IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND PREVENTING WASTE OF SAME." PROAL SP
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick Phillip Preston, John Theodore Prestige, and
Edwin James Preston, trading under the Firin of Josiah Stone & Co., of High
Street, Deptford, in the County of Kent, Engineers, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGULATING AND CONTROLLING THE
FLOW OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND PREVENTING WASTE OF SAME."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Frederick Phillip Preston,
John Theodore Prestige, and Edwin Jaines Preston at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents on the 14th December 1876.
FREDERICK WILLIAM PRESTON, JOHN THEODORE PRESTIGE, and EDWIN JAMES
PRESTON, trading under the Firm of Josiah Stone & Co., of High Street, Deptford,
in the County of Kent, Engineers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGU-
LATING AND CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND
PREVENTING WASTE OF SAME."
The first part of our Invention relates to improvements in apparatus for prevent-
ing the possibility of more than a given maximum quantity of water or other
liquid flowing at any one operation of same. For this purpose we employ a
cylinder or other receptacle of convenient form containing a float which has in con-
nection with it or the upper part of which forms a valve, which, when shut off,
rests upon a seating and controls the communication between inlet and outlet of
apparatus.
The apparatus is arranged so that when a quantity of water or other liquid is
required to be drawn off the float with its controlling valve is drawn, forced, or
allowed to drop off its seating, so allowing a free communication between inlet and
outlet of apparatus, while at the same time the water or other liquid is allowed
gradually to flow into the receptacle, which, as it slowly fills, causes the float with
controlling valve gradually to rise until the latter rests upon its seating, and so
shuts off the communication between inlet and outlet. It will then be seen that
the water or other liquid can only run while the controlling valve is off its
seating, and the maximumn time that this can be is the time occupied in the falling
and gradual rising of the float as the water fills the receptacle containing same.
The apparatus however can be shut off at any moment, and any quantity of water
73

page_text: or other liquid less than the given maximum drawn by means of a cupped leather
or other moveable piston or diaphragm actuated by a screw lever or other con-
venient means which can be pressed against the float, and so force the controlling
valve on to its seat and shut off the communication between inlet and outlet.
Sometimes when the apparatus is required to be fitted in a large supply cistern
for preventing waste, we prefer to use instead of the foregoing a sliding cylinder
resting upon a seating in bottom of cistern, and containing a cupped leather or
other piston attached to a hollow stem and arranged so that when the hollow stem
is raised it lifts the piston, and in doing so also raises the cylinder.
The hollow stem is fitted with a small air cock or valve which allows a small
quantity of air to pass through it into or out of the cylinder, and as the air
gradually enters or passes out of the cylinder the latter gradually falls on to its seating
in bottom of supply cistern. It will thus be seen that the water from supply
cistern can only run while the sliding cylinder is off its scating, and the maximum
time that this can be is the time occupied in the raising and gradual falling of the
cylinder, which is governed to the greatest nicety by the air cock or valve already
described.
A further part of our Invention relates to improvements in the supply valves
which regulate and control the flow of water to waterclosets, and is especially
applicable to double and single valve closets for ship purposes.
In ordinary ship closets where the outlet or discharge valve of closet and the
supply valve are both actuated by the same lever it is necessary that they should
be made and arranged to such a great nicety that they should both be held firmly
on their seatings at the same time by means of a weight attached to closet lever,
and any rough usage or want of exactness in making and arranging the valves
referred to would cause either that the supply valve would be held partly open, so
allowing the water to empty the supply cistern and run to wasto down the closet,
or else the outlet or discharge valve would be partly open and allow the trapping
water in closet pan to escape, and effluvia to rise.
Our Invention consists in making the supply valve so that the pressure of water
from supply cistern shall always be at the top of valve, tending to force it on to its
seating, and although the valve is opened by means of the closet lever, yet in closing
it there shall always be a certain amount of slip allowed, so that instead of the
valve depending upon being held on its seating by the weighted closet lever it is
held there partly by its own weight and partly by the pressure of water forcing it
on to its scating. This is done by having the spindle of supply valve which is
connected to closet lever fitted with a rim or collar which slides freely up and down
a certain distance in a chamber in bottom of valve without affecting it, but after the
certain distance is traversed the rim or socket on valve spindle acts upon the valve,
and so raises it or allows it to fall as required. Sometimes however we prefer to
have the valve spindle formed of a hollow tube which is shut off by pressing against
the lower part of valve, and when opened allows the water to flow down the tube
and thence through the outlet to closet; and in this case we make the valve when
not shut off to rest upon a bridge piece, and arranged so that after the tubular
spindle presses against it and so shuts off the water it may still be raised a certain
distance without affecting the valve. It will thus be seen that instead of the outlet
or discharge valve and the water supply valve being both dependent on being held
upon their seats at one time by the weighted closet lever in our Invention, the
water supply valve although actuated by the same lever is yet not dependent upon
it for being sound, but by means of the arrangements already explained is
securely held upon its seating by its own weight and the pressure of water from
supply cistern

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Frederick Phillip Preston, John Theodore Prestige, and Edwin James
Preston in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th June 1877.
