IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTE WATER PREVENTERS AND VALVE Cocks."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick John Henderson, of King's Cross Road, in the
County of Middlesex, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTE WATER
PREVENTERS AND VALVE Cocks."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick John Henderson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd October 1880.
FREDERICK JOHN HENDERSON, of King's Cross Road, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTE WATER PREVENTERS AND VALVE COCKS."
The object of this Invention is to improve the action, and at the same time to
simplify and to cheapen the construction and the cost of manufacture of valves
having a so called sucker connection with the spindle or other actuating part, that
is, valves in which the valve proper has a cupped or dished part with a flat
rim, on which a disc of india rubber, leather, or other flexible or elastic material
can seat itself, such disc carrying the valve spindle, rod, cord, chain, or wire for
actuating it. When the latter part is raised or actuated the adhesion, especially
when wet, between the india rubber disc and the rim of the rim of the cup on the
valve will cause the valve to be raised with it, but after a certain time, which is
determined by the closeness of the fit between the elastic disc and the rim, or by
the size of a very fine aperture adjustable by a screw as to size and leading into
the interior of the cup, the adhesion will be overcome and the valve drop down on
its seat. The cause of this action is this, that when the elastic disc while adhering
to the rim all round by mere adhesion is raised in the middle, a partial vacuum will
be created in the cup below it, and this vacuum will carry the valve which is below
the cup, but as soon as air or other liquid has run into the cup, either by reason of
the aforesaid imperfect fit between the disc and the rim on the cup, or through the
aforesaid fine opening into the cup, the equilibrium will be restored, the partial
vacuum destroyed, and the valve will drop down on to its seat.
In some cases the elastic disc may act as a valve itself.
The above described peculiar action makes valves of this description particularly
applicable as water waste preventers for flushing water closets, urinals, and other
places where a water flush of a certain duration or volume is required, but these
valves are also generally applicable to the emptying or filling of vessels and for
measuring or controlling the supply of a liquid.

page_text: According to this Invention I form the cup or disc with a cone recess in the
bottom for the purpose of affording a simple, yet sufficient and efficient, guide for a
guide peg of a somewhat greater taper, such peg forming a continuation of the
valve actuating spindle where a spindle is used, or else being attached to the wire,
rod, cord, or chain, or part for the actuating of the valve.
By this means I disponse with any or other special guide, the peg being made
sufficiently long so as almost to bottom in the cone recess; it also forms a stop to
limit the amount of depression of the elastic disc in the middle.
On the aforesaid peg I fasten the elastic disc, and by preference by simply
forcing it over a shoulder thereon, being then retained in place between the said
shoulder and another shoulder, or washer, or nut.
The valve proper of india rubber or other suitable elastic material I fasten to
the underside of the cup by forcing it over the outside of the aforesaid cone part of
same, and retain it in place in a circular groove formed therein. Sometimes,
especially for larger valves, I may also secure the valve at the exterior circum-
ference by means of a cap screwed on to the outside of the cup. The cone is, by
preference, circular in section.
Where a weight is required for holding the flexible sucker disc down on to the
rim of the cup I prefer to make it in the following manner:-I make the weight
in the form of a ring of lead or other easily melted heavy material, and I run it
into a inould of the required form, having previously inserted into the mould a
cross bar or bridge made, say, of galvanized iron or zinc curled up or otherwise, so
formed at each end as to securely hold the lead ring when melted therein.
weight is free to slide with its cross bar on the spindle part, to which the flexible
disc is attached.
This
When an enclosing casing is employed in connection with this valve for
preventing fouling of the valve by the entry of floating pieces of wood or other
foreign substances, I, in some cases, prefer to form the lower part of such casing
with two or more lugs for fastening it by means of screws to the bottom of the
cistern.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick John Henderson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
2nd April 1881.
FREDERICK JOHN HENDERSON, of King's Cross Road, in the County of
Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN WASTE WATER PREVENTERS AND VALVE COCKS."
The object of this Invention is to improve the action, and at the same time to
simplify and to cheapen the construction and the cost of manufacture of valves
having a so called sucker connection with the spindle or other actuating part, that
is, valves in which the valve proper has, for instance, a cupped or dished part with a
flat rim, on which a disc (the so called "sucker") of india rubber, leather, or other
flexible or elastic material can seat itself, such disc carrying the valve spindle, rod,
cord, chain, or wire for actuating it. When the latter part is raised or actuated,
the adhesion, especially when wet, between the india rubber disc or "sucker," and
the rim on the valve will cause the valve to be raised with it, but after a certain
time, which is determined by the closeness of the fit between the elastic disc and
the rim, or by the size of a very fine aperture into the interior of the cupped or
dished part, the adhesion will be overcome and the valve drop down on its seat.
