vers and valve apparatus therefor.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Nov., 1897-Accepted, 26th Mar., 1898
vers and valve apparatus therefor.
Communicated to me from abroad by JOSEPH THRUSTON MANNING, of 2005, Market
Street, in the City of Philadelphia, in the County of Philadelphia, and State of
Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Manufacturer.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7, Staple Inn, in the County of Middle-
sex, Patent Agent, 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:-
:
This invention relates more particularly to filters which are cleaned by reversal
of the current of water through the filter bed and to valve apparatus for such
filters; but each of the improvements is intended to be secured for all the uses
to which it may be adapted in or in connection with filters and valve apparatus
therefor.
In cleaning filters by reversal of current, it is desirable to admit 'the wash water
to the filter chamber through large openings; but, while it is obviously possible
to get any desired size of opening by a corresponding increase in the size of the
valve apparatus, it is generally desirable, for economical reasons, to use as small
an apparatus as practicable. In accordance with the first part of the present
invention, a current-reversing valve apparatus is so constructed and combined
with a filter as to open a substantially larger passage way for the wash water to
enter the filter chamber than is supplied for the entry of the water to be filtered
or for carrying off the filtered water or for each of these purposes, such differential
openings in the valve apparatus enabling a substantially larger flow for washing
to be obtained without increasing the size of the valve apparatus to a corresponding
extent, if at all. The differential openings can be constituted by ports of different
diameters; or the larger passage way for the entrance of wash water can be formed
by having two or more sets of wash water ports serve together, the said ports
sufficiently approximating each other in size to make together an effective open-
ing of substantially enlarged section. When the valve apparatus has two circles
of ports a wash water inlet may be placed with advantage in each circle. The
section of each wash water port by itself may be the same as the filtered water
ports, or one or more of such duplicate wash water norts may be when taken
singly of larger or of smaller diameter than the filtered water ports.
This portion of the invention extends to a current-reversing valve apparatus
with enlarged wash water supply whether arranged or not to deliver the wash
water and the filtered water to a waste pipe and a house pipe
respectively; but it
but it specially covers such apparatus with a waste
pipe for the wash water separate from the house pipe. The apparatus
may be with or without provision for delivering portions of the filtered
water to waste, or for forming a by-pass, or for draining the filter chamber or
filter chamber and upright pipe, or for stopping the flow of water, or for accom-
plishing two or more of these functions. It may with advantage have the termina-

page_text: tions of the supply, house, filter and waste ways in two or more circles with key
ports to correspond, the arrangement being such that there are wash water inlets
in two circles.
The introduction of the means for increasing the wash water supply into such
an apparatus need not necessarily increase the size, which an otherwise similar
valve apparatus would have without said means.
The valve apparatus has the valves or ports for the various purposes connected
for joint operation so as to be shifted together. Sometimes this is effected by the
use of two or more keys connected by jointed rods, toothed gears, cords or chains,
or other power-transmitting devices; and sometimes it is effected by the use of
one key, which has in itself a suitable arrangement of movable ports for the various
purposes.
It is advantageous in current-reversing valve apparatus for filters, particularly
those in which more than a simple reversal of current is to be provided for, to
use many way (that is three or more way) valves. The second part of the inven-
tion consists in the combinations with filters of certain constructions of valve
apparatus composed of two or more many way valves, (a two way valve being
sometimes used in conjunction with two many-way valves) and this part of the
invention consists also in certain constructions of many way valves and of valve
apparatus composed of two or more such valves. It is, of course, not broadly new
to construct a many way valve, nor to construct a valve apparatus having a
number of many way valves connected with each other for joint operation, nor to
employ valve apparatus of this description in combination with a filter. This part
of the invention consists therefore in the new or improved constructions (arrange-
ments and combinations) which are herein set forth, and the nature of which,
severally, is as follows:-
A). Valve apparatus, composed of two or more many way valves, more especially
two four-way or a four-way and one or two three-way valves, has the key portions
of said valves connected with each other for joint operation, and is so constructed
and combined with a filter as to send the current in either direction through the
filter chamber, according to the position of said apparatus, and to admit the water
for washing in substantial proportion through inlet openings in two of said valves.
B). Valve apparatus, constructed and combined with a filter as just indicated
under A), is provided with a pipe for the filtered water (herein termed house pipe
tor convenience of reference) separate from that which carries off the wash water
(herein termed a waste pipe). Said apparatus may or may not, according to the
modification selected, serve additionally for sending portions of the filtered water
to waste in one position of the valve apparatus,, for sending the water by a by-pass
direct to the house pipe without passage through the filter chamber in another
position thereof, and for so stopping the flow that in a third position of said valve
apparatus the water flows neither to house nor through the filter; or the said
apparatus may be adapted to accomplish any one or two of these objects without
the third. Valve apparatus of this description has therefore a filtering to
house" position and a washing" position with a substantial inflow of the wash
water through more than one valve; and it may or may not have also a filtering
to waste," a "by-pass" .and a cut off" position, or any one or two of these
last three positions.
"
"
"
C). Valve apparatus composed of two many way valves, more especially two
four-way valves, connected for joint operation, is so constructed and combined with
a filter, below which it is placed, that it serves as specified above under A) and is
further adapted, when in a position herein termed the "filter-draining" position,
to draw off the water from the filter chamber or the filter chamber and its upright
supply pipe, and thereby to leave the same empty. Apparatus of this description
may or may not, according to the modification selected, have also a house pipe
separate from the wash water discharge, a means for sending portions of the
filtered water to waste, a by-pass arrangement, and a cut-off, or any one, two or
three of these things, except of course that the presence of means for sending

page_text: portions of the filtered water to waste necessarily involves also the use of a house
pipe separate from the wash water discharge.
D). Valve apparatus composed of two many way valves, namely a four way and
a three way valve, with or without a two way valve according to the modification,
has the key portions of its said valves connected for joint operation and is so con-
structed that in one position of said apparatus there are two separate inter-
communications, one between two casing passages of the four way valve, the other
between two casing passages in the other part of the valve apparatus, that in a
second position there is the same intercommunication through the four way valve,
but in the other part of the valve apparatus one of the casing passages mentioned
is put in communication with a third passage in this part, and that in a third
position there are two new intercommunications through the four way valve. If
now the passages of the four way valve be appropriately connected with the supply,
the two ends of the filter chamber, and the waste, and passages of the other part
of the valve apparatus be appropriately connected with the house, the waste and
the filtered water end of said filter chamber, it will be possible to send the
current through said chamber in the filtering direction to house or to waste
through both parts of said apparatus and in the washing direction to waste through
the four way valve.
E). Valve apparatus composed of two or more many way valves, namely. two.
four way or a four way and two three way valves, has the key portions of its
said valves connected for joint operation and is so constructed that in one
position of said apparatus there are two separate intercommunications, one between
two casing passages of a four-way valve and the other between two casing
passages in the other part of the apparatus, (consisting in one case of a four way
and in the other case of two three way valves) that in the second position there is
the same intercommunication through said four way valve but in the other part of
the valve apparatus one of the casing passages mentioned is put in communication
with a third passage in this part, and that in a third position there are two new
intercommunications through the said four way valve and a new communication in
the other part of the valve apparatus, that is to say in the last mentioned position
the passage which before had been separately in communication with two is now.
put in communication with a third passage in said other part of the valve apparatus.
This description embodies substantially that under paragraph I above; but it
involves a function not required by said former description, namely the establish-
ment of a third intercommunication through the other part of the valve apparatus
in the position in which the two intercommunications exist through the said four
way valve. This third intercommunication can be utilized for the entrance of
wash water so that such water may enter the filter chamber as well through what
has been called the other part of the valve apparatus as through the said four way
valve.
F). Valve apparatus composed of two four way valves having their key portions
connected for joint operation is so constructed that one four way valve serves
to put one of its four casing passages separately in communication with two (or
it may he with all three) of the others and for connecting two of the three others
with each other, and that the other four way valve is adapted to connect two of its
casing passages with each other in two positions of the valve and to connect the
other two with each other in a third position, this latter four way valve having in
the key portion thereof additional ports connected by a side passage. When the
first mentioned four way valve is arranged for connecting one of its passages with
all three of the others, the other four way valve is adapted to connect one of its
casing passages with two others in three positions of the valve, and the valve
apparatus has four positions. By appropriate connection with the filter chamber,
valve apparatus of this description can serve to send the current through the
filter chamber in the filtering direction to house or to waste, through the filter
chamber in the washing direction to waste, or through a by-pass to house, a filter-
draining connection being established in the by-pass position, if the valve apparatus