FREDERICK PHILLIP PRESTON, JOHN THEODORE PRESTIGE, and EDWIN JAMES
PRESTON, trading under the Firm of Josiah Stone & Co., of High Street, Deptford,
in the County of Kent, Engineers. IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR REGU-
LATING AND CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS, AND
PREVENTING WASTE OF SAME."
This first part of our Invention relates to improvements in apparatus for
preventing the possibility of more than a given maximum quantity of water or
other liquid flowing at any one operation of same. For this purpose we employ a
cylinder or other receptacle of convenient form containing a float which has in
connection with it or the upper part of which forms a valve, which when shut off
rests upon a seating, and controls the communication between inlet and outlet of
apparatus.
The apparatus is arranged so that when a quantity of water or other liquid is
required to be drawn off, the float with its controlling valve is drawn, forced, or
allowed to drop off its seating, so allowing a free communication between inlet and
outlet of apparatus, while at the same time the water or other liquid is allowed
gradually to flow into the receptacle, which as it slowly fills causes the float with
controlling valve gradually to rise until the latter rests upon its seating, and so
shuts off the communication between inlet and outlet. It will thus be seen that
the water or other liquid can only run while the controlling valve is off its seating,
and the maximum time that this can be is the time occupied in the falling and
gradual rising of the float as the water fills the receptacle containing same.
apparatus however can be shut off at any moment, and any quantity of water or
other liquid less than the given inaximum drawn by means of a cupped leather or
other moveable piston or diaphragm actuated by a screw, lever, or other convenient
means, which can be pressed against the float and so force the controlling valve on
to its seat and shut off the communication between inlet and outlet.
The
Sometimes when the apparatus is required to be fitted in a large supply cistern for
preventing waste, we prefer to use instead of the foregoing a sliding cylinder
resting upon a seating in bottom of cistern, and containing a cupper leather or
other piston attached to a hollow stem, and arranged so that when the hollow stem
is raised it lifts the piston, and in doing so also raises the cylinder.
The hollow stem is fitted with a small air cock or valve which allows a small
quantity of air to pass through it into or out of the cylinder, and as the air gradually
enters or passes out of the cylinder, the latter gradually falls on to its scating in
bottom of supply cistern. It will thus be seen that the water from supply cistern
can only run while the sliding cylinder is off its seating, and the maximum time
that this can be is the time occupied in the raising and gradual falling of the
cylinder, which is governed to the greatest nicety by the air cock or valve already
described.
A further part of our Invention relates to improvements in the supply valves
which regulate and control the flow of water to waterclosets, and is especially
applicable to double and single valve closets for ship purposes.
In ordinary ship closets where the outlet or discharge valve of closet and the
supply valve are both actuated by the same lever it is necessary that they should
be made and arranged to such a great nicety that they should both be held firmly
on their seatings at the same time by means of a weight attached to closet lever, and
any rough usage or want of exactness in making and arranging the valves referred
to would cause either that the supply valve would be held partly open, so allowing
the water to empty the supply cistern, and run to waste down the closet, or else the

page_text: outlet or discharge valve would be partly open and allow the trapping water in
closet pan to escape and effluvia to rise.
Our Invention consists in making the supply valve so that the pressure of water
from supply cistern shall always be on the top of valve, tending to force it on to its
seating, and although the valve is opened by ineans of the closet lever, yet in closing
it there shall always be a certain amount of slip allowed, so that instead of the valve
depending upon being held on its seating by the weighted closet lever, it is held
there partly by its own weight, and partly by the pressure of water forcing it on to
its seating. This is done by having the spindle of supply valve, which is connected
to closet lever, fitted with a rim or collar which slides freely up and down a certain
distance in a chamber in bottom of valve without affecting it, but after the certain
distance is traversed, the rim or socket on valve spindle acts upon the valve and so
raises it or allows it to fall as required. Sometimes however we prefer to have the
valve spindle formed of a hollow tube which is shut off by pressing against the
lower part of valve, and when opened allows the water to flow down the tube, and
thence through the outlet to closet; and in this case we make the valve, when not
shut off, to rest upon a bridge piece, and arranged so that after the tubular spindle
presses against it and so shuts off the water, it may still be raised a certain distance
without affecting the valve. It will thus be seen that instead of the outlet or
discharge valve and the water supply valve being both dependent on being held
upon their seats at one time by the weighted closet lever in our Invention, the
water supply valve although actuated by the same lever is yet not dependent upon
it for being sound, but by means of the arrangements already explained is securely
held upon its seating by its own weight and the pressure of water from supply
cistern.
