Improvements in and connected with Water-closets.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 12th July, 1898
10th Ann 4000 Accented
10th July 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Water-closets.
1, PHILIP JOHN DAVIES, of 78, Earl's Court Road, Kensington, in the County
of Middlesex, Plumber and Hydraulic Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates more especially to improvements in syphonic water
closets and the water supply thereto whereby simplicity and cheapness of manu-
facture, certainty in action, and great convenience in fixing are secured. The
invention is, however, partly applicable to water closets other than syphonic.
One part of the invention consists in applying an after-flush cistern at the
side of a syphonic closet in juxtaposition with the basin or trap. The water supply
to this cistern is governed by a ball-valve or equivalent device, and the cistern is
connected near the bottom with the basin or trap by a comparatively small passage.
It will now be understood that normally the level of the water in the basin or trap is
the same as, that of the water in the after-flush cistern, the ball-cock having closed
and shut-off the further supply of water when those levels have reached the
proper height. If now the basin or trap be flushed by any of the known methods
the level of the water in it is of course lowered, and it sometimes happens that
that level is not restored by the quantity of water entering the basin after the
flush has ceased. In my improved arrangement, however, the water in the after-
flush side cistern flows through the comparatively small passage into the basin
or trap. The consequence of this is that the level of water in the cistern or
its equivalent is lowered and the ball-valve thereby opened, and water continues
to flow into the after-flush cistern and thence to the basin or trap until the level
of the water in both has been restored to the proper height, and the ball-valve has
been thereby again closed.
now
Another part of the invention relates to the formation of syphonic traps of the
kind described in the Specification of my Patent No. 8614 of 1896, in one piece
or of the syphonic trap and basin in one piece. In the said Specification of
Patent No. 8614 of 1896, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the syphonic trap as
made, but although this is a good closet it is unsuitable for some positions, owing
to the great length from the extreme end of the trap H to the front of the basin k
(Figure 6). The closet as illustrated in the said figures is suitable for new build-
ings, or for other cases where there is plenty of room; but in small confined places
the basin generally stands too far forward towards the door of the closet house or
room. To obviate this I sometimes form the semi-trap so as to turn off at, say,
right angles to the trap, and on the outlet I fix or form a bend which will allow
of the outlet-joint being made nearer the basin. Or, instead of this semi-trap
being formed as at present in one piece, as of earthenware for example, with the
main trap, I sometimes form it separately, and make a joint, either socketed or

page_text: otherwise, at or about the position G in Figure 5 of the beforementioned specifi-
cation. This part of the invention is especially useful in connection with what is
known as Davies' pedestal syphonic closet made in one piece of earthenware. It
also enables me to more readily convert these syphonic traps into what is known
as S-traps, when the P outlet shown by dotted lines U in Figure 5 of the afore-
said specification cannot be conveniently used. Sometimes I form the outlet
part of my syphonic trap at, or about at right angles to that shown in Figures 5
and 6 of the aforesaid specification, and arrange the semi-trap to suit; the latter
being either in one piece with the said trap or made separate from it. Sometimes
I form the semi-trap below the main syphonic trap, and in this case the semi-
trap may be in some cases below the floor-line, but the outlet is generally brought
up above the floor-line, especially where it is desired to meet the requirements
of the London County Council and other public bodies.
Another part of the invention relates further to the water supply to the closet.
The cisterns now in use, in some cases, for small houses are found to be somewhat
too expensive. I overcoine this objection by forming the valve seating on the
after-flush box plate or cover instead of, as heretofore, making it in brass and
fixing it with screws in the way usually employed for fixing round valves. This
arrangement is more substantial than the old one, and can be carried out with
cheaper material and in less time, because there is no necessity to face the joints
or use fixing screws or washers, whereby considerable economy is effected."
Another improvement relates to a method of making a very simple syphon of
lead. For this purpose I cast the syphon on to fixed cores with an open top,
which I afterwards close with a capping piece burnt or soldered on. To fix
this syphon I form a socket on the cover, or a fixed or soldered nipple or its
equivalent therein. This improvement reduces the cost of the syphon to about
half that of the old lead syphons. The improved syphon is also better than
those heretofore in use, inasmuch as there is more room for the water way at the
throat or under part of the syphon and consequently friction is reduced."