The cause of this action is this, that when the elastic disc or sucker while adhering
to the rim all round by mere adhesion is raised in the middle, a partial vacuum
will be created in the cup below it, and this vacuum will carry the valve which is
below the cup, but as soon as air or other fluid has run into the cup,.either by
reason of the aforesaid imperfect fit between the disc and the rim on the cupped
part, or through the aforesaid fine opening into the cup, the equilibrium will be
restored, the partial vacuum destroyed, and the valve will drop down onto its
scat.
In some cases the elastic disc may act as a valve itself.
The above described peculiar action makes valves of this description particularly
applicable as water waste preventers for flushing water closets, urinals, and other
places where a water flush of a certain duration or volume is required, but these
valves or valve cocks are also generally applicable to the emptying or filling of
vessels, and for measuring or controlling supply of a liquid.
According to this Invention I form the valve, cup, or dish, with a recess in the
bottom, such recess having a general conical form, but without necessarily, or by
preference of a straight cone, for the purpose of affording a simple yet sufficient and
efficient guide for a guide peg of a somewhat longer or different taper, so as to
prevent sticking, which would occur if the guide peg and the recess were parallel,
such peg forming a continuation of the valve actuating spindle (where a spindle is
used), or else being attached to the wire, rod, cord, or chain, or part for the actuating
of the valve; the object is in all cases, as stated, to afford sufficient and efficient
guiding facility, and for this purpose I prevent adhesion between large guiding
surfaces, and I therefore in all cases (as will be understood more fully by reference
to my Drawings), so form and apportion the relative surfaces which, during the
operation of the valves, may come in contact with each other, that they are as
small as possible.
By this kind of guide I may in many cases dispense with any or other special
guide for the said valve, or cup or dish formed in the bottom part thereof, the peg
being moreover made sufficiently long so as almost to bottom in the cone recess; it
also forms a stop to limit the amount of depression of the elastic disc or sucker in
the middle; I also thereby cheapen the construction or fitting up of this part of
the valve, as the amount of turning and boring work now used is almost dispensed
with.

page_text: In all
On the aforesaid peg I fasten the elastic disc or sucker, and by preference by
simply forcing it over a shoulder thereon, the sucker or disc being then retained in
place between the said shoulder and another shoulder or washer or nut.
cases I make the central hole through the elastic disc smaller, and in some cases
sensibly smaller than the part between the two shoulders, on which part it is to be
fixed, and when the hole in the middle is thus forced or expanded, the flexible disc
or sucker assumes a saucer shape, more or less deep, according to the extent to
which the hole is expanded. I find these forms of disc or sucker especially useful,
partly because the sucker fits more tightly round its centre spindle or part, so as to
prevent possibility of leakage through at this place, and partly because the saucer
shape thus assumed by the originally flat disc, enables me in some cases to cheapen
the manufacture by doing away with the dish or cupped part on the top of the
valve proper, or by reducing it in depth, the action being at the same time certain.
When this saucer shaped sucker is made shallow, as I prefer it, it is not subjected
to a collapsing action (which is detrimental to the rubber or other material of
which it is made), except to a very small extent.
The valve proper of india rubber or other suitable elastic material I fasten to the
underside of the cup or body, by forcing it over the outside of the aforesaid cone
part of same, and retain it in place in a circular groove formed therein. I find it
advantageous to make the central hole sensibly smaller than the groove or part in
which it is to fit, and I thus prevent possibility of leakage at this place also. If
this hole be made much smaller than the groove or part in which it is made to fit,
the valve will assume more or less saucer shape, similar to that described above
with reference to the sucker. Sometimes, especially for larger valves, I may secure
the valve at the exterior circumference (as well as in the centre as stated) by means
of a cap screwed on to the outside of the cup. The cone is circular in section.
When an enclosing casing is employed in connection with this valve for
preventing fouling of the valve by the entry of floating pieces of wood or other
foreign substances, I prefer to form the lower part of such casing with two or more
lugs for fastening it by means of screws to some part of the valve scating which is
secured to the bottom of the cistern, or the said casing may be fastened to the
bottom of the cistern itself by means of the lugs and screws. The valve seating, or
the casing, or some part connected therewith, must of course be formed with one or
more holes or perforations for the entry of the water into the interior of the casing.