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of one form of our improved apparatus, which is
a valve or tap for preventing the possibility of more than a given maximum quantity
of water flowing at one operation.
A is a cylinder containing float or riser B (by preference made hollow, and so as
to be lighter than water); C is the controlling valve attached to valve spindle D,
resting on valve seating E, and controlling the communication between inlet F and
outlet G; H is a guide made so that the valve spindle D can slide freely up and
down in it, and at the same time allow a small quantity of water to pass between it
and the valve spindle into cylinder A; J is a cupped leather piston attached to
rod K, which works through a stuffing box L (the piston being arranged so that in
its upward passage it readily allows the water to pass between it and the inside of
cylinder A, but in its descent the pressure of water expands it and causes it to fit
the cylinder closely, and so forces the water below it out of the passage M.
Sometimes instead of the cupped leather we use a tight piston, and sometimes a
diaphragm, but in these cases we fit a valve arranged so as to allow the water
contained in cylinder A. to escape during the upward traverse of piston or diaphragm.
N is a regulating nut on rod K to govern the amount of traverse of piston J. When
the valve is closed the piston J presses against the bottom of float or riser B, and so
holds the valve C against its seating.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-To open it the rod K, to which the
piston is attached, is depressed; this causes the float or riser B to fall, and the
valve C being attached to it it also falls from its seating, so allowing the water to
flow from the inlet F to outlet G. At the same time however a small quantity of
water passes between the valve spindle D and guide H, and gradually accumulating
in the cylinder A causes the float or riser B to rise until the valve C rests upon its
seat in the position shown in Figure 1. The flow of water is now stopped, and no
more water can be drawn until the piston J has first been raised into its previous
position, which can readily be done, as the water contained in cylinder A passes
between the cylinder and the piston in its upward traverse, as already explained.
It will thus be seen that the maximum time during which the water can be allowed
to run is the time occupied in the descent and gradual rise of the float or riser B,

page_text: carrying with it the valve C, the time occupied in which is regulated to the greatest
nicety by means of the regulating nut N, which governs the traverse of the piston J,
and so regulates the amount of space in cylinder A to be filled by the water slowly
passing between the valve spindle D and guide EL.
Figure 2 is a sectional clevation of another form of our improved apparatus, which
is a valve or tap for preventing the possibility of more than a given maximum
quantity of water flowing at one operation, and is specially adapted for use in con-
nection with valve and pan closet, which require a certain quantity of water to flow
into the closet pan after the closet lever has been let go, and also for high-pressure
services to prevent concussion in the pipes by the valve being closed too suddenly.
The upper part of this valve or tap is precisely similar to Figure 1. A is the
cylinder; B is the float or riser; C is the controlling valve; D is the valve spindle ;.
E is the valve seating; F is inlet; G is outlet; H is guide; J is cupped leather
piston attached to rod K, which works through stuffing box L; M is a passage
leading out of cylinder A.; N is regulating nut governing traverse of pistons; O is
another cupped leather piston, and is also attiched to rod K, but arranged just the
reverse of J piston, as in its downward passage it readily allows the water to pass
between it and the inside of cylinder, while in its ascent the pressure of water
expands it, and causes it to fit the cylinder closely; P is a passage leading out of
the bottom of cylinder A below the lower piston, and arranged so that the amount
of opening through it can be governed by the regulating screw Q.
The action of the apparatus, so far as the upper part of it is concerned, is precisely.
similar to Figure 1. To open it the rod K, to which the pistons J and O are
attached, is depressed. This causes the float or riser B with controlling valve C to
fall, and so allow the water to flow from inlet F to outlet G, while at the same
time a small quantity of water passes between the valve spindle D and guide H,
and gradually causes the float or riser B to rise until the valve C rests upon its
seating.