page_text: is suitably placed below the filter, and in the washing position of said apparatus
the wash water being admitted to the filter chamber through one or both of said
four way valves according as the valve first specified is adapted to put one of its
casing passages separately in communication with two only or with all three of
the other casing passages appertaining to said valve.
G). In valve apparatus composed of a four way in connection with another
many-way valve, the said four way valve has one or more of the following
characteristic features, namely (1) openings of different sizes at the terminations
of its casing passages, (2) an unsymmetrical arrangement of the openings at the
terminations of its casing passages and (3) an arrangement of key ports such
that one of its casing passages can be put in separate communication with each.
of the other three. Valve apparatus within this section, may have the said
terminal openings of different sizes symmetrically or unsymmetrically disposed,
and if the said terminal openings are unsymmetrically disposed and the key ports
are arranged as just specified under (3) the said terminal openings may be of
the same size or they may be of different sizes. The other many-way valve may be
a three way or a four way valve, and if a four-way valve it may be with or
without a side passage in the key portion between additional ports.
H). Valve apparatus in various new or improved forms is exhibited in the
accompanying drawings and will be fully described hereinafter. One form is
shown in Fig. 2 and slightly modified in Fig. 4, and other forms are shown
respectively in Figs. 11 and 12, Figs. 11 and 15, Figs. 18 and 19, Figs. 20 and 21,
Figs. 22 and 23 and Figs. 24 and 25. The form of Figs. 2 and 4 has three circles
of ports with passages leading therefrom to at least five outside openings and is
further characterized by one or more of the three following features, namely
(1) the side passage q with its ports, (2) the elongated casing R* in one piece
of metal with the valve seats transverse to the length thereof and with the
passage q or q extending from a valve seat at or near one end of said casing
across one or two intervening valve keys to an outside opening at or near the
other end of said casing, (3) passages leading directly to two circles of ports from
one outside opening, passages leading from two circles of ports to another out-
side opening, two passages leading separately each from a circle of ports to an
outside opening, and a passage within the casing between two of said circles.
When the side passage q¹ is present, the passage by which the water from pipe C
is conducted to the seat of valve Qu may be closed or it may be left open, and in
each case the valve apparatus will be in accordance with the nature of this part of
the invention.
The other forms are each composed of two many-way valves and are character-
ized by one or more of the following constructions, namely (first) a four-way valve
Fig. 11 or Fig. 20, having a key port 10 to connect the two adjacent casing
passages N and D with each other and provided with additional ports 11 and 12
opening from the same space in the center of the key and located opposite said
port 10, the casing passage F being stopped, in the proper position of the valve, by
the shell of the key outside of and next to the said port 10, (second) a four way
valve (Fig. 12 or Fig. 15 or Fig. 19 or Fig. 21, or Fig. 22, or Fig. 25) with a
central chamber in the key open at the end (as to the pipe K in Figs. 13 and 14)
is provided with peripheral ports, as 13 and 14, for registering with the ends
of casing passages, PDH, and also with a side passage between other ports, as
15 and 16, the side passages being adapted to connect two of the last mentioned
casing passages which are not directly opposite to the exclusion of the third
passage and the key ports opening from the central chamber being located at
points opposite each other as well as at an intermediate point, (third) a recess
as 17, in the casing in conjunction with the side passage and ports for draining
the filter chamber in the position in which the port 15 of said side passage registers
with the casing passage P. When the four way valve of Fig. 11 or Fig. 20, is
used, the other many-way valve may or may not have the side, passage with its
ports 15 and 16 in its key and the passage P in its casing; and in each case

page_text: the valve apparatus would be within this section. The casing passage P would
be useful without the side passage in the key. When the said side passage and
casing passage P, with or without recess 17, are present, in one valve, the other
valve may be of any suitable four-way construction, with peripherical ports at
opposite points and also at intermediate points for registering with the casing
passages NDH F, as in Fig. 18, or Fig. 22 or Fig. 24, as well as of the particular
construction specified of Fig. 11 or Fig. 20.
I). The four-way valve of Fig. 11 or of Fig. 20; and also the four-way valve
of Fig. 12 or Fig. 15 or Fig. 19, or Fig. 21 or Fig. 23 or Fig. 25, are each included
in the invention separately as well as in combination with other elements.
With a valve apparatus in which the key portion of current-reversing valves is
connected for joint operation with the key portion of a filtered water valve for
delivering filtered water to waste as well as to house, as hereinabove set forth,
it may sometimes be desired to provide against a careless return (after washing)
of the valve apparatus to the "filtering to house" position. In accordance with
the third part of the present invention, provision is made against such careless
return. When the valve apparatus has more than one valve key, such provision
may consist of a butting or loose connection between the key which controls the
delivery of the filtered water to waste or to house, and the other key or keys, such
connection serving to shift the filtered water valve to the "waste" position when
the current is reversed and to leave it in that position when the current is restored.
When the filtered water flowing to waste runs clear, the filtered water valve may
be restored by hand. Another arrangement, which is available when the valve
apparatus has only a single key consists in a removable stop for arresting the
key on its return from the washing position when it reaches the "filtering to
waste" position, the stop being removed when the filtered water runs clear.
In filters having a filter bed of granular material (as sand) this material has in
some instances been placed in a filter chamber provided with perforated ends and
of such size as to allow the particles of the filtering material to be separated by an
upward flowing current of wash water. The upper plate or screen can be relied
upon (at least in general) to prevent the sand or like material from being carried
away by the current of wash water; but sometimes it may be desired to dispense
with the upper screen, or (while not dispensing with it) to provide other means for
preventing the granular filtering material from being carried away in washing.
In accordance with the fourth part of the present invention, in connection with a
filter chamber partly filled with granular filtering material, a sand trap is arranged
to collect whatever sand may be carried along by the force of the cleaning current,
while permitting the light impurities to pass on with said current; and this sand
trap has such communication with the filter chamber (namely by a valved passage
or opening) as that the sand collected therein need not be handled but can be
returned to the filter bed by gravity, or by a current of water, or by both means.
While a sand trap outside the filter is not excluded, the better arrangement, itself
constituting a special feature of invention, is to place the sand trap in the upper
part of the filter chamber and to provide at its lower end a valved passage (or
opening) directly above the filter bed. Various arrangements of valves could be
used (this portion of the invention extending to the use of valved openings or
passages in general); but special improvements in this regard consist in the use
of a valve made automatic in its action by being adapted to be controlled by the
flow of the water or by a connection with a valve-operating mechanism for control-
ling such flow. Thus when the current for cleaning is turned on, the valve is
closed automatically and the trap operates to collect the sand or heavier particles
from the outflowing or cleaning current. But when the filtering current is
re-established, the valve is opened automatically and the sand or other granular
filtering material which may have collected therein is returned to the filter bed.
The fifth part of the invention consists in an improved construction of filter-bed-
supporting screen, in which the wire cloth or perforated plate (the latter being
preferably employed) which serves to prevent the passage of the filtering material

