Improvements in Apparatus for Sanitary Disinfection and other purposes.
Year: 1890

page_text: The decision of the Comptroller-General of the 20th day of July 1892 allowed,
under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883, an Amendment of this
Specification.
Date or Application, 2nd Dec., 1890-Accepted, 31st Jan.. 1891
COMPLETE SI EUITIVATTUN (AMENDED).
Improvements in Apparatus for Sanitary Disinfection and
other purposes.
"'
1 ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK of the firm of A. M. & Wm. Clark of
53 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to me by
Casper L. Cohn of 862 Broadway, New York City, United States of America,
President of the Germicide Company), and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention relates to the well-known "Germicide" system for the sanitary
disinfection of rooms; closets, sinks, etc.
In such system in its complete form, a solution of suitable disinfecting material
such as chloride of zinc is applied directly to the closet bowl or other apparatus
and a solution, preferably of thymol, is intermittently sprayed into the room or
closet, by means of an atomizer, or similar device.
An obstacle to the perfect working of this system has heretofore consisted
in the difficulty experienced in supplying the disinfecting solution in the small
quantity required, at a constant and uninterrupted rate and of a uniform
strength.
The most satisfactory apparatus hitherto obtainable consisted of a receptacle
containing the disinfectant in a solid form through which water was allowed to
pass on its way to the point of application, the water in its passage through
the apparatus becoming impregnated with the disinfectant, but this method is
defective in that it is wasteful and because the strength of the solution, thereby
formed is extremely variable and uncertain.
I obviate these defects by substituting a liquid disinfectant for the solid
substance heretofore used, and the primary object of this invention is the provision
of apparatus for holding such liquid disinfectant and automatically applying
the same at the proper strength to the apparatus or appliance to be disinfected.
To attain this object it is essential to employ the liquid disinfectant in a
highly concentrated form in order that the apparatus may be compact and easily
accessible and yet be of sufficient capacity to operate without attention for some
time and these requirements necessitate the use of an apparatus by which the
highly concentrated liquid disinfectant is fed very slowly, but regularly and
uninterruptedly, to a receptacle where it is sufficiently diluted with water obtained
from any ordinary source of water supply; and thence in its diluted form conducted
to the point of application.
To this end the invention consists in the novel mechanism, herein described
for controlling the flow of the concentrated liquid disinfectant so that it shall
be supplied slowly but regularly and uninterruptedly as above described. It consists,
further, in the novel mechanism herein described by which the flow of the water
used for diluting the disinfectant is supplied and regulated. It consists, further, in
[Pio1

page_text: the combination of the apparatus for accomplishing the above mentioned objects
and in their combination with an aerial disinfector or atomizer, and means for
operating the same as herein described. It consists, further, in the novel details of
construction and arrangement and combination of parts herein shewn and described
and specifically pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this
Specification, wherein Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the improved apparatus
designed to carry out the invention; Figure 2 is a central sectional view of the
liquid disinfectant feeding device; and Figure 3 is a central sectional view of the
valve controlling the flow of the water with which said disinfectant is diluted.
Similar letters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the figures.
The auxiliary feeding reservoir A constructed of glass or other suitable material
is adapted to contain the concentrated liquid disinfectant, and the object thereof is
to provide a sufficient supply of the disinfectant to last for some time and at the
same time to maintain a constant or substantially constant head or pressure in the
reservoir B which is provided with a fibrous spout consisting preferably bf vitreous
or mineral substance, such as spun glass or asbestos, surrounded by an elastic
packing or washer . A screw-threaded follower 2 encloses said fibres and the
inner end thereof which rests against said washer is slightly concave so that the
washer will be compressed or released, thereby increasing or diminishing
the circumferential pressure of the washer on said fibres as the follower is screwed
in or out. A receptacle C provided with an outlet pipe e leading to the closet-
bowl, sink or other point to which the disinfectant is to be applied, is arranged to
receive the liquid which passes through spout b. A valve D in communication with
the water supply pipe is arranged to deliver water into said receptacle C. where
it mingles with and dilutes the disinfectant and the solution thus formed flows
through pipe c to the desired point of application. It is essential that the rate of
flow through the valve should be slow and the conical end of the valve stem is,
therefore, preferably arranged so as to be normally slightly off its seat. To obviate
the clogging of the valve by sediment, due to the sluggishness of the normal rate of
flow through it, mechanism is provided for intermittently increasing the area of the
valve opening thereby flushing the valve passages at intervals and preventing the
retention of sedimentary deposits. This result I accomplish by providing the valve
stem with arm rigidly connected thereto. A toe formed by a screw
equivalent projection is secured to said arm and as the arm is swung around in the
manner hereinafter set forth the toe rides over a cam 4 on the valve bonnet
thereby lifting the valve stem and increasing the area of the valve orifice while the
toe is passing over said cam. By the increased flow which results therefrom the
valve passages are completely flushed. As soon as the toe clears the cam </+,
the valve stem is returned to its normal position by the action of spring which is
confined between the collar and the loose collar F. A packing, preferably of
rubber or leather, is placed between the collar and the valve bonnet and prevents
leakage around the valve stem. The area of the normal opening through the
valve may be increased or diminished as desired by simply turning the screw
in one direction or the other so as to raise or lower the valve stem d.