The action of the lower or regulating part of apparatus is as follows:-When the
rod K is depressed, and the valve Copened, the water contained in that part of
cylinder A. below the lower piston O readily passes between it and the inside of
cylinder, as already explained. In its ascent however the pressure of water above-
the piston expands it, and causes it to fit the cylinder closely, and as the regulating
screw only allows the water to pass through the passage P to lower part of
piston slowly, it can only rise as the pressure of water gradually gathers in the lower
part of cylinder A, and so allow.. the pistons slowly to rise, the tinie occupied in
their ascent being regulated by the amount of opening left in passage P, which is
governed to the greatest nicety by the regulating screw Q. It will thus be seen
that in this apparatus not only is it impossible, as in the case of Figure 1, for more
than a given quantity of water to flow at one operation, but it also ensures the
gradual rise of the pistons, and therefore the gradual closing of the controlling
valve C under all circumstances. By this means, when fitted in connection with
valve or pan closets, as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, however suddenly the closet lever.
may be raised and let go again, the valve could only be shut off gradually, so that a
quantity of water would always be sure to run into the closet pan to trap the closet
after the handle was let go, and in the case of high-pressure services this would also
be of great advantage in preventing concussion in the pipes, which would certainly
take place if the valve were allowed to be shut off suddenly.
Figure 3 is an exterior representation of Figure 2, shewing it fitted on an iron
stand, with lever and weight for working it ready to attach to existing pan or valve..
closets
Figure 4 is an exterior representation of Figure 2 attached to an ordinary house-
valve closet, shewing how it is actuated by the closet lever. The saine arrangement.
would also apply to an ordinary housepan closet.
Figure 5 is an exterior representation of Figure 1 attached to an ordinary hopper
closet, shewing how it is actuated by the closet lover.

page_text: Figure 6 is an exterior representation of Figure 1 fitted with a weighted handle
similar to an ordinary careless valve, and acting as a self-closing as well as an
ordinary waste preventer valve or tap.
Figure 2 could of course be fitted in the same manner, and would be specially
adapted for high pressure.
Figure 7 is an exterior representation of Figure 1 worked from underneath by
means of a quick-threaded screw.
Figure 8 is an exterior representation of Figure 1, with an arrangement for
working from the top by means of a screw.
Figure 9 is a representation of another form of our improved apparatus, which
we sometimes prefer when required to be fitted in a large supply cistern for pre-
venting waste.
A is a sliding cylinder resting upon a scating B in bottom of cistern, and con-
trolling the flow of water from cistern to outlet pipe C. Inside the cylinder A we
fit a cupped leather or other piston D attached to a hollow stem E, which works
through the guide F, and arranged so that when the hollow stem is raised it lifts
the piston D, and in doing so by suction also raises the cylinder A. G is a small
air valve fitted to hollow stem E, which allows a small quantity of air to pass
through it into the cylinder; H, H, are supports for holding the guide F, and for
keeping the cylinder A in its place.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-When the hollow stem E is raised it
also raises the piston D, and in doing so creates a partial vacuum to raise the
cylinder A off seating B, thus allowing a free outlet for the water down outlet
pipe C. At the same time however a small quantity of air slowly passes into the
cylinder A through air valves G, which gradually fills up the vacuum and causes
the cylinder A to descend until it rests upon its seating B, and so stops the flow of
water. It will thus be seen that the maximum time during which the water can
be allowed to flow at one operation is the time occupied in the rising and gradual
descent of the cylinder A, which is governed to the greatest nicety by means of air
valve G.
Figure 10 is for the same purpose as Figure 9, but is somewhat differently
arranged. A is a sliding cylinder resting upon scating B in bottom of cylinder,
and controlling the flow of water from cistern to outlet pipe C; D is a cupped
leather or other piston attached to hollow stem E, which works through the
guide F, and arranged so that when the hollow stem is raised it lifts the piston D,
and in doing so, by compressing the air in cylinder A, which can only very slowly
escape through air valve G, also raises the cylinder A; H, H, are supports for
holding guide F, and for keeping the cylinder A in its place.
The action of this apparatus is as follows:-When the hollow stem E is raised
it also raises the piston D, and in doing so, by compressing the air contained in
cylinder A, which can only escape very slowly through air valve G, also raises the
cylinder A off seating B, thus allowing a free outlet for the water down outlet
pipe C. At the same tine, however, the compressed air contained in cylinder A
is slowly passing through valve G, and so allows the cylinder A gradually to
descend until it rests upon its seating B, and so stops the flow of water.