page_text: is supported on one or both (practically on both) sides by a more coarsely per-
forated plate or plates, the perforations being located at intervals over substantially
its or their entire surface or surfaces and the plate or plates being indented or
roughened to provide a large number of points. These points touch the screen
proper at short intervals and support the same while allowing a freer passage of
water than would be allowed by perforated plates resting flatwise against said
screen,
Sometimes sand may pass through the screen which supports the filter bed. The
sixth part of the invention consists in an improved construction of sand trap and a
special fitting as shown in the lower part of Fig. 2 and hereinafter more particu-
larly described, said trap and fitting being arranged below the filter-bed-supporting
screen and the filtered water escaping through said fitting.
The seventh part of the invention comprises certain improvements in the means
for closing the key space of a valve apparatus. In accordance with one of these
improvements the disk which closes the key space and which carries the stuffing
box for the stem of the valve key is held from turning by positive
means, as opposed to mere friction. The most advantageous means consists
in giving the disk an angular or irregular form. In accordance with another of
these improvements, the follower of the stuffing box is held down by means which
serves also for holding down the key-space-closing disk. Most advantageously the
holding means has a swivel connection with said follower. In accordance with a
third of these improvements, the follower is held from turning by positive means
and is held in by means having a swivel connection therewith. Fourthly all or
part of these improvements are combined in one apparatus.
In the accompanying drawings which form part of the present specification.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a filter and valve apparatus in accordance with the
invention,
Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same,
Fig. 3 is a view in section on an enlarged scale of a portion of the improved
filter-bed-supporting screen,
Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section a slightly modified form of the valve
apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2,
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the filter and valve apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2,
Fig. 6 is an enlarged view in section on line vi of Fig. 2 showing improved key-
space-closing means as well as the construction of the key,
Fig. 7 is a front view of a portion of the same valve apparatus, with the outer
cap of Fig. 6 and the follower for the stuffing box removed,
Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section illustrating a modified valve mechanism
for the sand trap at the top of the filter,
Fig. 9 is the front elevation of the lower part of a filter provided with a single
key valve apparatus and the removable stop for preventing the accidental return
of said apparatus to the "filtering to house" position,
Fig. 10 is a detail view in plan partly in section illustrating said stop,
Figs. 11, 12, and 13, are vertical sections of the lower part of a filter provided
with a single key valve apparatus in accordance with the invention, Figs. 11 and 12
being cross sections on lines xi and xii respectively of Fig. 13 and the latter being
a longitudinal section on line xiii of Figs. 11 and 12,
Fig. 14 is a horizontal section of same valve apparatus,
Fig. 15 is a section corresponding with Fig. 12 of a modified single key valve
apparatus,
Figs. 16 and 17 are respectively vertical longitudinal sections of other modifica-
tions of single key valve apparatus,
Figs. 18 and 19 are cross sections of the single key valve apparatus of Fig. 16,
the sections being through the respective four-way valves,
Figs. 20 and 21, Figs. 22 and 23 and Figs. 24 and 25 are similar cross sections
of still other forms of single key valve apparatus.
The filter chamber B, as shown, contains, or is to contain, a filter bed of sand or
"

page_text: like granular material and is provided with valve apparatus for reversing the
current through the chamber B for cleaning such bed, whenever desired.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 5, the valve apparatus is composed of a casing R*
and three keys Q Q Q turning in openings in said casing and connected for
joint operation by the jointed rod q*. As shown the water to be filtered enters
the casing R* by the pipe C. On the filter chamber B is mounted a coagulant
chamber A for supplying a small quantity of alum or like material to the water as
it flows through the pipe C; but no coagulant supplying means need be used, if it
is not desired.
The pipe L connects the valve apparatus with the bottom of the filter chamber B
and the passage J leads to its upper end. The pipe E leads from the casing to the
house or place to be supplied with filtered water and the pipe G to waste. At fa
section of transparent glass is introduced in the waste pipe so that the color of
the water which runs to waste can be observed.
When the keys QQQ are in the positions shown the water from pipe O
passes through key Q1 filter passage J into the top of filter chamber B, descends
through the filter bed in said chamber, being filtered in its passage, and then flows
off to house by way of the pipe L, keys Q Q and pipe E.
To reverse the current the three keys are turned to the left. The water will
then descend through the pipe L, will rise through the filter bed, lifting and
separating its particles and carrying off the dirt which has previously been filtered
out of the water, and will escape to waste through the passage J, key Q' and waste
pipe G. By turning the keys to their original position the water will again pass
through the chamber B in the filtering direction.
To secure a substantially larger passage for the introduction of the wash water,
without materially increasing the size of the apparatus, the key Q₁ is provided
with the side passage q¹ (see Figs. 2 and 6) which is put in communication with the
supply pipe C, through a port in the periphery of the key, by turning said key to
the left, and which is in constant communication with the bottom of the filter
through the pipe L¹. In washing position therefore, the wash water from pipe C
will enter bottom of the filter through both pipes LL¹. The wash water ports in
the two circles, namely in the keys QQ respectively, have together a larger
sectional area than the filtered water ports, although singly each wash water inlet
port is shown as of the same size as the inlet for the water to be filtered and the
outlet for the filtered water respectively.
Referring to Figs. 11-14, the valves or ports are connected for joint operation
by being formed of a single key turning in the casing R. In the casing there
are an end port (Figs. 13 and 14) and two circles of stationary ports, the front circle
being shown in Fig. 11 and the rear circle in Fig. 12. The supply pipe or passage D
terminates (see Fig. 14) in a stationary port in each circle, the upright pipe K
opens in the rear end of the casing, the passages NP which open into the bottom
of the filter chamber (see Fig. 13) terminate in a stationary port in each circle,
the house pipe or passage F terminates in a stationary port in the front circle, and
the waste pipe or passage H terminates in a port in each circle (see Fig. 13).
In the key Q as shown there are in the front circle in the wall of the central
chamber a quadruple port 10, and two single ports 11 and 12; and in the rear
circle in the wall of the central chamber there are a triple port 13 and a single
port 14. The two central chambers are cut off from each other as shown in Fig. 13.
At the rear of the key there is a side passage which is cut off from the rear chamber
and which terminates in the single ports 15 and 16.
On turning the key to the right from the position shown, so that the front key
port 11 registers with the end of house pipe F, the water from the pipe or passage D
will pass through the rear key port 13 and upright pipe K to the top of the filter
chamber B, will descend through the, filter bed, and will pass by the passage N
and the key ports 10 and 11 into the house pipe F. To reverse the current for
washing, the key Q is turned further to the right so as to put the supply pipe D
into communication with the passage N through the key port 10 and the upright

