Improvements in Discharging Apparatus for Flushing Cisterns, Water Closets, Lavatory Basins, Sinks, and the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Sept., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 16th July, 1896-Accepted, 29th Aug., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Discharging Apparatus for Flushing Cisterns,
Water Closets, Lavatory Basins, Sinks, and the like.
1, GEORGE CHISHOLM, Junior of The Craigs in the Town and County of
Stirling, North Britain, Manufacturing Plumber do hereby declare the nature of
this invention to be as follows:-
:-
It relates chiefly to stench and other traps for fluid substances passing through
sinks, wash basins, cisterns, water closets and other appliances and has for its chief
objects:
1st. To render some such traps more secure against involuntary or unintentional
syphoning:
2nd. To render such traps capable of quick or instantaneous syphoning:
3rd. To make such traps selfacting in certain events:
4th. To prevent liability to overflowing of sinks and other vessels:
5th. To render plug outlet valves unnecessary for wash basins and other
vessels.
"
In carrying out this invention in connection with an overhead intermittant
flushing or supply cistern the flushing or outlet pipe is made with a double "swan
neck or M shaped syphon bend fixed below the water level inside the cistern.
One leg of this M shaped syphon passes through the cistern and is united to or
extended as a flushing pipe and the other leg is open at its base to the cistern
chamber. The interior of this double arched syphon bend contains a water trap
with extra deep seal" and an air or pneumatic lock for controlling the syphon.
This air lock is formed in the top of the inlet bend and from the top of this
bend a small vent pipe extends to an air valve which is operated by pneumatic or
other force.
"
If the trap contained in the aforesaid double bend syphon is filled with water
and the cistern is thereafter filled with water the syphon becomes air bound by the
air which is locked in the top of the inlet bend as there is not a sufficient head of
water ordinarily in the cistern above the syphon to overcome the air in the said
bend. This dead lock in the syphon is relieved by opening the air valve. When
the air valve is opened the air which is confined in the syphon bend escapes
through the said valve and the intervening vent pipe and the water obtains free
passage through the syphon until the cistern is emptied.
When the cistern is emptied to the level of the inlet or open end of the
M shaped syphon bend the air again enters that bend and the syphon becomes
again air bound when the inflowing water rises above the said open or inlet end.
In carrying out this invention in conuection with a water closet pan a double
bend trap similar to that above described is formed beneath the said pan in lieu of
a single (or "swan neck") bend trap and a vent pipe connects the top of the inlet
bend thereof to an air valve which is adapted for operation by pneumatic or other
force. This double bend form of trap enables a moderate head of water to be
kept in the closet pan." The syphoning of the contents of the said pan and the
venting of the said air-lock are simultaneously effected. When the flushing valve
of the overhead supply cistern is opened and the air valve of the closet pan is also
opened the air escapes from the bend through the said air valve the head of water

page_text: in the closet pan flows into the said bend taking the place of the discharged air
and commences the syphoning process which then continues until the water is
exhausted from the pan: that descending from the cistern then takes its place.
When the water contained in the double troughed closet pan trap ceases to flow
and becomes stationary, air accumulates in the upper part of the inlet bend, a
slight head of water is then in the closet pan and the trap is air bound as before
described.
When a cistern with double bend syphoning pipe trap and a closet pan with
double bend or double troughed trap are combined one air valve suffices for the
simultaneous operation of each by connecting the vent pipe of the closet trap with
the vent pipe of the cistern syphon trap so that when the air valve with which
they are connected is opened the compressed air in these vent pipes and their
bends obtains release and each syphon trap commences to operate.
This invention is applied to a lavatory basin, sink, trough or other similar vessel
in a manner corresponding to that described in connection with a water closet pan
or supply cistern.
The air valve is formed within a valve box containing a cylindrical chamber,
valve seat, and cover: a piston shaped plug is fitted within this cylinder and
connected with the valve by a short rod or neck. The cylindrical part of the
valve box is perforated between the valve and piston so that when the plug and
valve are operated so as to remove the valve from its seat the compressed air
escapes at the said perforated part or parts, the vent pipe and valve being fixed in
or to the aforesaid cover. If this air valve is in a vertical position the valve rests
upon its seat by its own and pistons weight or is pressed thereon by a spring. The
valve is sometimes pressed upon its seat by means of a ball float and lever arm
within the supply cistern: it is sometimes operated by pneumatic force which is
applied to the piston and by means of it displaces the valve momentarily from its
seat and allows the imprisoned air to escape. This air valve is also made capable
of responding to manual pressure for its operation; more especially in connection
with sinks, wash hand basins, and such like vessels.
