IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES, Cocks, OR TAPS FOR REGULATING OR CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS, GASES, OR VAPOURS."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jean Baptiste Denans, of Paris, in the Republic of France,
Valve Manufacturer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES, Cocks,
OR TAPS FOR REGULATING OR CONTROLLING THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS, GASES,
OR VAPOURS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jean Baptiste Denans at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd December 1880.
JEAN BAPTISTE DENANS, of Paris, in the Republic of France, Valve Manufacturer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES, COCKS, OR TAPS FOR REGULATING OR CONTROLLING
THE FLOW OF LIQUIDS, GASES, OR VAPOURS."
My Invention consists,―
Firstly. In the application to taps or valves for water, gas, steam, and other
liquids, of improved plugs or obturators composed of Para-caoutchouc supported
internally by metallic membranes rendered adherent to the caoutchouc by
vulcanization.
Secondly. In various novel arrangements and applications resulting from the
use of such plugs or obturators.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the Drawing hereto annexed illustrate examples of my
plugs or obturators, which are composed of a piece of metal constituting the core
or stem T of the plug or obturator, and presenting at determinate points shoulders
or membranes t, t, which extend more or less into the mass of caoutchouc which
forms externally the plug or obturator, and which becomes firmly attached to the
metal in the process of vulcanization.
My plugs or obturators are homogeneous and strong, are not easily injured, and
frost has no deteriorating action upon them; when made to suitable forms and
dimensions they are applicable generally to all kinds of taps or valves.
Figure 1 is a valve or plug B with an adherent stem or rod T, upon which is
fixed in certain cases a second valve C forming a stuffing box or repulsor. In
Figure 2 the part C is a stuffing box, and the part B a plug; and in Figure 3 the
part C is a stuffing box, and the part B a valve with double closing parts, as will
be hereafter explained.
Figure 4 shews a vertical section of a tap with a single closing part and
pneumatic action, the tap being operated by a turning motion. When the

page_text: obturator C is secured by the screwing of the plug D on to the shell A of the tap,
it forms a stuffing box and repulsor, for when the stem T is pressed downwards by
the action of the four-threaded screw I, the elasticity of the caoutchouc C raises
the said stem again when the screw I is released.
The shock or hydraulic blow is obviated by a pneumatic action resulting from
the arrangement of the plugs or obturators B and C, the former of which B acts as
a piston in the tube E. Each time the stem T is pushed down the liquid and air
below the piston are forced out through the valve G, and the water or other fluid
escapes through the tap by the orifices H of the tube E. As soon as the downward
movement of the stem T ceases the pressure acts upon the valve G, and water or
other fluid enters round the circumference thereof into the space below the piston B,
in order concurrently with the elastic action of C to force the said piston up to its
seat S. The return of the piston upwards is slow, the escape by the orifices H is
gradually reduced, and the shock or hydraulic blow is thereby prevented.
The screw I is manipulated by turning by hand the smooth ball J fixed to its
outer end, and the tap can only be kept open by holding the ball with the hand,
but, if preferred, these taps may be manipulated by levers, floats, or other suitable
means according to circumstances.
Figure 5 is a section of a drawing off or continuous delivery tap, that is to say,
one that may be kept open as long as may be desired. The arrangement of the
plugs or obturators B and C is the same as that above described, but the actuating
screw I is only single threaded, and requires an external action to return it to the
closed position.
Figure 6 is a section of a stop cock (robinet d'arrêt) which differs from the other
kinds in this respect that contrary to them its working or normal position is to
be always open. The plug or obturator is made of a single piece of caoutchouc
B, C, supported internally by the stem T with wings or membranes. The upper
part C serves as a stuffing box, and the part B as a stopping plug. The conical
washer R which forms a continuation of B allows of regulating the quantity
delivered from the tap. The head of the stem T may be solid with or be fixed to
the screw I, or otherwise, as preferred.
Lastly. Figure 7 is a vertical section of a steam tap, the plug or obturator of
which is made of a single piece B, C, and effects a double closing; first, by a washer
with a conical surface V which closes against the seat S, and is independant of the
stem T; second, by a plate or washer U, the circular projection of which closes
against the rim S¹ of the seat when the screw I is pressed down.

