Improved Float Valve Apparatus for Cisterns, Tanks, and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 16th May, 1899-Accepted, 22nd July, 1899
Improved Float Valve Apparatus for Cisterns, Tanks, and the like.
I, HANS VON HOSSTRUP, of No. 13, Schopenstehl, Hamburg, Germany, Merchant,
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 follow-
ing statement:—
In the Specification to my Application No. 8864 of 27th April 1899, I described
an arrangement of float valve apparatus in which a partial vacuum was formed
above a cylindrical valve on the sinking of the float, whereby the raising of the
valve from its seat was facilitated.
According to my present invention I apply this method of operating to a
construction of diaphragm valve as I will describe with reference to the accom-
panying drawing, in which Fig. 1 shews a vertical section of the valve apparatus
in the open position, Fig. 2 shews the same view with the valve in the closed
position, Fig. 3 shews a sectional plan of the same.
As shewn at Fig. 1, the valve casing b is formed in one with the discharge
nozzle f which has a cylindrical upward extension f¹, the casing b being closed
at top by a screwed cap e. The liquid is supplied through the lateral branch c
by which the valve apparatus is attached to the cistern or tank, the bore of which
branch is flattened out where it enters the casing b.
The screw cap e secures the periphery of the flexible diaphragma on a seat
in the valve casing b, but the diaphragm is preferably not made to form a per-
fectly water-tight joint, and it may be provided with a small hole 7 in order to
allow some water to penetrate into the space under the cap e above the valve a.
Into a central hole of the diaphragm valve a is fitted a metal disc o with central
hole and downward tubular extension 7 which is secured by a screwed attach-
ment to the diaphragm as shewn.
Through the disc o and tube p is passed a stem 7 having a considerable amount
of play, and, to the lower end of this is secured the looped piece m with which
is engaged the short arm of the float lever i passing through a slot in the nozzle
and pivoted on a pin / carried by lugs g.
The stem has a valve-like head n which may either have a projecting rim on
the underside as shewn to seat on to a disc of packing material or it may have
its underside formed conical for that purpose.
The action of the valve apparatus is such, that when the cistern is full, the
raised float lever i draws down the stem / so as to bear with its head n upon the
the upper side of the disc o which in its turn presses the diaphragm valve a down
upon the mouth of the annular projection f¹, thus preventing the discharge of
water through the valve.
On the falling of the water level of the cistern and consequently of the float
lever the short arm of the latter in rising first raises the stem and its head n,
so that the water which had previously penetrated through the hole 7 into the
space under the cap e can now flow off through the annular passage surrounding
stem 7. In consequence hereof a partial vacuum will be formed under cap e, as
the water cannot penetrate upward through hole q sufficiently quickly, and such

page_text: partial vacuum will consequently facilitate the opening of the diaphragm valve a
by the upward pressure of the short arm of the float lever, which presses the
looped piece m against the lower end of tube p and thus raises the valve.
When the valve a is thus raised the water can readily flow off through the
extension f and nozzle f. When the water level rises again the reverse action
will take place, and the valve will be closed with an easy motion free from
concussions.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:-
In float valve apparatus of the kind herein referred to, the use of a flexible
diaphragm valve combined with a disc having a tubular downward extension
through which passes loosely a stem having a valve shaped head which closes the
opening of the said disc when the diaphragm valve is closed down upon an upward
extension of the discharge nozzle, but which head on the sinking of the float lever
is moved upward so as to uncover the opening of the disc and thus allow the
liquid contained in a chamber above the valve to escape, substantially as and for
the purpose described.
Dated this 16th day of Var 1899.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.