Improvements in Apparatus for Heating Water or other Liquids for Baths, or for other Purposes, and in Apparatus for the Supply of Liquids to or from Baths or the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Mar., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 27th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 7th Mar., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Heating Water or other Liquids for
Baths, or for other Purposes, and in Apparatus for the Supply
of Liquids to or from Baths or the like.
I JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
London Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Antonin Morineau and Charles Blanc
both of 45 Boulevard Richard Lenoir Paris in the Republic of France Builders)
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus in which water or other
liquid is heated to the desired degree as required for use by passing through a coil
or other receiver (hereinafter referred to as a coil) heated by a gas stove or
the like.
The arrangement employed for this purpose enables the stove or the like to he
automatically lighted when the water commences to circulate or flow through the
coil that is when the warm water is drawn off and to be extinguished as soon as
the circulation of the water ceases by reason of the closing of the discharge cock.
These results are obtained by causing the cold water from the main before
entering the coil to pass through a main supply valve which only opens when the
heated water is being drawn off for use. The opening of this valve also allows
water from the main to enter a regulator for regulating the supply of gas. This
apparatus may be placed on the feed pipe of the stove and consists in the combina-
tion of a gas valve and of a water chamber closed by an elastic membrane or
diaphragm or piston or the like. The latter is inflated or driven out by the
pressure of water and raises the valve which then allows the gas to pass through
the said valve. A pilot jet kept continually burning effects the lighting of the gas
which continues to burn as long as the water circulates in the coil. When the
cock for drawing off the heated water is closed the main supply valve closes
communication between the water in the main and the gas regulator. The liquid
contained in the said regulator drains away by a waste pipe into a basin and the
diaphragm resumes its normal position allowing the gas valve to close and so
stopping the supply of gas for combustion.
The following is a convenient arrangement for carrying out this invention but
the details may be varied as required.
The heating apparatus consists of a coil contained in a casing preferably
cylindrical heated by a gas stove situated at the lower part thereof. The apparatus
may also be provided with accessory parts such as for example a drier for linen or
the like placed at the upper portion of the casing. A basin placed beneath the
stove receives water of condensation proceeding from the combustion of the gas
whence it is conducted to an exterior orifice by a discharge pipe.
The feed water entering by the main pipe is divided into two parts; some of the
water passes through a branch pipe to the heating device and then through the
main valve to the coil through which it flows finally passing out in a heated
condition from the apparatus by a discharge pipe which conducts it to a distribution
or regulating cock for supplying baths and douches for example. The rest of the
water remains cold and passes by a second pipe to the said mixing or distributing

page_text: cock which is so constructed as to allow the warm and cold water to be mixed so as
to form a supply of the liquid of any desired temperature and to be supplied to the
bath proper or to the douches.
Or the distribution or regulating cock may be replaced by an ordinary cock for
the discharge of the heated water in which case the second pipe is supplied with a
separate cold water tap.
The gas is conducted direct to the gas regulator whence it flows if the valve of
the said regulator be open to the gas stove or furnace.
The main supply valve for the water is arranged in a casing which communicates
by the branch supply pipe with the cold water main and by a feed pipe with the
coil. The said valve is perforated with an orifice so that the water from the supply
pipe is in equilibrium with or at the same pressure as the water in the coil and the
casing when the cock for drawing off the heated water is closed. Under these
conditions the water in the coil does not circulate and the said valve rests on its
seat by gravity.
In the seat of the said valve a lateral channel is formed communicating by a
curved pipe with a chamber in the gas regulator. At the lowest point of this
curved pipe a tube of small diameter branches off which is always kept open and
discharges the water from the said chamber into the basin already referred to.
The chamber of the regulator for the gas receives water from the main valve by
the curved pipe and is closed by an elastic membrane or diaphragm made of
caoutchoue for example on which rests the rod of the gas valve. The latter when
closed completely shuts off the supply chamber for the gas from a receiver which
communicates with the stove. When the diaphragm is raised the gas valve is
opened allowing the gas to pass from the supply chamber to the receiver and thence
to the stove where it is lit by the small jet always burning fed by an independent
pipe in constant communication with the gas supply chamber.
When there is a strong pressure of water in the main a modified form of gas
regulator is preferably employed which dispenses with the membrane or diaphragm,
the latter being replaced by a metal piston which is operated by the pressure of
water in the manner already described with reference to the diaphragm. Attached
to the upper side of the said piston is a rod in the upper end of which fits loosely
the shank of a button against which bears a coiled spring the other end of the said
spring resting on a washer attached to the piston rod. When the piston is raised
the button abuts against the rod of the gas admission valve compressing the coiled
spring sufficiently to raise the said valve without imparting a violent concussion
thereto. The remaining parts of the regulator are similar to those already
described. In the last described arrangement the valves and parts being formed
entirely of metal will last considerably longer and will be found better adapted to
resist high water pressures than those in which a membrane or diaphragm is
employed.
The stove or furnace preferably employed is provided with a number of
perforated pipes or burners closed at one end and terminating at the other end in
openings preferably funnel shaped. Each pipe receives the gas by a nozzle
extending into the said openings and perforated by an orifice opening in the
direction of the axis of the pipe. The said nozzles depend or branch from the
main pipe fed direct from the receiver in the gas regulator. The flow of gas to
the interior of the burners induces a current of air through the funnel shaped
openings, the combustible mixture burning beneath the coil with a hot Hame
similar to that of a Bunsen burner. The products of combustion pass away by a
chimney arranged in the upper part of the casing.
The apparatus may be employed for heating other liquids than water under the
same conditions the said liquids being drawn off by one or more taps operating
separately or combined.
Dated this 25th day of March 2005
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
47 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agents.

