raised and allowed
to descend twice for every time that the closet is used. The general
arrangement is similar to that already described, and shown in Figures 14
to 17, and the same letters are used to represent the corresponding parts
of the apparatus. U is a toothed segment turning upon the fixed axis V
and in gear with another toothed segment W fixed upon the axis x;
upon this same axis is also fixed the arm or lever Y, at the end of which
is a projecting stud or pin Z, which fits into a slot or groove in the
lever G. By examining successively the Figures 18 to 22 the mode of
action of the apparatus will be readily understood. Fig. 18 represents
the apparatus when not in use, while Fig. 19 shows the position which
it assumes when the seat P is sat upon, causing the catch R to fall into
gear with the stud S which projects from the toothed segment U. Upon
the person rising from the seat it is lifted by the spring Q, its motion
being controlled by the regulator M; as the seat rises it carries with it
by means of the catch R the toothed segment U, thus causing the
toothed segment W and the lever Y to revolve, and in so doing lifting
the lever G by means of the pin Z working in the slot or groove upon
the same; Fig. 20 shows the position of the apparatus when the lever Y
has revolved sufficiently to lift the lever G into its highest position, but
as the seat P still continues to rise and carry upwards the segment U,
the lever Y continues to revolve until it assumes the position shown in
Fig. 21, in which it will be seen that the lever G has been carried down
again into the position from which it first started. It will also be seen
that when the seat P reaches the limit of its upward motion the stud T
pushes back the catch R until the stud S is no longer in gear with it,
leaving the toothed segment U free to descend by virtue of its weight,
and in so doing causing the lever Y to revolve in the opposite direction
to its former motion, first lifting the lever G until fully raised, as shown
in Fig. 22, and then depressing it until the whole apparatus assumes
the position from which it originally started, and which is shown in
Fig. 18.
If it is preferred instead of the apparatus being actuated by the seat,
as above described, the lever G in Fig. 14, or the segment U in Fig. 18,
may he raised by a handle attached to the stud S.

page_text: contact with the stud V projecting from the side of the lever G, and so
adjusted that upon sitting upon and depressing the seat the rod U
pushes down the end of the lever G into the position shown in Fig. 24,
opening the communication between the supply pipe B and the
pipe C leading to the service vessel, and thus allowing the latter to
become charged with water while the person is sitting upon the seat.
Upon rising from the seat the catch R, which had fallen into gear with
the stud S, raises the lever G into the position shown in Fig. 25, and
opens the valve or pan of the watercloset basin. The catch R is dis-
engaged from the stud S by its contact with the stud T, and the lever G
is then free to descend and resume the position shown in Fig. 23, first
closing the valve or pan of the watercloset basin, and then closing the
communication between the supply pipe B and the service vessel, and
opening that between the service vessel and the watercloset basin.
The third part of my Invention for an improved apparatus for the
supply of water to urinals, and to the basins of lavatories, is shown in
Figures 26 to 31, Sheets 7 to 9.
In this case I employ a plunger valve A and service vessel C similar
to those herein-before described, and I arrange the apparatus upon the
same principle as that above described as the second part of my In-
vention, the valve H for closing the orifice at the bottom of the basin E
of the urinal or lavatory taking the place of the closet valve or pan in the
apparatus already described, the same letters of reference being used to
represent corresponding parts of the apparatus. I actuate the lever G by
means of a footboard P, which is depressed by the weight of the person
using the urinal or lavatory, and assumes the position shown by the dotted
lines in Fig. 26, allowing the catch R attached to the lever G to fall
into gear with the footboard P. Upon the person leaving, the footboard P
is raised by the spring Q, first assuming the position shown in Fig. 27,
in which the communication is opened between the supply pipe B and
the service vessel C; and then that shown in Fig. 28, in which by the
continued lifting of the lever G the valve H is opened and the dirty
water allowed to run off from the basin E of the urinal or lavatory
through the waste pipe O.
When the footboard reaches the position shown in Fig. 28 the pro-
jecting stud T pushes back the catch R until it escapes from the foot-
board P, leaving the lever G free to descend under the inflnence of the
weight of the catch R, first closing the valve H, and then restoring

page_text: the plunger of the valve A to its original position, thus closing the
communication between the supply pipe B and the service vessel C, and
opening that between the service vessel and the basin E of the urinal or
lavatory, the descent of the lever G being retarded by the regulator M,
so as to allow time for the service vessel C to become charged. In
the Drawing the pipe D is made to serve both for the supply of the
clean water, and for the exit of the dirty water, but if preferred, a
separate pipe may be used to connect the valve A with the basin E.
The apparatus above described may be modified in a similar manner
to that shown in Figures 18 to 22, so that for every time that the urinal
or lavatory is used the lever G shall be raised and lowered twice, for the
purpose of more effectually rinsing out and cleansing the basin E.
Figures 29, 30, & 31 show the modification of the apparatus when so
arranged, that when the footboard P is depressed the lever G is partly
raised into the position shown in Fig. 30, so as to allow the service.
vessel C to become charged, and that upon leaving the footboard P, the
raising of the lever G is completed, as shown in Fig. 31, when the
catch R becoming detached the lever G is allowed to descend, first
discharging the dirty water, and then refilling the basin E with clean:
The action is precisely similar to that already described, and which is
shown in Figures 23, 24, & 25, the same letters of reference being used
to represent corresponding parts of the apparatus.
The fourth part of my Invention for an improved form of air vessel
is shown in Figures 33 to 30, Sheet 10.
Figures 32 to 35 show the mode in which I apply my improved air
vessel to the service pipes for supplying water in houses, so as to avoid
the concussion which results from suddenly closing cocks or valves
'under pressure. A is the service pipe, and upon this I form a spherical
chamber B, constructed in two halves, so as to enable a ball C, of
mineralized india-rubber or other suitable flexible material, and filled
with air to be introduced as shown in Figures 32 & 33. Upon admitting
water under pressure into the pipe A, the air within the ball C will be
compressed, and the ball will assume the form shown at D, D, in
Fig. 35. If now water be drawn from the pipe, the pressure within the
same will be diminished, and the air expanding, the ball will assume
the form shown at E, E; upon, however, suddenly stopping the draught
upon the pipe, by closing the cock, the increased pressure, instead of

