IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLUICE AND OTHER COCKS OR VALVES, AND IN THE MEANS OF CONNECTING THEM AND THE ENDS OF FLEXIBLE HOSE PIPES TOGETHER.
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Pontifex, of Saint Paul's Road, Islington,
and of Shoe Lane, Holborn, both in the County of Middlesex, Vat
and Back Maker, and Patent Refrigerator Manufacturer, for the In-
vention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLUICE AND OTHER COCKS
OR VALVES, AND IN THE MEANS OF CONNECTING THEM AND THE ENDS OF FLEXIBLE
HOSE PIPES TOGETHER.".
Sealed the 20th May 1864, and dated the 30th November 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Pontifex at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 30th
November 1863.
I, CHARLES PONTIFEX, of Saint Paul's Road, Islington, and of Shoe Lane,
Holborn, both in the County of Middlesex, Vat and Back Maker, and
Patent Refrigerator Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLUICE AND OTHER
COCKS OR VALVES, AND IN THE MEANS OF CONNECTING THEM AND THE ENDS OF
FLEXIBLE HOBE PIPES TOGETHER," to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention relates to improvements in the construction
of sluice cocks or valves; for this purpose I cause the passage of a sluice or
other cock or valve to be opened and closed by means of a circular valve plate
or disc moving on a central pin or axis, and arranged in a suitable valve box
[Price 8d.]

page_text: The
or chamber. The circular valve plate or disc is faced up on one side and is
pressed up against a corresponding faced-up surface within the valve box by
means of a suitable spring or springs acting (by preference) against the back
of the central axis on which the valve revolves or partially revolves.
circular valve plate has a passage or opening formed through it, which when
brought opposite to the pipe or passage the valve plate is arranged to close,
forms a clear opening for the passage of the fluid, but when the plate is caused
to make a partial revolution the unperforated portion of the valve plate is
moved round so as to cut off and close the opening to the pipe or passage, and
thus prevent the flow of the fluid through the same. The circular valve plate
may be formed with one or more openings and closing surfaces if desired, and
it may be arranged to open and close one or more separate passages at the
same time. Motion may be communicated to the circular valve plate to open
and close the valve in various ways according to the particular purpose for
which a cock or valve of this character may be required; for instance, in one
arrangement a slot or opening is formed in the circular valve plate with
internal cog teeth, which take into the teeth of a pinion fixed on an axis which
passes through a stuffing box to the outside of the valve chamber; motion is
communicated to this axis by a key or lever to open or close the valve as required.
Or the toothed pinion may, if desired, be arranged to act upon cog teeth formed
on the outer periphery of the valve plate; or, if more convenient, a bevil-toothed
pinion may be employed to engage with bevil teeth formed on the valve plate;
or other suitable mechanical means may be employed to actuate the valve
plate. In place of passing the axis of the pinion through a stuffing box, as
previously described, it may be formed with a cone thereon ground into a
conical passage through the valve box, and be pressed up by a spring. For
cocks of comparatively small size a key or lever may be applied to the central
axis of the valve plate for the purpose of opening or closing the same, the
central axis being formed with a conical surface or otherwise. Where the
passage or opening to be closed is of large area, then I prefer to employ a
circular valve plate formed with several passages and unperforated surfaces
acting against corresponding surfaces and openings placed in the valve chamber
of the passage to be opened and closed, the valve plate being actuated by a
toothed pinion and teeth on the periphery, as previously described.
The second part of my Invention relates to improvements in the construction
of cocks or valves which have a key or plug to open and close the passage
through which the liquid flows. It is well known that the liquid contained in
the passage through the plug when cut off or closed is liable to freeze up when
exposed to low temperatures, and the cock or valve is frequently injured thereby.

page_text: In order to prevent the retention of the liquid in the passage of the plug, and
thus avoid the liability to injury from the above cause, I employ one or other
of the following methods:-On the side of the plug which comes opposite the
outlet when the cock is turned off. I cut or form a small opening or openings
so as to communicate transversely with the main passage through the plug, by
which the contents of this passage will be discharged through the outlet when
the plug or key is turned to cut off the flow of liquid through the cock; or in
place of forming the outlet passage through the centre of the plug or key, I
form it so that part of one side of the passage through the plug is cut away, by
which means an outlet is left for the discharge of the liquid contained in the
plug when the flow is cut off.
Another mode of accomplishing the same object consists in forming small
passages or openings through the side of the barrel or socket of the cock in
which the plug or key revolves, such passages being opposite the passage
through the plug when turned off, the contents of this passage being thus
discharged through the side of the barrel of the cock.
I will now describe the third part of my Invention, which relates to improved
means of connecting cocks or valves with flexible hose pipes. The tubular
parts of cocks or valves as at present constructed for connecting them with
flexible hose pipes have grooved rings cut or formed around them to assist in
binding or securing the flexible hose pipe thereon, and it is very difficult to
pass the end of the flexible hose over these metal connections. Now, I have
found that by cutting a spiral groove or thread upon these tubular connections
near the end thereof, the ends of the flexible hose pipes can be readily screwed
or passed over the same and over the circular grooves, which I prefer to cut
or form beyond the spiral groove before referred to.
This part of my improvements is also applicable to the sockets for con-
necting the lengths of flexible hose pipes together.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Charles Pontifex in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
30th May 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
PONTIFEX, of Saint Paul's Road, Islington, and of Shoe Lane, Holborn, both
in the County of Middlesex, Vat and Back Maker, and Patent Refrigerator
Manufacturer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of November, in the year of our