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Heating Water or other Liquids for
Baths, or for other Purposes, and in Apparatus for the Supply
of Liquids to or from Baths or the like.
1 JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of London,
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been
communicated to me from abroad by Antonin Morineau and Charles Blanc
both of 45 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Paris in the Republic of France Builders)
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 improvements in apparatus for heating water, or other
liquid, to the desired temperature required for use in baths or for other purposes
by passing the said water or liquid through a coil, or other passage or receiver
(hereinafter referred to as the coil) heated by a gas stove, or the like.
I will describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which,
Figure 1 is an elevation of a device for heating water or the like constructed
according to this invention.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section of the same shewing the burners in elevation.
Figures 3 and 4 are vertical sections of the main valve case.
Figures 5 and 6 are vertical sections of two arrangements of regulator for the
gas feed.
Figure 7 is a vertical section of the end portion of one of the burners for the
stove.
Figures 8 and 9 shew in sectional elevation and in plan respectively a distribution
cock constructed according to this invention.
Figures 10 and 11 are horizontal sections thereof taken along the lines CD
and E F (Figure 8) respectively; and
Figures 12 and 13 shew in elevation and transverse section respectively a general
installation of the pipes for supplying a bath.
The heating apparatus comprises a coil 1 contained in a casing 2 heated by a gas
stove 3 situated at the lower part thereof. The apparatus may if desired be
provided with accessory appliances such as, for example, a drier 4 for linen, or the
like, placed at the upper portion of the casing 2. A basin 5 placed beneath the
stove receives water of condensation which can be removed by a discharge pipe 6.
The feed water entering by the main pipe 7 to the valve box 8 passes through
the coil 1, through which it flows finally leaving in a heated condition by a discharge
pipe 9 which conducts it to a distribution cock for supplying a bath and douche
or instance.
The gas is conducted by the pipe 10 to the regulator for the supply of
gas 11 whence it flows, if the regulator valve be open, to the gas stove or
urnace 3.
The main water supply valve is arranged in a casing which communicates by
he pipe 7 with the cold water main or other supply and by a feed pipe 13 with the
oil 1.
The valve proper 12 is perforated at 14 so that the water from the supply pipe 7
s in equilibrium with, or at the same pressure as, the water in the coil and the
asing 8 when the cock for drawing off the heated water is closed when the said

page_text: valve is kept on its seat by the coiled spring 15. In the seat of the said valve a
lateral channel 16 is formed communicating by the pipe 17 (Figure 1) with the gas
admission regulator 11 of the stove.
At the lowest point of the pipe 17 a tube 18 of small diameter branches off
which is always kept open and discharges the water from the said chamber into
the basin 5.
The said regulator for the gas consists of a chamber 19 capable of receiving
water from the main valve 12 by the pipe 17 the said chamber being closed by an
elastic or flexible membrane, or diaphragm 20 which supports the spindle 21 of a
valve 22 which, when closed, completely shuts off the supply chamber 10 for the
gas from a receiver 23 which communicates by the pipe 24 with the stove 3.
When the diaphragm 20 is acted upon by the water the valve 22 is raised
allowing the gas to pass to the stove where it is lit by a small pilot jet fed
by a pipe 25 in constant communication with the gas supply chamber 10.
Instead of employing a membrane as described a piston may be used (as shown
in Fig. 6) in which the membrane or diaphragm is replaced by a piston 20 in the
chamber 19 which piston is operated by the pressure of water entering by the
pipe 17 in the manner already described with reference to the diaphragm
arrangement.
Attached to the upper side of the said piston 20 is a rod 26 with a shoulder
or washer 26*. In a recess formed in the upper end of the said rod, the shank 27*
of a washer or button 27 fits loosely resting on a coiled spring 28, the other end of
the spring bearing on the aforesaid shoulder 26*.
When the piston 20 is raised by the pressure of water in the pipe 17 the
washer 27 bears against the rod 21 and the spring 28 is compressed until its
resistance overcomes that of the valve 22 which latter is then raised without
violent concussion.
The apparatus operates in the following manner-When the supply of hot water
from the coil is closed the water will then remain in the coil 1 and the valve 12
will be on its scat. The valve 22 will also be closed since there is no pressure
of water under the membrane or piston 20 to raise it. The main flames of the
furnace or stove 3 are therefore extinguished the pilot flame supplied by the pipe 25
alone being alight.
If now the draw-off for hot water be opened a current of water passes through
the coil and raises the valve 12 the orifice 14 being too small to allow of the total
supply of water passing therethrough. Water passes by the pipe 17 into the
chamber 19 and raises the membrane or piston 20 which raises the valve 22.
The principal supply of gas to the stove is then lighted and continues to burn
and heat the water in the coil 1 until the outlet for warm water is cut off. When
this occurs the valve 12 returns to its seat and the pressure of water is shut off from
the pipe 17 and the chamber 19, and the water therein flows into the basin 5 by
the pipe 18. The upward pressure on the membrane or piston being relieved the
valve 22 returns to its seat and cuts off the supply of gas to the stove so that the
main flames are extinguished.
The stove or furnace may be of any suitable construction but that preferably
employed is shewn in Figures 1, 2 and 7. It consists of a number of perforated
parallel pipes or burners 29 closed at their inner ends and terminating at their
outer ends in funnel shaped openings 30 (Figure 7).
The gab is admitted to each pipe by a nozzle 31 constituting a branch from the
main pipe 24 and perforated by an orifice 32 presented towards the corresponding
pipe 29, the said main pipe 24 communicating with the receiver 23 in the gas
regulator. The flow of gas to the interior of the burners induces currents of air
through the funnel shaped openings in the direction shewn by the arrow in Figure 7,
the combustible mixture of gas and air burning beneath the coil 1 with a hot
flame similar to that of a Bunsen burner. The products of combustion pass from
the upper part of the casing by a chimney or outlet 33.