When a vessel which is fitted with this double bend air locking syphon trap is
overcharged or furnished with an excessive head of water or fluid beyond what the
air lock is designed to bear the pressure of the extra fluid overcomes the air-lock
the syphoning process commences and continues so long as this excessive pressure
is maintained in these circumstances the syphouing trap becomes a self acting one
preventing the water or fluid from overflowing the vessel.
The depth of the seal to each such trap is proportioned to the head of fluid
required to be maintained in the associated vessel. No plug valve for outlet
purposes is required to sinks wash hand basins or such like vessels to which this air
locking syphon trap is attached.
Dated this 14th day of September 1895.
JOSEPH LOCKWOOD,
263 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Applicant.
Improvements in Discharging Apparatus for Flushing Cisterns,
Water Closets, Lavatory Basins, Sinks, and the like.
I, GEORGE CHISHOLM Junior of The Craigs, in the Town and County of
Stirling, North Britain Manufacturing Plumber, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
.described and ascertained in and by the following statement:
It relates chiefly to stench and other traps for fluid substances passing through

page_text: SILKE, WUSH DASTUS, Cisterns, water closets and other appuances and mis for
objects :―
тоз ситет
1st. To render some such traps more secure against involuntary or unintentional
syphoning:
2nd. To render such traps capable of quick or instantaneous syphoning:
3rd. To make such traps selfacting in certain events:
4th. To prevent liability to overflowing of sinks and other vessels :
5th. To render plug outlet valves unnecessary for wash basins and other
vessels.
The invention will be better understood if reference is made to the accompanying
drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a view in elevation and section shewing the invention applied to an
overhead flushing cistern..
Figure 2 is a view in elevation and section shewing the invention applied to a
water closet.
Figure 3 is a view in elevation shewing an overhead flushing cistern and a water
closet containing these improvements.
Figures 4 and 5 are views in section and elevation shewing how the invention is
applied to lavatory basins or such like vessels.
Figures 6 to 10 exhibit details relating to air valves comprised in these improve-
ments and to other devices.
Similar letters of reference and numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding
parts.
"
In carrying out this invention in connection with an overhead intermittent
flushing or supply cistern as shewn by A, Fig. 1, the flushing or outlet pipe B is
made with a double " swan neck or M shaped syphon bend B1, B2, fixed below
the water level C inside the cistern. One leg of this M shaped syphon passes
through the cistern and is united to or extended as a flushing pipe 63 and the other
leg is open at its base to the cistern chamber. The interior of this double
arched syphon bend contains a water trap 6 with extra deep "seal" and an air or
pneumatic lock, in the bend B', for controlling the syphon.
This air lock is formed in the top B¹ of the inlet bend and from the top of
this bend a small vent pipe extends to an air valve D which is operated by
pneumatic or other force.
If the trap contained in the aforesaid double bend syphon is filled with water
and the cistern A is thereafter filled with water up to the level C the syphon B¹, B³,
becomes air bound by the air which is locked in the top of the inlet bend B' as
there is not a sufficient head of water ordinarily in the cistern above the syphon to
overcome the air in the said bend. This dead lock in the syphon is relieved by
operating the air valve D Fig. 1. When the air valve D Fig. 1 is opened the air
which is confined in the syphon bend B₁ escapes through the holes in the said
valve D and the intervening vent pipe d'and the water obtains free passage through
the syphon until the cistern is emptied.
When the cisteru A is emptied to the level of the inlet or open end 64 of the
M shaped syphon the air again enters that bend B', &, and the syphon becomes
again air bound when the inflowing water rises above the said open, or inlet
end 64.
In carrying out this invention in connection with a water closet pan E, Fig. 2, a
double bend trap F, F¹, similar to that above described is formed beneath the said
pan in lieu of a single (or "swan-ueck ") bend trap and a vent pipe f' connects the
top of the inlet bend F to an air valve D, or d³, which is adapted for operation by
pneumatic or other force. This double bend form of trap F, F', enables a
moderate head of water to be kept in the closet pan E. The syphoning of the
contents of the said pan E and the venting of the air-lock in the bend F, are
simultaneously effected by the operation of an air valve d or D Figs. 4 to 9.