or
An atomizer E of any usual construction adapted to hold a solution of thymol
or other disinfectant is arranged so as to be operated by an air-compressing
apparatus or pump having the cylinder F, piston f, hollow piston rod f and
spring held between the piston and the upper cylinder head. The discharge
tube e of the atomizer communicates with the apartment in which the apparatus
is located and the air-supply tube el is connected, by tube 2, with the hollow
piston rod.
The lower end of the cylinder F is suitably connected, (as by rod f³
and chain f), with the seat cover or door of the closet or other movable object.
The cylinder F is also provided with a projection 5 adapted to engage with
the lever G which is pivoted at g and the other end of which is operatively
connected by rod q' to arm ².
The operation of the apparatus which I have just described is as follows: The

page_text: auxiliary reservoir A, which is closed at the top. is filled with a concentrated dis-
infectant in liquid form and the mouth thereof is inserted in the reservoir B into
which the liquid flows and rises slightly above the mouth of the reservoir A, thus
sealing the contents thereof to the atmosphere. As the liquid in the reservoir B
is in communication with the atmosphere, as for instance through vent 3, the level
of the liquid and consequently the head thereof in the reservoir B will remain
substantially constant until the contents of the reservoir A are exhausted. Under
this constant head the liquid will pass through the interstices between the fibres
composing the spout into the receptacle C at a very slow, but regular, rate and
the spout will not become clogged because such interstices are so minute that any
sediment in the liquid will not enter them but will settle at the bottom of
reservoir B. In the receptacle C, the liquid disinfectant is diluted with water
which flows uninterruptedly through the valve D) and the solution thus formed
flows continuously through the pipe to the point of application.
When the seat cover, door, or other object, to which the chain ft is connected
is moved in one direction, the cylinder F is moved downwardly, filling the
cylinder with air which enters through tube e¹ and hollow piston rod f' and
enters the space beneath the piston. When the cover or seat, or other object, is
moved back again the spring f forces the piston back to its original position,
forcibly expelling the confined air through the tube el e² and putting the atomizer
into operation whereby a quantity of thymol, or other disinfectant, contained
therein, is sprayed into the apartment. In its downward movement the cylinder F
carries with it the end of lever G which engages with the projection f" and thereby
swings the arm d² over the cam №ª. When the cylinder F moves back it carries
the arm back over 4. In this manner the valve D is thoroughly flushed every
time the seat cover or other object is moved.
In some cases it may be inadvisable to use the aerial disinfector, in which case
the arm may be connected directly to the object by the movement of which it
is desired to flush the valve. In such case, if necessary, the arm may be
arranged so as to be returned to its original position by a spring or weight con-
nected thereto. The-anxiliary reservoir A may also in some cases, be-smitted, if
desired.
It is obvious that the invention may be used for controlling-and-regulating the
flow of liquids-for-other-purposes than the one-herein specifically described-and
that for such purposes, if--desired the novel device which 1--have-described-for
regulating the How of the liquid disinfectant, and the improved velve-Dy may he
used-separately or as herein shewn-and-described in-combination:
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. A vessel adapted to contain liquid and provided with a spout composed of
fibres of vitreous or mineral substance so arranged that the liquid in the vessel
will flow out through said fibres in the direction of their length, substantially as
shown-and-described.