page_text: pipe K into communication with the waste pipe H through the key port 13. At the
same time the supply pipe is also put into communication with the bottom of the
filter through the key ports 15 and 16 and the passage P. Thus the water from
the pipe D passes into the bottom of the filter chamber, through both passages N
and P, ascends through the filter bed, descends through the upright pipe K, and
passes to waste by the rear key port 13 and waste pipe H.
In the apparatus of Figs. 1-7 as well as in that of Figs. 11-14, as thus far
described, the filtered water it will be observed flows into the house pipe; while,
when the current is reversed, the wash water escapes to a waste pipe. Simply to
effect this, it is unnecessary to have the key Q and passage qui of Figs. 1, 2
and 5, or the key Q" and passage q¹ of Fig. 4 or the port 12 front passage H and
middle portion of the port 10 of Figs. 11, 13 and 14; but these are used for enabling
additional functions to be performed as hereinafter set forth. If it is not desired
to use separate pipes for carrying off the filtered water and the wash water
respectively, the house pipes or passages E and F could be omitted, and such other
changes be made as may be proper. For example in apparatus of Figs. 1-7, the
key Q as well as the house pipe might be omitted, the waste passage q¹ Fig. 2
or Fig. 3, conducting the filtered water to the pipe G, which would then dis-
charge all the filtered water as well as the wash water. In the apparatus of
Figs. 11-14 if the port 12 and front branch of pipe H are present, no change in
the valve apparatus would be necessary, but the port 11 could be suppressed. In
such case, by turning the key Q so that the port 12 registered with the front end
of pipe H, the filtered water would escape through said pipe H. If the front branch
of pipe H were kept separate, it might he connected with a house pipe. So
also the passage q¹¹ or q¹ could be connected with a house pipe instead of with
the waste pipe G. Any arrangement, however, in which all the filtered water is
discharged through the same pipe as the wash water is less advantageous than one
which provides separate pipes; and an arrangement with a separate pipe for all
the filtered water is less advantageous than one in which provision is made for the
delivery of portions of the filtered water to waste; for, after a washing operation,
the portions of water which first pass through the filter in the filtering direction.
are apt to be dirty; and it is desirable therefore to send these portions into the
waste pipe and when it runs clear to divert it into the house pipe.
The apparatus of Figs. 1-7, as shown, as well as that of Figs. 11-14. as shown,
is adapted for this double delivery of the filtered water. For the former, the opera-
tion is as follows:
In the position represented on the drawings, water from pipe C passes by key Q¹
to the top of the filter chamber, descends through the filter bed, and escapes purified
by the pipe L, key Q and house pipe E. By turning all three keys to the left,
the water from pipe C would pass by the two keys QQ and both the pipes L Li
to the bottom of the filter chamber, would rise through the filter chamber, thereby
loosening and clearing the filter bed, and would escape by the key Q₁ to the waste
pipe G. By turning the keys Q¹ Q" back to the positions shown, leaving the
key Q in the position it had in washing, the water from pipe C will pass by
key Q to the top of the filter chamber, will pass through the filter bed in the
filtering direction, and will escape by the pipe L, key Q, passage q¹ll and waste
pipe G. When the waste runs away clear through the transparent section f, the
key Q can be turned also to the right and it will then divert the filtered water
from the waste passage q111 and deliver it with the house pipe E. The modification
of Fig. 4 operates the same, except that the filtered water will pass to house by
the key Quin one position of said valve, and to waste by keys Q Qu and
passage q¹¹ in the other position thereof, the keys Q¹ Q" remaining in the positions
represented.
The operation of the apparatus of Figs. 11-14 would be as follows:-In position
shown, no water passes, but by turning the key Q to the right so that the port 11
shall register with the end of house pipe F, water will flow from the supply pipe D
by the port 13 (Figs. 12 and 14), and pipe K (Figs. 13 and 14). to the ton of the

page_text: filter chamber B, will pass through the filter bed in the filtering direction, and will
escape by the filter passage N (Figs. 11 and 13) and ports 10 and 11 to the house
pipe F. By turning the key Q enough farther to the right to make the right hand
end of port 10 (Fig. 11) and the port 15 (Fig. 12) register with the front and rear
ends of supply pipe D, wash water from said supply pipe D will flow into the
bottom of the filter chamber through both the passages N and P, will rise through
the filter chamber and thereby loosen and cleanse the granular bed, and will
escape by the pipe K and port 13 to the waste pipe H. By turning the key Q back
so that the port 12 (Fig. 11) shall register with the front end of waste pipe H, the
water will pass from pipe 1 through port 13 and pipe K to the top of the filter,
will descend through the filter bed in the filtering direction and will escape by the
passage N, ports 10 and 12 and waste pipe H. When the water has filtered to
waste in this way long enough to become clear, the key Q is turned to the left to
bring the port 11 opposite the end of the house pipe F; whereupon the filtered
water from the passage N will be delivered into the house pipe.
The apparatus of Figs. 11-14 is not only adapted to perform the functions
before stated, including the stoppage of flow either to house or to waste, which
stoppage it effects in the position shown, but it is also adapted to form a by-pass,
and when arranged below the filter as shown to drain the filter chamber B and
upright pipe K.
It will form a by-pass and drainage connection, by turning the key Q so far to
the right that the port 12 shall register with the end of house pipe F. In this
position the port 14 (Fig. 12) will register with the filter passage P, while the
port 13 will register with the rear end of the waste pipe H; consequently water
can now pass direct from the pipe D to house pipe F through the ports 10 and 12
in the front part of key Q, while at the same time the water in the filter chamber B
and upright pipe K can drain away through the port 13 and waste pipe H.
In Fig. 15 an arrangement for the back part of key Q is shown whereby the filter
chamber B and its upright pipe K will be drained in the cut off position of the
key Q, assuming the front part of said key to be constructed as in Fig. 11. The
water in the filter chamber would flow off through the passage P, side passage
between ports 15 and 16, recess 17 and port 14 to the waste pipe H.
In the apparatus of Figs. 11-14 the ports are all the same size, the waste water
inlet being of larger section by reason of the presence of the two wash water inlet
passages terminating one in each circle of ports. In the modified form shown in
Figs. 20 and 21, the filtered water openings at the ends respectively of the house
pipe F and of the front branch of pipe H, are smaller and the wash water opening at
the end of the front branch of the supply pipe D are larger than the corresponding
openings in Fig. 11. The passage N could also be enlarged. Where the use of
differential openings in the same circle of ports gives a satisfactory enlargement
of the wash water supply, the provision of the rear filter passage P and the side
passage between ports 15 and 16 can be dispensed with; but both means for secur-
ing the larger admission passages for the wash water are shown in Figs. 20 and 21.
In the single key valve apparatus as thus far described, the passages in the casing
are not symmetrically disposed, the terminal opening of the house pipe Fin
Figs. 11-14 and those of the house pipe F and the waste pipe H in Figs. 15, 20
and 21 being arranged at oblique angles from the ends of the passages N P and the
supply passages D. In Figs. 11-14 the ends of the waste passages H are ninety
degrees distant from the ends of the supply passages D. A symmetrical arrange..
ment with differential front ports is shown in Figs. 22 and 23. Except for a varia-
tion in the sizes of the key ports and the terminal openings of passages in the casing,
the same arrangement could be used with the terminal openings of the casing
passages and the key ports all of the same size; and so generally, any arrangement
shown for differential ports could be used for those of even size, and conversely
In Figs. 22 and 23 a double port 10* and a single port 101 are used in place of..
the quadruple port 10 of the Figs. 11 and 20; and the intermediate portion of
the shell is of sufficient width to stop the end of the house pipe F, when the
R