page_text: producing a concussion on the pipe, will compress the air contained in
the ball, causing it to assume the position shown at F, F.
Fig. 36 shows the application of the same principle to a larger air
vessel, such as would be placed upon the rising main of a pump, or
other situation in which a large pipe was subjected to sudden variations
of pressure. A is the main pipe; B, the air vessel, and C the flexible
diaphragm which serves to imprison the air and prevent its mixing with
the water, and so getting gradually lost. The ball or bag in which the
air is enclosed may be of any form, and need not exactly conform in
shape to that of the air vessel in which it is enclosed.
The fifth part of my Invention is an improved hydrant, as shown in
Figures 37 to 40, Sheet 11.
B is a vertical pipe projecting from the main C, and having bolted
to it a short pipe D with a screw cut both upon its inner and outer
surfaces; E is a plug screwed into this pipe so as to close it, and having
a washer of leather or other elastic material F to render the joint
perfectly water-tight.
When it is desired to use the hydrant the lid of the street box G is
opened and the stand pipe H is screwed on to the top of the pipe D.
This stand pipe has a spindle I which passes through the stuffing-box K,
and has upon its lower extremity a screw L corresponding with a
screwed recess in the plug E, and the direction of which screw is
opposite to that upon the outside of the plug. As soon as the stand
pipe has been screwed into its place and a hose attached to the
outlet M the spindle I is turned round by means of the handle N and
screwed into the plug E; the turning of the spindle being continued
after it has been screwed home into the plug causes the latter to be
unscrewed from the pipe D and allows of its being raised into the
upper part of the stand pipe, so as to leave the outlet free for the
passage of water. A collar of leather or mineralized india-rubber is
introduced at O to prevent the plug, when lifted, from striking against
the top of the stand pipe.
To shut off the water the spindle I is pushed down until the plug
enters the top of the pipe D, it is then turned round until the plug E
has been screwed down into its place, the turning of the spindle being
continued until it is released from the plug, when the stand pipe is itself
removed. P, P, are two studs or projections upon the top of the plug E

page_text: to enable it to be screwed more tightly down after the removal of the
stand pipe.
When the pressure of the water in the main C exceeds that produced
by a column of about seventy feet a throttle valve Q is introduced in
the outlet pipe M, as shown in Fig. 40, having an external handle to
allow of its being closed, so as to stop the effluent water, and to allow
of the spindle I, with the plug E upon it, being pushed down when it is
desired to screw the plug into the pipe D.
The sixth part of my Invention, consisting of another improved form
of hydrant, is shown in Figures 41 to 46, Sheet 12. D is a short pipe to
be bolted on to the top of the vertical pipe projecting from the main as
herein-before described; this pipe contains two recesses for the reception
of a plate E of the form shown in Fig. 45; above this plate is another F,
of the form shown in Fig. 43, having two openings G, G, this second
plate being retained in its place by the short pipe H screwed down into
the upper part of the pipe D. Upon the upper part of the plate F are
four projecting studs I, I, I, I, The plate F is free to turn in the
circular channel in the pipe H, but the lower plate E is prevented from
turning, being held in the recess in the pipe D; the surfaces of the
plates in contact with each other, and the margin of the plate F bearing
against the pipe H are formed true and smooth so as to make a water-
tight joint.
Fig. 44 is a plan of the hydrant, the plate E being shown by dotted
lines, and it will be seen that its form is such that it covers and
effectually closes the two openings G, G, in the upper plate F, and so
prevents the passing of any water.
K is a stand pipe having a projecting tongue L fixed across its mouth
as shown in Figures 41 and 46, the latter of which is an underneath view
of the stand pipe. Upon the opposite sides of the pipe H are two pro-
jections M, M, corresponding with inclined grooves upon the lower part
of the stand pipe K, and forming what is ordinarily known as a bayonet
joint for the attachment of the stand pipe K to the pipe H.
When it is desired to open the hydrant, the stand pipe is placed in the
position shown in Figures 41 & 42, the tongue L entering into the
space between the projecting studs I, I, I, I, upon the plate F. Upon
turning the stand pipe K a quarter of a turn, the projections M, M,
enter the grooves so as to fix it in place, at the same time that the
tongue L bearing against the studs I, I, I, I, carries round the plate F

page_text: into such a position that the openings G, G, are no longer covered by
the plate E, and the water is allowed freely to flow through them.
When it is desired to close the hydrant, it is only necessary to turn
the stand pipe K back to its former position, in doing which the plate F
will be carried back to the position shown in Figures 41 & 44, in
which the openings G, G, are closed by the lower plate E. The lower
plate E should be quite loose, so that the pressure of the water upon
its lower surface may always keep it in contact with the upper plate F.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, 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 con-
sider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as my said Invention
is the following
Firstly. The general construction and arrangement of the apparatus
hercin-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.
Secondly. The construction of air vessels used for preventing the
concussion on pipes for the supply of water under pressure, or for other
purposes, so as to prevent the commingling of the air and water, sub-
stantially in the manner herein-before described.
Thirdly. The general construction and arrangement of hydrants for
the supply of water from mains and the application thereof, substantially
in the manner herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Law, have hereunto set my
hand and scal, this First day of November One thousand eight
hundred and seventy.