In some cases I make the aforesaid screws longer, so that they may act as guide
pegs or studs which pass through the lugs on the said casing, which latter I then
connect to the moveable or lifting part of the valve.
Where a weight is required for holding the flexible sucker disc down on to the
rim of the cup or other part of the valve, I prefer to make it in the following
nanner I make this weight in the form of a ring of lead or other easily melted
heavy material, and I run it into a mould of the required form, having previously
inserted into the mould a cross bar or bridge made, say, of galvanized iron or zinc,
curled up or otherwise, so formed at each end as to securely hold the lead ring when
melted therein; this weight is free to slide with its cross bar on the spindle part, to
which the flexible disc is attached.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings is a vertical section of an enclosed valve
constructed according to my Invention, and placed in the bottom of a cistern;
Figure 2 shows the same valve in the lowered and closed position; Figure 3 is plan
of the same, showing it enclosed.
G is the enclosing case, which by means of screws g passing through lugs G' is
fastened to a ring Q, which is screwed onto the valve seating I. The cup or dish C
I form with a cone recess in the bottom part C¹ for the purpose of affording a guide
for a taper guide peg B¹, which forins a continuation of the valve actuating spindle
B, which latter in this case is guided in a socket part of the casing G; the peg B¹
with its lower end forms a stop to limit the amount of depression of the elastic
disc A, which is fastened thereon by being forced over a shoulder b thereon, and
held in place between the shoulder band another shoulder b'. The valve stem B is

page_text: guided in a socket part of the top of the casing G. Where no such enclosing casing
is employed I guide the stem B by preference in a socket part of a bridge fastened
by preference to the ring Q.
The valve proper or flexible disc F is fastened to the under-side of the cup C in
a similar manner, as shown.
The central hole through the sucker disc A is made sensibly smaller than the
diameter of the groove in which it is sprung or forced, and in consequence of this
the disc A assumes a saucer-like shape, here shown, gives it additional stiffness and
power of adhesion. Any suitable weight may, as required, be placed on the top of
the sucker A. The dish C (or other part of the valve above the seating) in this
and all the following Figures is provided with a regulating screw or peg S or other
appliance, for admitting a small definite quantity of air or water to the sucking
side of the sucker A in order to cause the valve to drop or close after a given
time.
In Figures 4 and 5 is shown a similar arrangement of valve, but having the
sucker disc A sprung into a groove inclined in the opposite direction, and also made
especially suitable for larger dimensions, as in this instance the valve proper or
flexible disc F is secured at the outer circumference by means of a cap F screwed
onto the outside of the cup C.
In Figures 6 and 7 I have shewn the same kind of guide applied to a sucker valve
in which the sucker disc A adheres to a rim or flange on the dish C. K is a
weight on the dise A. Sometimes a thickened part K₁ on the tapered guide peg is
sufficient for weighting the disc A, as shown in Figure 7. The size of weight
depends also somewhat upon the thickness of sucker A.
In Figure 8 I have shewn a modification of Figures 1 and 2, the sucker disc A
being replaced by a cup shaped sucker.
In all the valves already described the guiding of the valve is similar, and it will
also be observed that the outside of the lower or recessed part C of the valve is of
an egg shaped form; this part I turn in the lathe, and the smooth and rounded
surface of this part ensures certain and effectual shutting off or closing of the valve,
inasmuch as there is no tendency for the valve to stick when it is dropped from
the sucker A, but it will, on the contrary, immediately glide into its seating, even
in case the valve should be placed somewhat out of the vertical position. This
bottom part C then serves the purpose, firstly, of the recess guide for the guide
peg B; secondly, as a stop for the latter; and, thirdly, as an outer guide, so to say,
to facilitate the easy and certain dropping of the valve into its seat.