A vessel adapted to contain liquid and provided with a spont-composed of
fibres-of-n-vitreous-or-mineral-substances in combination with mechanism means for
controlling the circumferential pressure on said fibres, substantially as shewn-and
described.
3. The combination, with a vessal-adapted-to-contain liquid, of n-fibrous-spont,
consisting of an elastic washer surrounding said fibres, and an adjustable follower
arranged to bear against said washer, substantially as set forth.
4. 2. The combination of a vessel adapted to contain liquid and provided with a
fibrous spout in-combination as described, with an auxiliary feeding reservoir,
substantially as set forth.
3. In a valve, the combination of the valve stem, the spring surrounding
said étem and adapted to normally hold the valve towards its seat, the collar

page_text: loosely mounted on said stem and furnishing a bearing for the upper end of said
spring, the packing held between the collar and the bonnet of the valve, the
arm rigidly secured to the valve stem and provided with a toe and the
on the bonnet of the valve, substantially as set forth.
cam
A. 4.
In a valve, the combination of the valve stem d the spring surrounding
said stem and adapted to normally hold the valve towards it's seat, the collar d
loosely mounted on said stem and furnishing a bearing for the upper end of said
spring, the packing held between the collar and the bonnet of the valve, the
arm rigidly secured to the valve stem and provided with a toe, the cam d
on the bonnet of the valve, and mechanism, substantially as shewn, for vibrating
said arm, substantially as set forth.
* 5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of the
reservoir B provided with a fibrous spout as described, the receptacle C provided
with a suitable outlet, and the valve D arranged to deliver water to said receptacle,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
3. In-an-apparatus of the character described, the combination of-the-reservoir-B
provided with n-Abrons-spont by the packing 5';-the-follower-b², the receptacle-C
provided--with-a-suitable-outlet, and the valve-D-arranged-to-deliver-water-to-the
receptacle-C, substantially us-and-for-the-purposes-set-forth.
#. In-a-apparatus of the character-described; the-combination of the reservoir-A,
the reservoir-B-having a fibrous sport, the receptacle C-provided--with-a-suitable
outlet, and the valve D-adapted to deliver-water-into-said-receptacle:-substantially
As-and-for-the-purposes-set-forth.
19: 6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of the
reservoir A, the reservoir B having a fibrous spout as described, the receptacle C
provided with a suitable outlet, the valve D provided with valve stem d', arm_d²,
toes, cam, and spring, with an atomizer, an air-forcing apparatus adapted to
operate the same, and connections between the air-forcing apparatus and the
arm, substantially as and for the purposes described.
11. -*-*pparatus-of the-churmeter-describedythe-combination-of-the-reservoir-A
the reservoir B-having-n fibrous spout, the receptacle C-provided-with-n-suitable
outlet, the valve D-provided with valve stem-d'; arm-d'; toe-d³ram--d--and
spring 1-said-arm-being-adapted to be connected with some-movable-object-of
the-nature-described,-substantially-as-and-for the purposes-described:
Dated this 2nd day of December 1890.
A. MELVILLE CLARK.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.
A. MELVILLE CLARK.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.

page_text: This Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as if stands after
further Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883), as
allowed by the decision of the Comptroller General of the 16th day of March
Date of Application, 2nd Dec., 1890-Accepted, 31st Jan.. 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improvements in Apparatus for Sanitary Disinfection and
other purposes.
I ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK of the firm of A. M. & Wm. Clark of
53 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Fellow of the Institute of Patent
Agents do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication to me by
Casper L. Cohn of 862 Broadway, New York City, United States of America,
President of the Germicide Company), and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to the well-known Germicide" system for the sanitary
disinfection of rooms, closets, sinks, etc.
In such system in its complete form, a solution of suitable disinfecting material
such as chloride of zinc is applied directly to the closet bowl or other apparatus
and a solution, preferably of thymol, is intermittently sprayed into the room or
closet by means of an atomizer, or similar device.
An obstacle to the perfect working of this system has heretofore consisted
in the difficulty experienced in supplying the disinfecting solution in the small
quantity required, at al constant and uninterrupted rate and of a uniform
strength.
The most satisfactory apparatus hitherto obtainable consisted of a receptacle
containing the disinfectant in a solid form through which water was allowed to
pass on its way to the point of application, the water in its passage through
the apparatus becoming impregnated with the disinfectant, but this method is
defective in that it is wasteful and because the strength of the solution thereby
formed is extremely variable and uncertain.