Another improvement relates to the sucker plate of the waste preventing main
outlet valve of a cistern. This consists in casting the plate wholly of lead, or
other easily fusible cheap metal or alloy. but preferably having a brass spindle
soldered or screwed into it as a guide, and to keep the shut-off washer in its
position. The lead or alloy does not corrode, or adhere to the indiarubber washer
Jike brass.
I also improve and simplify the actuating spindle of the sucker washer by
casting on to the bottom portion of it a weight which also answers as a guide,
and prevents the sucker plate rising too high off its seating. The actuating
adhesion weight for the indiarubber sucker I also cast wholly of lead
other cheap metal or alloy, instead of soldering a cross bar of zinc thereto as
heretofore practised.
Dated th 111
T
or
Improvements in and connected with Water-closets.
Ì, PHILIP JOHN DAVIES, of 78, Earl's Court Road, Kensington, in the County
of Middlesex, Plumber and Hydraulic Engineer, do hereby declare the nature

page_text: of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
-
This invention relates more especially to improvements in syphonic water-
closets and the water supply thereto whereby simplicity and cheapness of manu-
facture, certainty in action, and great convenience in fixing, are secured. The
invention is, however, partly applicable to water closets other than syphonic.
One part of the invention consists in applying an after-flush cistern at the
side of a syphonic closet in juxtaposition with the basin or trap. The water supply
to this cistern is governed by a ball-valve or equivalent device, and the cistern is con-
nected near the bottom with the basin or trap by a comparatively small passage or
pipe. It will now be understood that normally the level of the water in the basin or
trap is the same as that of the water in the after-flush cistern, the ball-cock having
closed and shut-off the further supply of water when those levels have reached the
proper height. If now the basin or trap be flushed by any of the known methods
the level of the water in it is of course lowered, and it sometimes happens that
that level is not restored by the quantity of water entering the basin after the
flush has ceased. In my improved arrangement, however, the water in the after-
flush side cistern flows through the comparatively small passage or pipe into the
basin or trap. The consequence of this is that the level of water in the cistern
is lowered and the ball-valve thereby opened, and water continues to flow into
the after-flush cistern and thence to the basin or trap until the level of the water
in both has been restored to the proper height, and the ball-valve has been
thereby again closed.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates in side elevation a syphonic
closet. A in which the flush is admitted to the rim and lip or lips Y, Y, through
the pipe DD by means of a valve operated by an underseat pull E or otherwise.
F is a small water-cistern formed with or connected to the side of the basin A,
and fed with water through the pipe G and ball-valve V V. I is a small hole
forming a passage or pipe between the water-cistern F and the interior of the
basin A. In some cases I provide in this passage or pipe a check-valve for the
purpose of preventing any water passing from the closet-basin. to the cistern F
when the water level in the said basin is raised before the syphonic action takes
place.
It will now be understood that when the closet is in normal condition the level
of the water in the basin A coincides with that in the cistern V by reason of
the communication between the two afforded by the passage or pipe I, the level
of the water in A being somewhat below the lip of the syphon B, B and the ball-
valve H being closed. If now the flushing water be admitted to the basin A the
syphon B B is started and the contents of the basin A are quickly discharged
through the said syphon into the soil pipe through the passage C. The fall of the
level of the water in the basin A, caused by the syphonic action, allows the water to
run slowly out of the cistern F into the basin A through the passage I. The fall of
the level of the water in the cistern F causes the ball-valve V to open and to deliver
water into the cistern until the level of the water in A and F have reached
their normal level, when the ball-valve V will have been closed and the further
supply of water stopped until the closet is again used, when the same operations
are repeated.
I prefer to employ the cistern F in connection with syphonic closets whether
the Hush is supplied by the operation of an under-seat pull as in Figure 1 or
from any form of overhead waste preventer cistern (such for example as are here-
inafter described) in order that the level of water in the closet basin may be
restored in the event of the syphon being brought into action by other means
than the actuation of an under-seat pull, or the down-pull of a waste-preventer.
cistern. For example the emptying of slops into the closet-basin would effectually
cause the syphon to act, but unless the flushing apparatus were brought into
action, either by operating the under-seat pull, down-pull, or other device, the
after-flush would not be supplied, and the proper level of water in the basin

page_text: would not be restored. But by the employment of the cistern F the level of the
water in the closet-basin is restored whatever be the means employed for bring-
ing the syphon closet into action. The arrangement shewn in Figure 1 also
enables me to employ any ordinary waste-preventer cistern, thus dispensing with
an over-head after-flush cistern.