page_text: My Invention consists,―
Firstly. In the application to taps or valves for water, gas, steam, and other
liquids of improved plugs or obturators composed of "Para-caoutchouc" supported
internally by metallic membranes, rendered adherent to the caoutchouc by the
vulcanisation of the latter.
Secondly. In various novel arrangements and applications resulting from the use
of such plugs or obturators.
My plugs or obturators are composed of a piece of metal constituting the core
or stem, and presenting at determinate points shoulders or membranes which
extend more or less into the mass of caoutchouc which forms externally the plug
or obturator, and which caoutchouc becomes firmly attached to the metal in the
process of vulcanisation.
Figure 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings represent in section examples of these
plugs or obturators; Figure 1 is a valve or plug with an adherent stem or rod
upon which is fixed in certain cases a second valve or obturator which acts as a
stuffing box or repulsor; Figure 2 shews an obturator acting as a stuffing box or
repulsor; Figure 3 shews an obturator acting as a stuffing box combined with an
obturator; and Figure 4 shews a similar substitute for a stuffing box combined
with a valve.
In each of these Figures T is the stem of the obturator, t, t', t2, the shoulders or
membranes of metal, and C the caoutchouc.
For producing these various forms of obturators I employ moulds so arranged
to receive the pieces of metal T, t, t, t, which are previously enveloped with
prepared caoutchouc, that after compression of the moulds which is necessary for
the operation of vulcanisation, these pieces of metal are incorporated in and adhere
to the caoutchouc, the result being great homogeniety, solidity, or strength and
durability of these improved parts. In fact the vulcanised "Para-caoutchouc "
used for this purpose and the durability of which in water is indefinite, retains
and developes its elastic power the better because it is already submitted in the
process of manufacturing the obturators to an initial strain and because it has
received forms and proportions suitable to its intended purpose and object.
It is well known that the metal of hydraulic apparatuses in use generally bursts
when exposed to frost. I have ascertained that frost exerts no deteriorating action
upon caoutchouc, which is regularly compressed under the action of freezing.
The dilatation which takes place during the transformation of water into ice being
compensated for by the contraction of the caoutchouc it does not effect the metallic
membranes enclosed in the caoutchouc of the obturators, the effect of which
membranes is to strengthen the whole and to utilize further the tension and
elasticity of the caoutchouc placed round the metallic cores.
My plugs or obturators and their mountings are proportioned in diameters and
thicknesses to and take the special forms required by the various apparatuses to

page_text: which they are to be applied, the most important of which I will now proceed to
describe,--
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 represent various types of valves or taps called
repulsor or selfclosing valves or taps with pneumatic action.
Figure 5 shews such a tap closed, and Figure 6 a similar one open, both being
arranged so as to be actuated by a turning motion. The shell A is formed to suit
the arrangement and action of the obturators B and C which are mounted on the
same stem T. The nut t¹ is screwed on the stem t for the purpose of drawing
the obturator B more or less tightly to its seat S by bringing into action
the tension of the obturator C which is held securely by the plug D screwed into
the shell A.
This arrangement of the two obturators B and C constitutes a soft spring such
that when the outer end of the stem T is pressed inwards, the elasticity of the
obturator is brought into action, and the obturator B which is on the same stem T
is moved from its seat.
When pressure is removed from the top of the stem T the two obturators B
and C return to their original position of tension and tightness, the cock being
thereby closed. This repulsor action, which is solely due to the elasticity of the
obturator C, will continue indefinitely without injury and exempt from the stiffness
which characterises the metallic springs beretofore employed.
It will be understood that screwing down the six-sided plug D compresses the
circumference of the obturator C and secures tightness without prejudice to the
elasticity.