Figures 6 and 9 represent air valves with spring push and loaded valve for manual
operation adapted for use with the closet shewn in Figure 2, and the vessel shewn

page_text: in Figures 4 and 5. When the flushing valve of any overhead supply cistern is
opened and the air valve d' or D of the closet E, F, F' is also opened the air escapes
from the bend F through the said air valve d'or D the head of water e¹ in the
closet pan E flows into the said bend F taking the place of the discharged air and
commences the syphoning process which then continues until the water is exhausted
from the pan E; that which descends from the cistern then takes its place.
When the water contained in the double troughed closet pan trap F, FI, ceases to
flow and becomes stationary, air accumulates again in the upper part of the inlet
bend F a slight head of water is then in the closet pan and the trap F, F, is air
bound as before described.
.
When a cistern A Fig. 1, with double bend syphoning pipe trap B1, B2, and a
closet pan E Fig. 2 with double bend or double troughed trap F, F, are combined
as shewn in Fig. 3 with the air locking and releasing devices herein described (and
indicated by dotted lines in the said figure) one air valve D or d suffices for the
simultaneous operation of each by connecting the vent pipe f* of the closet trap Fl,
with the vent pipe d' of the cistern syphon trap B', so that when the air valve D
or d with which they are connected is opened by the means herein described the
compressed air in these vent pipes d' and f' and their bends B' and F obtains
release and each syphon trap 65 and f³ commences to operate.
This invention is applied to a lavatory basin G or H Figs. 4 and 5, to a sink,
trough or other similar vessel in a manner corresponding to that described herein
in connection with a water closet pan or supply cistern.
In Figure 4 the basin or trough G is formed with a depression at g' for receiving
a nozzle g² with grated cover g³. A box or trap g' is united to the nozzle g and
the inlet bend thereof, marked 9 forms part of an M shaped or double bend
syphon 9, 9, having a trap g' with a deep seal. A small bore pipe g connects the
upper part of the inlet bend g with an air valve D or d and the voluntary
operation of the trap and syphon 9 9 by releasing the air from the locked
bend is in all essential respects the same as in the cistern and closet before
described. The depth of the water seal g' is adjusted so that it can be broken by
an excessive head of water in the bowl or trough so that if the basin or trough G
is filled too full the extra pressure suffices to overcome the air lock in the bend g
and start the syphon which empties the vessel quicker than it can re-fill and the
water seal formed by 9 9 is thereby broken and air again enters the bend g³. It
the water still continues to flow in G this process of filling and syphoning will
continue until the water is turned off: the water cannot overflow the basin or
trough G as its weight, when overfilled will always break the air lock in go and
start the syphoning. The part marked 9' is a washer or packing for making a
water tight joint between 9, 93, 9*.
In Figure 5 the basin or trough H is formed with an outlet faucet ¹ depressed
at the top to receive a grating and flanged at for bolting to a base . An
M shaped or double bend syphon such as 9,9,9' Fig. 4 is fitted to h* with its inlet
bend within the faucet connected to a small bore vent pipe 98: or an
equivalent arrangement is made within the faucet 3 by making the inlet bend ³
Fig. 5 of domed form with the discharge pipe h in the centre. The air lock,
corresponding with B¹, and F is formed in the domed cover of ho, h. The vent
pipe 98 connects the air-lock of h with an air valve D (or d) which is operated
voluntarily as before described for releasing the air in ho, ho, and starting the
syphonic action in 9ª g².
The air valve shewn in Figs. 1. and 7 is formed within a valve box D containing
a cylindrical chamber d³, valve seat d' and cover d³: a piston shaped plug dis
fitted within this cylinder and connected with the valve d' by a short rod or neck d³.
The cylindrical part of the valve box is perforated at do between the valve and
piston; when the plug and valve are operated so as to remove the valve from its
seat the compressed air in d¹ or 98 escapes at the said perforated part or parts, the
vent pipe and valve case D being fixed in or to the aforesaid cover d³. If this
air valve is in a vertical position as shewn in Figs. 1 and 7 the valve d' rests upon

page_text: its seat d by its own weight. It is sometimes pressed upon its seat by means of
a ball float and lever arm d" Figs. 1, 3 and 8 when the devices are within a supply
cistern: it is sometimes operated by pneumatic force which is applied to the
piston d and by means of it displaces the valve d momentarily from its seat * and
allows the imprisoned air to escape.