Figure 9 shows a valve casing, which also may be used in connection with any
of the above described valve constructions. The ring or flange on the valve
seating I is here also provided with the screws g, which pass through the lugs G' on
the casing G, which latter is connected to the movable or lifting part of the valve
so as to be raised and dropped therewith. The lower or bottom part of the valve
proper is here shewn of the same exterior egg shaped form as in the previously
described Figures, and to the upper or stem part B I fit a globe shaped or bellows
shaped sucker A, the bottom of which sprung over a shoulder b' on the stem B,
and the top of which is similarly sprung over a shoulder k, formed on a guide
part K, which also serves to collapse the ball (or bellows) A, and is attached to the
casing G by a nut k¹, or otherwise. The ball may be made in two halves joined
by flanges cemented together, or joined by screw and brass flanges or rings.
raising the casing G from the position shewn, it will draw the ball A and valve C
with it; the ball A will then gradually expand as the water or other fluid runs
into it through the small hole c (titted with regulating appliance), and between the
stem B and its guide K, which is an easy fit thereon, and the valve C will then
drop on to its seating I. This ball shaped sucker or bellows A with valve C, as shewn
in this Figure, may also be used in connection with the fixed casing G shewn in the
previous Figures; such an arrangement is shown in Figure 10. The movable
casing shewn in Figure 9 may also if desired be used in connection with any of
the previous Figures. N, Figure 9, is a ring, which is cast on or otherwise fastened
On

page_text: to the ring Q, and serves to prevent the entry of floating pieces of wood when the
casing G is raised. The casing G together with the guide part K form a weight to
ensure the compressing of the ball. The casing G is formed with holes, as shown, or
ring Qmay be formed with holes for the entry of the water, or the ring N may be
formed with one or more holes, which however should not be too small, as they
would otherwise in course of time be stopped up by dirt or incrustations.
The casing might also be made of an upper movable part sliding in or on a lower
part fixed to the ring Q.
In Figure 10 I have shewn a valve with movable casing, in which the lift of
the latter is limited by a ring N of a somewhat different form. The valve C may
be of a form already described, as here shewn, but the sucker A is in this case
shown of a saucer or cup shape, formed by pressing it between the convex screw
head b with intermediate washer and the concave part or weight b', which latter
is secured to the casing G. This means of forming the cup or saucer shaped
sucker A may also be applied to other sucker valves, and is to be reccommended, as
it is much cheaper than a moulded sucker valve of this form. A similar means of
forming the cup is shown in Figure 16, which will be described further on.
Figure 10, shows an encased valve with a flat sucker A, and with a casing G
formed with a descending ring or shroud N, which serves the same purpose as the
ring N in Figure 9. The studs g have nuts and checknuts for regulating the lift
of casing and sucker.
Figure 10° shows a sucker of a form like that of Fig. 10%, but the valve is guided
in the usual manner below, that is, by stem and bridge.
Figure 11 shews a valve with a cup shaped sucker A, having its upper stem B
guided in the casing G, and its lower stem B¹ in the recessed part of the valve C¹.
Figure 12 shews a somewhat shallower cup or saucer shaped sucker A, having a
weight of my improved construction, which may be also if desired applied to most
of the valves described, as will be well understood by a practical maker.
Figure 12ª is a plan of the weight. It is made in the form of a ring K, of lead or
other easily melted heavy material, which I run into a mould of the required form,
into which mould I have previously inserted a cross bar or bridge K¹, made, say,
of galvanized iron or zinc, curled up at each end as shown, or in any other suitable
manner, so as to securely hold the ring K when melted therein. In weights as
heretofore made for valves of this description, the ring K often comes off the zinc
cross bar, as the solder separates from the zinc in course of time. The weight is
free to slide with its cross bar K¹ on the spindle B.
The
In Figure 13 I have shewn a valve having a saucer shaped sucker A, which
adheres to the weight D, which is connected to the actuating spindle B.
body C of the valve may be formed with a cone recess, and the weight with a
corresponding cone peg, as in the previous Figures.
The enclosing casing G, G2, here shown, and which may be used with this and
other forms of sucker valves, consists of a cylinder G and a lid G', which are fixed
to lugs on the ring Q by means of two or more screws g.
Figure 14 is a modification of Figure 11, the valve C being fitted with a saucer
shaped sprung-in flexible disc A₁, which adheres to the sucker A when the
spindle B is raised.
In Figure 15 I have shewn a valve in which the action is reversed, inasmuch as
the seat with its valve is caused to be lifted, so that the valve is made to adhere to
an upper fixed part; when the pull or other actuating part is let go (but not before)
the flush will take place. For this purpose the seat I is, by means of a flexible
ring M, connected to the base ring L, and by means of the branches I connected to
the valve actuating part B, which latter is guided on a stem projection from the
disc shaped bridge C; this bridge or plate is fixed to two or more columns C²,
the lower ends of which also serve to securely connect the flexible ring M to the
seating I and to the base ring L, without possibility of leakage at this place, or of
the ring M becoming detached.