Figure 11 is a sectional clevation of one form of our improved supply valve for
single and double valve ship waterolosets. A is a hollow tube or valve forming
part of valve spindle B, and pressing against movable valve scating C, which
controls the flow of water from inlet D through the passage E in bottom of hollow
tube to outlet F.
When the valve is required to be opened the hollow tube A is depressed, which
leaves the valve seating C resting on supports G, G, so leaving a space between the
valve and its seating, through which the water can freely flow.
When the valve is required to be closed the hollow tube A is caused to rise until
it presses against the moveable valve seating C, and so shuts off the flow of water;
and as the valve seating C is moveable it is evident that after the hollow tube or

page_text: valve presses against and shuts it it can still be raised a certain distance without
in any way affecting it. By this means although the valve A is actuated by
the lever H, which by an arrangement of levers is operated by the pull-up
of closet, yet it is not dependent upon being held in one particular position for
being sound, as by means of the moveable seating, which is held securely against
the valve by its own weight and the pressure of water froin the supply pipe above
it, a certain amount of slip or play can be allowed in fitting and arranging the
levers and tumblers of the closet, which is a matter of great importance where
closets are subject to rough usage, as they are on board ship.
Figures 12 and 13 are representations of another form of our improved supply
valve for ship closets. A is the valve actuated by, but not attached to, valve
spindle B, and resting when closed on valve scating C, so controlling the flow of
water from inlet D to outlet F. When this valve is required to be opened the
valve spindle B is raised, which lifts the valve A off its scating C, and so allows
the water to flow from the inlet D to the outlet F. When the valve is required to
be closed the valve spindle B is depressed until the valve A rests upon its soating C,
and so stops the flow of water; but inasmuch as the valve spindle B is not attached
to the valve A, it is evident that it can be still further depressed after the valve is
on its seating without in any way affecting it, so allowing a certain amount of slip
or play in the closet lovers, as in the case of Figure 11.
Figure 14 is a sectional elevation of our improved arrangement of double valve
ship water closet. A is the closet pan; B is the overflow containing self-acting
back-pressure valve to prevent the rise of water or effluvia; C is the upper pan
valve; D is the lower pan valve. Both C and D have their seatings fitted as
shewn in Drawings so as to be readily replaced or renovated when required, and
fitted with doors C¹ and D¹ for ready access thereto, and for the removal of valves
when required. E is the pull-up connected to lever F, F, F, with its tumblers G
and H operating the pan valves B and C, and also the supply valve J, which we
make with a certain amount of slip or play, as described for Figures 11, 12,
and 13.
The action of this closet is as follows:-On raising the pull-up E, which is
attached to lever F, F, F, the bottom valve D is first closed, after which the upper
valve C is opened; at the same time the water supply valve J is opened and allows
the water to flow into the pan A. On letting go the lever the reverse action takes
place, viz., the upper valve C is first closed, after which the bottom valve D is
opened, and the supply valve J is then closed, the amount of water left in the pan
being regulated by a coil of pipe forming part of the supply pipe fitted round the
top of closet pan, which holds a sufficient quantity of water to trap the closet.
And having now described the nature of our said Invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, we declare that we claim,-
Firstly. The combination in a waste preventer valve or tap of a float or riser,
having in connection with it a valve controlling the communication between inlet
and outlet, and arranged so as to be opened by the depression of a cupped leather
or other piston or diaphragm, and closed by the rising of the said float or riser as
the receptacle containing same gradually fills with water, substantially as shown in
Drawings, Figures 1 to 8, and herein described.
Secondly. The combination with any waste preventer valve or tap of the arrange-
ments for regulating the gradual closing of saine, substantially as shown in
Drawings, Figures 2, 3, and 4, and herein described.
Thirdly. The general arrangement and combination of parts of waste preventer
apparatus, substantially as set forth in Drawings, Figures 1 to 10, and herein
described.
Fourthly. The construction of supply valves for single and double valve ship
waterclosets, substantially as shown in Drawings, Figures 11 to 14, and herein
described.
Fifthly. The general arrangement and combination of parts of double valve

page_text: ship waterclosets, substantially as shown in Drawings (Figure 14), and herein
described.
In witness whereof, we, the said Frederick Phillip Preston, John Theodore
Prestige, and Edwin James Preston, have hereunto set our hands and seals,
this Thirteenth day of June, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
GAVAN
FREDERICK PHILLIP PRESTON.
(Ls.)
JOHN THEODORE PRESTIGE.
(L.S.)
EDWIN JAMES PRESTON.
(L.S.)