The shock or hydraulic blow is obviated by a pneumatic action resulting from
the arrangement of the plugs or obturators B and C, the former of which B acts as
a piston in the tube E with a rigidity proportioned to the thinness of the
caoutchouc walls. Each time the stem T is pushed down and the obturator
stretched, the liquid and air below the piston are forced out against the pressure
in the tube F through the valve G, and the water or other fluid escapes through
the tap by the orifices H of the tube E. As soon as the downward pressure on
the stem T ceases, the pressure acts upon the valve G external to the tube E and
water or other fluid enters slowly round the circumference thereof into the
space E¹ (Figure 5) below the piston B in order to force the said piston or obtu-
rator B up to its seat S concurrently with the return of the obturator C to its
normal tension. This slow return of the piston or obturator to its seat is for the
purpose of gradually reducing the escape by the orifices H and thereby preventing
the shock or hydraulic blow which is produced in all taps when suddenly closed
The opening of these taps is effected by means of a four-threaded screw I, which
is manipulated by turning by hand the smooth ball J fixed to the outer end of the
screw I. The ball J is made in two parts connected together at their larger
diameter.
Taps, which close by means of direct acting springs, or by means of a half turn,
generally remain open when once fully opened. With my system the turning
effect of a ball does not allow of any means of tying or fixing sufficient to resist the
rotary motion which results from the pressure exerted directly below the obturator B
as soon as the ball J ceases to be held by the hand.
The above described arrangements fulfil in a simple and practical way the
following requirements sometimes stipulated for in the supply of water to towns
for the prevention of waste, namely:-That all the drawing off taps placed in
kitchens and water closets shall be furnished with a repulsor or self-closing
apparatus, that they shall not produce hydraulic shocks or blows, and that they
cannot be held open otherwise than by hand.
Figure 7 shews a tap arranged in conformity with the above conditions, except
that the round handle is replaced by a head I¹ of the square threaded screw I. It
is double acting by means of the key K (Figure 8). By using the simple square M
the tap will close of itself, and by using the square M' with the screw thread M²

page_text: the tap will remain open. These taps may be manipulated by levers, floats, or
other suitable means, according to circumstances.
Figure 9 shews a repulsor tap, with a jointed lever L placed vertically. It may
be arranged like those above described, and with or without pneumatic action.
Figure 10 shews a repulsor tap with an equilibrium float. The obturators are
actuated by a lever N of the first order, upon which is placed the float N', the
object of which is to effect the closing of the apparatus automatically as soon as the
level of the liquid in the reservoir in which the float is placed reaches the maximum
height.
Figures 11 and 12 represent the application of my obturators and their pneumatic
action to a class of cylindrical valves or taps O placed underground, and actuated
by the stem T, which is raised by means of the lever P. The escape of the water
may also take place through the raising pipe Q, terminating in the spout Q.
This arrangement is specially applicable to hydrants or pillar fountains commonly
employed in the public streets for the distribution of water for household purposes.
These apparatuses, furnished with my improvements, are secured from frost above
the level of the water passage 01 by the employment of a discharge opening 0³ fur-
nished with a cock kept constantly open in winter. Each time the tap o is used this
opening is closed by a hollow ball of caoutchouc 08, which is compressed against it
to an extent corresponding to the length of stroke of the valve B. As soon as the
operation of drawing off water is completed the ball Os is released, the opening 0°
is uncovered, and the water in the ascension pipe Q escapes below ground. It will
be seen that there is no loss of water whilst the tap is open.
The advantage of the application of my improvements with pneumatic action to
the closing of this class of special apparatus is the avoidance of frost and of damage
to the joints of the pipes, which is inevitably produced by the hydraulic shock.
Figures 13 and 14 represent two drawing-off or continuous delivery taps, that is
to say, such as may be kept open as long as desired. The arrangement of the
plugs or obturators B and C is the same as that above described, but the actuating
screw I has only a single thread, and requires an external action to return it to the
closed position, which action is sufficiently slow to avoid shock at closing.
Continuous delivery taps generally contain a stuffing box to prevent escape of
the liquid under pressure. These stuffing boxes cause pressure on the stem of the
actuating screw, which produces resistance to working; otherwise tightness or
staunchness could not be obtained.
In my improvements the simple compression of the obturator C by screwing on
the head D secures absolute tightness or staunchness under the greatest pressures,
which circumstance allows of the application of the said system of taps for watering
with a jet, and for extinguishing fires by means of a coupling screwed to the jet,
and without any reduction of the effective pressure.
Figure 15 represents a stop cock with screwed ends for unions; Figure 16, a stop
cock for gas; and Figure 17 a stop cock for connecting with pipes.