I obviate these defects by substituting a liquid disinfectant for the solid
substance heretofore used, and the primary object of this invention is the provision
of apparatus for holding such liquid disinfectant and automatically applying
the same at the proper strength to the apparatus or appliance to be disinfected.
To attain this object it is essential to employ the liquid disinfectant in a
highly concentrated form in order that the apparatus may be compact and easily
accessible and yet be of sufficient capacity to operate without attention for some
time and these requirements necessitate the use of an apparatus by which the
highly concentrated liquid disinfectant is fed very slowly, but regularly and
uninterruptedly, to a receptacle where it is sufficiently diluted with water obtained
from any ordinary source of water supply, and thence in its diluted form conducted
to the point of application.

page_text: To this end the invention consists in the novel mechanism herein described
for controlling the flow of the concentrated liquid disinfectant so. that it shall
be supplied slowly but regularly and uninterruptedly as above described. It consists,
further, in the novel mechanism herein described by which the flow of the water
used for diluting the disinfectant is supplied and regulated. It consists, further, in
the combination of the apparatus for accomplishing the above mentioned objects
and in their combination with an aerial disinfector or atomizer, and means for
operating the same as herein described. It consists, further, in the novel details of
construction and arrangement and combination of parts herein shewn and described
and specifically pointed out in the claims.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this
Specification, wherein Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the improved apparatus
designed to carry out the invention; Figure 2 is a central sectional view of the
liquid disinfectant feeding device; and Figure 3 is a central sectional view of the
valve controlling the flow of the water with which said disinfectant is diluted.
Similar letters of reference denote corresponding parts in all the figures.
b
The auxiliary feeding reservoir A constructed of glass or other suitable material
is adapted to contain the concentrated liquid disinfectant, and the object thereof is
to provide a sufficient supply of the disinfectant to last for some time and at the
same time to maintain a constant or substantially constant head or pressure in the
reservoir B which is provided with a fibrous spout 6 consisting preferably of vitreous
or mineral substance, such as spun glass or asbestos, surrounded by an elastic
packing or washer 6'. A screw-threaded follower encloses said fibres and the
inner end thereof which rests against said washer is slightly concave so that the
washer will be compressed or released, thereby increasing or diminishing
the circumferential pressure of the washef on said fibres as the follower is screwed
in or out. A receptacle C provided with an outlet pipe e leading to the closet-
bowl, sink or other point to which the disinfectant is to be applied, is arranged to
receive the liquid which passes through spout b. A valve D in communication with
the water supply pipe is arranged to deliver water into said receptacle C where
it mingles with and dilutes the disinfectant and the solution thus formed flows
through pipe to the desired point of application. It is essential that the rate of
flow through the valve should be slow and the conical end of the valve stem is.
therefore, preferably arranged so as to be normally slightly off its seat. To obviate
the clogging of the valve by sediment, due to the sluggishness of the normal rate of
flow through it, mechanism is provided for intermittently increasing the area of the
valve opening thereby flushing the valve passages at intervals and preventing the
retention of sedimentary deposits. This result I accomplish by providing the valve
stem with arm rigidly connected thereto. A toe formed by a screw
equivalent projection is secured to said arm and as the arm is swung around in the
manner hereinafter set forth the toe rides over a cam 4 on the valve bonnet
thereby lifting the valve stem and increasing the area of the valve orifice while the
toe is passing over said cam. By the increased flow which results therefrom the
valve passage are completely flushed. As soon as the toe clears the cam,
the valve stem is returned to its normal position by the action of spring which is
confined between the collar and the loose collar 7. A packing, preferably of
rubber or leather, is placed between the collar and the valve bonnet and prevents
leakage around the valve stem. The area of the normal opening through the
valve may be increased or diminished as desired by simply turning the screw d
in one direction or the other so as to raise or lower the valve stem d.
or
An atomizer E of any usual construction adapted to hold a solution of thymol
or other disinfectant is arranged so as to be operated by an air-compressing
apparatus or pump having the cylinder F, piston f, hollow piston rod and
spring held between the piston and the upper cylinder head. The discharge
tube e of the atomizer communicates with the apartment in which the apparatus
is located and the air-supply tube e¹ is connected, by tube e, with the hollow
piston rod. The lower end of the cylinder F is suitably connected, (as by rod f³

page_text: and chain f), with the seat cover or door of the closet or other movable object.