Figure 10 shews a similar or afterflush action valve, in which, however, the

page_text: sucker A is fixed to the bridge or plate C by a screw b and intermediate washer, 80
as to form the cup or saucer shape, as referred to in the description of Figure 10%.
In Figure 17 I have shewn my improved casing in a modified form and applied
to a valve construction in which the elastic disc A acts as the valve itself. On the
lugs G¹ cast on the seating I, I fix three or more screws g, which are fitted with a
nut and a check nut each at top for limiting the left, and serve as guides for the
moveable casing G, which is also formed or fitted with the guide peg B¹ that enters
into the recess in the body C¹ of the valve. The casing G is formed with a
downward projecting ring or shroud N which effectually encloses this part of the
valve, thus preventing the entry of pieces of wood and also preventing all tampering
with the valve itself.
Figure 18 shews a similar valve which is not so efficient, as it is not protected
against being tampered with, but is well guided and can be made very cheaply.
The valve is guided in the dish or bell C by a stem working therein, and the bell C
is guided in a bridge H, so that the lift of both is properly limited and the valve
cannot become unseated.
Figure 18 shews a reversed arrangement, the sucker or valve A being cupped in
the opposite direction, which may be done as described with reference to Figure 10";
the dotted lines shew a lower guide which may be used if desired.
Figure 19 shews a similar construction of valve but enclosed in my improved
casing G.
Where an after flush action is required in connection with the kind of valves just
above described, that is, where the sucker forms the valve itself, I may, as shewn
in Figure 20, combine the arrangement shewn in Figure 19 with the arrangement
shewn in Figures 15 and 16. The valve C' has a saucer shaped sprung-in sucker A,
which is shewn adhering to the cup C ready to drop down. The valve seating I
is connected to the ring L by the flexible ring M, which, in this case, is simply
sprung into a groove in the seat I.
In Figure 21 the ring M is fastened as in Figure 15, and the sucker A is flat,
and seats itself against the somewhat rounded edge of the fixed cap C.
Figure 22 has a cup C and a valve arranged similarly to Figure 21; but the
flexible ring M is made with a conical inner part which is fastened above to the
movable seating I (for instance, by copper wires m, as shewn).
The ring L is formed with a raised rim L' on which the seating I rests when in
its lower position.
Figure 23 shews an arrangement similar to Figures 21 and 22, but the flexible
ring M is of a cylindrical form and the rim L is conical, in order to allow the
lower part of the flexible ring M to stretch freely without rubbing against the
upper part of the rim L'.
I am aware that it is not new to fix a flexible valve to a stem or part formed
with a groove to receive it, and I make no claim to such mode of fastening or
connecting generally.
I am also aware that it has been proposed to form a sucker valve with a
straight conical lower stem, having a straight conical recess which is intended to
receive a part parallel therewith and projecting from a sucker cup, but such guide
is not efficient, and I do not claim it, but I claim,-
Firstly. The modes and means for guiding or steadying the moving parts of the
so called sucker action valves, as described and shewn, and specially those in which
one such moving part has a cone recess, and another such part has a cone peg, but
so as to work freely with each other, the outer form of valve also being such as
having no tendency to stick or cant and thus remain open, but gliding freely into
its seat, all substantially as hereinbefore described and shewn.
Secondly. Fitting or providing such valve with the sprung or forced saucer or
cup shaped or flexible valve disc or sucker disc formed of an originally flat disc,
whereby I decrease the cost and prevent leakage, all substantially as described
and shewn.
Thirdly. The construction of enclosing fixed or movable casing with lugs and

page_text: screws or pegs for fastening, or such or equivalent means for guiding it, all sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 10%, and 11, 12, 13, 14, 17,
and 19.
Fourthly. The sucker action valve, of the form or construction here shewn, in
combination with the enclosed casing G, substantially as shewn and described with
reference to Figures 1 to 10%, and 11,12, 13, 14, 17, and 19.
Fifthly. The sucker action valve, of the form or construction here shewn, in
combination with the moving valve seat and parts connected therewith, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 15, 10, 20, 21, 22, and 23.
Sixthly. The construction of the weight, substantially as described with reference
to Figures 12 and 12ª.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick John Henderson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this First day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
F. J. HENDERSON. (L.B.)