These various apparatuses differ from repulsor cocks and drawing-off cocks, the
normal state of which is to be closed, in that they are constantly open, and are
only employed in distributing pipes where they serve merely to stop the flow
temporarily.
The obturator of this class of apparatus is of a special form arranged to suit the
peculiar circumstances, but is constructed in the novel manner characterising the
obturators of my Invention.
The obturator is made of a single piece of caoutchouc B, C, supported internally
by the stem T with wings or membranes t, t, adhering to the caoutchouc (Figures
15, 16, 17, and 3). The upper part C screwed down by the plug D takes the
place of a stuffing box, and the lower part B serves as a stopping plug. For
effecting the obturation or closing, the caoutchouc is extended under the pressure
of the screw I (see Figure 16), which is turned downwards sufficiently to cause
the obturator B to apply itself to the seat S.

page_text: In each of these three examples there is shown screwed upon the lower end of
the stem T a conical washer R, which at the descent of the obturator B allows
of regulating the quantity delivered through the tap.
The head of the stem T, in Figures 15 and 16, is kept in contact with the end
of the screw I when the cock is opened by the elasticity of the mass of caoutchouc
alone. In Figure 17 this head takes by a shoulder into a suitable cavity at the
end of the screw I, in such manner that the return of the obturator is secured not
only by its own elastic action, but by the act of opening the cock by the screw I,
so that there is no fear of failing to raise the obturator.
Figures 18 and 19 represent two valves or taps for steam; Figures 20 and 21
are sections on the lines 1, 2, and 3, 4, of Figure 19.
The obturator which possesses the elasticity and resistance necessary for the
application of the system to steam purposes effects a double closing, firstly, by
means of the conical brass washer V, the conical part V₁ of which closes against
the conical seat S by the operation of the screw I; secondly, by a metal washer U
adhering by vulcanization to the thickness of caoutchouc B (Figure 4), the circular
surface of which projecting beyond the washer V comes to bear upon the flange S¹
of the seat S when the screw I is screwed down, and after the obturation or closing
of the conical washer V against its seat has already taken place.
This first washer V is rendered independant of the stem T by a certain amount
of play left between the sides of the central hole through it and the exterior of the
said stem.
The two modes of closing tightly may be applied simultaneously or separately,
that is to say, combined as shown in the Drawing, or one employed exclusively of
the other.
The head of the stem T in each of these cases is connected to the end of the
screw I by a shoulder fitted into a special cavity of the screw, as already explained
in reference to Figure 17.
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be carried into effect, I would have it understood that what
I claim as my Invention is,--
First. The construction and use in taps and valves generally of plugs or
obturators composed of a piece of metal T constituting the core or stem of the plug
or obturator, and presenting at certain points shoulders or membranes t, t¹, t², which
extend more or less into a mass of caoutchouc C, which forms the exterior of the
said plug or obturator, and is attached to the metal by the process of vulcanization,
as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings
hereto annexed.
Second. The various forms and arrangements of plugs or obturators shown in
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings, which consist respectively of a valve or
plug with adhering stem, upon which may or may not be fixed a second plug or
obturator, which acts as a substitute for a stuffing box as in Figure 1, a repulsor
as in Figure 2, a substitute for a stuffing box combined with a plug or obturator
as in Figure 3, and a substitute for å stuffing box combined with a valve as in
Figure 4.
Third. The various forms and arrangements of plugs or obturators shown in
Figures 5 to 21 of the Drawings, which consist respectively,-
a. Of repulsor taps with pneumatic action operated by a turning motion as in
Figures 5, 6, and 7.
b. Of repulsor taps with pneumatic action as in Figures 7, 9, and 10.
c. Of taps for hydrants or pillar fountains avoiding the action of frost, as in
Figures 11 and 12.
d. Of drawing-off or continuous delivery taps, which may be kept open at will,
as in Figures 13 and 14.
e. Of stop cocks or taps for use in the distributing pipes for water or gas, as in
Figures 15, 16, and 17,
f. And of taps for regulating the flow of steam, as in Figures 18 and 19.

page_text: Fourth. The arrangement for opening the said taps by hand, consisting of a
smooth ball or sphere, which acts directly upon the obturating or closing part, as
hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Baptiste Denans, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
JEAN BAPTISTE DENANS. (LS.)