Another part of the invention relates to the formation of syphonic traps of the
kind described in the Specification of my Patent No. 8614 of 1896, in one piece,
or of the syphonic trap and basin in one piece. In the said Specification of
Patent No. 8614 of 1896, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the syphonic trap in earthen-
ware or cast lead as now made in one piece, but although this is a good closet
it is unsuitable for some positions, owing to the length from the extreme end of
the trap H to the front of the basin R (Figure 6). The closet, as illustrated in
the said figures, is especially suitable for new buildings, or for other cases where
there is plenty of room; but in small confined places (which are undesirable
from a sanitary point of view) the basin generally stands too far forward towards
the door of the closet, house or room. To obviate this I sometimes form the
semi-trap N (Figures 5 and 6 of 8614) so as to turn off at, say, right angles to
the trap C, (as shewn at C₁ in Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings
which are side and front elevation respectively of such a basin and trap), and on
the outlet C I fix or form a bend which will allow of the outlet-joint being made
nearer the basin. Or, instead of this semi-trap N being formed as at present in
one piece, as of earthenware for example, with the main trap C¹, I sometimes form
it separately, and make a joint, either socketed or otherwise, at or about the position
indicated in dotted lines at G in Figures 2 and 3.
This part of the invention is especially useful in connection with what is known
in the market as "Woodward's" patent pedestal syphonic closet made in one
piece of earthenware. It also enables me to more readily convert these syphonic
traps into what are known as S traps, when the P trap-outlet shown by dotted
lines U in Figure 5 of the aforesaid specification cannot be conveniently used.
Sometimes I form the semi-trap N below the main syphonic trap C, and in this
case the semi-trap N may be in some cases below the floor-line but the outlet C
is generally brought up above the floor-line especially where it is desired to
meet the requirements of the London County Council and other public bodies.
Another part of the invention relates further to the water supply to the closet.
The cistern now in use, in some cases, for small houses is found to be somewhat
too expensive. I overcome this objection by forming the valve seating on the
after-flush box plate or cover instead of, as heretofore, making it in brass and
fixing it with screws in the way usually employed for fixing round valves. This
arrangement is more substantial than the old one, and can be carried out with
cheaper material and in less time, because there is no necessity to face the joints
or use fixing screws or washers, whereby considerable economy is effected."
Figures 4, 5 and 6 are sections of my improved waste-preventer cisterns. In
Figure 4 the cistern A and after-flush chamber B are preferably of metal or
earthenware formed or cast in one piece, the division plate C being of a separate
metal or earthenware plate with the valve-seat D formed therewith instead of being
screwed thereto as usual. O is an air-pipe which is occasionally used. A water-
tight joint is, when necessary, secured between the plate C and the cistern A by
the packing ring G and bolts, or bolts and nuts H. The cistern is supported on
brackets as usual, the ribs I preventing the weight of the cistern from resting
on the bolts and nuts H. L is a waste-preventing valve arranged to fall off from
the rubber sucker M after a predetermined time sufficient to allow the required
quantity of water to pass into the chamber B and thence by the pipe N to the
closet basin. P is the weeping hole for the after-flush. Qare fillets formed on
the underside of the division plate C and on the inside of the bottom of the
cistern A, as shewn, to ensure the division plate C being put in the right posi-
tion and also to keep the packing material G in place.
In Figure 5 the cistern A is of earthenware and of a simple and easily con-

page_text: structed shape, the division plate C being preferably of metal lodged on a slight
shoulder T and preferably cemented in place as shewn. The bolts and nuts II
(see Figure 4) are sometimes dispensed with in this arrangement. The syphon F
is screwed or otherwise secured into the socket J, but the syphon I prefer to use
is the improved one shown in Figure 7 which syphon may be cemented or
screwed with or without flanges to the division plate C.