This lever arm dll is pivotted at d" to the valve case D and a forked or other
lever arm d Fig. 8 is fitted suitably within the valve case for being pressed by the
weight of the float upon the piston plug do when the water in the cistern A is below
the bends B', B. The weight of this float arm d" prevents the piston plug de
being lifted by pressure from the pneumatic push until the water in the cistern A
has reached a sufficient height to start the syphon effectually. When the water
in A covers the bends B1, B2, the float d¹¹ is raised and the pressure of d¹³ is
removed from the piston plug d so that it can be lifted from its seat by pressure-
imparted to the pneumatic push Figs. 1 and 3. This lever d" and its associate
devices effectually prevent the syphon B1, B2, being started inopportunely.
In Figure 6 the valve and push are combined: the valve d is united to the
push by means of a rod d" and a spring do enclosed within the chamber dis
keeps the valve pressed upon its seat d the small bore pipe marked f' connects.
it with the air lock in B¹, F, or . This spring air valve can be arranged in a
vertical, horizontal, or other position and the valve d be removed from its seat d'
either by a pushing or a pulling force.
In Figure 9 an air valve is shewn with case D. cover d, knob and rod d³,
chamber d valve seat and weighted plug de covering the open end of pipe 98: it is
applicable also for controlling the air in f Fig. 2 and releasing it: it is indicated
in Fig. 5.
Inopportune flushing of a cistern A is impossible where a float controlled air
valve as shewn in Figures 1, 3 and 8 is used.
The waste or outlet pipes & Figs. 1 and 3, and 9 Figs. 4 and 5, are of smaller
internal capacity than the syphons B1, B2, and 97. This disparity or difference in
the bore of the said pipes insures a more perfect action in the syphon than when
the pipe or g is made with the same bore as the syphon. It has the effect of
preventing too rapid an action in the suction pipe 3 or g: the suction is strong
but beneficially arrested by narrowing this outlet pipe.
In fixing the several valves herein described to a sink, wash basin or other such
vessel, more especially when made of earthenware, one or more rectangular or
irregular shaped holes J j', are made in the margin of the vessel, as shewn in
Fig. 10, and metal parts of corresponding shape are formed upon the valve devices
for greater convenience when coupling or uncoupling the fittings.
With the overhead cistern A. as shewn in Fig. 1 only a float weighted air valve
and push for opening it are combined, but in other appliances shewn and
described herein the air valve may be operated by either a spring weighted or
pneumatic push.
I am aware that previous to my invention an overhead flushing cistern has
been made with double or multiple bend flushing syphon and small bore vent pipe
for releasing air or water from it, also that spring air valves adapted for manual
operation have been made and applied to numerous purposes, it will therefore be
understood that I do not claim such things broadly as my invention.
•
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. In an overhead flushing cistern the combination therewith of a double
bend syphoning trap B1, B2, and ball lever air valve D, d all substantially
as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes
specified.
Second. In an overhead flushing cistern the combination with any syphoning
trap of the ball lever air valve D, d" and small outlet pipe 63 all substantially

page_text: as herein described with reference to the drawings or any mere modification
thereof for the purposes specified.
Third. In a water closet the combination therewith of the double bend syphoning
trap F, F¹ vent pipe f' and air valve d' all substantially as herein described and
drawn or any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Fourth. In a water closet the combination therewith of the double bend air
locking and syphoning trap F, F', vent pipe fs, air valve D and pneumatic push d¹
all substantially as herein described and drawn or any mere modification thereof
for the purposes specified.
Fifth. The combination of a water closet and overhead cistern with syphoning
trap and other flushing devices all substantially as herein described and drawn or
any mere modification thereof for the purposes specified.
Sixth. In a wash hand basin the combination therewith of the air locking
releasing and syphoning trap devices all substantially as herein described
with reference to Fig. 4 of the drawings or any mere modification thereof for
the purposes specified.
Seventh. In a sink, trough, bath or such like vessel the combination therewith
of the air locking releasing and syphoning trap devices all substantially as herein
described with reference to Figure 4 of the drawings or any mere modification
thereof for the purposes specified.
Eighth. In a wash hand basin the combination therewith of the air locking
releasing and syphoning trap devices all substantially as herein described with
reference to Figure 5 of the drawings or any mere modification. thereof for the
purposes specified.
Ninth. In a sink, trough, bath or such like vessel the combination therewith
of the air locking, releasing and syphoning trap devices all substantially as herein
described with reference to Figure 5 of the drawings or any mere modification
thereof for the purposes specified.
Deted this 14th den of [ul., 1900
JOSEPH LOCKWOOD,
263 Argyle Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Applicant.