page_text: 1
key Q is in the position represented. In this position the house passage and the
ends of both supply passages are closed, but the bottom of the filter is in com-
munication with the waste pipe H through the rear ports 13 and 14. On turning
the key to the right this waste pipe connection is interrupted, the water from the
supply pipe D enters by the port 13, passes by the upright pipe to the top of the
filter, descends through the latter in the filtering direction, and escapes into
the house pipe through the front ports 10* and 10. On a further movement to
the right, the water continues to enter by the rear port 13 and flows through the
filter in the filtering direction, but it passes to waste through the front port 12,
which has by the movement been brought opposite the front end of the waste
pipe H. A third movement to the right brings the solid shell of the key Qoppo-
site all the ends of all the casing passages except the rear end of the supply pipe
which remains open to the top end of the filter. The flow is therefore in this
position cut off, so that it flows neither to the house pipe nor through the filter.
A further movement to the right puts the valve apparatus in the "washing
position, in which water from the supply pipe D enters the bottom of the filter
through the front ports 10* and 101 and also through rear ports 15 and 16, while
the wash water escapes through the port 13 which in the
registers with the rear end of the waste pipe H. A fifth movement to the right
washing" position
establishes a by-pass across the front end of the key Q through the ports 10*
and 12, while the filter chamber and its upright pipe are emptied through the
rear end of said key. A sixth movement to the right would establish the filter-
draining and dead position as in the figs. only with the ports diametrically oppo-
site the places shown.
وو
By turning the key Q to the left from the position represented in Figs. 22
and 23 a by-pass (through front ports 12 and 10*) and a filter-draining connection
(through ports 13 and 14) would be formed; and a still further movement to the
left would allow the water in the house pipe F above the valve apparatus to run
to waste through the ports 10* and 10', with both ends of the supply pipe stopped.
Another symmetrical arrangement is shown in Figs. 24 and 25 all the ports
being shown of equal size. In the front of the key Q there is a triple port 10 and
a single port 12, while at the rear in addition to the ports 13, 14, 15, 16 and
recess 17 there are two single ports 18 and 19. In the position represented the
valve apparatus is dead with a draining, connection for the filter chamber and its
upright pipe. In this arrangement the "filtering to house" is effected by a turn
to the left, the water entering by the rear port 18 and escaping by the front
port 10. A second movement to the left establishes a "by-pass" through the
front ports 12 and 10, while establishing filter-and-upright-pipe-draining"
connection through the rear ports 13 and 14. By moving the key to the right
from its "dead" position represented, the water entering by the rear port 13 can
pass through the filter in the filtering direction and escape to waste by the front
ports 10 and 12. "A second movement to the right establishes the
position, in which the wash water enters the bottom of the filter by both the
washing
front and rear portions of the key Q and escapes by the rear port 18. A third
movement to the right leaves the apparatus dead. The results of other move-
ments can be easily perceived.
a
"
"3
Referring to Fig. 24 if the port 12. were enlarged at the left so as to uncover the
end of the waste pipe without shifting the key Q, it will be seen that the filter
chamber would drain through the front part of the casing. In this case the
recess 17 and the enlargement of the port 15 as shown in Fig. 25 would be super-
fluous and the third movement to the right would establish a by-pass.
In the valve apparatus of Figs. 16-19 the solid portion of the shell between
the front ports 10* and 10 is too narrow to stop the passages in the casing, but
is a mere brace and might be omitted. In the position represented in these figs.
the waste water from the supply pipe D enters by the rear port 13, passes through
the filter in the filtering direction, escapes by the ports. 10* and 10¹ to the house
pipe F. By moving the key to the right the filtered water is sent to waste through
12 F
B T

page_text: the port 12. By a further movement to the right the washing position is reached
in which the wash water enters the filter chamber A by the front ports 10*
and 10 and the rear ports 15 and 16, and escapes by the rear port 13 which in
this position registers with the end of the waste pipe H. A third movement to
the right establishes a by-pass through the front of the key between the ports 10*
and 12, the filter chamber B and its upright pipe K being at the same time pro-
vided with a drainage connection through the ports 14 and 13. By turning the
key Q to the left from the "filtering-to-house" position represented, a "by-pass
and "filter-and-upright-pipe-draining" connection is established. The key could
of course be placed in other positions, with results easily to be seen..
"7
The casings of the valves of Figs. 11-15 and 20-25 are shown as cast integral
with the bottom plate S of the filter chamber. This plate rests at its.edges upon
a hollow base T which encloses the valve apparatus leaving the key Q accessible
by an opening. The base T and plate S could be cast together, but it is con-
sidered easier to make them separate. The manufacture in one piece with the
bottom plate of the valve casing with its passages NP and the other ways is con-
sidered advantageous for small filters. For larger apparatus it is considered
better to make the casings so that they can be secured with appropriate fittings.
Fig. 16 shows the passages N and P extended separately to the top of the casing
while in Fig. 17 they come together inside the casing R. The front and rear
supply passages can be kept separate to the outside of the casing, and can receive
separate pipes, if desired; or they can be brought together before leaving the
casing as in Fig. 14.
Instead of using a single key Q with the two circles of ports therein, it is
evident that the front circle could be in one key and the rear circle in another
key, which could be connected with the former key so as to be operated simul-
taneously therewith. Moreover, the valves formed in the drawings by the same
circle of ports could be constituted by connected keys instead of a single key.
The consolidation of the valves in a smaller number of many-way valves is
advantageous, as is also the union of the many-way valves in a single key. The
valve apparatus of Figs. 1-5 is composed as shown of a four way valve (formed
by the key Q and the corresponding part of the casing R*) and two three way
valves (one such valve being formed by the key Q" and the other by the key Qui
each in conjunction with the corresponding portions of the casing R*).
The apparatus, with or without the valve Q, can serve to send the current
in either direction through the filter and to admit water for washing in substan-
tial proportion. through inlet openings in two valves Q₁ and Q¹¹, as has been
already described. In either case also said apparatus can serve to deliver
filtered water to a house pipe.
With all the three valves, portions of the filtered water can be sent into the
waste pipe as sufficiently described above.
6
The valve apparatus of Figs. 11-25 is composed in each of the forms shown,
of two four-way valves, one composed of the front portions of key Q and casing R
and the other of the rear portions thereof. The various positions, filtering to
house," filtering to waste washing" "by-pass" "cut-off" and filter-
draining" positions, have been described.
" 4
If in the valve apparatus of Figs. 1-5 the passage between the pipe C and the
key Q be closed, the valve formed by said key is no longer a three-way valve,
since only two casing passages have their terminal openings in the seat of said
key. As thus modified, there will be in the position shown, two separate com-
munications, one between the pipe C and the passage J through the four way
valye Q, the other between the pipes L and E through the valves Q Qu¸
In a second position, namely when the key Q solely is turned to the left, the
same communication through the four-way valve Q¹ remains, but the pipe L now
communicates with the waste passage q₁ or gl. In a third position, with all
the keys turned to the left there will be two communications through the four-way

page_text: valve Q', namely one from the pipe C to the pipe L', the other from the passage J
to the waste pipe G.
If the valve apparatus of Figs. 11-25 be modified by closing the front supply
passage 1), the said apparatus will contain only one four-way valve, to-wit that
formed by the rear portion of the key Q and casing R. With the so-modified
apparatus there will be in one position, two separate communications, one between
'the two casing passages D and K of said four way valve, the other between the
passages N and F in the front part of the apparatus. In a second position, the
key is turned to make the port 12 register with the front passage H; the inte:-"
communication of passages 1) and K will continue; but the front passage N will
now communicate with the front passage H.
In a third position, in which the port 15 shall register with the supply passage D,
there will be two new intercommunications through the four-way valve, namely
one from the supply passage D to filter passage P, the other from the upright
pipe or passage K to the waste passage H.
If the supply passage between pipe C and the key Q" be left open in the
apparatus of Figs. 1-5, and if the front supply passage 1) be left open in the
apparatus of 'Figs. 11-25, then the latter will consist of two four-way and
the former of a four-way and two three-way valves, and in each case the apparatus
in the third position just referred to will establish three intercommunications. In
the apparatus of Figs. 1-5, they will be from the pipe C to the pipe L', from
the passage J to the waste pipe G and from the pipe C to the pipe L. In the
apparatus of Figs. 11-25, they will be from the pipe D to the passage P, from the
pipe K to the passage H, and from the pipe D to the passage N.
The four-way valve formed by the front portions of key Q and casing R, is
adapted to put the casing passage N separately in communication with two of
the other passages, to wit with the passages F and H, and also to connect two
of said three passages, to wit the passages D and F, with each other. In fact as
shown, the passage N can be separately put in communication with each of the
other three (to wit, the three passages DHF); but it is not essential to a separate
communication with two that there should be provision for a separate communica-
tion with all three; for by closing the right hand end of port 10 in Fig. 11 or
Fig. 20, there would be no intercommunication of the passages N and D.
By connecting such a four-way valve with the four-way valve formed by the
rear portions of the key Q and casing R, the passages D and K can be connected
with each other, in those two positions in which the passage N is respectively
connected with the passages F and H, while in the position in which the
passages D and F are connected, the passages P and H can be connected with
each other. The connection of the passage D with the passage P through the
ports 15 and 16 and the intervening side passage is effected in another position,
in which there may or may not be a communication of the passage D with the
passage N, according as the front part of key Q is or is not adapted to effect this
communication.
The keys QQQ of Figs. 1-7 are connected for joint operation by means
of a rod q* which is pivoted to the levers of keys Q'Q" and which projects beyond
the latter so as to strike against the lever of key Q when the three keys are
in the position represented. When the levers of keys Q'Q" are thrown over to
the left the end of the rod q* pushes over the key Q, so that in reversing the
current by keys QQ", the key Quis automatically shifted into the position for
- sending to waste the water which may come through the pipe L. As the rod q*
simply buts against the lever of key Q1, the latter is not carried back with the
rod q but remains in the "waste" position, when the keys Q¹Q" are returned
to the "filtering" position. Inasmuch therefore as the attendant in reversing the
current to-wash the filter. moves all the valve keys by one handle, while, in. restoring
the filtering current by the reverse movement of the same handle he moves only.
..the keys QQ, the result is that, without care on his part, the water which
first passes through the chamber B in the filtering direction will be directed by