page_text: The apparatus may be employed for heating liquids other than water under
the same conditions the said liquids being drawn off by one tap or by several taps
operating separately or together.
"
or the like
The distribution cock (Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11) comprises a handle 34 fast with
the plug 44 of the main cock and provided with a pointer 35 which can be turned
over a dial (Figure 9) which may be marked "Bath," "Shower-bath
for example as shewn in Figure 9. Into the casing 35 of the main cock opens a
warm water pipe 36 communicating with the pipe 9 of the heating apparatus.
Into the said easing also opens a cold water pipe 37 formed as a continuation of
the pipe 36 (Figure 12); a junction piece or a nozzle 38 (Fig. 13) and a vertical
pipe 39 curved at its upper end and terminating in a rose 40 to constitute a
shower bath. A branch pipe can be connected to the pipe 39 at 41 (Figures 12
and 13) to the end of which may be fitted a suitable nozzle for giving douches,
the said nozzle being directed by the hand.
The hollow plug 44 is kept in position in its casing by a spring 45 bearing on
the cover 46 and on the top of the plug. The said plug is formed with three
openings of which the two 47 and 48 can be put simultaneously in communication
with both the pipes 36 and 37 or only with one of them according to the position
of the plug (as seen clearly in Figure 11) and consequently of the pointer 35 on the
words "Mixed" "Cold" or "Warm." Between the openings 47 and 48 is provided
a partition 49 which breaks the force of the currents and prevents them from
hindering each others passage. All the water which enters the said hollow plug
can leave by the opening 50 and be directed into the nozzle 38 (Figure 10) or
pipe 39 according to whether the plug is put in the position in which the pointer 35
points to the word "Bath or "Shower-bath." Thus by properly turning the
handle 34 the supply of cold or warm water or mixtures thereof can be obtained
and directed as desired. When the pointer is placed on the word "Locked the
cock will be in a position to stop the flow of water.
For emptying the bath the cock 44 may be so formed as to operate any
ordinary emptying device situated beneath the bath when the pointer is placed
on the word "Emptying."
I do not limit myself to the precise details of the arrangements as hereinbefore
described and illustrated as it will be evident that they can be varied without
departing from the nature of this invention.
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. In apparatus for heating water or other liquid the combination of a heating
apparatus and a valve 12 for conducting water to the coil or its equivalent and a
regulator for the supply of gas to the heating apparatus and a distribution outlet
cock all combined and operating substantially as herein before described.
2. In, or for apparatus for heating water or other liquid a regulator for the supply
of gas to the heating apparatus the said regulator having a valve 22 combined
with a diaphragm or piston 20 and means for operating it by water pressure
substantially as herein before described.
3. In apparatus for heating water or other liquid the combination of a coil in a
casing; a stove formed with perforated pipes or burners terminating in openings.
for drawing in air and with nozzles for gas supply; a main valve such as 12 and a
regulating device for the gas supply all substantially as hereinbefore described.
4. In or for apparatus for heating water or other liquid a hollow distribution.
cock formed with openings in connection with inlet and outlet passages and with an
indicator so that cold water or hot water or both together can be directed into a
bath or to a shower or douche, or their equivalents, or into a channel in connection
with the emptying or discharging device substantially as herein before described.
5. The general arrangement and combination of parts constituting apparatus for

page_text: beating water or the like for supply to baths or other places and for controlling
and regulating the flow of such water or liquid as desired all substantially as
herein before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 27th day of December 1895.
JOHNSONS & WILLCOX,
Agents.