page_text: Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-seventh year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs, and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Charles Pontifex, Her special licence that I, the said Charles
Pontifex, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Charles Pontifex, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLUICE AND OTHER COCKS OR VALVES, AND IN THE MEANS OF
CONNECTING THEM AND THE ENDS OF FLEXIBLE HOSE PIPES TOGETHER,"
upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Charles Pontifex, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE. that I, the said Charles Pontifex, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof, that is to say:-
The first part of my Invention relates to improvements in the construction
of sluice cocks or valves; for this purpose I cause the passage of a sluice or
other cock or valve to be opened and closed by means of a circular valve plate
or disc moving on a central pin or axis, arranged in a suitable valve box
or chamber. The circular valve plate or disc is faced up on one side and is
pressed up against a corresponding faced up surface within the valve box by
means of a suitable spring or springs acting (by preference) against the back
of the central axis on which the valve revolves or partially revolves. The circular
valve plate has a passage or opening formed through it which when brought
opposite to the said pipe or passage the valve plate is arranged to close,
forms a clear opening for the passage of the fluid, but when the plate is caused
to make a partial revolution the unperforated portion of the valve plate is
moved round so as to cut off and close the opening to the pipe or passage,
and thus prevent the flow of the fluid through the same. The circular
valve plate may be formed with one or more opening and closing surfaces
if desired, and it may be arranged to open and close one or more separate
passages at the same time. Motion may be communicated to the circular

page_text: valve plate to open and close the valve in various ways according to the
particular purpose for which a cock or valve of this character may be required;
for instance, in one arrangement a slot or opening is formed in the circular valve
plate with internal cog teeth, which take into the teeth of a pinion fixed on an
axis which passes through a stuffing box to the outside of the valve chamber;
motion is communicated to this axis by a key or lever to open or close the
valve as required. Or the toothed pinion may, if desired, be arranged to act
upon cog teeth formed on the outer periphery of the valve plate; or, if more
convenient, a bevil-toothed pinion may be employed to engage with bevil teeth
formed on the valve plate; or other suitable mechanical means may be employed
to actuate the valve plate. In place of passing the axis of the pinion through
a stuffing box, as previously described, it may be formed with a cone thereon
ground into a conical passage through the valve box, and be pressed up by a
spring. For cocks of comparatively small size a key or lever may be applied
to the central axis of the valve plate for the purpose of opening or closing
the same, the central axis being formed with a conical surface or other-
wise. Where the passage or opening to be closed is of large area, then I
prefer to employ a circular valve plate formed with several passages and
unperforated surfaces acting against corresponding surfaces and openings
placed in the valve chamber of the passage to be opened and closed, the
valve plate being actuated by a toothed pinion and teeth on the periphery, as
previously described.
The second part of my Invention relates to improvements in the construction of
cocks or valves which have a key or plug to open and close the passage through
which the liquid flows. It is well known that the liquid contained in the passage
through the plug when cut off or closed is liable to freeze up when exposed
to low temperatures, and the cock or valve is frequently injured thereby.
In order to prevent the retention of the liquid in the passage of the plug, and
thus avoid the liability to injury from the above cause, I employ one or other
of the following methods: On the side of the plug which comes opposite the
outlet when the cock is turned off, I cut or form a small opening or openings so
as to communicate transversely with the main passage through the plug, by
which the contents of this passage will be discharged through the outlet when
the plug or key is turned to cut off the flow of liquid through the cock; or,
in place of forming the outlet passage through the centre of the plug or key,
I form it so that part of one side of the passage through the plug is cut away,
by which means an outlet is left for the discharge of the liquid contained in
the plug when the flow is cut off.
Another mode of accomplishing the same object consists in forming small