page_text: the key Q into the waste passage q¹ or q". To send the filtered water into the
house pipe E, it will only be necessary to restore the key Q, which with the
corresponding part of the casing R* forms the filtered water valve. Instead of
using a butting connection between the filtered water key Q and the other
keys, other loose connection may be used, as for example a chain or strap, so
arranged as to move the key Q into the "waste" position.
To prevent the key Q of the single key valve apparatus from being carelessly
brought to the "filtering to house position, directly after a filter-washing
operation, the removable stop of Figs. 9 and 10-may be used. This stop consists
of a pin 21 which is mounted on the arc 22 and is held by the spring 23 in the
path of the lever 20. The valve apparatus of Fig. 9 is intended to have a key
such as shown in Figs. 11-14 and also the arrangement of casing ways shown in
said figs.; and with the key-operating lever 20 in the position. shown in Fig. 9
the key is supposed to be in the position represented in Figs. 11-14. Consequently
the first movement of the lever 20 to the right will establish the "filtering to
house"
position, the second movement to the right the " filtering to waste"
position, the third movement to the right the "washing" position, and the fourth
movement to the right the "by-pass" position,. all as herein before set forth. The
pin 21 is placed on the arc 22 just. to the left of the position, which the lever 20
has. when the key Q is in the "filtering to waste" position. The end of the
pin 21 is. beveled on the left hand side (see Fig. 10). so that the movement of the
lever 20 to the right will automatically push back said pin; but on the right
it is. adapted to form a stop. The attendant therefore can readily turn the valve
key to the washing position, but on the return movement, the stop 21 will arrest
the lever 20 with the key in the "filtering to waste" position. To restore the
filtering to house" connection, he draws back the pin 21 by its handle, and then
moves the lever 20 to the left. The stop could of course be applied to any of the
single key valve apparatus shown or to any other appropriate current-reversing
valve apparatus, with delivery of filtered water to house or to waste.
"
The manner of using a sand trap, above the granular filter bed, is shown in
Figs. 2 and 8. The trap T is provided with a valve T¹ (Fig. 2) or T (Fig. 8)
for closing or opening the bottom of the trap according to the position of the
valve. The valve T is just heavy enough to sink in water, and therefore stands
open when the water is at rest or is descending in the filter chamber. When
however the current is reversed, the valve T is lifted automatically by the rising
current which holds it to its seat, so that the water must flow over the outside of
the trap to the holes 24, by which it enters the upper part of said trap, on its way
to the passage J. As it flows through the upper part of the sand trap, it deposits
the heavy or comparatively heavy particles of any of the granular filtering material
carried by said current in the still (or comparatively still) water of the said trap,
while the lighter particles of the impurities or sediment collected from the water
in the previous filtration are borne along to the wash water outlet J. In order
to increase the effect of the sand trap, the baffle U is arranged in the wash water
current so that the movement of the heavy particles is arrested or checked by
contact with said baffle and they separate themselves more readily from the
flowing water. As shown the baffle is arranged under the passage J and there
are guiding or deflecting surfaces 29 (see Fig. 8) to direct the wash water against
the baffle U. There are holes 30 above the baffle. The passage J for the fresh
water to be filtered is arranged above the said trap, so that the direct course of
the water to be filtered is through the outlet at the bottom of the sand trap. It
therefore assists in carrying whatever of the filtering material may collect in the
trap back to the filter bed, and keeping the valve and valve seat clean.
At 33 is a cage which holds it in the open position and permits the water to pass.
When the keys Q¹ Q" are turned into washing position, the upward current of
water lifts the sand trap valve T¹ into the position shown in dotted lines (Fig. 2)
and is compelled then to pass over the outside of the said trap against the deflecting
surfaces-29, through the holes 24, against the baffle U. and out by holes 30 and
and

page_text: of the valve T".
passage J. At 34 is shown a cap of packing material (as felt or rubber) on the top
In Fig. 8 the sand trap valve T is carried by a rod 83 passing through a
guide 85 supported in the sand trap by armis, so as not to interfere with the passage
of water and sand, and also through a stufhng box 86; and it is operated through
a connection with operating lever of key Q', said connection consisting of a pin on
the rod 83 working through a slot in an arm of said lever. In the filtering
position, the sand trap valve is held open, as shown; when the keys QQ are
turned to change the current for washing, the rod 83 is forced down and the
valve is made to close the sand trap outlet.
The screen for supporting the filtering material (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3)
consists of a brass sheet 25 perforated with holes, of suitable size, say one thirty
second of an inch in diameter, more or less, and this screen is placed between the
sheets 35 and 36 of stronger brass more coarsely perforated, the latter being
indented or roughened so as to form numerous projections and depressions and thus
to support the screen 25 at points which are separated to allow the free flow of
water but are yet close enough to give adequate support to the screen.
At the bottom of the filter chamber is a sand trap W. It communicates with
-the interior of the filter chamber through slots 37 and has a draw off 38. its
contents are protected from the direct action of water currents, by the overhanging
margin of button 39, the deflecting walls 40 of the filter chamber, the arrangenient
of the holes 41 above the mouth of the sand trap, and the overhanging portions 42 of
the fitting Y. Should any of the finer particles of the filtering material pass through
the screen, they will collect in the trap W instead of passing out with the filtered
water. They can be drawn off from time to time at 38. A screen of wire cloth
could be used between the roughened supporting plates of perforated sheet metal ;
but the screen of perforated sheet brass is more advantageous, as less apt to rot out.
The use of the sand trap allows a screen of larger perforations to be used, because
it is not then necessary to guard so carefully against the passage of filtering
particles through the screen. The larger perforations are desirable particularly for
washing, as admitting the washing current more freely into the filtering material.
In Figs. 6 and 7 improvements are shown in packing the valve stem, applicable
also to the stem of any of the keys. Around the key is a shoulder 94 and the
key-space-closing disk 95 bears against the same with a packing ring interposed.
The disk 95 is shown (Fig. 7) as hexagonal in form. It fits within a correspondingly
shaped socket, and is thus held from turning by positive means. It carries a
stuffing box and is held down by a coupling in the form of a cap 98 which engages
a screw thread on the casing it*. The stufting box is formed by a follower 97
which is engaged by the cap 98, so that the pressure on the follower 97 is
transmitted through the stuffing box to the disk 95 and serves to hold the latter in
place. The said cap or holding means 98 as a swivel connection with said follower,
which fits over the hexagonal projection (see Fig. 7) on the disk 95 and is thereby
held from turning.
The perforations in the sheets 35 and 36 occur at short intervals over its whole
area; and the said sheets with the interposed screen 25 are upheld by their edges
above the bottom of the filter chamber. As shown, see Fig. 2, their margins are
clainped between the bottom and the adjoining section of the chamber, packing
rings being interposed as shown at the left of Fig. 3.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus so
constructed as to open a substantially larger passage way for the wash water to
enter the said chamber than it supplies for the entry of the water to be filtered
or for carrying off the filtered water or for each of these purposes, substantially as
described.