The cylinder F is also provided with a projection f adapted to engage with
the lever G which is pivoted at and the other end of which is operatively
connected by rod g to arm².
The operation of the apparatus which I have just described is as follows; The
auxiliary reservoir A, which is closed at the top, is filled with a concentrated dis-
infectant in liquid form and the mouth thereof is inserted in the reservoir B inte
which the liquid fiows and rises slightly above the mouth of the reservoir A, thus
sealing the contents thereof to the atmosphere. As the liquid in the reservoir B
is in communication with the atmosphere, as for instance through vent 63, the level
of the liquid and consequently the head thereof in the reservoir B will remain
substantially constant until the contents of the reservoir A. are exhausted. Under
this constant head the liquid will pass through the interstices between the fibres
composing the spout into the receptacle C at a very slow, but regular, rate and
the spout will not become clogged because such interstices are so minute that any
sediment in the liquid will not enter them but will settle at the bottom of
reservoir B. In the receptacle C, the liquid disinfectant is diluted with water
which flows uninterruptedly through the valve D and the solution thus formed
flows continuously through the pipe to the point of application.
When the seat cover, door, or other object, to which the chain f is connected
is moved in one direction, the cylinder F is moved downwardly, filling the
cylinder with air which enters through tube e¹ and hollow piston rod ƒ¹ and
enters the space beneath the piston. When the cover or seat, or other object, is
moved back again the spring f forces the piston back to its original position,
forcibly expelling the confined air through the tube e¹² and putting the atomizer
into operation whereby a quantity of thymol, or other disinfectant, contained
therein, is sprayed into the apartment. In its downward movement the cylinder F
carries with it the end of lever G which engages with the projection f and thereby
swings the arm over the cam 7. When the cylinder F moves back it carries
the arm back over . In this manner the valve D is thoroughly flushed every
time the seat cover or other object is moved.
In some cases.it may be inadvisable to use the aerial disinfector, in which case
the arm may be connected directly to the object by the movement of which it
is desired to flush the valve. In such case, if necessary, the arm may be
arranged so as to be returned to its original position by a spring or weight con-
nected thereto.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. A vessel adapted to contain liquid and provided with a spout composed of
fibres of vitreous or mineral substance so arranged that the liquid in the vessel
will flow out through said fibres in the direction of their length, in combination
with means for controlling the circumferential pressure on said fibres, consisting of
an elastic washer surrounding said fibres, and an adjustable follower arranged to
bear against said washer, substantially as set forth.
2. The combination of a vessel adapted to contain liquid and provided with a
fibrous spout provided with means for controlling the circumferential pressure as
described, with an auxiliary feeding reservoir, substantially as set forth."
3. In a valve, the combination of the valve stem, the spring surrounding
said stem and adapted to normally hold the valve towards its seat, the collar
loosely mounted on said stem and furnishing a bearing for the upper end of said
spring, the packing held between the collar and the bonnet of the valve, the
arm rigidly secured to the valve stem and provided with a toe d³ and the
cam d on the bonnet of the valve, substantially as set forth.
4. In a valve, the combination of the valve stem ', the spring & surrounding
said stem and adapted to normally hold the valve towards its seat, the collar d

page_text: loosely mounted on said stem and furnishing a bearing for the upper end of said
spring, the packing ds held between the collar and the bonnet of the valve, the
arm rigidly secured to the valve stem and provided with a toe, the cam d
on the bonnet of the valve, and mechanism, substantially as shewn, for vibrating
said arm, substantially as set forth.
of the
5. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination
reservoir B provided with a fibrous spout as described, the receptacle C provided
with a suitable outlet, and the valve D arranged to deliver water to said receptacle,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of the
reservoir A, the reservoir B having a fibrous spout as described, the receptacle C
provided with a suitable outlet, the valve D provided with valve stem d, arm d²,
toe ³, cam d, and spring d³, with an atomizer, an air-forcing apparatus adapted to
operate the same, and connections between the air-forcing apparatus and the
arm, substantially as and for the purposes described.
Dated this 2nd day of December 1890.
A. MELVILLE CLARK.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.
A. MELVILLE CLARK.
By A. M. & Wm. Clark,
53, Chancery Lane, London, Patent Agents.