page_text: passages or openings through. the side of the barrel or socket of the cock in
which the plug or key revolves, such passages being opposite the passage
through the. plug when turned off, the contents of this passage being thus
discharged through the side of the barrel of the cock.
I will now describe the third part of my Invention, which relates to
improved means of connecting cocks or valves with flexible hose pipes. The
tubular parts of cocks or valves as at present constructed for connecting
them with flexible hose pipes have grooved rings cut or formed around them
to assist in binding or securing the flexible hose pipe thereon, and it is
very difficult to pass the end of the flexible hose over these metal con-
nections. Now, I have found that by cutting a spiral groove or thread
upon these tubular connections near the end thereof, the ends of the flexible
hose pipes can be readily screwed or passed over the same and over the
circular grooves, which I prefer to cut or form beyond the spiral groove before
referred to.
This part of my improvements is also applicable to the sockets for
connecting the lengths of flexible hose pipes together.
And in order that my Invention may be most fully understood and
readily carried into practice, I will proceed to describe the Drawing hereunto
annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
against the
valve box b.
or cover c',
Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a cock or valve constructed
according to my Invention, and Figure 2 shows a front view of the circular
valve a, and of the box or chamber b, in which it is arranged to make a partial
revolution for the purpose of opening and closing the pipe or passage c.
The circular valve a is ground or faced up on one side, and is constantly
pressed up by the spiral spring a¹ in the box or chamber
ground or faced-up surface of the plate or cover c¹ of the
The axis of the circular valve a passes through the plate
and by applying a key or lever a to the end of the axis a rotary motion
may be communicated to the circular valve a, so as to bring the opening a*
of the valve opposite the opening through the pipe or pasage c, or to close
the same by moving the solid part a of the valve a across the passage to
close the same when required. The pins d, d, which bolt the valve box
and cover together, serve as stops to prevent the valve a being moved too
far in either direction. The axis of the valve a may be of conical form, if
desired where it passes through the cover c¹.
and Figure 4 a front view of a circular valve
Figure 3 shows a side view,
and valve box or chamber of

page_text: similar construction to that previously described. In this arrangement
the circular valve a is arranged so as to close or open one or other of the
two passages c, c, alternately. Rotary motion is communicated to the
circular valve a in this arrangement by means of a key or lever e on the
axis of the toothed pinion e¹, the teeth of which take into the cog teeth on
the circumference of the valve a, which arrangement will be readily under-
stood on examining the Drawing. The toothed pinion e¹ is ground or
faced up, and is constantly pressed up against the faced-up cover of the
valve box b by a spiral spring (acting against the back end of its axis)
contained in the box or chamber e forming part of the valve box b. The
corresponding parts in this arrangement are marked with similar letters of
reference to those previously described in Figures 1 and 2.
I will now describe the means I employ for carrying out the second
part of my Invention. Figure 5 shows the plug of a cock or tap having
small holes or openings a, a, cut on the side which comes opposite the outlet
passage when the flow of the liquid is cut off so as to discharge the contents
of the plug.
Figure 6 shows another mode of accomplishing the same object by cutting
away one side of the passage a through the plug, the part so cut away
coming opposite to the outlet passage when the flow of the liquid is cut
off. In Figure holes or openings a¹, a', are formed through the side
of the barrel or socket in which the plug of the cock rotates, so that
when the flow of the liquid is cut off the contents of the plug will be
discharged through such openings, and thus prevent any risk of bursting
through being frozen when exposed to low temperatures.
The form of the
openings in the plugs for discharging the contents may be varied.
I will now describe my improvements in connecting the tubular parts
of cocks or valves with flexible hose pipes according to the third part of
my Invention. In place of forming the tubular parts of cocks or valves
which are to be connected to flexible hose pipes simply with rings cut
thereon, as heretofore practised, I cut a spiral groove or thread thereon
for a short distance along the tubular part of the cock, as shown at b,
Figure 7, and for the remainder of the distance over which the end of the
flexible hose passes I prefer to form circular rings, as shown at c, by which
means the ends of flexible hose pipes will be more readily screwed or passed.
over the same.
Figure 8 shows the application of this part of my improvements to the
screw couplings for connecting lengths of flexible hose pipes together.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would have it under-

page_text: stood that I do not confine myself to the exact details herein described,
so long as the peculiar character of any part of my Invention be retained,
but what I claim is,-
First, the construction of sluice and other cocks or valves as herein
described.
Secondly, I claim the means herein described for discharging the liquid
from the plugs of cocks or valves when turned off as herein described.
And, thirdly, I claim the means of connecting cocks or valves with flexible
hose pipes as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Pontifex, have hereunto set
iny hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
Witness,
J. G. TONGUE,
Patent Agent,
34, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane, W.C.
CHARLES PONTIFEX. (L.S.)