page_text: 2. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus having ports
of substantially larger diameter for the entry of wash water than for the entry of
the water to be filtered or the escape of the filtered water, or for each of these
purposes, substantially as described.
3. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus provided
with more than one set of wash water inlet ports and a single set of ports for the
entry of water to be filtered or the discharge of filtered water or for each of these
purposes, the said sets of wash water ports approximating each other in size and
serving together to admit wash water into the filter chamber, substantially as
described.
4. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus, having two
circles of ports and a wash water inlet port in each circle, substantially as
described.
5. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus provided
with a system of connected valves or ports for sending the outflowing wash water
to a waste pipe and the outflowing filtered water to a house pipe and also so
constructed as to open a substantially larger passage way for the wash water to
enter the filter than is supplied for the entry of the water to be filtered or for carry-
ing off the filtered water or for each of these purposes, substantially as described.
6. In combination with a filter, a valve apparatus such as specified in Claim 5,
having provision for accomplishing one, two or three of the following functions,
namely (1) sending portions of the filtered water to waste, (2) forming a by-pass,
(3) draining the filter chamber, or filter chamber and upright pipe, substantially
as described.
7. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus, composed
of supply, house, filter and waste ways terminating in two circles with key ports
to correspond, arranged to send the current through the filter in the filtering
direction to the house pipe and in the washing direction to the waste pipe and
having wash water inlet openings in both said circles, substantially as described.
8. In combination with a filter, a valve apparatus composed of two or more
many-way valves, more especially two four-way or a four-way and one or two three-
way valves, with their key portions connected for joint operation, and so constructed
and combined with said filter as to form current-reversing valves with substantial
wash water inlet openings in two of said valves, substantially as described.
9. In combination with a filter, a valve apparatus composed of two or more
many-way valves, more especially two four-way or a four-way and one or two
three-way valves, with their key portions connected for joint operation, and so
constructed and combined with said filter as to form current-reversing valves with
substantial wash water inlet openings in two of said valves and also with a pipe
for the filtered water separate from the wash water discharge pipe, substantially
as described, the said apparatus being with or without means for accomplishing
any one, two or three of the following operation, namely for sending portions of the
filtered water to waste, for sending the water by a by-pass direct to the house pipe,
and for so stopping the flow that the water flows neither to house nor through the
filter, and the said valve apparatus being composed of two four-way or a four-way
and two three-way valves in case one or more of these additional functions are to
be performed.
10. In combination with a filter, a valve apparatus composed of two four-way
valves, with their key portions connected for joint operation, placed below the
filter and so constructed and combined with said filter as to constitute filter-
draining and current-reversing valves with substantial wash water inlet openings
in both four-way valves, and with or without any one, two, three or four of the
following, namely (1) a house pipe separate from the wash water discharge,
(2) means for sending portions of the filtered water to waste, (3) a by-pass arrange-
ment, (4) a cut off, the separate house pipe being, however required when the
apparatus is, adapted to send portions of the filtered water to waste, substantially,
as described.

page_text: -
11. Valve apparatus composed of two many-way valves, with or without a two-
way valve, namely two four-way valves, or a four-way and a three-way valve, or
a four-way, a three-way and a two-way valve, with the key portions of said valves
connected for joint operation, so constructed that in one position of said apparatus.
there are separate intercommunications, one between casing passages of the four-
way valve and another between casing passages in the other part of the valve
apparatus, in a second position there is the same intercommunication through the
said. four-way valve but in the other part of the valve apparatus one of the casing
passages mentioned is put in communication with a third passage in this part,
and that in a third position there are two new intercommunications through the
four-way valve, substantially as described.
12. Valve apparatus composed of two or more many-way valves, namely two
four-way or a four-way and two three-way valves, with the key portions of said
valves connected for joint operation, so constructed that in one position of said
apparatus there are separate intercommunications, one between casing passages of
the four-way valve and another between casing passages in the other part of the
valve apparatus, in a second position there is the same intercommunication through
the said four-way valve but in the other part of the valve apparatus one of the
casing passages mentioned is put in communication with a third passage in this
part, and that in a third position there are two new intercommunications through
the four-way valve, and a new communication in the other part of the valve
apparatus, substantially as described.
13. Valve apparatus composed of two four-way valves, with their key portions
connected for joint operation, so constructed that one of said four-way valves
serves to put one of its four casing passages separately in communication in two
positions with two of the three others and in another position for connecting two
of these three with each other, and that the other four way valve is adapted to
connect two of its casing passages with each other in the two positions first
mentioned and to connect the other two with each other in the third position, and
is provided with additional ports connected by a side passage in its key portion,
substantially as described.
14. Valve apparatus composed of two four-way valves, with their key portions
connected for joint operation, so constructed that one of said four-way valves
serves to put one of its four-casing passages separately in communication in three
positions with each of the three others and in a fourth position to connect two of
these three with each other, and that the other four-way valve is adapted to connect
one of its casing passages separately with two others in the three positions first
mentioned and to connect its fourth passage with one of said two others in the
fourth position and is provided in addition with ports connected by a side passage
in its key portion, substantially as described.
15. A valve apparatus composed of a four-way in connection with another many-
way valve, said four-way valve having the openings at the ends of the casing
passages of different sizes, substantially as described.
16. A valve apparatus composed of a four-way valve connected for joint operation
with another many-way valve, said four-way valve having the openings at the
ends of the casing passages unsymmetrically disposed and of different sizes, sub-
stantially as described.
17. A valve apparatus composed of a four-way valve connected for joint operation
with another many-way valve, said four-way valve having the openings at the
ends of the casing passages unsymmetrically disposed and its key ports so arranged
that one of its casing passages can be separately put in communication with each of
the three others, substantially as described.
18. Valve apparatus having three valve keys connected for joint operation, and
casing passages leading from the key seats to at least five outside openings, said
apparatus being further characterized by the side passage q¹ with its ports in the
key Q', substantially as shown in Figs. 2 or 4 and 6 and described with reference