In Figure 6 the cistern A is of earthenware, the after-flush chamber B being
formed as a well or recess in the bottom as in Figure 4. The separate division
plate is preferably also of earthenware with the valve-seat D, dome E, and
socket J to receive syphon F, formed therein as shewn. The plate C is jointed
to the cistern by means of the packing ring G and bolts and nuts H, fillets K Z
being formed on such plate to prevent the packing ring from spreading unduly.
This figure also shows my improved connection of the pipe N to the bottom of
the chamber B and down-pipe leading to the closet basin. The pipe N is provided
with a flange Q by which it is bolted to the bottom of the chamber B as shewn.
The flange Q is also furnished with socket R which may be screwed to receive a
nipple, or a socket, or the down pipe may be screwed direct into the socket R.
Another improvement relates to a method of making a very simple syphon of
lead. For this purpose I prefer to cast the syphon as shewn on to fixed cores
with an open top, which I afterwards close with a capping piece or cover burnt
or soldered on. To fix this capping piece or cover I form a socket to receive the
cover or the socket may be formed as the cover and fixed or soldered together.
For fixing the syphon I prefer in most cases to use a nipple or its equivalent as
shown at N in Figure 7. This improvement reduces the cost of the syphon to
about half that of the old lead syphons (shown at F in Figures 5 and 6). The
improved syphon is also better than those heretofore in use, inasmuch as there
is more room for the water-way at the throat or underpart of the syphon and
consequently friction is reduced. Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings is an
elevation of my new syphon, A being the capping piece burnt or soldered on to
the cast syphon B. Figure 8 is a vertical section of the mould for casting the
syphon B, Figure 9 is a transverse section on line - of Figure 8, and
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of the mould for casting the capping piece A.
C are hollow steel cores or mandrils which may be heated by an atmospheric gas
or other burner so arranged that the heat passes through them when the lump or
cod-piece I is removed. E is the outer mould or chill formed in two parts held
or clipped together by flanges F. G are the runner openings, H a handle for
the purpose of lifting the lump or cod-piece D, I is the base plate in which the
core or mandrils C are held by the pins J or otherwise. Grooves R are made in
the outer mould or chill which form bands R' (Figure 7) on the syphon B and
serve to retain the casting in place in the outer mould or chill E while the cores
or mandrils C are being removed. This mould may be adapted to be used the
reverse way, the cod-piece I being formed at the bottom of the cores, an arrange-
ment which is specially useful when plinths are employed at the bottom of the
cores.
In Figure 10 K is the top and L the bottom of the mould for casting the cap-
ing piece A: the two parts being checked together or secured in any convenient
manner. M is the runner opening.
Another improvement relates to the sucker plate of the waste preventing main
utlet valve of a cistern. This consists in casting the plate wholly of lead, or
ther easily fusible cheap metal or alloy, but preferably having a brass spindle
oldered or screwed into it as a guide, and to keep the shut-off washer in its
osition. The lead or alloy does not corrode or adhere to the indiarubber washer
ike brass. I also improve and simplify the actuating spindle of the sucker
asher by casting on to the bottom portion of it a weight which also answers as
guide, and prevents the sucker plate getting out of position when rising too
igh off its seating. The actuating adhesion weight for the indiarubber sucker

page_text: I also cast wholly of lead or other cheap metal or alloy, instead of soldering a cross
bar of zinc thereto as heretofore practised.
Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate this part of my invention. Figure 11 is a
vertical section of the waste-preventing valve with my said improvements applied
thereto. A is the valve washer of indiarubber or other suitable material on the
under surface of the cast-lead sucker-plate B provided with the usual flange C
and leakage hole D. The leakage is preferably provided for by means of a slot
across the front of the face of the sucker plate. The spindle E with its flange F
is preferably of brass. The valve washer A is preferably attached to the sucker-
plate B by running solder G into the annular space between the upper part of the
spindle E and the circumference of the hole in the plate B, a groove or hollow H
being preferably formed in the spindle as shewn so as to still further secure the
latter in place. It is found that in running the solder into the said annular
space it cools so quickly as not to injure the indiarubber valve A. The sucker
plate B is of cast lead, and Figure 12 shews in vertical section a mould for casting
the same in which Figure B is the lead-casting, I is the upper and J the lower
mould fitted together as shewn. K are handles for removing the top mould
and L are runner openings. M (Figure 11) is the actuating spindle (preferably of
brass) of the sucker-washer N, which spindle has cast on to its lower portion a
lead weight O which also acts as a guide, and prevents the sucker-plate B rising
too high off its seating. The lower part of the spindle has grooves or hollows P
formed therein in order to afford holding surface for the weight which may be
cast thereon in a mould such as illustrated in cross section in Figure 13. The
actuating adhesion weight Q (Figure 11) for the indiarubber sucker washer N
is also cast in lead or other cheap metal or alloy in such a mould for example as
that illustrated in cross section in Figure 14. R (Figure 11) is one end of the
actuating lever passing over the upper end of the spindle M and retained in place
between the stop or collar Z (which is cast or otherwise formed solid with the
spindle M) and the adjustable nut T which is preferably of iron so that the thread
The actuating
of the screw may rust up after having been once adjusted.
weight Q is sometimes made with a radial slot as shewn in Figure 15 in order to
enable it to be easily bent upwards and downwards and placed on to the actuating
spindle.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I would have it under-
stood that I do not claim generally the employment of a water supply governed
by a ball or float valve working below the closet-seat, as I am aware that such an
arrangement has been used in connexion with closets the outlets of which are
governed by a valve for example; neither do I claim generally anything that is
described and shewn in the specifications of any of my previous patents herein-
before referred to directly or indirectly; but that what I do claim is:-
First. In a syphonic closet, devices for the automatic after-flush supply to the
basin or trap of such syphonic closet for the purpose of restoring the level of
the water in the syphonic trap and basin to the proper level, and for maintaining
such level, after the syphonic closet has been flushed, substantially as described.
Second. For the purpose of supplying the "after-flush" to a syphonic closet
in accordance with the first claiming clause hereof, the combination with the
syphonic closet-basin or trap of a cistern communicating with the said basin or
trap by means of a passage or pipe and provided with a ball-valve or its equiva-
lent, substantially as described with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings.
Third. In a syphonic closet of the kind described in the Specification of my
Patent No. 8614 of 1896, making the syphonic trap and basin in one piece, sub-
stantially as described.
Fourth. In a syphonic closet of the kind described in the Specification of my
Patent No. 8614 of 1896, forming the semi-trap N so as to turn off at a convenient
angle to the main syphonic trap C and allow of the outlet joint being made nearer

page_text: the basin, substantially as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the
drawings.
Fifth. In a syphonic closet of the kind described in the Specification of my
Patent No. 8614 of 1896 forming the semi-trap N below the main syphonic trap C
substantially as described.
Sixth. In waste-preventer cisterns forming the valve-seating D and dome E on
the division plate C, substantially as described with reference to Figures 4, 5
and 6 of the drawings and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. In waste-preventing cisterns forming the cistern body A of earthen-
ware with a metal or earthenware division plate, constructed, and arranged, sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings.
Eighth. In the manufacture of lead syphons casting the syphon with an open
top and afterwards soldering or burning on a cast or other capping piece, sub-
stantially as described with reference to Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings.
Ninth. For the manufacture of lead syphons the apparatus for moulding and
casting the syphon with an open top and a capping-piece therefor, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings.
Tenth. In waste-preventing valves forming my original patent sucker plate of
lead or other easily fusible cheap metal or alloy, with the guide spindle E con-
nected therewith, substantially as described with reference to Figures 11 and 12
of the drawings.
Eleventh. In waste-preventing valves forming the actuating spindle of the
sucker-washer N with a weight or guide cast thereon, substantially as described
with reference to Figures 11 and 13 of the drawings.
Twelfth. The waste-preventing valve which consists of the sucker-plate B of
cast lead or alloy with the spindle attached thereto as described, the guide
weight with the actuating spindle of the sucker-washer N cast thereon, the
valve A, sucker-washer N and adhesion plate Q cast in one piece, combined,
arranged and operating substantially as described with reference to Figure 11 of
the drawings.