page_text: thereto, the said apparatus being with or without the passage between pipe C and
the seat of key Qu
19. Valve apparatus having three valve keys with casing passages leading from
their seats to at least five outside openings and further characterized by the con-
struction of the elongated casing R* in one piece of metal with the valve seats
transverse to the length thereof and the passage q¹¹ or q¹¹ extending from a valve
seat at or near one end across one or two intervening valve seats to an outside
opening at or near the other end of said casing, the said apparatus being with or
without the side passage q¹ and its ports in the key Q', substantially as shown in
Figs. 2 or 4 and 6, and described with reference thereto.
20. Valve apparatus having three circles of ports and casing passages as follows,
namely passages leading directly to two circles of ports from an outside opening
passages leading from two circles of ports to an outside opening, two passages each
leading from a circle of ports to an outside opening, and a passage within the
casing between two of said circles, substantially as described.
21. Valve apparatus composed of a four-way connected for joint operation with
another many-way valve, said four-way valve having a key port 10 to connect
adjacent casing passages N and D with each other and provided with additional
ports 11 and 12 opening from the same space in the center of the key and located
opposite said port 10, the casing passage F being stopped in the proper position of
the valve by the shell of the key outside of and next to the said port 10, substan-
tially as shown severally in Figs. 11 and 12, Figs. 11 and 15, and Figs. 20 and 21
and described with reference thereto, the valve of Figs. 12, 15 and 21 being with
or without the ports 15 and 16 and the connecting side passage, and also with or
without the casing passage P, and the valve of Fig. 15 being with or without the
recess 17, as set forth.
22. Valve apparatus composed of two four-way valves connected for joint opera-
tion, one of said valves having in its key portion a central chamber open at the
end and peripherical ports, as 13 and 14, and also a side passage between additional
ports 15 and 16, and the other four-way valve having a central iber and peri-
pherical ports at opposite and also at intermediate points, suially as shown
severally in Figs. 18 and 19, Figs. 22 and 23, and Figs. 24 and 25, and described
with reference thereto, the first specified valve being with or without the recess 17,
as set forth.
23. The four-way valve substantially as shown in Fig. 11 or Fig. 20 and described
with reference thereto, the same having the casing passages NDHF and the
chambered key with ports 10, 11 and 12.
24. The four-way valve substantially as shown severally in Figs. 12, 19, 21, 23,
and 25, and described with reference thereto, the said valve having the casing
passages PDH in addition to the end passage and also a chambered key with
ports 13 and 14, and a side passage between the additional ports 15 and 16, the
said side passage being adapted to connect said passages which are not directly
opposite to the exclusion of a third passage, the modification shown in Fig. 15
being with or without the recess 17 and that of Fig. 25 being with or without the
means for establishing communication in the position shown between the passages P
and H said means comprising the recess 17 and the enlargement of the port 15 and
the port 19.
25. The combination with a filter, of a current-reversing valve apparatus adapted
to send portions of the filtered water to waste, the said valve apparatus having the
key portions of the valves connected for joint operation and provision being made
against the careless return of said valve apparatus to the "filtering to house".
position, substantially as described.
26. In combination with a filter, a current-reversing valve apparatus arranged at
one end of said filter and adapted to send portions of the filtered water to waste,.
the said valve apparatus being composed of rotary keys with circumferentially
disposed ports in a compound casing in one piece of metal with supply, waste, house
and filter passages formed in said casing, with a key for controlling the delivery of
C

page_text: the filtered water separate from those for reversing the current and having with the
latter a connection which is arranged to permit the independent operation of the
filtered water valve when said current-reversing keys are in the filtering position,
substantially as described.
27. The combination with a filter, of a current-reversing valve apparatus having
a filtered water key connected with the main key portion of said apparatus by a
butting or loose connection which shifts automatically the said filtered water key
to the waste position, leaving it to be returned independently, substantially as
described.
28. In combination with a filter, a valve apparatus having a system of connected
keys or ports for sending the current through the filter in either direction to waste
and in the filtering direction to house and also provided with a removable stop for
checking or arresting the movement of said valves or ports in the filtering to waste
position and thus preventing a careless return of the said apparatus to the "filtering
to house" position immediately after a washing operation, substantially as described.
29. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the filter chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communi-
cating with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a valved passage
leading back to the filter 'bed, substantially as described.
.30. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communicating
with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a passage leading back 'to
the filter bed, said trap and passages arranged for the automatic return of the sand
from the trap to the filter bed, substantially as described.
31. In combination with a'filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap arranged
between the fresh water inlet and wash water outlet and the filter bed, substantially
as described.
32. In combination with a filter chamber, a granular filter bed partly filling the
said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap arranged within
the said chamber and communicating with the said chamber above the filter bed
and provided with a passage leading back to the filter bed, substantially as described.
33. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communicat-
ing with said chamber above the filter 'bed and provided with a valved passage
leading back to the filter bed, the fresh water inlet port'being arranged above said
trap so that the water to be filtered passes through the trap, substantially as
described.
34. In combination with a 'filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communicat-
ing with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a passage leading
back to the filter bed, and a baffle above said trap, substantially as described.
35. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter.bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus for controlling the flow
of water through the said bed to make it self-cleaning, a sand trap communicating
with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a passage leading back
to the filter bed, a baffle above said trap, and deflectors around the mouth. of said
trap arranged to deliver horizontally the water entering the trap from the filter
chamber, substantially as described.
36. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communicat-
ing with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a passage leading
back to the filter bed, and an automatic valve for said passage arranged to be
opened and closed automatically in changing the current from the washing to the
filtering direction and the reverse, substantially as described.
37. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed partly filling
the said chamber, and current-reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap communicat-

page_text: ing with said chamber above the filter bed and provided with a passage leading
back to the filter bed, and an automatic valve for said passage arranged to be con-
trolled automatically by the water current, substantially as described.
38. In combination with a filter chamber, and a granular filter bed, and current-
reversing valve apparatus, a sand trap for the washing current provided with a
passage leading back to the filter bed, and an automatically operated valve for
said passage, substantially as described.
39. In combination with a filter chamber, and granular filtering material, a
screen preferably of perforated sheet metal, and a more coarsely perforated screen-
supporting sheet roughened or indented to form supporting points, said sheet being
perforated at short intervals over its whole area and being upheld by the edges
above the bottom of the filter chamber, substantially as described.
40. In combination with a filter chamber, granular filtering material, and current-
reversing valves, a screen interposed between the said material and the wash water
inlet and filtered water outlet, and more coarsely perforated sheets on opposite
sides of said screen, each sheet being roughened or indented to form screen-support-
ing points, and perforated at short intervals over its whole area, and the two sheets
with interposed screen being upheld at the edges above the bottom of the filter,
substantially as described.
41. In combination with a filter chamber provided with granular filtering material
supported by a screen, preferably of perforated sheet metal, and having a filtered
water outlet below the said screen, a sand trap below the filtered water outlet, and
deflectors whose upper surfaces are above the said trap and below the said outlet
and are arranged to deflect the current horizontally across and above the said trap,
substantially as described.
42. In combination with a filter chamber provided with a granular filter bed
supported by a screen and a sand trap below said screen, and also provided with a
filtered water outlet above the sand trap and below the said screen, 'deflectors at
different levels between the outlet and the sand trap, namely an overhanging
deflector next the outlet whose under surface is arranged to deflect the rising water
horizontally outward and deflectors nearer the said trap whose upper surfaces are
arranged to deflect the descending water horizontally inward across and above the
said sand trap, substantially as described.
43. A filter chamber provided below the granular filter bed with a water outlet
port, and a sand trap below said port, and deflectors intermediate the sand trap and
said port and also above said port for protecting the trap against direct water
currents, substantially. as described.
44. A valve casing provided with a non-rotatable disk for closing the key chamber,
and a rotatable coupling engaging said casing for clamping said disk, the latter
carrying a stuffing box for the valve stem and being held from rotation by positive
means, substantially as described.
45. The combination with a valve key, and its casing, of a pressure held disk of
angular or irregular form and of greater diameter than the valve key arranged to
close the key space and to bear upon the surrounding casing with a packing ring
interposed, said disk carrying a stuffing box for the valve stem, substantially as
described.
46. The combination with a valve key, and its casing, of a packing around the
valve stem, a larger packing at the mouth of the valve casing, a pressure-held disk
interposed between the said two packings, a follower arranged beyond the valve
stem packing, and means which engage the said casing and press the said follower
inward, the pressure being transmitted by the follower to the disk through the said
valve stem packing, substantially as described.
47. The combination with a valve key, and its casing of a pressure-held disk of
greater diameter than the valve key arranged to close the key space and to bear
upon the surrounding casing with a packing ring between the disk and casing, a
follower, a stuffing box between the follower and disk, and holding means extending

page_text: from the follower to the casing and having a swivel connection with said follower,
substantially as described.
48. The combination with a valve key, a closure for the key space, a follower
held from turning by positive means as opposed to mere friction, a stuffing box
between the follower and closure, and a holding means having a swivel connection
with said follower, substantially as described.
49. In combination with a valve key, and its casing, of a non-rotatable pressure-
held disk of greater diameter than the valve key arranged to close the key-space
and to bear upon the surrounding casing with a packing ring between the disk
and casing, a follower held from turning by positive means as opposed to mere
friction, a stuffing box between the follower and disk, and a holding means having
a swivel connection with said follower, substantially as described.
Dated this Thirtieth day of November 1897.